Sony Bravia KDL-40XBR1, 40-inches of Love

The Sony Bravia KDL-40XBR2 offers more pixels, more digital video inputs, and at about $3000, may be one of the more likable HDTV in the market today. This flat-panel LCD TV had to go through, and aced most of the challenging benchmark tests, making it go up in the record books as one with the best contrasts. The LCD is loaded with a lot of features, this includes a 1080-pixel resolution, and enjoys solid video quality. Notably, Sony has mostly focused its development on LCD’s. This model is no exception as the style brings back the company’s floating glass look and ups the ante further by allowing you to replace the silver bezel around the screen with other colors. If you love the look and have plenty of cash, you’re probably already reaching for your wallet. But if value is important, there are plenty of better LCD bargains.

As 40-inch HDTV’s are quite heavy and bulky, unpacking KDL-40XBR2 is a two-person job, as the factory-attached base stand brings the TV’s total weight to just over 77 pounds. The 40XBR2 measured 43.7 by 28.2 by 12.7 inches (with stand). Its completely redesigned exterior features a thin black bezel set within a wide silver-colored frame with a perforated finish that nicely conceals the two fixed side-mounted speakers (11 watts each). If a user desires, this frame can be changed for any custom-colored options offered to give it a beautifully finished look.

As mentioned, the Sony Bravia KDL-40XBR2 boasts of its 1080p native resolution. Its screen is composed of 1920 X 1080 pixels which is definitely more than most brands have today. One of the downsides of this model however is the single digital video input. It limits users especially now in this ever-increasing digital world. The 40XBR2 has three HDMI inputs—one front-accessible on the left side of the display. Both the HDMI inputs and the VGA input support 1080p/60-Hz video signals. Two component-video inputs on the rear of the TV are compatible with 720p/1080i and lesser video formats.

Aside from that, it basically has all the staples that makes an HDTV work. It has color temperature presets, a bit complicated menu section, and all imaginable what-nots that can help you achieve optimum performance and quality in your TV. Finally, it has a power saver mode that limit light output.

The KDL-40XBR2 is equipped with the latest generation of Sony’s video-processing system, dubbed “Digital Reality Creation.” DRC is responsible for converting all incoming video signals into the display’s native resolution (1080p). This makes image detail with standard and high-definition video sources reproduced excellently, and light and dark detail superbly represented and skin tones appear natural.

The is a competitive product on all fronts—resolution, color, detail, functionality, and style. With proper setup and seating position, the KDL-40XBR2 delivers an impressive viewing experience.

Sources:
http://reviews.cnet.com
http://www.esp.eweek.com
http://www.pcmag.com
http://tech.yahoo.com