Description: Sony Bravia 1920 X 1080 (1080p) 55" Diagonal LCD TV with LED Backlight
Resolution: 1980 X 1366
Dimensions with Stand: See Specifications Here
Power Consumption: 480W
Reviewer: Robert Wiley
Date: April 2009

Test and Optimum Viewing Distance: 15

Up conversion from 480i and 480p: 2:35:1 aspect DVDs should be viewed in the Zoom aspect picture mode controlled by the Wide button on the remote control. While this mode properly displays the aspect of the content, it does soften the picture giving a slightly blurred appearance from the enlarged image. This was one of the only drawbacks from the XBR8's picture. Aside from that the Bravia Engine 2 processed signals extremely well.

A scene from 480i input from Braveheart shows off the contrast of this LED backlit TV as daylight penetrates illuminating the veil of the princess. But notice that the image is overly soft due to using the Zoom aspect ratio to gain the correct sizing alternative.

720p/1080i/1080p Picture Quality: One feature that we found very necessary was the Noise reduction feature. See explanation here.

Once turning on this setting option, the picture was crisp and clear with very little about which to complain. There is bright color, great contrast and black levels and most surprising to us – plasma-like viewing angles. There was some false contouring in dark on bright areas of the picture. This "mapping" of dark matter will not be noticed if one is 15 feet or more from the television. However, it is noticeable from a closer distance. Other than that, another defining plasma-like characteristic is depth perception with HD signals which is excellent.

In this scene from The Fifth Element notice the false contouring in dark blotchy areas of the tunnel.

In this scene from The Fifth Element see the beautiful color definition and contrast provided by the XBR8's Triluminous LED Backlight.

Black Level: Our post calibration contrast measurement was a fairly impressive 228 to 1. While this still is well short of many top tier plasma TVs which we've measured at 700 to 1, it is a very good result for an LCD television. See our full calibration report here. I was surprised by how deep and penetrating the blacks were on this LED TV – perhaps the best black levels we've seen on an LCD though a couple of new Samsung LCDs may rival them.

Dark Shadow Detail: No complaints in this department aside from the occasional mapping issue. Dark areas of images were detailed and easily discernible.

See the excellent dark shadow detail in this HD Dolby Digital test disk image of 9 Inch Nails in concert.

Color Rendition/Color Accuracy: The Sony Bravia XBR8 dialed in nicely to D6500 and color information appeared natural and not over baked like so many expensive LCDs. At times we found ourselves pleasantly glued to a scene just enjoying the realistic, colorful images.

Notice the variation and realism of the flesh tones in this HD image from our Dolby test disk.

Viewing Angle/Off Axis Viewing: The XBR8 has the best viewing angle capability we've seen on an LCD. We estimated that contrast does not start to degrade until about 75 degrees – a superb plasma-like result – especially for an LCD TV.

Motion Lag: There was some notable jerkiness when the camera panned from side to side. Sony does not give a clear option for accessing the 120Hz processing. Instead, they give a few advanced picture settings such as Motion Enhancer and Game Modes. So, it was impossible to know whether we were viewing images in 60Hz or 120Hz. We thought the XBR8 did a good job with reduction of motion lag during fast moving scenes. It would be nice to clearly be able to turn the 120hz processing off if wanted – to see the difference.

Video Features: We do not normal recommend using many of the "enhancing" features present on todays TVs which typically add video noise. However, the Noise Reduction option on the XBR8 is a favorable feature. We recommend placing it on the medium setting which greatly helps to reduce background motion artifacts without softening the picture too much.

Video Aspect Ratio Sizing: The Wide button on the remote controls aspect ratio options. There are more aspect ratio options for HDMI input content including Wide, Wide Zoom, Normal, Full, H Stretch, Zoom.

Inputs: 4 HDMI inputs round out a complete enough set of input options. Has Firewire and USB port as well as a CAT 5 input jack.

Aesthetic Considerations: While an attractive TV, there are no real design style improvements over past models. One drawback we immediately noticed in the XBR8 is the 6" depth cabinet which is no doubt caused by the new LED lighting system. Still, that is a bulky depth especially if wall mounting. The speakers now are housed on the sides of the "floating" glass. The wide bezel and glass create a little glare from ambient lighting though the screen itself does a good job reducing glare.

