Very Phenomenal!!This is One Flat Screen TV That Really Rocks!!!

WHAT'S THE 411 ON THIS PRODUCT?

Actually, I was looking for a TV similar to the one that I had for over 13 years. My 13-year-old Panasonic TV was fading in the dust. The picture tube began acting up, and I had to keep tapping on the cabinet to get the picture tube to work. Having had to put up with this since last fall, I came to the realization that it was time to replace it.

I looked at dozens of sets. The regular analog TV sets that we were used to for many, many, many years were slowly being phased out of production. They were good, but they were also bulky and space-robbing! So after looking around for a while, I've decided to get the Sony Bravia KDL-26M3000 26-inch LCD TV.

I was going to get a larger flat screen TV, but I thought that the Sony was big enough, since it's only an inch smaller than the old Panasonic TV that I had. And I was right! This one has everything the old one had and more!!

WHAT ELSE?

Even thought this unit may be large, it is relative light in weight, mainly because there is no picture tube which add tremendous weight! It's easy to carry home on public transportation and it easy to carry upstairs!!

I also like the many features that it has! Way more than the average TV set. The picture resolution is clear and crisp as long as you view the unit from a distance. Simple controls are mounted on top of the unit. This amazing unit adds class and beauty to your living room as well as the bedroom!!

THE BASICS(THE TECHNICAL STUFF):

1. Display type: Flat panel LCD.

2. Screen resolution: 720p (1366 x 768)

3. Aspect ratio:16.9

4. Contrast ratio: 6000; 1 dynamic.

5. Tuner type: NTSC, ATSC, QAM.

CONNECTION OPTIONS:

1. HDMI inputs: 2. Supports 480i/480p/720p/1080i.

2. Component inputs: 2, Supports 480i/480p/720p/1080i.

3. PC inputs: 1.

Dimensions:

Height:17.8" (19.8" on optional base).

Width: 25.8"

Depth: 3.8" (8.4" on optional base).

Weight:24.3 lbs. (29.8 lbs on optional base).

FEATURES:

1. Bravia Engine:

Several special picture enhancement technologies are integrated into the processor to create better gradations, more detail, enhance contrast and dynamically improved color performance. The digital noise reduction circuits reduce block noise and blur artifacts.

The Digital Contrast Enhancer improves contrast by enhancing all areas from dark to bright in parallel with texture control, yielding a three dimensional picture. Color Reality signal processing enables the expression of all the colors of life in vivid detail for dark and bright scenes. Details in the dark areas of the picture are there, just like they are supposed to be.

2. Xcross Media Bar(XMB trade mark) Menu System:

XMB is Sony's Emmy Award-winning on-screen navigation that provides quick access to various set up functions and features. Scroll horizontally across icons until you find the type of media that you are looking for. After choosing the media type, a list of its content appears as vertical thumbnails. Key set up menus and features work the same way.

3. Live Color Creation (featuring WCG-CCFL):

This special Sony function achieves precise, wide color reproduction using a combination of advanced chroma signal processing algorithms. A special wide color gamut backlight (WCG-CCFL) teams with Sony's Live Color Creation circuitry to yield clear blues, natural greens and overall vibrant colors in all scenes.

4. DMe compatability:

DMe compatability allows the connection and operation of a whole new category of products that is being developed by Sony (sold separately). The first of these products is the optional Sony Bravia Internet Video Link module.

5. Bravia Theatre Sync:

Reduce the hassle and time-consuming job of powering up, changing signal routing, and adjusting other functions to the simple push of a button.
Just connect Bravia Theatre Sync-capable products to each other via one HDMI cable. The rest is easy. The One Push Play function activates as soon as you touch the Play button on the remote. Bravia Theatre Sync takes over from there. The Bravia Theatre System and TC turn on. The DVD input on the Bravia Theatre system and TV activates. The TV mutes. And finally the DVD plays.

