Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR6 Review

 

Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR6 – One of the Best HDTV’s

One of the latest models released in 2008, the KDL-52XBR6 belongs to the top-of-the-line Bravias, though in the least pricey (non-LED) series in that elite group. Equipped with some of Sony’s new technologies, this HDTV is quite expensive compared to other similarly sized sets, but costs much less than the really high-end LED-powered sets which command over-the-top tags.

Design

The KDL-52XBR6 is thinner than earlier HDTVs, but it isn’t as sleek as the ultra-thin models of other brands, or the more compact Z series Bravias. A glossy black frame surrounds the screen, and a see-through plastic that supports the speaker is placed at the bottom of the panel. The speaker grille is colored silver along with the non-swiveling pedestal, though the former can be replaced by buying a grille in black, brown, red, or gold to match the home décor.

The remote that ships with this Bravia has blue backlighting, but is nonetheless difficult to operate. The lower part is crammed with controls for other devices attached to the TV, and the TV controls are crowded at the upper area, closely-spaced and difficult to distinguish from each other. Sony also tried to improve its menu system, but its effort is less than successful; navigating through the menus is still a hurdle, and the too many options would surely pose a challenge even to HDTV enthusiasts, let alone new users.

Screen/picture clarity

If superior black levels are what you’re after, the KDL-52XBR6 surely would give it to you hands down, with superb primary, secondary and greyscale color accuracy to boot. This non-LED LCD gives inky blackness, making other colors come to life. However, there are instances when the backlights dim then brighten afterwards, so the black levels aren’t constant and uniform. Also, shadow and near-black areas tend to turn bluish, and skin tones appeared yellowish. Still, these minor lapses aren’t deal-breaking, except perhaps for hardcore videophiles.

This TV boasts of the latest BRAVIA Engine video processor and Motionflow 120hz. technology which provide impressive video rendering and blur-free actions. It also resolves HD materials exceptionally, including 24p Blu-ray discs, though there is a noticeable softness from standard-def sources as jagged edges are removed by Sony’s noise-reduction technology. The excellent anti-reflective screen of the KDL-52XBR6 also works well in brightly lit rooms, as it absorbs lights and reflections quite well.

Features

Among the features of the KDL-52XBR6 are the on-screen TV Guide, limited picture-in-picture functionality, power saving modes, and numerous picture settings. Expansive connectivity options include four HDMI ports, PC port, LAN port, various audio/video component inputs/outputs that are found in most HDTVs, and two Sony proprietary DMex and DMPort connections.

The KDL-52XBR6 definitely leads the pack in the non-LED LCD class. Sony certainly didn’t disappoint its loyal fan base with the release of the XBR6 series, though better and more impressive features can be had with the pricier models up in the Bravia ladder.

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