Remote Control/Menu Funtionality: The Xross Media Bar menu system is a cool looking if not a little quirky to use at first. Once accustomed to it, it is a fun little feature scrolling through the numerous advanced settings which for the most part you will want to avoid. One that you do want to turn on is the Noise Reduction function. It's annoying to have to scroll through inputs each time one needs to change input sources (for instance from HDMI to composite). We would like to see discrete input buttons on the remote control.

Audio Output: We felt the sound was flat without enough definition when listening to the Ramsey Lewis Jazz Ensemble in our HD test disc. There was no crispness in the high hat. Sound output was dull and the speakers did not put out sufficient volume for the size.

Features: There is a new Video Game mode as well as Bravia Sync option for communicating with other Sony equipment.

Note: At 480watts the Bravia 55BXR8 uses close to the same power as a plasma TV of the same size. It's an energy guzzler, but it does not get hot to the touch.

Price Considerations: At $5500 this LCD is a pricey option. The Samsung LN55A950 is a similar LED backlit LCD and costs about $1000 less. The Sharp Aquos LC52XS1U-S is a premium priced $10K plus model also with LED backlighting and other premium features. The playing field will narrow somewhat soon with LG entering this size LED backlit LCD market, but for now that's the whole competitive landscape if you take plasma out of the picture.

LCDs which are not LED backlit, may not have the viewing angle or deep blacks that this unit does but will sell for half the price. A 58" top of the line Plasma TVs with similar picture quality will sell for around half the price as well.

The picture is certainly excellent especially the black levels, and viewing angles which are so important to viewing pleasure. Color information while not the best we've seen was also good. Drawbacks include the cabinet depth at 6 inches, the surprising poor audio quality from the built in speakers, and the occasional scaling mistake from lower resolutions.

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Rating scale from 70 (denoting poorest quality) to 100 (signifying the very best quality). A rating in the 60s for any particular category of a product review indicates a serious defect which causes the product not to operate properly. Picture quality is double-weighted in the Overall Rating Score calculation.

Review Equipment Used: Sony Blu Ray BDP-S1 High Definition DVD player, Sony DVP-S50 DVD player, Sencore Color Pro 5000, Sencore Auto Cal Pro, Sencore signal generator.

This review format and all of the headings, sub headings and paragraph titles are part of a copyrighted process. Any unauthorized reproduction or use, either in full or in part, of this product review format is expressly prohibited.

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A shot of an SI Swimsuit edition clip of Marissa Miller on the set - available from the Sony XBR's Bravia Internet connection.

Test and Optimum Viewing Distance: 15 feet

See full
calibration results

Calibration Notes: The XBR9 was more difficult to calibrate than many recent TVs. There is error occuring in varying ire points creating a condundrum in where to tighten up color and where to just allow it to fall where it will. Gain controls may only be reduced on the XBR9, when we needed to drive blue up. We ended up with error in the 40, 50, 60 range opting to let the middle float and keep the ends of the scale on scale. Off axis viewing dramatically affects blacks and grays when calibrating - making calibration difficult when color shifts at varying angles. See Viewing Angle section for more.

Sony KDL-52XBR9 Picture Settings
Backlight	7
Picture	85
Brightness	55
Color	49
Hue	R1
Color Temp	Warm 1
Sharpness	Minimum
Noise Reduction	Off
Motion Flow	On
For complete picture settings including white balance settings, see the calibration page.

See full HQV
test results

720p/1080i/1080p Picture Quality: HD picture quality was much crisper and colors are more saturated. Blacks become slightly hazy at side angles but straight appear plenty saturated. I beleive the anti glare technology introduced into the LCD panel creates most of the weakness issues with color calibrations and off angle viewing. Dont misunderstand, the HD picture from Blu Ray and Broadcast HD was clear, vivid and colorful as always, but alas the image does not appear as deep as some of the better pictures we've viewing lately.

Arnold in a scene from the Blu Ray version of Predator. There was a lack of depth in the picture presentation from the XBR9 LCD - even from HD sources.

