Finally going to go HD but want a CRT set. I'm going to check one of these Sonys out, how good are they? Is there any major problems reliability wise? Is it one with the problematic power supply and solder joints? Sorry so many questions but I don't wanna buy a piece of crap:no::D Thanks for any input!

Also, if not this model (I don't think it is), which one has the super fine pitch CRT?

This is the last widescreen model Sony made. The 34XBR960 was considered to be the best,which came out prior to the 970. It's a fine pitch and one feature that I liked was the ability to adjust each input's controls separately vs. having a global setting on previous sets.

The 970 was also less expensive than the 960.

Maybe I should hold out for a 960 to come along. I've been checking into the differences today and I want the best one they had since they don't make CRTs anymore. Thanks for your input, it's greatly appreciated.

I love those sets. 16:9 flat WEGA tubes. I wouldn't pay more than $200 for a 30", or $350 for a 34", as they're flooding Craigslist and eBay in that price range all the time. I have two of the 910 models; the 30" and 34". I'm of the understanding that these have all the same features as the 960 & 70, except for the ATSC tuner. You can pick up a 910 for under $200 in mint condition, and a digital box (if you aren't on cable or satellite HD), for $125 with HDMI output. One note: They're a little tough to troubleshoot, and most techs I know of, just replace boards when they get trouble.


I'd go ahead and grab the 970 you know of, and also since these are sadly obsolete, I'd grab a couple extras while they're plentiful and cheap, for spares.

Charles

Thanks Charles, I have been thinking about it all day and I just might go for this one after all. You hit the nail on the head when you said pick up a spare or two, that's the plan after this one:D I have it set up to check it out Saturday, I could have gone today but wanted to think about it because it would have came home without thinking if I went today:)

I used to have a KV-34HS420, it is about the most difficult TV you will ever move. Even with two people, it will not only break your back but there is no good way to grab ahold of the thing without fearing you will drop it. One hand will need to be on the bottom, and its so heavy, the cabinet base just gouges into your fingers. Ouch, even on my fat fingers! With my excessive TV collection, I didn't have much room and that was one of the TV's I sold on ebay about 2 years ago. I had the table for it too, it was a nice set up. Got it from my Moms friend whos father in law passed away. The asked if I wanted it and I said sure. Too bad I didn't have more space, it would have been a good one to keep.

I used to have a KV-34HS420, it is about the most difficult TV you will ever move.

He's right... Take help. They're bulky, and two of the handholds are placed under the front lip of the cabinet, and the other two at the top of the back. I've carried the 34XBR910 myself, I'll tell you it gave me a run for my money.... And I'm an amateur weighlifter/bodybuilder with no trouble grabbing a 1960s roundie color console and running up the street with it. It's actually more difficult, in a way, to move those big WEGA sets with two people because of the weight all being in the very front. Both people carrying it will have to support 1/2 the weight of the TV with one hand, in a terrible balance lop-sided on the spine. With one person, all the weight is flat to your chest, and not such a bad balance.

One more tip: When moving any of the WEGA flat tube sets, I'm told that you need to keep the set upright. On the old standard convex tube sets, you would lay them on their faces, which was fine for the tube. Not the case with the flat tube, as the shadow mask can actually bend under its own weight when flat. If you must lay it flat on its face, be really careful when driving over a bump or dip!

Charles

Well, the guy didn't come down enough on price for me to drive 140+mi round trip. I'll keep an eye out for any of the SFP widescreen CRTs and grab the next one that comes along. The ideal one being a 34XBR960. There's 2 4:3 SFP sets too IIRC, I'd grab one of those for the right price. I did however, at the same time, find a 30HS420 right in my back yard. It was only 12 miles away. It spent it's whole life (built Dec. 2004) in a cabinet with doors and I would guess it has less than 50 hours on it. There is not one scratch anywhere and came with perfect original remote and book. I know it's not a SFP tube but the picture is outstanding and the price was right at 100$. I peeked inside with a flashlight and there is NO dust settled on the main chassis board which seems impossible but it's true, it only has a very minimal amount of dust collected on a 3" run of the anode wire right at the end by the boot. It may even have less than 50 hours, it was in a very upscale home in the downstairs rec. room, not the living room. I'll post a few pics later on. Did I do alright? The thing looks great in HD, that's for sure! Thanks for all the input so far.