Sony W6 series LCD review - 2013's best gaming TV

[Xyga]

The W790B might be the 2014 version of 2013's W680/685 (a large size '3D version' of the previous W6).

And indeed not a 2014 W8.

The 2014 W8 got better MotionFlow, but a few ms more lag if that matters.

[Zer0-2k11]

Hi,

Just need a second opinion. I'm not sure if this is normal within the W7 series Sony sets, or just a technology issue in general but is it normal for this set to have this much DSE (Dirty Screen Effect):

Notice the brownish area around the middle of the screen.



I've cleaned the set multiple times and is spotless, is it possible i just got a bad set?. Should i try my luck and get it exchanged? I think i might get a better set that doesn't have this issue. I also can see the effect on the blue "no input screen" of the Framemeister.

[dosu]

Yeah DSE is pretty normal, even banding on edge-lit screens like the W7 series

[Xyga]

Agreed, it's pretty common. Funny thing about DSE I just remembered; it was common on CRTs as well, I remember returning two sets in a row back in the 90's, both had brown 'stains' completely impossible to remove.

[Zer0-2k11]

Thank you guys.

I'm not quite sure what should i do. I want the same set that's for sure. Should i get it exchanged? I kinda feel I can get one without DSE or one with very minimal DSE but at the same time, i don't want to go through an RMA. Very OCD i guess when it comes to getting a new tv. I think i'll try to exchange once, if not i'll just learn to live with it.

[Xyga]

If it's in the way, I mean if you notice it during normal use (not just displaying a monochrome screen) then it would be better to exchange it, yeah.

No guarantee you'll get a better set as manufacturing faults and overall bad quality control are very common today, no matter the brand, and I don't know how easy or hard the store you bought it from is with RMA.
I know I was lucky to get one with no obvious issues on the first try.

It's good to keep in mind getting the right LCD (TV or monitor) today doesn't take only money, it also requires one to be cautious and persistent with the purchase.

The average customer won't notice or mind minor manufacturing faults, or just won't bother to deal with RMA, which is why pretty much all manufacturers around the world don't give a fuck about quality control anymore.
This trend has been going strong for a long time, but it got worse about two-three years ago, and I don't believe things will improve in the world of LCDs anymore as they only want to make those cheaper and cheaper.
We need a new tech like OLED, but even R&D is late on this, thank the 2007-2008 crisis and how it neutered the displays industry among many other.

[dosu]

I agree, if it's right in your face and you always see it then yeah exchange it, if it's more of a I want a perfect screen then exchange it if you're willing to play the lotto and may have to change it 5-10 times before you get one that you thinks perfect or don't notice the flaws.
I'm on my second w700b(w705b) and it has some DSE that I don't notice and some vertical banding that's pretty common with edge-lit displays but only slightly notice on panning screens that show the sky or light grey colors if I focus on the bands, so I think I'll keep it. I don't notice it in fighting games or shmups so it's good enough for me

[bobrocks95]

Any internal e-mails about Sony's 2015 TV lineup in those big leaks that just happened? lol

[Xyga]

Yeah there's a chief engineer note saying "make sure our next W series gets at least 3 frames of lag. for the lulz."

[austin532]

I predict Sony will be pushing their 4K TV's next year. If they were smart enough they will make more 1080p TV's with very minimal lag knowing that gamers like me will buy them. A 40" VA Panel with a sub 1 frame lag and excellent backlight strobbing to eliminate motion blur would be perfect for me. If not then hopefully they discount their 2014 TV's so I can snag the W800B at a cheaper price.

[Xyga]

Yeah me too, I hope they will keep making low-lag 1080p for at least a year.
Not that I would be against low-lag 4K with good scaling, but for some reason I don't trust any brand for doing this in the near future (if it happens if will be by accident).

[eightbitminiboss]

Any internal e-mails about Sony's 2015 TV lineup in those big leaks that just happened? lol

Unfortunately (or fortunately?) Sony Pictures is a separate division from the TV business unit.

[bobrocks95]

Any internal e-mails about Sony's 2015 TV lineup in those big leaks that just happened? lol

Unfortunately (or fortunately?) Sony Pictures is a separate division from the TV business unit.

I was too lazy to look around and confirm the leak was just Sony Pictures, but there's always hope.

[Xyga]

Hey one question (most probably for you Fudoh) regarding the W8 range;

There are several declinations here in Europe, W805B, W815B, W829B, all equipped with different MotionFlow levels depending also on the size (smaller models having less settings available).

It is not clear to me which models would be worth more than the others in that regard (value/interest of the included video and motion compensation features) since unfortunately the online Sony product pages and manuals do not describe the various MotionFlow options in details.