480i DVD and Broadcast Viewing: Generally, we were not all that impressed with the picture quality with 480i signals. Since the majority of programming we watch is not HD, this is an important consideration. While the 240Hz feature did a nice job at times with smoothing out side to side panning, there was still jerkiness present at times. We were pleased that the 240Hz feature did not introduce the cardboard cutout effect that occurs with some TVs with high Hz rate processing. Colors did not pop enough, and the picture was generally too subdued and dark when viewing a lot of 480i programming. And lastly, there was a good bit of grain/motion artifacts visible. During 480 HQV processor testing we noted average noise reduction which coincided with our content viewing.

See full Contrast
measurements

Black Level/Contrast: Post calibration ANSI contrast measured an unexceptional 148:1. That's a lazy figure for today's better TV set. Black levels can appear oversaturated and hazy at the same time with some 480i images - hampering shadow detail. Rich, deep blacks may be found with the best HD content out there - but they are not a common feature of this TV.

This scene from Kill Bill presents difficult issues between brightness, black levels and dark shadow detail options.

Dark Shadow Detail: Oversaturation of blacks in dark scenes causes loss of shadow detail at times especially with normal broadcast or 480i programming. With HD content this issue pretty much goes away the the TV does a good job.

Color Rendition/Color Accuracy: Flesh tones appeared quite realistic after calibration, but all colors seem too subdued. Despite not being able to dial into D6500 perfectly during calibration, we didnt find many problems with color presentation.

Viewing Angle/Off Axis Viewing: There is a big problem with color and contrast loss when viewing this set from just 25 degrees above the center axis. Grayscale colors change, and contrast decreases. When viewing from direct eye level, this occurs from side angle viewing starting between 35 and 40 degrees. The TV can be viewed from severe side angles, but contrast is reduced and colors will be less rich and less accurate.

Notice the color introduction and variation at angles compared to center axis of this split grayscale ramp used during our calibration excercizes.

Motion Lag: There was some shutter effect (picture shaking) with 480i signals, but overall the 240Hz Motionflow feature did a nice job of reducing, but not eliminating, side to side jerkiness found with so many LCD TVs.

False Contouring/ Mapping: We noted only slight banding and false contouring during HQV stadium seating testing.

Obviously one of the major features of this TV is the 240Hz option. The fact that we could actually use this feature with film and broadcast programming without unwelcomed background information is a major plus. This prevents having to flip the feature off and on depending on viewing content, which is the case with some other branded TVs with the high Hz rate. However, the 240Hz rate Motionflow feature was not as powerful as on some branded TVs with the same feature, therefore the XBR9 did not do as effective a job of cutting out motion lag and side to side judder effect. There is the now standard inclusion of a USB port for digital pics and videos from Sony cameras or flash memory drives. TV guide on screen is another present feature which gives the option of a guide with over-the-air antenna or with cable service but without the cable box. Internet features are discussed below.

Internet Connectivity: Use the inbuilt LAN connection to connect to the Bravia Internet Video, which serves as a gateway to select Internet conent including some on-demand options. These include CBS, Sports Illustrated, Netflix (coming soon), and Amazon on Demand. Why anyone would want to watch a 45 second clip from varying CBS shows we're not sure. These appear more like advertising for CBS to get people interested in their network television series. Some of these options may actually be useful in the future and not just good for a quick run through. Bravia Internet widgets allow the user to access proprietary weather, stock, and news information through the Internet.

A nice shot of Marissa Miller being shot for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition - one of the more interesting options available on the XBR9's Bravia Internet Access.

The SI option in full.

Inputs: 4 HDMI, 2 component, a LAN connection for Internet, and a 15 pin VGA connection, USB port.

Aesthetic Considerations: The XBR9 has simplisticly beautiful aesthetics with the thin gloss black bezel framing measuring only 1.25 inches in width. This type of design does not take away from the on screen picture and allows for considerably flexible when planning a space for the TV.

Remote Control/Menu Functionality: There are ample keys on the backlit remote control. Buttons are a good size and easy to use once you get used to placement. The Xcross Bar menu system is getting a little dated. While the it looks nice, I find it slow and cumbersome to use. There are tons of options to play with in the varying menus on this TV.

