Sony Grand WEGA KF-42WE610 42 in. HDTV-Ready LCD TV

Pros: advance video scaling for inputs, picture quality, weight, features
Cons: remote sensor on top R/S TV. DVI Input:EIA-861 not HDCP, New Standard

Opinion Review **********WARNING, READ UPDATE 6-7-04 BELOW. CHECK YOUR TV/DVD/HD RECEIVER'S MANUAL TO VERIFY IF YOUR DVI INPUT & OUTPUT ARE BOTH ENCODING FOR EIA-861 OR, IF THE DVI INPUT/OUTPUT ARE ENCODED FOR HDCP.********** This Sony KF42WE610 ...

Pros: 3.3million dots resolution, outstanding picture quality, wide angle viewing, 65 pounds.
Cons: Contrast ratio not as high as plasma.

I recently purchased the Sony Grand Wega 42" rear projection LCD television and have been very impressed. First, let me tell you about the mistake. About a month ago, I decided that I wanted to upgrade my old 31" CRT TV to a new widescreen HDTV-ready ...

Pros: Insane picture quality! HD is stellar. Great looks and superb sound!
Cons: None at this point

I purchased this set on October 31, 2004. It was a demo model and usually I don't go out and buy demos, but after reading about the bulb issues, I figured it would be a better idea since this TV has been turned on and off for almost a year now, ...

Pros: Brilliant colors and clarity (esp. through HDTV) Great upsampling Tasteful design.
Cons: Slight ghosting with high-speed scenes. Black isn't completely black. Depreciation.

I have had this TV since May, 2004. It is currently January 2005, so I have had plenty of time to evaluate it's strengths and weaknesses. I purchased this TV when I moved into a new condominium - I wanted an HDTV that would look good with the ...

Pros: Reliability, quality HD and ED picture.
Cons: Can't think of any.

I have had this hdtv for 18 mos. now and I can't find a single negative to say about it. Before I had an HD signal, the enhanced definition capabilities of this tv were fantastic - so much so that when the satellite tech came out to give me HD service ...

Pros: Excellent picture capability, light-weight, moderately priced, superior longevity over Plasma/LCD, looks nice.
Cons: slight-blurring with fast motion viewing (supposedly corrected in the newer model).

There are several great detailed reviews which reveal many of the great features of this TV. The purchase of this TV fits those wanting a big screen with viewability from different angles, lighter weight than conventional CRT (70 lbs. vs. 300 lbs. for a ...

Pros: Great picture and sound. Like watching a movie in your home.
Cons: Expensive, 47 inches wide.

Never have we spent a more enjoyable evening watching television than last night, our first night with the new set. Seeing Rabbit-proof Fencing on a progressive scan DVD player, through the Sony KF-42WE610 LCD rear projection TV was like having a movie th ...

Pros: Fantastic HD, very good SD picture. 4 viewing modes. Sound quality. Made in USA.
Cons: Slight blur to fast action scenes. Warm up time. No HDMI.

After months of research & deliberation I narrowed down my HDTV search to the Sony 42" rear projection LCD & the Samsung HLP 4663W, which is a 46" DLP rear projection. To my eye, the Sony had a more realistic, richer (3-D like) HD picture, but I was ...

Pros: Lightweight, Thin Profile, Fabulous Picture, Value
Cons: Some Consumers experiencing bulb failure

Let’s face it, it’s a new age; things will never be the same in the exciting realm of home entertainment. I applaud the advances and have embraced them personally with the addition of the Sony Grand Wega (pronounced VEGA). I have to admit, this ...

Pros: Very good picture. Slim profile. light weight. Good price.
Cons: Sony quality control issues (bulb switch). Needs professional calibration to look its best.

I've had this TV for about 6 months and have not yet experienced the bulb problems that many other owners report. It is a real problem, however, and I have my fingers crossed. I use this TV for watching standard definition satellite (DirecTV) and ...

Pros: Durable, cheap and above average picture. Economical.
Cons: Cheap progressive scan DVD players will not do justice.

I have been in the market to buy the large screen TV for few years now. I never liked what I watched on those bulky rear projection TVs in Circuit Cities of the world and expensive plasma TVs with 7000$ tag in early years were definitely out of my ...

Pros: Picture Quality, Proven technology, 3.28 million pixels, sound, price.
Cons: Slight artifacting in low light scenes, worry over bulb reliability.

Shall not bore you with details how wonderful the picture is on either of these sets with HDTV or 480p &higher DVD. Choice came down to the Samsung DLP and the Grand Wega. Price not included in the factor. Internet opinion, sales people, friends ...

Pros: Incredible DVD viewing; reasonably priced; versatile viewing options; good sound; thin, thin, thin...and light
Cons: Serious bulb problems!! Moderate picture quality on cable/satellite; limited viewing angle

UPDATE, as of 12.31.2003: After 2 months of use, we've replaced the bulb in this TV twice (we're using a robust surge protector). It's been a warranty replacement, but it's still an inconvenience as it takes a week or so to get the warranty ...

