Sony KDL-52XBR6

If you looking forward  to upgrade to a hi-end HDTV the Sony KDL-52XBR6 might just be it.  The emphasis is on “might” because the television does have its down sides as well as the many good sides.  Now for the joy ride – it’s a toss-up now whether to take the bad along with the good.

The Good and the Beautiful

Like its other two cousins in the XBR line, the Sony KDL-52XBR6 is an attractive addition to any home entertainment center.  With its flat panel, piano finish, sleek design, and interchangeable grille – for an additional $99, you can choose from gold, red, and brown to suit your fancy – you will own a thing of beauty that provides utilitarian functions, too!

With its hodgepodge of connections like its 4 HDMIs, 2 component video inputs, and USB port, users should be able to connect to various multimedia devices like game consoles, camcorders, and cameras.  Add in the LAN jack and the DMEx port and you have an HDTV that is a cut above the rest in connectivity.

Of course, the real test of an HDTV is in the picture quality.  Fortunately, for videophiles, the Sony KDL-52XBR6 provides for a color temperature control that is right on the money; picture adjustment choices in vivid, standard and custom to suit your viewing tastes, the latter of which allows you to adjust contrast and color, backlight and hue and a host of other options; very minimal streaking effects when it is used for viewing movies on Blu-ray, thanks to its Motionflow 120hz technology; and the very little reflection from bright lights and surfaces.

As for the sound system comprising of a subwoofer and 2 speakers, it is satisfactory. There is a host of sound options to choose from – Virtual Dolby Digital, S-FORCE Front Surround Sound, Voice Zoom, SteadySound and with audio controls, too – that the audiophile can become happier than with the old television set. But most will use it with a full blown home theater system anyway.

Basically, the Sony KDL-52XBR6 lives up to its reputation.  But as with all things good in this world, the bad can shoot them down.

Actual user review:
“This is an extremely outstanding product. Picture quality is superb. Audio, although not true high quality is really good considering the speakers which are internal. However, I added a Sony Bravia Home Theater System which places the sound on par with any cinema theater. I also am very impressed with the Bravia Sync system which ties all the Sony products together. I also added a Sony Bravia Blu-ray Disc player.” – P.Schwartz, PA, USA)

 

The Bad and the Ugly

As previously stated, the Sony KDL-52XBR6 looks and sounds good with movies. The opposite is true, however, for plain old television viewing.  There’s a screen door effect that should not be there considering the price of the HDTV.

These artifacts are produced when and where these are least expected to happen, especially in dejudder modes.  What is more disappointing is that the black levels and color accuracy do not remain constant and accurate, respectively.  In an HDTV with this price range, one could expect better performance.

Since the issue of price has been mentioned twice, it is indeed notable that the Sony KDL-52XBR6 is pricey when compared to other competing  HDTV brands.  Often, customers will be sorely tempted to go for the Z-Series instead because it is cheaper but with basically the same features and technologies.

Conclusion

The Sony KDL-52XBR6 is a good enough HDTV considering its accurate color reproduction and one of the deepest blacks in the industry.  Customers will have to shell out more dough though but with its plummeting prices, they need but wait a little to possess one of these babies!  (That is, if they are willing to tweak the unit to get the best possible video and audio experience).

• “I read review after review…researched until I could not stand to read another paragraph.It all came back to one thing QUALITY!! I bought the XBR6 52″. This is the best set hands down. My friend has a Samsung, I almost bought one but learned that the glossy screen was going to be an issue. Then I learned they have an IR frequency issue with the 760 I was looking to purchase which all led me to the XBR series. I opened my set and just could not believe how beautiful the picture was. The ease of set up. The color. The black levels. Still waiting for my Sony blu ray and Sony CT100 Soundbar to complete the ensemble. If your shopping and reading reviews for the most inportant component – THE TV – stop here. Go with the best SONY XBR.” – K.Clark, NY, USA
• “I shopped at Circuit City, Best Buy and Clark’s TV and Appliances. By far, Amazon had the best deal. I am extremely satisfied with the quality of the HDTV – excellent picture, no jitter/jutter during sports action. In fact, the picture is incredibly crisp, clear and vibrant. I really feel like I received an excellent value for my expenditure.” – S.Culbertson (PA,USA)
• “The Sony Bravia was delivered and hooked up very professionally. The TV is excellent and I am very pleased with the entire process from purchase to delivery.” – D.Reid (USA)

Average User Rating:

 

Click Here for Latest Offer on Sony KDL-52XBR6