Audio Output: We found the speakers very powerful for a thin TV with a small frame. Volume at the 30% level was plenty ample to fill our review room. Seperation between background noise and voice seemed much better on this TV than most we review.

Video Aspect Ratio Sizing: The wide button in the remote controls video aspect ratio with options zoom, wide zoom, normal, 4:3 and full.

At $2200 this is a fairly pricey LCD for its quality and feature set. The Samsung LN-52B750 doesnt beat it by much in price at around $2100 with an almost identical feature set. The LG 55LH55 is also very comperable and at $1700 competes very well on price. The SharpLC-52E77U LCD is a good competitor at $1600. Even though it has a 120Hz rate you really cant see a difference between 120Hz and 240Hz. And let's include a good ole plasma in the equation. How about a SamsungPN50B650. Since plasma TVs have a naturally high Hz rate they normally easily beat LCDs in the motion lag category. At $1200 this is a tough competitor even considering the 2" difference.

Rating scale from 70 (denoting poorest quality) to 100 (signifying the very best quality). A rating in the 60s for any particular category of a product review indicates a serious defect which causes the product not to operate properly. Picture quality is double-weighted in the Overall Rating Score calculation.

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The Sony Bravia KDL-46X2000 is the biggest set to date from Sony’s so-far exceptional new Bravia range. Second, it’s the first set to emerge from Sony’s new flagship Bravia ‘X’ Series and so comes packing a notably fuller feature set. Finally and most significantly, it’s the first TV from Sony to sport a ‘full HD’ resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels.
Few mainstream brands do classy looks better than Sony, and the 46X2000 is no exception, looking just peachy in its pitted inner and transparent outer frames.

There are two HDMI inputs, this doubles the HDMI quotient of Sony’s current S and V Bravia series, and even better, it turns out the HDMIs are both capable of taking in the new ultra high quality 1080p HD format set to become such a hot potato with the launch of Blu-ray and HD DVD, the set also has two HD-capable component video jacks. Four HD connections in total.

The 46X2000’s prohibitive cost and occasional problems with standard definition pictures arguably don’t make it the sort of ‘all rounder’ that might suit casual TV viewers. But if you take TV and home cinema seriously and intend to embrace every facet of the current high definition revolution, it’s hard to think of a TV better equipped to make your HD dreams come true.

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The KDL-20S2020 is from a big name, Sony, but it’s for sure not a big HDTV. The Sony KDL-20S2020 measures just 20-inches, it’s compact size is probably aimed for use as a second TV or for the kids room or study, or just if you don’t like those big sets taking up your living room space.
TrustedReviews have taken a look at the 20-inch KDL-20S2020 and say, Inevitably given the set’s HD Ready status there are single HDMI and component options for digital and analogue HD sources respectively. There’s also a D-Sub PC jack - far from a given at this screen size - and even a CAM (CableCard) slot for adding subscription TV services that reveals the presence of a built-in digital tuner.

A native resolution of 1,366 x 768 rounds out the TV’s HD Ready status, for starters. But we’re also impressed by a claimed contrast ratio of 1200:1 (a figure that shames many TVs twice the size) and a claimed response time of 8ms, which will hopefully mean this Sony handles motion much more ably than most of its small-screen counterparts.

There’s no doubt that upwards of £450 is a fairly steep price to pay for a 20in LCD TV when you can get one or two 26in models for around the same money these days. But whereas those cheapo 26in models tend to sacrifice performance quality for price, Sony has defiantly chosen to go for broke in performance terms, producing in the process quite possibly the finest 20in LCD picture performance yet.

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The budgetend Bravia S-Series LCD TV range will include the 40-inch KLV-40S200A, the 32-inch KLV-32S200A, the 26-inch KLV-26S200A and the 23-inch KLV-23S200A.

These models feature a 1366 X 768 pixels screen resolution and are equipped with bottom speakers a single HDMI input, personal computer input along with two component, two S-Video and three composite inputs.

The Bravia KLV-40S200A, KLV-32S200A, KLV-26S200A and KLV-23S200A models will be available in September at suggested selling prices of $2,999.99, $1,899.99, $1,499.99 and $1,299.99 respectively

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Next up in the Bravia line is the Bravia V2500 Series which includes the 40-inch KDL-40V2500 and the 46-inch KDL-46V2500.

