GEOFFREY MORRISON BLOG

In the November issue I reviewed Sony’s new 1080p LCOS rear-projector, the KDS-R60XBR1. In just about every way, it was a terrific TV. It wasn’t, however, terribly accurate.

As happens sometimes, I was sent a pre-production model for review. Personally, I hate this, as I can’t be sure what I’m seeing is what will be in the final version. In reality, and about 99% of the time, it is exactly same as the production model, minus a bit of fit and finish. After I commented about the oversaturated color, Sony said it was something in the pre-production model I had.

Since that time, I have measured a KDS-R50XBR1 for our February face off, and have talked with a colleague at a different magazine (yes, we do talk. Usually cordially) who measured another KDS-R50XBR1. The results were so close that it seems like that’s how Sony wanted the colors to look, oversaturated and all. This isn’t terribly surprising, really. I can count on one hand the number of displays that have come through here with accurate color points. Keep in mind that while the TV isn’t particularly accurate, it does look excellent. Each color is over saturated, but not “off” in any direction (i.e. red isn’t reddish orange). So everything looks really vibrant.

If I find out any new info, I’ll post it here.