Basically if I was looking for a model that does 'more than a 42W7' for DTV, DVD and BluRay, which model would be the most interesting to buy ?
Or if you prefer: which model is the best rational value for a Games and TV/Movies usage ?

[Fudoh]

There are several declinations here in Europe, W805B, W815B, W829B, all equipped with different MotionFlow levels depending also on the size (smaller models having less settings available).

where did you read about this ? I have probably set up a dozen Sony LCDs over the past year. A few 2013 and some 2014 models and they all had the same MF options available.

Or if you prefer: which model is the best rational value for a Games and TV/Movies usage ?

any of the W8 models should be fine. In game mode you'll have the exact same options as before. What you're looking for with movies is clear or clear plus. Clear plus is usually only available on the Sony with higher light output, since it dimms the picture similar to the MF mode available in game mode.

[Xyga]

There are several declinations here in Europe, W805B, W815B, W829B, all equipped with different MotionFlow levels depending also on the size (smaller models having less settings available).

where did you read about this ? I have probably set up a dozen Sony LCDs over the past year. A few 2013 and some 2014 models and they all had the same MF options available.

Places like the avforums threads confirmed this, and ref websites like this one below who also state the type of MotionFlow available by model/size (sorry it's in French but the specs are readable): http://www.lcd-compare.com/gamme-tv-son ... up-149.htm
Basically as I've read on the avforms it is definitely not all the same MotionFlow options that are available on every model, and it does vary with size.
W805B -> XR 200Hz [42"] / 400Hz [≥50"]
W815B -> XR 300Hz [42"] / 600Hz [≥50"]
W829B -> XR 400Hz [42"] / 800Hz [≥50"]
Apparently it's always the smaller models (below 50") that have 'less' MF.
Also 3D is passive on the 42", when it's active on the larger versions (I don't care about 3D though, that's just to show there are real differences)

Or if you prefer: which model is the best rational value for a Games and TV/Movies usage ?

any of the W8 models should be fine. In game mode you'll have the exact same options as before. What you're looking for with movies is clear or clear plus. Clear plus is usually only available on the Sony with higher light output, since it dimms the picture similar to the MF mode available in game mode.

Ok so those are the famed Clear / Clear Plus, if I understand those are available on models featuring at least MotionFlow XR400 (?) or XR600/800 (?)

[Fudoh]

Christ, Sony and their stupid 200/400/800Hz descriptions. These are all nonsense anyway. The absolute maximum any LCD/LED tv is running on is 200Hz (192Hz for NTSC or 24p).

Clear means x2 for interframe creation, x2 for black frame insertion (24p x2 x2 = 96Hz)
Clear Plus means x2 for interframe creation, x2 for black frame insertion, x2 for backlight strobing (24p x2 x2 x2 = 192Hz)
Standard means x3 for interframe creation (24p x3 = 72Hz)
Smooth means x4 for interframe creation (24p x4 = 96Hz)
Smooth also means x2 for interframe creation on 30p sources (30p x 2 = 60Hz)

In essence, Clear, Standard and Smooth should be available on all W8 sets. And they have been on all sets I've seen live. Clear Plus is only available on the higher-end models, that's right and I'm not sure which of the current models offers it. And eventually there should be somthing like the Impulse setting available in the movie modes as well, but I don't see any sense in this.

[Xyga]

Christ, Sony and their stupid 200/400/800Hz descriptions. These are all nonsense anyway. The absolute maximum any LCD/LED tv is running on is 200Hz (192Hz for NTSC or 24p).

Clear means x2 for interframe creation, x2 for black frame insertion (24p x2 x2 = 96Hz)
Clear Plus means x2 for interframe creation, x2 for black frame insertion, x2 for backlight strobing (24p x2 x2 x2 = 192Hz)
Standard means x3 for interframe creation (24p x3 = 72Hz)
Smooth means x4 for interframe creation (24p x4 = 96Hz)
Smooth also means x2 for interframe creation on 30p sources (30p x 2 = 60Hz)

NOW I understand, thank you! This isn't explained clearly anywhere on the net, well AFAIK not on any french or english websites or forums. ><

In essence, Clear, Standard and Smooth should be available on all W8 sets. And they have been on all sets I've seen live.

That I believe is no longer true I am afraid, as I went and re-read all the information I could find on avs, hdtvtests, rtings, etc, and I am now 99% sure all 42" W8 sets this year are dumbed down compared to their 50" big bros.
It goes as far as no MotionFlow settings available at all on the 42W829B, the impulse mode is there, but no trace of Clear, Standard and Smooth.
From the looks of it is the same with all three 42" W8 series, and the marketed MotionFlow XR*** labels are a 'hint' of this.

