Concerns - Sony SXRD KDS60A2000 60" HDTV

[quantass]

Up here in Canada Future Shop has a Sony KDS60A2000 60" 1980p SXRD Widescreen LCD Projection for sale for $2699 CAN. This would be my first HDTV and so have a few concerns.

1. Is there or is there not PIP capabilities in this set? If none, then is there some form of split screen function where i can view two different channels on the same display?

2. I've read issues with lamps and expense. Does such a set last several years or is a dying lamp a common thing within a couple years?

3. People have mentioned standard definition display is crap on it. I'll be going out to check the set in person but can someone give me an idea of what bad means? How is it relative to a standard def TV set (NTSC analog signal)? Are we talking blocky and so unwatchable that it is difficult to read hand writing or make out character contours?

4. For the quality and size, is this the best HDTV 1080p display for my money or is there something smaller (47" to 60" is fine) of equal/better price? Im open to LCD, Plasma, or anything else that can be the best bang for my buck...

Thanks.

[edDV]

You need to evaluate with your own eyes. Main issues will be deinterlace quality, dark motion blocking and object edge performance in motion.

They will make excuses why they can't show you SD on it. Make your own 480i DVD including off air sports, dark movies, telecined film dramas, camcorder material, etc. Memorize the performance of these clips on your currrent TV and computer.

Take along a DVD player and component cable in your car in case they claim they can't play your DVD. It's important to hook up analog component 480i to test all the modes on the HDTV.

If you're going to be using S-Video or composite sources, test those inputs as well especially composite.