Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-40XBR9 40-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)I will admit up front that I am a complete HDTV newbie.I hung on to a 20 year old, 22 inch CRT color "monitor television" for far too long, in part because I do not watch much television programming (a bit of baseball, PBS, occaisional Law & Order reruns, that sort of thing) and in part because the whole HDTV techno nerd thing was too intimidating.After much online research and a few surreptitious visits to Big Box electronics stores, I finally settled on the 40XBR9 and bought it from an Amazon seller -- and could not be more pleased with my selection.The picture quality is simply riveting.The menus are reasonably user friendly and I have not found it all that difficult to calibrate for optimum results in a softly lighted room. With minor tweaking, the factory defaults work well for most cable television programming. I used the CNET suggested calibration for movies on the 52XBR9, and it works very well on this 40 inch unit.

This is a beautiful television.The bezel is as slim as they come and is an unadorned, moderately glossy black.While it is not a small television, it is not too overbearing for a medium sized bedroom or office.Considering its slender bezel, and the fact that there are no visible speakers, the sound is more than adequate for watching most TV programming.I purchased a ZVOX 525 sound base and an OPPO blu ray player to go with it.I have yet to watch a blu ray disc, but upscaled DVDs like Ratatouille and Wall-E are incredibly crisp, vivid and detailed, with wonderfully natural color, deep, pure blacks and brilliant whites and grey tones. With sound from the ZVOX, this is a wonderful way to enjoy movies in a moderate sized room without an enormous investment of time and money and without a lot of wiring and equipment monopolizing the space.

The one down side is that the XBR9 is not very forgiving of poor quality source material.My local cable provider still offers a limited selection of true HD content.SD television does not fare well on this set, although with some tweaks you can get acceptable picture quality -- ratchet down the sharpness so the poor resolution is not obvious, use a 4:3 aspect ratio rather than 'stretch' the image to fill the screen, so the perspective is not distorted, turn down the brightness and restrict the color range to avoid the exaggerated and artificial hues that seem to be part and parcel of SD TV, and you get a reasonable picture on par with a decent CRT.But once you've seen good quality 16:9 HDTV content, you will be somewhat disappointed with SD sources.

This competes head to head with the high end LCD and "LED" TVs from Samsung.I think it beats them for at least two reasons.First, the Samsung models have a very glossy, "wet look" screen, which is really a distraction.Under some conditions, it gives the picture more "pop," but except in a darkened room, the glare problem is insurmountable.Second, the comparable Samsung televisions have wider and more obtrusive bezels with a brilliant piano black finish, which is made even more garish by Samsung's somewhat ludicrous red "Touch of Color" gimmickry.The Samsung design is like over the top prom wear.The 40XBR9 is the electronics version of the perfect, simple and refined little black dress.

Prices seem to fluctuate wildly -- the prices quoted on the date of this review are about 15% higher than they were when I made my purchase ten days ago.You may want to keep an eye on the market and catch the next wave of "sales."But you won't buy this TV because it is an inexpensive "bargain" -- you may buy it because dollar for dollar, it will give you the most pleasure during the years it will be in service.

TWO MONTHS LATER: Having now had the opportunity to use my Sony 40XBR9 to watch post-season baseball in HD, as well as a number of blu-ray discs, I remain as pleased with my purchase as ever.This has transformed the way we watch movies and cable programming at home.I added a Harmony One remote to the system to avoid the remote control shuffle required to operate the blu-ray player, Zvox, cable box and Sony in tandem.It all works nicely and with a minimum of effort.

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Product Description:
Experience powerful performance and superior design with the Sony BRAVIA XBR9 HDTV, featuring Motionflow 240Hz technology for maximum motion detail and clarity, plus broadband internet connectivity with built-in BRAVIA Internet Video1 capabilities that let you view select on-demand movies, TV shows, music and more, and even lets you personalize your entertainment experience by selecting and positioning widgets containing the latest news, weather, sports and more directly on your TV screen.