Clear Plus is only available on the higher-end models, that's right and I'm not sure which of the current models offers it.

Me neither, it's not even described in the official manuals. Lol.

[Fudoh]

It goes as far as no MotionFlow settings available at all on the 42W829B, the impulse mode is there, but no trace of Clear, Standard and Smooth.

Ok, but if that's the case, then I wonder what's the difference between the W7xxB and these W8xxB models ?

Your best reference are the HTML online manuals for the Sony TVs. I just compared the 42W829 version with the W55W829 version and you're right. Motionflow is missing from the 42" model and all MF modes (incl. Clear Plus) are available on the 50W829B. The HTML manuals should be available on the french site as well. Choose the TV model first, then click on support and there you'll have the link for the HTML reference. At least they list all the menu options (which the PDFs don't).

Sometimes I think people are just throwing dice at Sony.

You want another 42" set ? You should get a 50" model I'm longing for a nice 65" set.......

[Xyga]

I've checked both the English and French online manuals and yeah I couldn't find anything about MotionFlow settings on the 42" models.
The only obvious thing the 42W8xxB have over the 42W7xxB is passive 3D.

42W805B -> MotionFlow XR 200 (same as 42W7), passive 3D, 16W speakers
42W815B -> MotionFlow XR 300, passive 3D, 16W speakers
42W829B -> MotionFlow XR 400, passive 3D, 16W speakers

Some people mentioned the W8 may feature a different AMVA+PSA panel, don't know...

All 50" and larger models have higher marketed MotionFlow XR*** value, active 3D, and 2D/3D conversion.
Real MotionFlow settings are indeed enabled on those.

EDIT: not sure I'll change my set now but I am thinking more and more about 'better suited for cinema' sets, but I will probably wait and see what's cooking for 2015.
65" is too big for my room, but yeah 50" maybe...

[Xyga]

Soooo.... CES 2015.... only 4K sets with Android and the new X1 '4K scaling' chip.

AFAIK no word about what will become of Full-HD/W series (aside maybe an Android update)
I bet they'll keep some models and let the stocks go little-by-little throughout 2015.

[RGB32E]

Here's the 2015 Sony models announced at CES for the US market:
http://store.sony.com/ces-2015-televisi ... es-2015-tv

Very underwhelming. No W9 series with a WCG backlight unfortunately, as "Triluminos" is only in UHD models. However, looks like the W800 and W850 have XR960. Last years models had XR480 IIRC. The W850 claims to have Direct LED backlighting, so I wonder if game mode with impulse motion flow will be bright enough? Guess I'll have to try it out in a few months!

The UHD models still do not appear to support RGB4:4:4 @ 60Hz (YUV420 3840x2160/60p (HDMI only)) and Sony refuses to add a display port input. I hope Sony has fixed the game/graphics modes so that HD sources are not Chroma subsampled and soft scaled. Apparently the X950B (2014 model) will carry over this year. Though for how long remains to be seen, and I'm curious to know if they've fixed HD to UHD scaling in newer firmware.

[Fudoh]

However, looks like the W800 and W850 have XR960. Last years models had XR480 IIRC

But there's XR 1440 now, so maybe 1440 is just last year's 960 and this year's 960 is last year's 480....

[RGB32E]

However, looks like the W800 and W850 have XR960. Last years models had XR480 IIRC

But there's XR 1440 now, so maybe 1440 is just last year's 960 and this year's 960 is last year's 480....

Perhaps that's the case, or something else.

XR1920 or bust!

I'm also disappointed that the EA8800 will be LG's only flat 1080p OLED TV. I was hoping for a newer model WITH a table top stand. It'll be interesting to see how the EF9500 handles HD to UHD scaling in game/pc mode.

[Xyga]

[fantasizing]
What if those inflated XR figures means they've doubled the impulse mode's refresh rate ?
[/fantasizing]

[austin532]

Just as I thought. Mostly 4k TV's. The smallest 1080p size is 50" WTF Sony, bigger is NOT better.....Might have to stick with Samsung again especially if their new line up has less input lag then last year's models and improved backlight strobing. They usually have less than 50" TV's.

[Xyga]

Lol still only bigger sizes again in the USA.
AFAIK it's the only place where they don't sell the 32"/40"/42" W7-8.

[austin532]

Looks like I might have to import the KDL42W700B from Canada or bite the bullet and somehow fit the W800B into my setup some how.

[Xyga]

Importing the 42W700B might cost you more than getting a 50W800B with a discount now, I think.

[bobrocks95]

Do we have any reason to believe the W800C or W850C will be any different/better?