Sony KDL-52XBR4 LCD - Comments requested

[larrykenney]

I've had a Sony XBR2 34-inch CRT HDTV for 6 years. It's worked great and still has a fantastic picture, but it's time to move up to a larger sized screen. We've looked at lots of the new HDTVs and like the looks of the Sony KDL-52XBR4 LCD flat panel. We checked it out at the local Best Buy, and it looks great there, but we all know that what you see there is not necessarily how it'll look once you get it set up at home. Of all the sets on display in this general size, it looked the best, though.

I'm looking for comments - both pro and con - from anyone who has this HDTV before we hand over the credit card. The reviews I've seen have all been excellent for the picture, good for the audio, and excellent for menu, remote, etc. I'm now looking for the comments from anyone who has one. Are you happy with the picture and audio? Does it meet your expectations? What don't you like about it? Am I making a good decision to buy this model?

Thanks, in advance, for your input.

Larry
SF

[johncosgrove]

I own a KDL52XBR4 and it's the best picture I have ever seen. I have it connected to Directv HD HR-21-700 HD DVR and a new Sony BDPS500 BLU-RAY dvd player. This product out performs most available media. It has a picture that at times is appears to be 3 dimensional when using BLU-RAY and is totally dependent on the quality of signal. I LOVE IT !!

[eliwhitney]

'Morning larrykenny -

No current HDTV - regardless of brand / type - can technically provide proper
HD sound. This is most definitely a vital part of the HD enjoyment / satisfaction plus unavailable whenever your previous set was new, naturally. Do allow in the planning for some sort of Sound System. These need not be fantastically expensive.
I. E. - ONKYO HT-SR800 = $450 is only one...( under $400 @ Amazon ).

If your viewing doen't happen to involve watching those 225 MPH NASCAR races, also consider that KDL-52W3000 - interestingly less & just as fine a display.

Do also consider Amazon's two person , guar 'White Glove Del'y' into your specific room, examined with you, plugged in to make certain it 'lights up' and, if any problem, takes the set back - then & there. Your B.B. won't do that. - $2688, including that service, for the ...W.

Lastly, don't forget Sony's 5 year policy at $319 - available for 59 nights after purchase from any authorized outlet - yes, including Amazon.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/sto ... fier=S_ESP

eli whitney

[johncosgrove]

When you purchase your new tv, I would definitely purchase from an independent that offers setup delivery and of course will service it himself. Frequently I am called by people who have purchased from mass merchandisers and NEVER realize the potential of the display because they domn't know how to do anything but sell it.

[eliwhitney]

larrykenny -

It is understood that absolutely no HDTV is ready for viewing out-of-the-carton !

Sorry to disagree - a set up is definitely in order with plasma HDTVs after their
proper break-in of the inital 100-200 hours and also projection sets.

However, those two popular DVDs for setup would suffice for LCDs - no disrespect intended, Richard !

eli whitney

[lcflyer]

I am a Sony authorized distributor and and the KDL52XBR4 and KDL52W3000 is our most popular selling LCD. Twice a year I meet with Sony techs and they demonstrate their sets against all other major manufacturers and the XBR4 and XBR5 stand out as the best pictures I have seen. Most all my installers buy Sony XBR for their clients and I supply some of the TV and movie studios and Sony is the clear choice. Hope this helps. Good luck.

[dvaughn]

We have had a Sony KDL-52XBR4 LCD for about 2 weeks. A few random thoughts: I would have preferred a narrower bezel but the sound is better than I expected. It is placed in a sun room and handles the reflections better than I had expected as well. I calibrated with the Spyder TV unit and it looks very good though I did not know what to do with the backlight setting; I just set it half way at 5. I use it with a 1.3a HDMI Onkyo receiver for surround sound. I do not know what to make of the 120Hz refresh. It has a video "standard" and "high" setting for smoothness; I did not see much difference with video or movies and left it on "standard". Movies from a Panasonic Blu-ray player look great. At least one movie played on XBOX 360 Elite was a bit jittery. David.

[allchemie]

While both models are at or just about at the top of the heap of 52" LCD HDTV's, at that price you could get a Pioneer KURO PDP-5080 which has far deeper blacks. Even though this Pioneer model isn't 1080p, unless you are sitting closer than 6 feet you won't notice the difference, except you will notice the Pioneer has a far better picture because of its much deeper blacks. While Sony is quite good at off center viewing for an LCD, they aren'tin the same leaugue as a quality plasma like Pioneer. And You could buy the 50" Pioneer between $2,500 and $3,000--much cheaper than the Sony. Heck, you can buy a 58" Panasonic Plasma 1080p the TH-58PZ700U online for between $3,200-$4,000. The blacks will still be better than the Sony.

I have a Sony in my bedroom --40" XBR2 and love it. But I also have a Pioneer 5080 50" and it isn't in the same ballpark for picture.

Greg

[larrykenney]

I appreciate all of your comments.

We took the plunge. A new Sony 52-inch XBR4 will be arriving sometime tomorrow!

I already have a Sony D9000 DVD player/tuner/5.1 sound system, so will use that with the new set. An HD DVD player will be the next item on the list for purchase.

Now I'm really anxious to get the new TV set up and see how great it is.

Larry
SF

[larrykenney]

We've had my Sony for just over a week and we're completely satisfied with it. The picture is amazing! With an HD signal we get perfect hue and color, great contrast, and excellent detail... it's like looking out the window. The set handles the SD signals well too. I'd recommend this TV to anyone.

Larry
SF