Stunning TV - but some problems in stock.

I've dealt with the 50in and 60in and both have had to go back due to poor gray levels and a green blob that doesn't go away. Check your set by switching on the Memory Stick option. It should be a gray screen, but most aren't. If it's not then all B&W movies will look wrong. This defect will only be noticeable in a color film when there are large amounts of white or gray on the screen. Sony has not admitted to this problem and states is will go away when the set is warmed up - not true. Some sets are having a blue tint problem as well. If your set shows any signs of the above you should contact Sony and complain. Beware if they want to change the light block on the set there are a lot of them out there, which are also defected. It seems those who have TV made in Jan (look for a date on the rear of your set) are fine. I've gone through Nov. and Dec. set from 05' - all three were bad. This goes for the both the 50in and the 60in. Check out all the bad problems posted the AVS Forum.

As an update to the above - on 2/27/06 I received another 50in, this time from Best Buy (the first 3 were from Chrutchfield). This one had a manufacturing date on the back dated FEB 06. Thankfully, this is working fine. When brought in from the cold and waiting only a short time to turn it on the picture showed some green and blue tint. The green quickly faded leaving only the blue on the lower right portion of the screen. Later that evening after several hours of letting the TV warm up to the house temp I turned on the set and found both the green and blue completely faded away as the set turned on. Within minutes the TV was working perfect. When the tints were there earlier they were only noticeable on B&W images, and on the gray memory stick screen. But later they completely faded.

It seems the sets made from JAN 06 on have no problems. The 3 TVs sent to me from Crutchfield were all dated prior (Nov, Oct, Dec.). Best Buy must go through stock faster. As long as you get a set dated JAN 06' or newer I don't think you'll have a problem. This review then reflects the working set I now have. The picture quality is outstanding. Unlike DLP’s there is no rainbow effect, better contrast levels and incredible color. Unlike plasma (and like DLP) this set does not have a "burn-in" issue. This TV also doesn't have that horrible smudged look in dimly lit scenes on the actors’ faces as in DLP. The set is rather slim and light as well. You will need a stand that has a deep and wide top shelf.
You can sit as close as 6ft and still enjoy a clear picture without defects. Please understand I haven't connected this set yet to a cable box. I'm only reporting on viewing DVDs thus far. I have a Sony DVD player and the picture is "almost" HD. I'm using a Monster Cable HDMI connection. There is no digital blocking, staggering, or screen door effect.
The sound from the TV’s speakers is a bit thin but if you're going to set a home theater that shouldn't bother anyone.