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From: upstill@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU (Steve Upstill)
Newsgroups: net.video
Subject: Sony 20XBR Monitor-Receiver: a review
Message-ID: <10766@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU>
Date: Tue, 22-Oct-85 11:47:20 EDT
Article-I.D.: ucbvax.10766
Posted: Tue Oct 22 11:47:20 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 23-Oct-85 23:57:18 EDT
References: <571@bentley.UUCP>
Reply-To: upstill@ucbvax.UUCP (Steve Upstill)
Organization: University of California at Berkeley
Lines: 26


   As my primary indulgence for finishing my thesis, I recently bought
a Sony 20XBR monitor/receiver.  For the uninitiated, this is the 20"
version of Sony's top-of-the-line consumer video set.  It's got everything:
full-function remote, RGB input, three video inputs, stereo decoder, on-screen
display of controls, plus what is supposed to be the best tube Sony has
ever produced.
   So much for the theory.  This set lists at $1000 (and can be had for $800).
I felt a little trepidation beforehand, spending so much on a toy.  Is it
worth it?  It took about 10 minutes to convince me: yes, absolutely.  This
is the finest TV picture I have ever laid eyes on, so much so that (how's
this for an ambivalent feature) it makes me WANT to watch TV.  There is a
contrast-enhancement circuit designed to get the most out of the available
dynamic range; in conjunction with the tube design, it makes the blacks
pitch black and contrast excellent.  Sharpness is unequalled; when the
jaggies glitter across my screen from lines in the picture, I get a little
thrill down my spine.
   Everybody loves this set: my mother was amazed; my wife, who couldn't
believe I was spending $800 on a TV, was convinced; my videofreak friends
have started visiting just to watch it.
   In sum, if you are in the market for a new (particularly for a LARGE new)
TV, consider this one.  It's easily worth it.

Steve Upstill

PS Disclaimer, hedge, denial of profit.