Sony KDL-46XBR8

The Sony KDL-46XBR8 LCD HDTV represents the next step forward in high definition technology, with a TRILUMINOS® RGB dynamic LED backlight that utilizes clusters of red, green, and blue LEDs to produce breathtaking images with enhanced color purity. This 46-inch Bravia XBR8 is designed to provide you with an exceptional home theater experience.

Design and Technology

Conventional flourescent lit LCD TVs have backlight dimming and brightness adjustment controls which adjust according to changes in the image. This is also one of the main causes of ‘brightness pumping’ since the entire screen’s brightness changes evenly. On the other hand the Sony KDL-46XBR8’s backlight is a  combination of blue, red and green LEDs known as TriLuminous arrangement which produces a larger degree of contrast.

Additionally, the XBR8 has the new Advanced Contrast Enhancer technology which uses Sony’s own algorithm for local dimming. This greatly improves contrast and dynamic range by controlling the LED backlight level by area so that detail is maintained in the dark areas, while other areas are driven near peak brightness. The technology reduces unnecessary light emission resulting in true, deep blacks and reduced power consumption compared to conventional CCFL backlit models.

The KDL-46XBR8 comes in eye-grabbing glossy piano black and it sure makes a perfect foil to soft living room interiors. This sleek HDTV comes with an ambient light sensor absent in older models of the XBR series. The ambient light sensor or ALS optimizes the LCD display and rewards viewers with a more satisfying LCD display sans the glare. The ALS works by reacting to the lighting environment and automatically adjusts the lighting and dimming effect of the LCD display.  This technology was used mainly for handheld and auto applications but its use on HDTV yielded fantastic results.

Actual user review:
“This set is one of the best 5 flat panel sets being produced. The others include the Pioneer Kuro PRO-111FD plasma and Samsung LN46A950 which also has LED back lighting. All are expensive so it’s best to see all in person before you decide. The Kuro has been the gold standard for flat panels for some time, and rightly so, but the LCD sets with LED back lighting are now very close. The XBR8 will work better in a room with normal light levels than the Kuro and also renders standard definition programs better than the Kuro” – O.Callm (OR, USA)

 

Key Features

Take the on-screen menu – it allows the user a better navigation to adjust video and sound preferences. The infrared remote control provides for a more comfortable control and hassle-free viewing. For quality audio, the set has built-in 10 watt left and right speakers and a 12-watt subwoofer that gives a thumping low bass frequency.

With a wider TV screen, video game enthusiasts can feel the surge of adrenalin that comes from the realistic game mode.  Can anything else beat this kind of cool?  Very cool indeed for jaded small screen video game freaks.  They can have the big wide screen to play the field any time.

In addition to all these value added features, Sony incorporated the parental control option. Parents can block TV stations that are inappropriate for viewing by minors. They can easily control and monitor what their children watch on TV by adjusting the menu to select shows appropriate for their children’s age.  Parents can quit worrying while they are at work because they know what TV shows their children are watching.

Other winning features included in this model are – Motionflow, Live Colour Creation, and video noise reduction. All these take TV viewing to a whole new level of cinematic experience.

Conclusion

The Sony KDL-46XBR8 is in a class of its own. It provides a world class home-viewing experience unlike any other plus it also comes with an 18 month parts and labor warranty.

• “I purchased this TV one month ago. It is a replacement for my XBR4 which is being enjoyed in its new home. Shopping and looking, then I saw it. It was love at first sight. And it is a sight to behold. Crystal clear, vibrant realistic colors, and a beautiful design. Sony has outdone itself with a new benchmark for the industry. You will not be disappointed with this beauty. This is TV as it has never been. Coupled with my FIOS HD service and a blu-ray player there’s little reason to ever attend a movie theater. Although my Bose surround system is the perfect mate to this TV, the eight built-in speakers leave little to be desired. Check it out, you’ll see TV like never before.” – V. Quinn (CA, USA)
• “People complain a lot about this TV’s price. It’s expensive. But if you’re picky about what you watch and you have a lot of windows in your house, this HDTV LCD is definitely worth the extra bucks – especially since Amazon has free shipping and discount rates. Setup of the TV was very easy and the image outstanding, with beautiful colors and details right out of the box.The TV speakers are okay but not great. If you’re going to watch a lot of movies, and trust me, with this screen you’re going to want to, I’d recommend getting the Sony BDV-1000ES and an HDMI cable. That way you get theatre-quality sound to match the picture and the Bravia Link means the two will communicate well with each other, and respond to one remote control. Then, just pop in a blu-ray disk, kick back, and enjoy. This is one great TV.” – P.Heath (CA, USA)

Average User Rating:

 

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