6. S-Force Front Surround:

This is a virtual surround sound experience made possible by using just two front speakers in select Bravia models. To accomplish this, Sony spent several years studying how our ears work. By understanding exactly how we recognize the origin, direction, volume and timing differences in sound right and left ear, Sony was also able to create complex audio processing that delivers dynamical virtual sound without the need to bounce off the walls and back to the listener.

7. HDMI and PC conectivity:

Designed foe maximum versatility. Sony Bravia S-Series digital LCD TV line is equipped with a comprehensive range of interfaces. The HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first industry-supported,uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI technology supports
enhanced or high-definition video, together with multi-channel digital audio to provide matchless image and sound reproduction. The HDMI and PC inputs(HD-15-pin) offer easy
connection to your PC, allowing you yo use your high resolution Bravia as a computer monitor.

8. Energy Star Qualified:

Helps you save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set forth by the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE. The Energy Star label also designates superior energy performance in homes and buildings.

9. Manufacturer's description:

26" BRAVIA Series LCD Flat Panel HDTV - Black.

Savor the rich colors and superb high def picture quality of a digital LCD and enjoy it at an incredible value. The KDL-26M3000 delivers improved color performance and several picture enhancements thanks to the features listed above!

THE BACK PANEL (input / output jacks):

Jacks are provided for 2 video in, 2 HDMI in w/ audio, s video in, audio in, 6 sets of component in jacks, 1 PC in w/ audio and a UHF / VHF antenna / cable TV jack.

Four additional jacks one left side of unit are for left / right audio for the use of a VCR and a small green output jack for the use of headphones.

OTHER FEATURES:

1. Multi-function remote control. This lets you do just about every function from the comfort of your favorite chair!

2. Top-mounted control panel. Located just behind the front of the unit. Buttons are from left to right: menu, input, volume, channel and power.

3. Tuner, power (green) light and infra red remote sensor at lower right-hand corner.

4. Picture in picture (PIP) lets you watch two input sources at once.

INSTALLATION:

Pedestal stand comes detached and with four mounting screws. Just slide pedestal into the bottom center of unit, screw in the four supplied screws and you're ready to set unit in its upright position!

A hole is provided at the rear of pedestal. This allows you to secure unit onto surface where it will be viewed to protect unit from falling and possibly injuring a small child.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

Can be mounted on a wall using optional wall-mounting bracket.

FOR EVEN RICHER THEATER LIFE-LIKE SOUND;

I've successfully hooked up the unit through the stereo receiver and surround sound system for powerful floor-shaking deep rich ((((( BOOM)))))) bass sound!

MY EXPERIENCE SO FAR:

So far, I love this unit. It is my very first flat screen LCD TV. It provides truly rich vibrant life-like color! The picture resolution is exceptionally phenomenal!!

It gives you just about everything that you've ever wanted in a flat screen TV.

I also like the fact that it's durable, lightweight and uses far less space than a regular tube TV!! It leaves room for the many remotes that are used between the video and stereo equipment.

ANY SHORTCOMINGS AT ALL?

Picture can be fuzzy if viewed up close. To get the full value of the picture display and to be able to enjoy the full benefits on this extraordinary set, you must sit at least several feet back from the unit.

Also, you cannot use your VCR for recording any programs through this unit. Owning an HD TV requires you to have to buy a DVR for recording programs through the unit. It has made VCR recoding obsolete!

However, you can STILL use the VCR for playback.

IN SHORT:

This unit is a very good investment for the price! It gives you many great features, great picture resolution and most of all, it's truly lightweight and space saving!!

You'll really get your money's worth!

FINAL THOUGHT?

Yes! If you're looking for a flat screen LCD TV that gives you vibrant colors and lots of features and is also easy on your wallet, then THIS TV is the one to get!!

It's light in weight, space saving and best of all, money saving!

WHERE TO BUY THEM?

I bought this unit at Best Buy. But you can also get it at Target, Cicuit City, Sears and other fine stores as well as theirs and others' websites!

Thank you for reading this review.


~Daquan.