Toshiba HD vs. Sony Wega

I purchased a 32" Sony WEGA about a month ago, after comparing it to a Toshiba of similar size. For the past 5 years, I have had a Toshiba, and been very pleased with it. Considering all factors, I think the Sony WEGA has a better picture than the Toshiba. A couple of points about the Japanese TV industry might interest you. For many years, the Japanese Ministry of Trade (MITI) has promoted Japanese electronic equipment using a national system whereby one major manufacturer normally "led the way" with new models, and the technology then "trickled down" to other brands. In the case of TV's, Sony has been the technology leader, with Toshiba close behind. The other point you might want to know is that Sony is due to introduce the 2nd generation of WEGA models in August or September. They will look like the current generation, but they will be capable of scanning 1096 lines, making them HD-compatible. You may be aware that the "XBR" version of the WEGA sets differs from the less-expensive "F" and "V" series because it uses its full 520-line scanning capability for the picture only in widescreen format. The "F" and "V" models, on the other hand, use the 520 lines over the entire screen, including the black bars at the top and bottom of the letter-box image. If you are in no hurry to finalize your purchase, you should give serious thought to waiting until the next WEGA version is available.

If you folks don't mind a little divergence from the essence of this thread- I have had a real hard time dealing with the "flat screen" of the Wega. It (the immage) always looks like it is concave to me. The color and resolution are awesome, but the content always seems distorted. Is it me or what?

I have a Toshiba TW 65x81 and it's similar to the 40x81, but with better CRTs. I had it calibrated by Robert Busch, one of the only two people in the US to have the Toshiba Color Analyzer. Of all of the sets that he has calibrated, the Toshs come closest to full accuracy, especially after calibration. The Sony Wegas are very nice, but have the most "out of box" problems of any direct view set (just check with the large volume dealers and they'll confirm it). It's not that I don't like Sony, but it really comes down to what it important to you. I tend to steer my friends toward the Toshiba because of its HDTV capability and its superior calibrated accuracy. For those who absolutely must have a Wega, more power to them. ( the replacements are due out in the Spring and will be HDTV ready) Elbert