Sony Bravia 52XBR4
Sony Bravia XBR KDL-52XBR4 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
Manufacturer: Sony
XBR series televisions represent the very best Sony has to offer in high definition viewing.The XBR line of Full HD 1080p televisions incorporates all of Sony's latest technologies (including HDMI v1.3 features such as x.v.Color and Deep Color). Additional features like Motionflow 120Hz enable smoother motion when viewing movies or fast-action sports. BRAVIA Engine PRO with Digital Reality Creation upconverts all interlaced and progressive video signals including HD signals directly to 1080p for amazing detail and sharpness. And it's only fitting that your XBR make a statement not only through breathtaking picture quality, but by taking your breath away with optional color bezels. Now your LCD TV can be as distinct as your own personal style.
Amazon.com 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. |
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 QualityHDTV 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. |
|
|
|
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.
Lowest Used Price: USD 3599.00
Lowest Refurbished Price: USD 2369.82
- 10-bit 16:9 Full HD 1080p Panel (1920x1080)
- Motionflow with FHD 120 Hz high frame rate capability
- BRAVIA Engine PRO & Live Color Creation system
- 1080p Inputs: HDMI (x3), YPbPr (x2), PC
- Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE)
Color: Black
Model: KDL52XBR4
Defective display panel.
This TV works fine for the first 4 months, then a vertical dead line appeared and propagated every day.
Called the Repair center and realized this is a typical problem for this TV. Now it is Olympic time and I have no TV to watch!
Simply DO NOT buy this TV. If you really want to give it a shot, buy it with extended warranty.
I am lucky since this TV broke down while still covered under warranty. If not, be prepared for another 00+ for the display panel replacement.
BTW, as mentioned by someone before, SONY custom service is a disaster!
Garbage
7/22/08:
Just going into week 7 of my new TV,the picture/display was gone. Sony repairman says he has to order a new FB1 mainboard. TV was always connected to a good APC line conditioner/ surge protector, so I doubt any external forces caused the failure. Retailer no help after 30 days, have to go through manufacturer warranty(cringe). 5 years ago, Sony demanded 3 attempts to fix my new home theatre receiver. That took 8 months and never was fixed. Only then did they ship a new unit. But that was 8 months without a unit! With 3K into this TV, I better not go through that again, but willing to bet I do.
8/6/08:
Well guess what. Sony replaces FB1 board today and presto, no picture! Now they will try 2 other parts that will take another 2 weeks to install with no guarantees they will fix problem. I guess no diagnosing here, just throw parts at it till something magically works. This TV sucks.And so does Sony. Here we go again. Needless to say, I don't do Sony again in my lifetime. And I so wanted to watch the Olympic games on this set! No going to happen.
Buy something else!
High Qualiy product from Sony, it's been a while since..
Love this TV. Excellent HDTV video quality. Very good Standard picture (not many TVs of this size can do that). Initial TV configuration is not very straight forward, but once figured - picture is amazing. I wish all Sony products to be like that.
Satisfied!
After dealing with a "less-than-reputable" dealer online for the Sony XBR, I decided to go with Amazon's source for my 52" Sony XBR4. I got a very fair price and excellent delivery service. Communication about the status was excellent and they delivered the TV in a timely manner. The TV is just breathtaking. I purchased a 50" Sony plasma TV years ago and am amazed by the technological improvements in picture quality in just a couple of years. The picture quality and detail are so sharp that it almost looks 3D up on that large 52" screen. Again, I have no regrets going with the Sony knowhow.
Verticle line of dead pixel
I have had this unit for about 3 months now, loved it so far, great pictures, easy to use. 480i pictures actually looks better on this TV than any other televisions I have seen. Yesterday however, I noticed a strip of vertical line on the dead center of the TV that spans from the top to the bottom. It has to be a few pixels wide because I can see it from 25 feet away. So, I called the customer service number listed on the menu, they are going to send an authorized repair person to get it checked out. I am happy with the service, but not happy with the investment choice I made. I paid twice as much for this TV thinking I will not have to go through these product defects.
I will update this post after the authorized personal from Sony looks at it on July 1st.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Got a call from the Sony authorized dealer, they are ordering the LCD panel, will arrive in about two weeks.
