Sony KP-53HS10 53-Inch Projection TV

Fortunately for users, the expansive list of features doesn't end with the video enhancements. The TV also offers a Multi Image Driver (MID-X), which lets viewers enjoy Twin View side-by-side and picture-in-picture programming. Users can watch two broadcasts at the same time (from two different sources) and can also zoom in on one or freeze it in the smaller inset window. Though the TV naturally broadcasts in 4:3 mode, users can also adjust it to 16:9 enhanced to better adapt to certain widescreen and digital signals. Other features include favorite channel preview (the ability to sample up to eight channels without leaving the current station), a sleep timer, jump channel, color temperature correction, several adjustable picture modes (vivid, standard, movie, game, and pro), and dynamic picture adjustment (emphasizes the black level to produce a more vivid picture).

The TV's audio package includes a 40-watt speaker system (20 watts x 2), MTS stereo decoding, SRS 3D simulated surround (creates a surround effect for mono broadcasts), and a TruSurround mode that works similarly for stereo feeds. Viewers can also adjust the bass, treble, and balance, or enjoy a secondary audio broadcast of the same program when available (typically in another language).

The TV includes an input for an HD receiver, two component inputs for such devices as DVD players, four S-video inputs (one front and three rear), four composite inputs (one front and three rear), five audio inputs, one video output, one audio output, and a Control S input and output. The front S-video and composite inputs are designed specifically to make it easy to connect a game console or camcorder.

What's in the Box
TV, remote control, two AA batteries, user's manual.

The image quality of digital cable programs varies with the quality of the original film, with old programs showing less vivid colors and grainier surfaces while newer programs-and commercials of course--come through crystal clear. Videos are as good as they can be, and again this depends upon the video itself. Most minor failings can easily be fixed by adjusting the sharpness setting. DVDs are spectacular. The motion, facial features, hair and clothing of CGI characters in works like Shrek or Final Fantasy, for instance, are impressive, as are the special effects of 2010. The large screen gives the action and locale of films like 13th Warrior, The Mask of Zorro, or Gladiator full range and the viewer a sense of truly "being there." If you are a wide screen afficionado, you may prefer a wide screen as opposed to this more standard shape, because wide screen versions of videos and DVDs exhibit a "pictureframe" banding along the top and bottom of the screen which can be distracting to some. Personally, I've come to see this as "normal" when watching a wide screen version of a film.

Although a TV of this size would be a major purchase for most families, it probably would also provide the maximum enjoyment per dollar spent and with the greatest variety than any other form of entertainment. When the older projection TV goes, I hope to have the wherewithal to get a 61 inch for the living room!


This TV has been INCREDIBLE over the years! 100 stars!   October 16, 2006
CQ DX (Ohio, USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I've had the Sony KP-53HS10 rear projection TV featured prominently as our main entertainment set for around 5 plus years now! In that period of time, I have had no problems whatsoever with the TV (how often does this happen!), and it has been flawless in every regard. 5 years later, DVD's still look jaw-dropping spectacular, with great detail and color that rival or surpass other DLP or plasma sets i've seen! Alignment of the picture tubes (projection tubes) is automatic as well, requiring the user to simply push one button on the front of the set. Incidentally, i've only had to do this about once a year, as everything always looks sharp and as it should. Digital Cable TV looks stunning as well, and the line-doubling technology on this set makes a good analog source/signal look digital anyway. I honestly do not see any reason to get rid of this set and upgrade, given the stunning picture on this set, as well as the substantial screen size. Given the overall great experience and reliability this set has given us over the years, I will continue to be a Sony fan indefinitely. Way to go Sony!!!