These 1920 X 1080 native HD resolution models are equipped with dual HDMI inputs with 1080p capability and the Bravia Engine and Live Color Creation technologies.

The black bezel, V2500 models feature a space-saving bottom speaker design that helps the sets fit easily into existing AV cabinets. Other features include a digital amplifier with SRS-TruSurround XT and BBE Digital Audio Enhancement technologies, a PC input, two HD components, two S-video and three composite inputs.

The Bravia V2500 KDL-46V2500 and KDL-40V2500 models will ship in late September. No pricing was announced by the company.

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The new Bravia XBR models feature 1920 X 1080 screen resolution, Bravia Engine Pro and three HDMI inputs with 1080p capability. The 46-inch KDL-46XBR2 and 40-inch KDL-40XBR2 feature a silver bezel with an elegant floating glass design.

These models also feature a built-in ATSC tuner, personal computer input, two HD component, one S-video and three composite inputs.

The Bravia KDL-46XBR2 and KDL-40XBR2 models will be available later this month for suggested selling prices of $5,499.99 and $4,499.99, respectively.

Rounding out the Bravia XBR line is the 32-inch KDL-V32XBR2 model featuring a 1366 X 768 screen resolution. It is equipped with Sony’s Bravia Engine and Live Color Creation. The set’s narrow, two-tone, black and silver bezel incorporates invisible bottom speakers with SRS-TruSurroundXT and BBE Digital Enhancement technology.

Other features include a built-in ATSC tuner, single HDMI and PC inputs, as well as two HD components, two S-video and three composite inputs.

The Bravia XBR KDL-V32XBR2 set ships in September and is expected to retail for $2,399.99.

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The Sony KDS-60A2000 has tighter dimensions than earlier Sony SXRD rear-projection televisions, thanks to Sony’s wise decision to move the speakers from the sides to the bottom. Its big 60-inch screen is surrounded by a thin, black frame that’s set forward from the mostly silver cabinet. A subtle strip of translucent blue-green runs the width of the cabinet’s front, sitting above the perforated silver speaker panels and a flip-down door that hides a few principal controls as well as a set of inputs.

The Sony KDS-60A2000 delivered excellent picture quality, with deep black levels, plenty of detail in shadows, exemplary grayscale tracking, and excellent overall detail. Its color reproduction isn’t as accurate as we’d like, and it has some issues with standard-def processing, but overall, it’s still one of the best 1080p HDTVs we’ve tested.

The KDS-60A2000 exhibited excellent white- and gray-field uniformity for a three-chip display, varying very little in color across the screen, although its middle was brighter in relation to the corners of the screen when compared to the single-chip Panasonic DLP.

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The KDS-R70XBR2 is part of Sony’s second generation lineup of XBR-class SXRD displays. Although it’s not exactly cheap at $7800, this is a far cry from the $13K required to take home the original 70″ SXRD RPTV, the Qualia 006. And this set has a newer, smaller SXRD chip (for better fill factor), and a dynamic iris. The flagship XBR series’ separate themselves from the A2000 series with the addition of a front panel HDMI input, detachable speakers, and a CableCARD HD tuner. This set also includes 1080p input capability. And since SXRD is a three-chip technology, there’s no color wheel, just smooth, continuous color with no rainbows.

This set was on display at HE 2006, and even under show conditions it looked, big, bright and righteous. A pre-production Sony BDP-S1 Blu-ray Disc player was the source, with a continuous loop of clips from Sony Pictures movies. While other details aren’t known, we were allegedly seeing 1080p from the player to the display. Although this is certainly a short exposure under less than ideal conditions, the images I saw definitely reminded me of the Qualia 006, which I was fortunate to have reviewed over a year ago. I looked at this set at HE 2006 with a discerning colleague and fellow ISF calibrator and video reviewer.

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The Sony KDS-R60XBR2 is the successor of the highly-acclaimed Sony XBR-Series, Sonys flagship Grand WEGAâ„¢ XBR-Series projection televisions carry on the legacy of its predecessor.