Pros: Excellent picture and sound.
Cons: A tv that last only 4 weeks is not so GRAND.

I received my GRAND WEGA KF-42WE610 TV on Dec 24. As of yesterday, JAN 19TH, I have NO PICTURE. I called Sony and they gave me three names of repair shops. So I called them. One guy told me he had already replaced a bulb in a brand new GRAND WEGA and ...

Pros: Best picture of the lcd rear projections.
Cons: Unreliable. Serious problem with bulb failure.

I brought home this set at CC on 1/5. On 1/9, after about 5 hours of use (no kidding), set failed to turn on. Green light flashed for about 20 seconds, then red light began flashing. That's bad. It means bulb won't light. I have since discovered ...

Pros: Great picture, when it works
Cons: Obvious defects - green flashing light & set won't come on - lamp issues

When I first purchased this TV I listed a review & was very satisfied with the TV. However, 2 years later we've run into problems - like so many others. We have now experienced the lamp problem. At first our TV was not coming on. The green standby ...

Pros: Superb picture quality
Cons: Too many problems, lack of attention to wide-spread problems by Sony

The KF-42WE610 is one of those products that I want to love, but poor quality control and lack of repair follow-through on Sony's part has sent me looking elsewhere. When it works, the picture quality and features are better than any product out there in ...

Pros: Great Picture, Great Sound, Beautiful wideangle DVD movies
Cons: Bulb fix for now is to re-install

The 42 inch Sony LCD projection is perfect for our family room size as it takes up little space and does not dominate the whole room. The picture is great for DVDs and we added an inexpensive Samsung HDTV tuner ($200) and Terk outdoor antenna ($99) to receive the local Atlanta channels now broadcasting in high definition during prime time. The bulb problem is there too and once the repair man showed up, we found that by taking the bulb out and putting it back in, we could get the TV to turn on. (This is of course is inconvenient and we're still trying to find the longterm solution). Once on however, the tv works great. I guess I should just leave it on fulltime. Sound quality is outstanding too. In addition, it comes with the UHS/VHS input plus 7 additional inputs so you can have the satellite dish (Direct TV), digital camera and video cam hooked up, high-definition receiver to outdoor antenna, as well as S-video link to my notebook to show photos & pictures. There's room to add Playstation too (neighbor across the street just received for Xmas).

Pros: Several useful viewing modes, lightweight, easy to use, incredible picture.
Cons: None

I had followed the technology for several years and was finally ready to plunge into the wide screen television market. I had narrowed it down to this television and the Samsung DLP technology television. The store had these two televisions side by side and it came down to my personal visual experience. The sony was nice because it had the dvi port and the card reader on the front for the memory sticks from my sony digital camera. I've had the unit for a year now and have no complaints. No bulb problems, nothing. DVD's are amazing. Until the broadcast industry standardizes their signals to HD, you have to live with the poor broadcast. Don't believe it when cable/satellite companies advertise 50 HD stations, most of them you would never watch and it's currently cost prohibitive.

Pros: Picture quality and number of inputs
Cons: None so far!

I can't believe I waited so long before buying this TV! The picture is awesome when using RGB connections and digital sources such as DirecTV or DVD. I can't imagine how good it will be one I get an HD tuner!!!

Pros: Great picture for far less money than plasma.
Cons: The picture was a bit grainy on cable, but great when we switched to satellite.

I have had this TV for about a month now and love it. It is far less expensive than any comparable plasma, with a picture quality that is almost indistinguishable from the plasma TVs my wife and I looked at before buying this one. We also looked into DLP technology, but were a little concerned that there were moving parts in that format, and wondered about the durability. LCD is tried and tested, and the technology has held up well. I am impressed by the ease of changing the bulb, which is something we will be doing when plasma owners will be throwing their sets away. I also checked into the "bulb" issue before buying the TV, and was assured that the problem had been a manufacturing oversight that has since been corrected by Sony. Our local dealer also provides service, and it was comforting to find out that the owner owns two of these sets himself.

Pros: Picture clarity and vibrance of colors. Speakers are pretty good for being internal speakers.
Cons: Not enough HD (component cable)inputs

I bought this TV for $2k in 2004, and watch it as much as possible. Used with HD devices, this TV looks remarkable. Video games, sports events, and movies are incredibly clear and colorful. The Grand Wega stood out among comparable TV's at the store with the sharp detail and colorful picture.

Pros: Awesome HD picture, lightweight, owner replaceable bulb
Cons: After viewing 1080i everything else sucks (even DVDs) only accepts sony memory

I really love this TV! Go to your local electronics store and look at the lcd projection models side by side with the other tv's. You will walk away a believer. Then you basically have to decide which model you want.