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Sony Bravia XBR KDL-52XBR4 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

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(More customer reviews)I don't usually write alot of reviews, but I did a lot of research for this tv purchase.We were upgrading our family room tv from a 35in 720p toshiba tv.We were looking at the 52 inch mark, plasma vs lcd.In a quick review make sure you consider what room you will be placing your new tv into.You are about to spend big bucks make sure you are honest about where these tvs are going or you will be unhappy!
First Plasma vs LCD (This comes from my reading again at higher end plasma vs lcd at the $3000-4000 range 52in-61in)
Plasma
Good
-Clearly plasma edges lcd in contrast.If you are looking for the truest blacks plasma wins hands down
-Long life 80000+ viewing hours
-Some people complain of motion artifact in lcds.The "triple football" effect.Plasma does not seem to have this problem.
-Clearly cheaper than lcd at the 46in+ mark, Significantly cheaper if looking at the 60+ inch

Bad
-Heavy (don't think you are going to mount this baby on the wall yourself
-Screen reflection (Must be in a room with low light to no light to really enjoy) Great for dedicated movie room ...family room with windows not so much.
-Burn in for gamers---I think they are working on this but don't take a chance

LCDs
Good
Maybe not the best for true black, but truly excellent.You won't know unless you are a cnet reviewer.
Light- you can move this with your significant other
No chance of burn in
New 120hz refresh has made ghosting football effect no longer an issue
Now have big computer screen if you want to hook up a pc
No reflection from screen.Works well in rooms with light

Bad
If you are looking at 60+inch tv's the price is crazy for lcd--- go get a plasma or direct view
Not the truest of blacks if you must have the truest of true

Ok so that being said the sony xbr seemed like it fit the bill for me.I needed ~52inch, has to go in family room, must work with xbox/playstation. I also watch lots of football so I had to take that into consideration.

Armed with this I went out looking at tv's.LCD overall fit what I was looking for and as I said unless you are making a dedicated movie room go with lcd.As a note sony believes in lcd tech so much they stopped making plasma screens! Don't know if this is all that but sony usually knows their business.
So going out looking at 52 inch lcds you will run into a few choices---
Sony, Samsung, Toshiba, and Sharp.
Quickly I will note that toshiba and sharp are on the lower end.Less contrast, less hdmi inputs etc...however are usually less money! So be sure to look, but overall the samsung and sony tvs are far superior for a few hundred extra.So if you are reading this you are clearly looking at the xbr sonys.It really came down for me to Sony xbr4 vs the Samsung 71 series.These are really close or even almost the same tvs.The sony xbr4 has 3hdmi, 1:13000 contrast, and 120hz.The samsung 71 also 3hdmi, 120hz, but 1-25000 contrast.The contrast generally considered the amount of true black from the screen.Overall I would say that gave the edge to the samsung and if you read reviews you will see people raving about the samsung vs the sony xbr.However! and this is a big however! Samsung coats their lcd's with a coating that does have a moderate amount of reflection.I have no idea why as this killed it for me.And I am serious that you need to think about the lights in your room.If you have any windows or lights if front of the tv that is what you will be seeing in a plasma or samsung.It will drive you nuts! There is no NO reflection from the xbr4.So ultimately I purchased the xbr4 from amazon. The picture is amazing from my hd tivo to bluray, hd dvd, and standard is well standard.Although numbers say the samsung is better in the real world you will not notice the difference.So I am happy to say this is a five star tv.

Also of note:
Sony offers the xbr5 version of this tv.$400 for a piano gloss black rim.Not worth it to me for plastic.
Samsung also offers an 81 series, with 1:500000, and increased backlights.They are about 1G more than the 71 series and xbrs and if you are looking at high end plasmas, I would take a look at these too. However, same reflective coat.

Decide this isn't for you and want to go plasma... Well I looked at that too.Stick to Panasonic and Pioneer and you can't go wrong.Pioneer kuros hands down the best plasma to date!!!!
Good luck

PS-----I didn't have any problems with amazon white glove.TV was purfect. I was called and two guys unpacked with no problem, even helped move the other tv.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Bravia XBR KDL-52XBR4 52 Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

Product Description:
The Sony BRAVIA XBR KDL-52XBR4 52-inch 1080p LCD Flat Panel HDTV continues Sony's tradition of making outstanding televisions, and with a 52-inch screen, you'll be the envy of all your neighbors. Sony does not hold back with any technologies, and the XBR series is its flagship line--so with the XBR, you know you'll get the best quality home theater experience available.


The KDL-52XBR4 has vibrant colors and a 178-degree viewing angle. View larger. View product demo (requires Flash).