The KDS-R60XBR2 has the same SXRD technoloy, the XBR®2-Series picture captures movement with unprecedented accuracy, and the Advanced Iris function provides superior contrast (up to 10,000:1).

The XBR® Series has WEGA Engine HDâ„¢ video processing technology for refined high definition picture quality. Available in more sizes than the previous series and includes three HDMI inputs (1080p) for uncompressed audio/video interface between TV and compatible external components. Bigger, brighter and better than ever, Sony’s KDS-R60XBR2 provides the Full HD 1080p experience with stunning detail, film-like images, and crisp, smooth motion.

KDS-R60XBR2 Features:
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Screen Size: 60\”1
Auto SAP: Yes
Channel Fix: Yes
ID1 Detection: Yes
Video Label: Yes

Video
High Definition: Yes (Full HD 1080)
Native Resolution: 1080p
Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Display Response Time: 2.5ms (rise and fall)
Vertical Size: Yes
Vertical Center: Yes
Horizontal Center: Yes

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The Sony KDF-55E2000 Grand WEGA 55″ 3LCD Rear Projection HDTV is surrounded by a compact, two color exterior with subtly located twin speakers. The KDF-55E2000 is the larger 55-inch version of the Grand WEGAâ„¢ 3LCD rear projection range from Sony.
The 3LCD technology gives the KDF-55E2000 natural color reproduction, high-detail picture quality at impressive brightness levels. The KDF-55E2000 has great connectivity through two HDMI inputs, PC input, component and S-Video inputs, and can provide exceptional image quality though almost any connected device.

The Sony KDF-55E2000 55″ Grand WEGA is available now for $2,299.99

KDF-55E2000 Specifications:
Viewing Angle: 130° Horizontal / 60° Vertical (Recommended Viewing Angle)
Panel Type: LCD Chip Size = 0.73″
Native Resolution: 1280 x 720
Noise Reduction: Yes
Speed Surfâ„¢ Channel Selection: Yes

Video Features
Screen or Display Technology: 3LCD
Video Processing: WEGA Engineâ„¢ System
Video Processing: DRC-MF V1 (Digital Reality Creation MultiFunction V1) technology
Tuner: ATSC (8VSB terrestrial) with QAM on Cable
Color System: NTSC
DRC® Mode: Yes
DRC® Palette Presets: Yes
Advanced Iris control

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The Sony Bravia KDL46XBR2 is a Full HD 1080p 46-inch widescreen LCD from Sony. The KDL46XBR2 has a very high resolution of 1920 x 1080 which is the best form of HD for an amazing image quality. The Bravia is powered by Sony’s BRAVIA Engine Pro video proccessor which optimizes the video signal and produced a crisp, detailed and sharp colored images for both HD content and standard content.

The KDL46XBR2 has an impressive number of three HDMI inputs for great connectivity of perfect image quality, along with two component inputs, s-video and PC connection so the KDL46XBR2 can be used as a computer monitor. There is a built in HD (ATSC) tuner, so you don’t need to purchase an additional receiver.

HDMIâ„¢ and PC connectivity: The HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI technology supports enhanced or high-definition video, together with multi-channel digital audio to provide matchless image and sound reproduction. BRAVIA XBR Series TVs include three HDMI 1080/60p inputs. The PC input allows you to use your high resolution BRAVIA XBR-Series digital TV as a computer monitor.

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The TAV-L1 all-in-one home theater system features a motorized audio unit that with a push of a button automatically slides down, revealing a 32-inch LCD flat-panel HDTV.

The combination LCD TV/home theater system incorporates a slot-loading DVD/CD/SACD player, two powerful vibration canceling subwoofers, Sony’s S-Master® digital amplifier, and Sony’s S-Force® Pro virtual surround sound processing for realistic surround sound without rear speakers.In an industry first, Sony will be integrating a high-definition 32-inch LCD television into a cutting-edge home theater system. It features an audio unit with a single-disc DVD/CD/SA-CD player and a digital amplifier. Additionally, it slides up or down to conceal or reveal the LCD.

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The Sony KDL-46X2000U is a 46-incher with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and, importantly, can handle and display a 1080p high-def signal.

