How to read Sony model numbers?

[Jeff-20]

I am looking at Sony CRTs and want to know how to read the model numbers. I've spent a lot of time searching this message board and the internet in general without luck. All I can decipher is the screen size.

I have a Sony KV-20S40. I am guessing that KV stands for Television and Video Monitor based on other models I've seen. 20 is the size. What else can I glean?

[radiotvnut]

KV = color TV, KP = color projection TV, TV = B&W TV. The following digits equal the screen size. Beyond that, I don't know.

[Jeff-20]

PVM = professional video monitor...

[kx250rider]

It changed a few times, but basically for consumer-type TV sets:

First two letters are the Product type; i.e. KV=CRT color TV, KD=CRT color digital TV, KL=LCD TV, etc

Second two (numbers) are screen size

Up 'til the 2000s, the next two (or three) numbers are the actual model version.

Suffix letter(s) indicate extra stuff: R-remote, S=cable-ready tuner, X=has video/audio inputs, T=stereo tuner, and on 1960s-70s models, "U"=USA-only model, etc.

So a KV-2680RS is a 26" set with remote & cable-ready, but not stereo.

Then they swapped the order of model number and features suffix, so it gets confusing. KV-27SXR10, for instance, is a 27" CRT set with cable ready, remote, and video/audio jack panel. (by then, they stopped adding a "T", since stereo was standard).

Charles

[Jeff-20]

This is very interesting. Does this mean that all Sony tvs had stereo and flat screens by the time they had digital tuners? Would it be possible to find a non-flat with a digital tuner?

[mpatoray]

CVM = Color Video Monitor/receiver
KX = "Profeel" monitor series
CPD = Compter Peripheral Display

[kvflyer]

STR = Stereo Receiver
CDP = Compact Disc Player
DVP = Digital Video Player
WM = Walkman
FD = Watchman

And the beat goes on!

[Electronic M]

For the 90's consumer TVs and VCRs there are only three letters I need to know.....BPC.

[Jeff-20]

which means?

[mpatoray]

Jeff-20

For most of us BPC means Black Plastic Crap.

A lot of the 80's-2000's TV's where not that great, but there are still quite a few that I personally like

As for VCR's depending on the brand 2005 was really the last year something that was not total garbage could be bought. the $39.99 VHS specials where total garbage some having a plastic head drum....

Now that was for consumer there where still good pro VCR's that where made until about 08 I think.

[kx250rider]

Originally Posted by kvflyer

STR = Stereo Receiver
CDP = Compact Disc Player
DVP = Digital Video Player
WM = Walkman
FD = Watchman

And the beat goes on!

Ironically, FD in the Watchman line, referred to "flat display" lollipop CRT, before the LCD or other flat non-CRTs were on the market.

Charles

[ChrisW6ATV]

I think my Color Watchman is an FDL, flat display LCD.

Remember the TPS-L2? That must have been Tape Player, Stereo.

[Jeff-20]

Thanks for the explanation, mpatoray. Would my Sony KV-20S40 be considered a BPC? I thought I had the top-of-the-line in 20" quality tvs.

On VCRs, I have a JVC Super VHS-ET (a VCR with s-video), and I think that's the best VCR I could find. The rewind broke, and I have to wait for tapes to crawl backwards at play speed. The odd thing is that it starts rewinding normally, speeds up, then I can hear a pop and the gears grinding inside, and it reduces to play speed.

[Jeff-20]

Looking closely at the specs, I figured out that the S means stereo. So the KV-20S40 is stereo and the KV-20M40 is mono.

Now my question is what would the KV-20S90 be? Just an improvement? Later model?
And what of the KV-20V90. Any idea what V might mean? I can't find enough specs to guess.

EDIT: I finally have confirmation that the difference with the V model is S-video inputs. It appears that the KV-20V90 has an additional S-video in the rear and audio out with fixed and variable volume out.