Out of the Sony, Panny, and Hitachi the picture is the same. I know some people think one is better than the other but it simply isnt true. In the real world all the pictures look exactly the same. The deciding factors then will be features and price. The panny (panasonic) has vga inputs for a computer to be hooked up. The sony and hitachi can do it but NOT without much grief and a lot of reading (avsforum.com).

If size is an issue (it was for me) then Sony is the only manufacturer of a screen less than 50'.

Bottom line is that any of these models are great. moderately expensive, awsome picture quality, tons of inputs, owner replaceable bulb, thin, and lightweight.

Sony stuck with their one mindedness again and only included a sony memory stick slot, whereas the others accept all 3 major memory cards. oh well I dont use that anyway.

Happy hunting!

Pros: Great Picture quality
Cons: None at this time

Good quality picture, well compared to the DLP's out there from samsung. Only issue might be with the lamp that is not in the warranty. But still I got my self a 5 yr purchase plan and they would do it for me at free of cost.

Has good reception with Composite, S-Video and Component Audio/Video stuff. I think the optical cable in for each would make a definite plus, but thats ok ...

Pros: natural colors,clarity,hdtv and dvd performance,features,value,design and weight
Cons: average black levels ,poor viewing angle when you are standing up,lamp problem.

First of all the three one star reviews are from the same guy using different names.You should use a surge protector with this tv to prevent any lamp damage.Reliability and durability of this product is much better than plasmas despite the lamp problem.I have the set for one week and so far so good.Picture quality is not as good as some expensive plasmas offered by Sony and Panasonic,but it is clearly better than other projection tvs,and also better than eye fatiguing dlp offerings with so called rainbow effect.

Pros: Great picture,great sound,easy to operate,space saver
Cons: none except the slight blur recently experienced

I have used this set for over a year now and have just began to experience my first problem.It seems as though the picture is getting slightly blurry. Has anyone else experienced this problem?? Could the bulb be getting weak?? I have been very pleased with the sets performance until now.

Pros: great picture,,,what else?
Cons: mediocre sound - but I have HT system so don't matter

I was thinking about getting a tube TV until HD TV price comes down but a sales rep convinced me to get HD TV now otherwise I'll end up paying for 2 tvs and they will equal 1 HD TV price now. It made sense so I shopped around for a while until I came across this TV. It was a choice between this one and Samsung DLP but I ended up choosing SONY because of its reputation and picture sharpness. I've owned it for a little less than 2 months now and it made me a couch potato. My friends were very impressed by its quality and thinking about getting it themselves. I'd recommend to get an extended warranty since the tech. is still relatively new and bulb issue. But don't get the store warranty, get the warranty directly with an insurance company over internet - they are less than half price.

Pros: Great TV...when it is working.
Cons: Frequent, costly repairs and parts. A major headache.

I bought this TV 5/21/04. It stopped working 10/05. I replaced the $200 lamp, and all was well, until 1/05 when ballast and drivers costing $750 went out. Now 2/25/06, after 15 weeks and approximately 1575 hours of use the lamp I replaced went out. Sony tells me it does not warranty replacement parts. So, after only getting about 20% of the 8000 hours promised, it looks like another $200 down the drain. At this rate, I'm looking at $600 a year just for lamps.

Anybody want to buy a used Sony Wega KF 42WE610? nah?....I didn't think so.

Pros: very good sound and picture
Cons: HAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE BULB

I got it from best buys, had it for less than 10 days AND the bulb died. The service guy says that it is a common problem with this model and I would have to wait for a week for parts.
My advice to anyone who wants to buy ......DONOT!

Pros: Good Picture, Good Price
Cons: Bad lamp design with unproven fix.

I bought this TV in November 03'within a week of turning it on the lamp went out. Called Sound Advice where I purchased it from, they overnighted a new lamp and additional parts. Now 4 months later the lamp blows again. Called Sound Advice again, they said it would be a week to 10 days before they could get the lamp. I called Sony they admitted to having a bulb problem, but said I needed to wait for the part and the service technician. Now I call Sound Advice and complain, they tell me I cannot return the TV and I just have to wait. A few phone calls later they commit to giving me a new one. I call Sony and ask when they discovered this bulb problem and what the manufacture date of the corrected units would be. Bottom line is Sony would not tell me and I am very hesitant about accepting another one of these TVs. Avoid until Sony proves they have fixed.

Pros: Fabulous picture.
Cons: Disastrous bulb problem.

Our first month with the 42" was wonderful, although we had an occasional problem with the remote. Sometimes, we just couldn't get the set to turn on. We called the cable folks; they came and said it was a tv problem. They said that the bulb had blown.

