September 2006
First Look: Sony Bravia LCD HDTV
New 40-inch KDL-40XBR2 LCD TV offers fine picture quality and a big screen
As interest in flat-panel TVs soars, larger LCD models are grabbing market share from plasma TVs, which have traditionally
ruled the 40-inch-and-larger business. Sony's Bravia KDL-40XBR1 high-definition TV was the highest-rated 40-inch LCD in our
most recent tests.
We've just completed preliminary tests on a new 40-inch Sony, the KDL-40XBR2. It carries over many of the previous model's attributes, such as the elegant "floating glass" bezel design, while adding a few new wrinkles, notably 1080p resolution. With 1920x1080 pixels, the XBR2 can display all the detail in a 1080i HD signal; 720p sets like the XBR1, which have about half as many pixels, have to downconvert such signals.
Our preliminary tests indicate that it continues the XBR Series' tradition of marrying high-style design with outstanding picture quality and a full complement of connections and features, albeit at a premium price, $3,500.
PROS
Top picture quality. The KDL-40XBR2 produces an impressive high-definition picture, with very fine detail, deep blacks, and very good contrast and color.
Better-than-average viewing angle. The XBR2 model has a better-than-average viewing angle--traditionally an LCD weakness--for improved off-axis viewing.
Many ways to connect. Three HDMI inputs, plus two component-video inputs, give you five HD-capable connections, more than most TVs offer. There's also an RGB input for using the display as a computer monitor.
Stylish, eye-catching design. The floating-glass design features a glass frame that extends completely around the perimeter of TV. The TV comes with a silver bezel, but it can be customized with optional colored frames in five colors--white, blue, black, red, and brown-to suit your taste or decor. The swappable frames are $300 each.
Good ergonomics, remote control. Rear-panel labeling is clear and easy to read. The remote fits nicely in the hand and has a streamlined design that's easy to use, except in low light (see below).
CONS
Expensive. At $3,500, the KDL-40XBR2 is among the most expensive 40-inch, 1080p LCD TVs we've seen. In comparison, Sony's own V-series KDL-40V2500-a 1080p model with two HDMI inputs--is priced about $500 less.
Wider than most LCDs. Due to the TV's unique design and side-mounted speakers, the TV is almost 44 inches wide, several inches wider than most flat panels with this screen size.
Remote hard to see in low-light environments. The lack of backlit or glow-in-the-dark keys makes using the TV difficult in low-light environments.
No CableCard slot--for the few people who need one. Since there's no CableCard slot, you'll need a cable box to receive HD programs and premium content. However, CableCard's one-way design means you'd need a box anyway to get interactive cable features, such as on-screen program guides and video on demand.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Sony's KDL-40XBR2 is a stylish LCD TV that would be a good choice if you value looks as well as high performance. It has top-notch picture quality, and thanks to its 1080p resolution, it can produce very sharp detail when displaying high-definition TV shows and movies. However, image quality with standard-definition content was only average, so don't assume the higher resolution will improve regular TV programming as well.
If you want a 1080p set but would rather spend less, consider Westinghouse's 42-inch LVM-42W2, which costs $2,000. In our most recent tests, this 1080p model displayed very good HD picture quality but less precise color accuracy than the XBR2, and it has a single HDMI input. The Westinghouse is a monitor with no built-in tuner or CableCard slot, so you'll you need a cable box, satellite receiver, or external digital tuner and antenna to get any
However, you can also get fine picture quality in a 720p set. Among 40-inch LCDs with 720p resolution (1366x768), the JVC LT-40X787, $2,800, and Sony Bravia KDL-40S2000, $2,300, both did very well in our latest tests. For additional TV recommendations, see our Ratings (available to subscribers).
We've just completed preliminary tests on a new 40-inch Sony, the KDL-40XBR2. It carries over many of the previous model's attributes, such as the elegant "floating glass" bezel design, while adding a few new wrinkles, notably 1080p resolution. With 1920x1080 pixels, the XBR2 can display all the detail in a 1080i HD signal; 720p sets like the XBR1, which have about half as many pixels, have to downconvert such signals.
Our preliminary tests indicate that it continues the XBR Series' tradition of marrying high-style design with outstanding picture quality and a full complement of connections and features, albeit at a premium price, $3,500.
PROS
Top picture quality. The KDL-40XBR2 produces an impressive high-definition picture, with very fine detail, deep blacks, and very good contrast and color.
Better-than-average viewing angle. The XBR2 model has a better-than-average viewing angle--traditionally an LCD weakness--for improved off-axis viewing.
Many ways to connect. Three HDMI inputs, plus two component-video inputs, give you five HD-capable connections, more than most TVs offer. There's also an RGB input for using the display as a computer monitor.
Stylish, eye-catching design. The floating-glass design features a glass frame that extends completely around the perimeter of TV. The TV comes with a silver bezel, but it can be customized with optional colored frames in five colors--white, blue, black, red, and brown-to suit your taste or decor. The swappable frames are $300 each.
Good ergonomics, remote control. Rear-panel labeling is clear and easy to read. The remote fits nicely in the hand and has a streamlined design that's easy to use, except in low light (see below).
CONS
Expensive. At $3,500, the KDL-40XBR2 is among the most expensive 40-inch, 1080p LCD TVs we've seen. In comparison, Sony's own V-series KDL-40V2500-a 1080p model with two HDMI inputs--is priced about $500 less.
Wider than most LCDs. Due to the TV's unique design and side-mounted speakers, the TV is almost 44 inches wide, several inches wider than most flat panels with this screen size.
Remote hard to see in low-light environments. The lack of backlit or glow-in-the-dark keys makes using the TV difficult in low-light environments.
No CableCard slot--for the few people who need one. Since there's no CableCard slot, you'll need a cable box to receive HD programs and premium content. However, CableCard's one-way design means you'd need a box anyway to get interactive cable features, such as on-screen program guides and video on demand.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Sony's KDL-40XBR2 is a stylish LCD TV that would be a good choice if you value looks as well as high performance. It has top-notch picture quality, and thanks to its 1080p resolution, it can produce very sharp detail when displaying high-definition TV shows and movies. However, image quality with standard-definition content was only average, so don't assume the higher resolution will improve regular TV programming as well.
If you want a 1080p set but would rather spend less, consider Westinghouse's 42-inch LVM-42W2, which costs $2,000. In our most recent tests, this 1080p model displayed very good HD picture quality but less precise color accuracy than the XBR2, and it has a single HDMI input. The Westinghouse is a monitor with no built-in tuner or CableCard slot, so you'll you need a cable box, satellite receiver, or external digital tuner and antenna to get any
However, you can also get fine picture quality in a 720p set. Among 40-inch LCDs with 720p resolution (1366x768), the JVC LT-40X787, $2,800, and Sony Bravia KDL-40S2000, $2,300, both did very well in our latest tests. For additional TV recommendations, see our Ratings (available to subscribers).