The olderKDL-46V2000 (note the V & not the X), which has the same size screen but with a 1366×768 resolution, reveals an enhanced “BRAVIA Engine EX”. Not only does this engine assist in displaying all high-def resolutions, but it also claims to vastly improve standard-definition pictures by upscaling them up to 4 times.

“The X Series embodies exactly what the new wave of Sony TVs are all about,” said Jonathan White, General Manager, TV Marketing. “Technology-driven, certainly, but completely focused on only one thing: the best possible HD experience for the viewer. That’s really all that matters.”

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Sony has posted ship dates and new lower prices for its A2000 line of HDTVs, (no word on the XBR models yet, only the SXRD). They seem to feature two HDMI ports, include both NTSC & ATSC tuners and feature true 1080p input support.

50″ SXRD KDS-50A2000 - $2,799.99
55″ SXRD KDS-55A2000 - $3,299.99
60″ SXRD KDS-60A2000 - $3,699.99

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The Sony Bravia KDL-V32XBR1 offers some interesting high-end features that help explain its high price. However, its image quality, though generally good, falls short of what you see on some less expensive LCD TVs.

The big attraction of the Sony Bravia KDL-V32XBR1 is its well-conceived physical design. Details like the CableCard slot and the neatly secured remote battery compartment make this a TV that would be easy to live with. And, if you have use for the more unusual features, such as the Memory Stick input, the Sony Bravia KDL-V32XBR1 may be well worth your money. However, other recently tested TVs, such as the Samsung LN-S3251D and the Vizio L32HDTV mentioned above, delivered better image quality for a lower financial outlay.

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Sony BRAVIA KDL-32V2000, it’s all very well having great picture processing technology going on behind the scenes - but the panel itself is of course equally important. The 8ms panel is excellent and if you’re watching films, I think it’s safe to say that you won’t see any motion-blurred images whatsoever - blur on the new BRAVIA is reduced to a trace. If you play a fast 60fps video game, you might notice some very slight blurring in very dark areas of the picture, but that’s neither unbearable nor unexpected. In this regard it’s much better than the 2004 LCD WEGA I’ve been used to - a huge improvement in a short space of time. Perhaps in another 2 years we’ll have 100% ghost-free panels?

It took them enough time, but Sony of Europe eventually gave us a European version of a BRAVIA LCD that’s worth cheering about. It’s not perfect connectivity wise, but everything that’s important is here (even if I will need to spend even more money on a switch box). Yes, it’s ridiculous that on a TV this expensive, I still need to make use of a Component video switch, but the picture quality and black levels make up for it, so I’m very happy.


Although it can be tempting to go for a TV that costs £100-200 less - and there are some very good alternatives out there that DO include 2 HDMI inputs, such as the new JVC LCDs - I do recommend that people go for a BRAVIA instead. With developing technology, you do of course get what you pay for, and since Sony operate a number of fairly tempting cashback schemes - effective when buying other selected Sony electronics or a SKY HD subscription - the extra expense could soon be forgotten.

* Excellent picture quality
* Surprisingly good Digital TV performance once tweaked
* Deep reds and greens
* Very good image scaling
* Per-input settings
* Adjustable backlight that can drop to VERY low levels - excellent black levels
* Incredible Comb filtering (for Composite video material)
* Clean OSD
* 1:1 input over VGA

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Sony’s entry-level 50-inch 2005 Grand WEGA, the KDF-E50A10 ($2,499 list). Grand WEGA is Sony’s name for its LCD-based rear-projection HDTVs, and 3LCD is likewise nothing new. It just means that the television’s picture originates from a set of three LCD chips as opposed to the single-chip design used in competing DLP (digital light processing) HDTVs. LCD and DLP both have their pros and cons, and while we generally prefer DLP, LCD has made some strides over the last couple years. The Sony KDF-E50A10 exhibits a few of these improvements as well as a solid feature set, a reasonable price tag, a refreshingly compact frame, and the company nameplate–a combination sure to place it high on the big-screen popularity list.