Since we hadn't bought a Circuit City service contract, we had to contact the Sony folks. In Boston, it turns out that those folks don't answer the phone. Fortunately, with some hassle, we were able to convince Circuit City to sell us a $500 service contract. The service guy came and told us the ugly truth -- all these tv's are defective. We finally lost complete confidence in the Sony brand when we were advised to shake the set to make it work! (which, by the way, was successful...)

In the end, we returned the set to CC and replaced it with a Panasonic. So far, so good.

Pros: Dimensions, sets closer to the wall than other projection TVs.
Cons: Frequent, and expensive repair. Sony didn't work the bugs out of this model.

Bought this TV to upgrade to HDTV and a larger screen in a compact package. Gread picture and sound, when it works. Must unplug the TV often to reset it. I bought this TV in early 2004. Three major repairs in 2 years. Fortunately, the most expensive repair/part was while the TV was still under warranty (The part alone took one month to order and cost MORE than I paid for the TV!)
Been through two, $199.00 bulbs in 2 years (Sony claims the bulbs have a 2000 hour life.)

Pros: The Sony Grand WEGA KF42WE610 42 in is light and easy to carry for exchanges.
Cons: Bulbs constant problems no fix available. Sony told me this is normal.

Purchased set on 10/15/03 in FL at Rex store. Lucky for me I bought the 5 year ESP. Rex exchanged set twice before 11/13/03 because picture went out. Now I have had to replace bulb 3 times because the picture goes out.

Pros: Nice picture--when it works.
Cons: Defective.

It's defective! The lamp blew out in 3 weeks. It was allegedly fixed, then blew out again 3 weeks later. The repair nightmare (which is ongoing) is a whole other story. Sony even had the tech come back to replace some boards and transistors because of a product defect--these apparently caused the lamp to arc everytime it was turned on and led to its early demise. Each time it blows out I have to wait a week for a repair appointment. I've read other reviews detailing the same problem. Sony refuses to replace the TV and claims it is "operating according to specs."

I've read about the same problem all over the Internet!

Pros: Great looking TV when it works.
Cons: Very poor quality!

Brought my new Sony Wega home and in 2 weeks the bulb has gone. Took my TV back to Future Shop and exchanged it for another one, brought it home and unpacked it. Now there is a yellow line on the right side of the screen. I WAS a Sony customer, and sadly will never buy Sony again. Mabye Mexico isn't a great place to make TV's?

Pros: good value, good picture
Cons: Defective lamps... no replacements available

My set worked great...for about 2 weeks, then the lamp went out. Apparently they are defective and replacements are not available...at least anytime soon. So I have a $2500 boat anchor.Sony is of no help on this issue. Buy something else

Pros: Great picture
Cons: Serious lamp quality problem - wait until fixed

Great picture. Absolutely fantastic, on par with the plasma sets and the DLP sets at half the price. But hold off on purchasing until the lamp problems are fixed.

I bought this TV in late Nov. and had the lamp fail on me within 5 weeks. Apparently Sony has a major quality problem with the lamp vendor and a significant number of these sets are failing within a few hundred hours !! Sony is out of spare lamps and as of 1/6/03 can not provide replacements until the end of January. As fantastic as the picture and this TV is in general, hold off until Sony fixes the lamp quality issue or you could be stuck buying $200 lamps every other month.

Pros: This unit has nothing more to offer than its competitors except a higher price
Cons: Read my review, very unreliable

The first unit I purchased failed within the first 2 days of use, and no it was not the lamp. The second unit has just now failed after 3 months of use and you guessed it, Sony will not replace the unit it must be sent out for repair. So after 3 months I have been without a television for 20 days!
I have been a huge Sony supporter for the past decade but I think the rumors are true that since they have moved their manufacturing to Mexico, their quality has suffered and you are truly now only paying for the name.
I would strongly recommend any other rear-projection LCD other than this one. I am thoroughly disappointed with this product and with Sony in general.

Pros: Great picture quality, especially when on the HD channels.
Cons: Two tv's, in six months both bulbs went out. $200 each time.

My husband and his friend each bought a Sony 42" LCD on April 1, 2004. His friend's Sony had the bulb blow out the last week of August and our bulb blew out November 12th. NOT a good sign. Good picture, when you have it but, at $200 a crack for the bulb, and they seem to blow all the time, how badly to do want a good picture???

My husband and his friend both were aware that the bulbs have a "life expectancy," so they used alternate tv's during the day for casual watching and the Sonys at night for the good programs or DVD's so they wouldn't "use up," the bulb. That didn't help and now, they are both stuck with $2500+ televisions that have to have the $200 bulbs replaced more often than originally anticipated.

Would NOT buy this type of TV again. At least not for a year or two, till the bugs are worked out.

Pros: none
Cons: everthing,and dont buy from video only.

the sony techs had this tv for the first three months i owned it trying to trouble shoot problems.now, a year later im having problems again and finding out there is computer chip problems.