50Hz/100Hz Sony TVs

[the record spot]

I'm thinking of buying the Sony KDL-32EX403 which has a 50Hz refresh rate. The 503, the next model up, has 100Hz. Other than this, the sets are the same. Are there any major issues in the 403 not having the higher refresh spec?

 

[Anonymous]

many people turn off motion processing on their tv's, but many find it helps too, especially on an lcd, the sonys version, "motionflow" is very good with minimal artifacts, and is handy for sport, i personally think its worth having on that tv...

 

[aliEnRIK]

Depends on your eyes I suppose

Ive found it can definitely help with certain material on my sony (otherwise it 'flashes' between frames)

Clearly some people must not notice such flashing else theyd never sell 50Hz tvs

 

[Anonymous]

Looked at this recently for a 37" TV. With Sony I really noticed the difference between 50Hz and 100Hz - almost felt a bit sea-sick watching the 50Hz for any length of time in the showroom. With Samsung I couldn't really see much of a difference and 50Hz was OK. At the end of the day, although I thought the Sony picture was better than the Samsung (ie. it seemed more natural yet still vivid), I couldn't justify the price differential between Samsung 50Hz and Sony 100Hz, so ended up with the Samsung which I must say I'm absolutely delighted with. Having said that, the Sony 503 is a lovely bit of kit and had money not been a factor, I would probably have chosen that one. Whatever you opt for, enjoy your purchase RS !

 

[John Duncan]

I have the NX503, but I'm sure it's 50Hz. Maybe the refresh rates are different as you go up and down the E/N/H ranges. That said, my telly's great, whatever refresh rate it has...

 

[the record spot]

Thanks for the info guys - the 403 I can get for about £360-odd, with a 5 year guarantee, the 503 is somewhat higher. I like the added functionality on the sets - networking, wireless capability, etc. I saw the precursor, which was the S5500 on a weekend away recently and that surprised me with how good it was for broadcast tv. Hence, the new range appealed for the same reason. Must have another look before Christmas Eve...!

 

[the record spot]

Quick update on this; nipped in to town to pick up some last minute bits and pieces today and went into John Lewis' TV and Audio department. Saw the Sony KDL-32EX503, with the Sony VAT back deal plus the Edinburgh shop was throwing in a free Sony BDP-S370 Blur Ray player, so the pair will only cost around £470 all in and of course, John Lewis offer a 5-year guarantee as standard.

Slight possible downside is Mrs. B_R and the mini-discs (okay, the twins...!) don't know about it yet. Bit of a surprise y'see. This could work out very well or very badly!

 

[Anonymous]

I was just about to post the same question on this site but then I saw the thread and thought Thank You!! But just one question, what is the best motion processing tech out there? As in what manufacture's has the least glitch's and artifacts?

 

[the record spot]

Couldn't tell you mate - the only reason I went for the Sony was I'd previously seen it's predecessor - one of the 32" 5500 series sets - and was very impressed by the picture quality on that. The additional appeal of John Lewis and Sony's combined freebie/VAT back offers as well as the set's onboard functionality made the deal a winner.

Incidentally, Comet currently have the 503 for £379.99 but that's with a one year guarantee. They don't make that totally clear on their site, but the additional cover warranty for 5 years is around £215. Richer Sounds have the 403 (50Hz refresh rate) for £330 and that's with their 5 year deal (£29.99), or £299.99 without.

 

[matthewpiano]

The EX403 and EX503 are both great sets. The 100Hz does make a difference when you see the two side-by-side but I've got a 37EX403 (which I got a great deal on when I stopped working at the Sony Centre) and I can't say I have any major issues with motion. I've been delighted with my set and it has been a big upgrade on the 32S2510 I had before.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the response Matthew, Would you say there is a big difference between the 401 and the 403 (Apart from the 403 has Freeview HD and Net features) because Richer Sounds has them both on offer but the 403 is £50 more. Is there is difference in quality between the two?

 

[Clare Newsome]

We've got a review of a '403' series Sony coming up in the next issue, including side-by-side comparison with the '503. We did notice significant differences....

More in our next issue - on sale 10th Jan (being posted out to subscribers @5th Jan)

 

[Anonymous]

The 403 has been out for a while now, why is the review not available till next month? Also the tv is £299 with 5yr warranty.