After setup, we were left with an impressive picture. The Sony KDF-E50A10’s black-level performance is its strongest suit, although it’s still not as good as that of last year’s 720p DLP RPTVs, such as Samsung’s HLP-5085W and Mitsubishi’s WD-52525. The opening scenes of the Alien DVD revealed clean blacks with very little low-level noise, which not long ago was a major issue with LCD-based
displays. The Superbit version of the Vertical Limit DVD looked good, with strong color saturation and plenty of detail. With the CineMotion setting engaged, the television did a good job of eliminating artifacts in film-based material.

The Sony KDF-E50A10 did a solid job of displaying most of the resolution of a 720p resolution test pattern from our Sencore VP403 signal generator into the HDMI input, which is something many RPTVs have had trouble with. HD material from our DirecTV HD satellite feed looked good. Colors were deeply saturated, skin tones were rendered naturally, and detail was also commendable.

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Sony’s KDE-W50A12U Let’s face it, plasma costs a lot of money, and for the general buying public the price differential between similar sized LCD HDTVs is hardly enough to justify the increasingly marginal benefits the more expensive set offers. Still, we know we can count on Sony to drop a good 50-inch HDTV like their KDE-W50A12U, which TrustedReviews took a look at and for whatever reason declared Sony’s last plasma (which we thought was a misreported rumor refuted years ago). Still, the TV has as a native 1,366 x 768 pixel count with HDMI, component, and three SCART inputs, and a digital tuner to boot. But while TR seemed to think it was a great display, a 50-inch Sony TV that could run you as much as £4,500 (about $8,400 US) is becoming increasingly difficult to justify in the world of affordable home theater rigs that in their entirety wouldn’t cost as much as this display alone.

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Sony’s KDL-V40XBR1 BRAVIA XBR With Integrated HDTV capabilities, the user can enjoy digital programming with enhanced audio and video reproduction. Watch your living room come to life with Sony’s 40 KDL-V40XBR1 BRAVIA XBR® LCD Flat Panel HDTV.

LCD TVs offer more pixels per given screen size than any other consumer display technology, and the 40-inch Sony Bravia KDL-V40XBR1. LCD TV will generate admiring gazes when displaying high-definition material. When it came to the standard-definition viewing experience in the lab, however, the V40XBR1 required a few adjustments from its default settings before it could match the performance of less-expensive (albeit slightly smaller) alternatives.

The V40XBR1’s black bezel is nearly two inches wide and matte-finished to reduce ambient light reflections. The silver trim that encircles the V40XBR1 provides a subtle and pleasing contrast to the bezel and screen. Permanently attached speakers are concealed beneath a cloth-covered grille that runs the length of the lower edge of the display.The TV’s remote control is slender and comfortable to hold and operate with one hand. The remote’s construction and tactile feedback felt solid, but the lack of full backlighting made its use in dimly lit environments difficult.

A USB port on the side of the V40XBR1 allows for easy on-screen access to pictures, music, and video files stored on flash media. The TV integrates a CableCard slot as well as analog and digital broadcast tuners. The assortment of A/V inputs include three component video connections (one conveniently located on the left side of the TV), a VGA input, and one HDMI input. The lone HDMI input is disappointing. An increasing number of HD cable and satellite set-top boxes offer HDMI output, and almost every upscaling DVD player delivers the resulting HD video signal over a digital connection. It’s difficult to recommend a modern TV at any price that fails to provide at least two digital video inputs.

Regardless of the video signal’s format (480i/p, 720p, 1080i) or menu settings on the TV, the V40XBR1’s ability to reduce noise in scenes with dark detail couldn’t match the prowess of less-expensive options such as the ViewSonic N3760w or the HP Pavilion LC3700N. Granted, the ViewSonic and HP TVs are three inches smaller (measured diagonally), but they also list for about $1,500 less than the V40XBR1. In terms of features, the LC3700N is nearly identical to the V40XBR1, and it provides a second digital video input.

Out of the box, the Bravia KDL-V40XBR1 delivered some of the most disappointing standard-definition imagery I’ve seen on any TV to date. Sure, the V40XBR1 looked admirably good when displaying high-definition video, but high-quality source material is a best-case scenario for any HDTV. I doubt most V40XBR1 owners will go to the trouble of digging through the TV’s menus in search of settings that may dramatically improve image quality with standard-definition sources such as DVD players and regular TV. Unfortunately, they really need to.

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