The XBR series delivers beautful visuals while incorporating all of Sony's latest technologies.
View more details. Top-Notch Video Performance
The XBR KDL-52XBR4 is a 1080p television with a full 1920 x 1080 resolution, the highest resolution available for the sharpest, clearest picture. The KDL-52XBR uses the most recent HDMI 1.3 interface, which houses both audio and video signals in one connector and has the bandwidth to support the data needed for the high resolution. Sony's Bravia Engine Pro Full Digital Video Processor upconverts all video signals to 1080p so you can watch all your old DVDs on this glorious display.
Sony complements the high resolution with the latest technology in color reproduction. The KDL-52XBR is a 10-bit display with 10-bit processing. Most panels are only 8-bit. The added bit depth here means a larger color palette for more faithful color reproduction and smoother transitions from one color to the next. Additionally, the display also supports the new x.v.Color standard, which dramatically increases the available color space. The end result is a picture that is so detailed, colorful, and vibrant, you'd have a hard time distinguishing it from real life.
The KDL-52XBR4 features Sony's Motionflow technology, which automatically adjusts for and applies the proper processing for optimal motion reproduction depending on the video input. This includes support for 24 frames per second (24p) video, which displays video content at the 24-frames-per-second rate at which it was originally filmed or recorded. With 24p, you get the most faithful possible reproduction of the original.
A Wide Variety of Inputs
This Sony television's wide variety of inputs ensures compatibility with your other home theater components. There are three HDMI connections for Blu-Ray, HD DVD, and other technologies requiring the high bandwidth, and two component video inputs, three composite video inputs, one S-Video input, one PC Audio and Video input, and five analog audio inputs. Even with a collection of legacy components, you shouldn't have a problem connecting to the KDL-52XBR4.
Stunning Looks
The KDL-52XBR4 not only displays stunning video but is itself a head-turner. It features Sony's unique floating glass frame along with a black bezel that can be interchanged with optional color bezels to match the display to your decor.
Outstanding Ergonomics and Simplicity of Control
Sony's Xross Media Bar interface is an award-winning, intuitive on-screen display that makes setup a breeze, with menus and controls logically laid out for quick access. The KDL-52XBR4 also features Theatre Sync technology, based on the HDMI-CEC standard, which means you can easily connect to and control compatible devices. For example, when the KDL-52XBR4 is connected to a compatible DVD player, you can turn on both the DVD player and the television and start playing a DVD with a single push of a button on the remote. When you're done, another push of a button powers everything down. With Theatre Sync, you can spend time enjoying the movie rather than waste time setting everything up.
More Than Just a Television
Because more and more people expect to view photos on their HDTVs, Sony developed a Photo TV HD mode that optimally sets the sharpness, gradation, and color to make digital photos look like printed photography.
The KDL-52XBR4 is backed by a 1-year limited warranty for parts and labor.

Full HD Quality

HDTV provides up to six times the visual detail of the Standard Definition television. You need an HDTV set, HD sound and a source of HD content to make sure you're really getting HD.

One-step Simplicity

It's easy to setup your HDTV system. A single HDMI cable carries both audio and video signals, while it also banishes confusing setup and cord tangles.

You're Surrounded

HD broadcasting can include up to 7.1 channels of surround sound. A Sony HD Audio system lets you experience every whisper.

Ready for Primetime

You've got the set, now get the shows. HD sports, comedies, dramas, movies and more are available on Broadcast, Cable and Satellite TV.
What's in the Box
KDL-52XBR4 52-inch LCD flat panel HDTV, remote control, 2 AA batteries, AC power cord, operating instructions, quick setup guide, warranty card, table top stand, and support strap.

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Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-46XBR9 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)Just received this last week.Of course, Amazon beat any other pricing by a wide margin - by at least $500 for the cheapest store bought price (on sale) and I even checked some stores on a walk in and they were charging $1,000 above the Amazon price or more.Delivery was free and could not wait to get this set out of the box.I researched a great many LCD's before picking this one.I wanted the very latest technology to ward off obsolesence, at the best price I could find, and am not disappointed one bit by this set.Easy set up, and just with the building's digital antenna, the picture is absolutely outstanding.There are many presets, but with a bit of tweaking, as it appears with most LCDs, you get a terrific picture.You can customize each preset if you wish.Setting adjustments are intuitive and the screen navigation is very easy.Sound is pretty decent as well, although I already have it hooked into my AV.I have already watched sports, television and DVDs and all have been as crisp, vibrant, without drag or latency, as I have ever seen on an LCD this size.The contrast ratio is just unreal and my eyes are still getting used to it.Plenty of input/output options including plenty of HDMI and even ethernet and PC connections.Having Fios HD installed this week and can't wait to see how it looks.So far, am very satisfied and would definitely recommend at the price.Thanks Amazon!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-46XBR9 46 Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV, Black

Product Description:
Experience powerful performance and superior design with the Sony BRAVIA XBR9 HDTV, featuring Motionflow 240Hz technology for maximum motion detail and clarity, plus broadband internet connectivity with built-in BRAVIA Internet Video1 capabilities that let you view select on-demand movies, TV shows, music and more, and even lets you personalize your entertainment experience by selecting and positioning widgets containing the latest news, weather, sports and more directly on your TV screen.

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