 

[the record spot]

Unless it's come down un Richer Sounds again, it was £299.99 + 10% to get the 5 yr warranty. Std warranty only for 1yr otherwise.

 

[Clare Newsome]

G.Unit69:The 403 has been out for a while now, why is the review not available till next month? Also the tv is £299 with 5yr warranty.

Because it's the first time we've got hold of one for review (we finished testing last week) Second Sony TV we had to buy to test this year.

 

[the record spot]

Just posted in the "There's this shop near me" subforum, but worth a quick note in here to say John Lewis dropped the price on the 503 by £100 in their sale and refunded the difference to my card when I rang this morning. One delighted customer!

 

[Anonymous]

Is it worth the 149 quid difference over the 403? Also as you purchased it before the 24th you might be applicable for Sony VAT back if the TV was covered under the scheme.

 

[Anonymous]

Clare Newsome:
G.Unit69:The 403 has been out for a while now, why is the review not available till next month? Also the tv is £299 with 5yr warranty.

Because it's the first time we've got hold of one for review (we finished testing last week) Second Sony TV we had to buy to test this year.

Is it worth spending £299 (which includes a 5yr warranty) on the 403? I know your not gonna give details of the review so a simple answer will be much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[matthewpiano]

G.Unit69:Is it worth the 149 quid difference over the 403? Also as you purchased it before the 24th you might be applicable for Sony VAT back if the TV was covered under the scheme.

If you can afford the EX503 it is worth the difference. If you can't (and I couldn't when I bought mine), the EX403 is still a great set for the money.

 

[Anonymous]

matthewpiano:G.Unit69:Is it worth the 149 quid difference over the 403? Also as you purchased it before the 24th you might be applicable for Sony VAT back if the TV was covered under the scheme.If you can afford the EX503 it is worth the difference. If you can't (and I couldn't when I bought mine), the EX403 is still a great set for the money.

Thanks for the reply matthew, however the thing that is putting me off the 503 is the 60ms input lag which is incredibly high for a tv that costs around 450 quid.

 

[the record spot]

G.Unit69:Is it worth the 149 quid difference over the 403? Also as you purchased it before the 24th you might be applicable for Sony VAT back if the TV was covered under the scheme.

I'd thought that, but I enjoy rugby and with the 6 Nations and the Rugby World Cup coming up next year I'd heard the 100Hz 503 was the better one to have. Other than that, they are identical. The reality now of course is that while Richer Sounds have the 403 on a 5 year warranty for £330, I've got the 503 for £449, thanks to JL refunding the £100 difference I paid extra on Christmas Eve, I get the VAT back which brings it down to about £380 and of course, I have the free Blu-Ray player they threw in as part of the deal. Kind of wins hands down methinks...yes, Richer Sounds are offering limited quantities of the same Sony (the BDP-S370) for about £70, but there's only 500 of them. I'm happy with my deal and the outcome.

 

[Anonymous]

Went for the 403 as it was only 299 with a 5yr warranty from John Lewis.

 

[the record spot]

Oh my word; this TV's really rather good! Saw some rugby on the news and it's very clear, no motion smearing at all. Very impressed. No luck with the internet connection just yet; going by my wired network cable and it's recognised by the TV, but won't get onto the internet. Hmmm, will worry about that later I think...!

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Guys, Just for the record got myself the 503 on Tuesday at an absolute steal....£369. It was meant to be an EX-DISPLAY model but upon checking the TV with the Tech guy at John Lewis it turned out the set was brand new and the only reason it was being sold at Ex display was because the box had been damaged. Also it came with a 5 year guarantee....Woo! The TV itself is amazing but I am not to sure about the film mode setting, Auto 1 and Auto 2 look the same to me so I am not to sure what the difference is? Anyway Happy New Year!

 

[Anonymous]

the record spot:Oh my word; this TV's really rather good! Saw some rugby on the news and it's very clear, no motion smearing at all. Very impressed. No luck with the internet connection just yet; going by my wired network cable and it's recognised by the TV, but won't get onto the internet. Hmmm, will worry about that later I think...!how is it setup rs? was the 100hz turned on when you were watching the rugby?