Sony KV32FC60

...also contains some controls for Sony videos in a lift-up compartment for your convienience - but it doesnt provide all the functionality of your video remote control. The On-Screen display is well though out and split into five clear categories. Its easy to use - navigated by the "joystick" on your remote - and clear to read also. The TV will automatically adjusts its picture mode when it detects a widescreen signal so no problems there. ...
...for the best viewing experience. Sony rates the two speakers as 15 watts RMS each, and the sub at 15 watts RMS also.

In terms of sound features the TV offers a graphic equaliser - which you can customise yourself, and are not limited to the built in presets. The TV offers Auto Volume Adjustment which automatically adjusts the volume according to what you are watching. It mostly just quietens it though! You can also connect headphones ... more

Intro
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This TV is a 32-inch widescreen which was marketed as a "Designer" TV when I bought it. It comes in two very large boxes, the second of which contains the matching glass stand the TV comes with.

Usage
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Using the TV is like most TVs - it is relevantly easy. The remote is clearly laid out, with out clutter and unnecessary buttons. The remote also contains some controls for Sony videos in a lift-up compartment for your convienience - but it doesnt provide all the functionality of your video remote control. The On-Screen display is well though out and split into five clear categories. Its easy to use - navigated by the "joystick" on your remote - and clear to read also. The TV will automatically adjusts its picture mode when it detects a widescreen signal so no problems there.

One major flaw is the time the TV takes to turn on - I haven't timed it, but its easily more than five seconds from being off, maybe even that much from standby as well.

Aesthetics
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I think the TV looks pretty nice, not amazing, but still good. The TV has an Art Couture design, not that I know anything about art!. The speakers are cleverly disguised into the sides of the TV (see the photo below), and the white/silver colour combination looks unique. The stand also looks very lush but two shelves may not be enough for all of your devices (it isnt for me anyway!).

The remote is also white to match. At the top of the TV there are some nices illuminated buttons to change channels and volume, and look nice in the dark and also easily stand out.

Picture Quality
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The picture quality on this TV is great, and the TV has a number of features that sets it apart from the competition. The most obvious is the completely flat FD Trinitron WEGA screen/tube, which delivers a clear, accurate and detailed image. I recall the flat screen took some getting used to from my old TV though!

Another major one is the Advanced 100Hz Digital Plus picture. The 100hz means the picture updates 100 times a second - and the advanced part means it delivers a smoother picture during scenes of fast motion. The 100Hz picture very noticable reduces flicker, especially between areas of contrasting colours and is a definite plus.

Another feature the TV has an "IQ picture". This means that the TV adjusts its contrasy, colour, brightness etc. according to the light conditions in the room (measured by a sensor on the front of the TV!). This theoretically reduces eyes strain in low light coniditions, and reduces power consumption. Though personally I haven't really noticed anything, though that could be the point ;)

The TV has three SCART sockets delivering clear pictures and allowing you to connect your Video, Sky etc. It also has an S-Video input on the front and standard RCA inputs to, so you can connect various other devices like cameras with no problem. The TV also supports many different standards, so that it ican use it in most of the world. It also has a NTSC video-in and so can be connected to NTSC video recorders and camcorders.

Sound quality
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The TV has many advanced sound features - but to be honest its built in speakers let it down, even though they are better than a lot of other TVs. The TV does have a built in subwoofer - but you can bearly hear it! I would recommend some decent external speakers for the best viewing experience. Sony rates the two speakers as 15 watts RMS each, and the sub at 15 watts RMS also.

In terms of sound features the TV offers a graphic equaliser - which you can customise yourself, and are not limited to the built in presets. The TV offers Auto Volume Adjustment which automatically adjusts the volume according to what you are watching. It mostly just quietens it though! You can also connect headphones to the TV, and the TV also offers Digital Noise Reduction, Loudness, and Space modes, balance control, and separate headphone volume settings.

Installation
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The TV is very big and heavy so you will definitely need some help! If you understand how to connect your SCART cables etc. then you shouldn't have any problems yourself, otherwise I would recommend assistance. The TV does have full auto set-up which somewhat simplifies things.

Other features?
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The TV does have various other random features. The most useful to me is the 500-page teletext memory. This means that the TV can store most of the teletext pages in its memory, and will do so in the background when you switch to the channel. So when you go to text, most pages show up instantly! It also has sub-page navigation, so you can browse through sub-pages at your own pace.

The TV also has the ability to freeze the picture - but its rather useless since it takes about a second for it to do so! It also has a sleep timer, and a parental lock feature. It also has a Personal ID feature, so that in case your TV is stolen it can be identified. The TV also has a smartlink feature to integrate better with certain video recorders.

Any bad points?
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I think by today's standards the TV does have some let downs. It is quite bulky in terms of its depth. Its not quite big enough by today's standards either - 36" would be much better. I already mentioned the long time to turn on also. Having built in support for digital terrestial (Freeview) channels would be great also.

Another important point is that when I first bought the TV, it had a few problems. The two I recall where random flashes of static and noise, and teletxt appearing in obscure colours! These, quite strangely, managed to fix themselves after a few months and I havent had problems since.

Final points
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The instruction manual is very detailed and covers all aspects of using the TV. In terms of durability, I have had mine for at least five years, and it is still going. The TV cost us about £1300. This is quite a lot, but at the time we bought it, it was a very good price. I would imagine you can get it much cheaper nowadays.I bought mine from a local electronic shop - I don't beleive the TV is readily available anymore, but you may still be able to find it at some places or on the internet. 

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