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Sony 46" Bravia HD TV - KDL46XBR3 | 
 enlarge | Brand: Sony
Category: CE
List Price: $3,499.99
Buy New: $3,299.00
You Save: $200.99 (6%)
Avg. Customer Rating:  10 reviews
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: No
Display Size: 46
Shipping Weight (lbs): 113
Dimensions (in): 15 x 55 x 36
MPN: KDL-46XBR3
Model: KDL-46XBR3
UPC: 027242699076
EAN: 0027242699076
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Includes - Remote Control (RM-YD010), 2x AA Battery, HD-15 to HD-15 Cable, Operating Instructions, Quick Setup Guide | | • | 16 - 9 1080p HD Resolution Panel | | • | Display Resolution - 1920 x 1080 | | • | BRAVIA Engine PRO Video Processor | | • | Live Color Creation System featuring WCG-CCFL backlight |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Presenting the next evolution of the BRAVIA Engine PRO. Sony improved on the great benefits of the BRAVIA Engine byadding a picture quality enhancement circuit called Digital Reality Creation(TM) Multi-function v2.5. Add to this the crisp details, outstanding Contrast, eye popping colors and dramatically reduced Digital artifacts. With Sony BRAVIA XBR(R) HDTVs, Full HD 1080 means 1920 x 1080 Pixels and 1080p video inputs. Full HD 1920 x 1080 panel Resolution with over 2 million Pixels (more than twice that of 720p HDTV) is exactly what you need to reproduce the 1080p content that can be delivered by our cutting edge 1080p Blu-ray Disc player. Uncompromised picture quality starts with combining carefully chosen components and circuits to optimize system quality, among these are the color creation and processing functions. Designed for maximum versatility, Sony's BRAVIA XBR-Series LCD TVs are equipped with a comprehensive range of input interfaces. The HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first industry-supported, uncompressed, all-Digital audio/video interface. ThePC input (HD-15-pin) offers easy connection to your PC, allowing you to use your high Resolution BRAVIA XBR-Series Digital TV as a computer monitor. ATSC Digital Tuner with unscrambled Digital cable (QAM) capability 3x HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) Popular Floating Glass Design Digital Amplifier SRS TruSurround XT BBE Digital Audio Enhancement Technology Analog Audio Inputs - 5 (1 Side / 4 Rear) Variable&Fixed Audio Out - 1 (Rear) Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Inputs - 2 (Rear) Composite Video Inputs - 3 (1 Side / 2 Rear) Digital Audio Output - 1 (Rear) S-Video Input - 1 (Rear) Headphone Output - 1 (Side) PC Video Input - 1 (Rear) Energy Star Compliant Sleep timer - 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, Off 3D Digital Comb Filter DRC MultiFunction Circuitry - DRC(TM) MF V2.5 Display Technology - 17
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| Customer Reviews: Read 5 more reviews...
 The SONY KDL-46XBR3 is One AMAZING TV! November 1, 2006
149 out of 156 found this review helpful
I am writing a review regarding the SONY KDL-46XBR3 to explain some of the confusion regarding this SONY KDL-46XBR3 and the SONY KDL-46XBR2 and what the differance is between the two models. I have done extensive research on both models and contacted SONY on numerous occasions to find out what was really the differance. The only differance between this SONY KDL-46XBR3 and the SONY KDL-46XBR2 is that the SONY KDL-46XBR3 has a beautiful piano black bezel (bezel is outer part of the TV) which you can not change. The SONY KDL-46XBR2 has a silver bezel and gives you the option to change the color or the bezels to match your home or style. The color of the bezels are arctic white, pacific blue, velvet black, scarlet red, and sienna brown all which sell for about $299.99 each. Another confusion is that the XBR3 comes with a 18 month warranty while the XBR2 comes only with a 12 month warranty. When I got my SONY KDL-46XBR3 the paperwork stated it had a 12 month warranty. I contacted SONY to find out what was going on and it was then that I was informed that it was incorrect paperwork included. The warranty period is actually 18 months and covers parts, labor, and in-home service only on the SONY KDL-46XBR3. The SONY KDL-46XBR2 has only a 12 month warranty. Why SONY did this on a TV that is almost the exact same I have no idea. Other than that the XBR2 and XBR3 are the exact same. I researched for months before I decided to buy a tv. I looked at the plasmas and almost went with one till a sales rep informed me about the new soon to be released 1080p Tvs. She explained most of the Plasmas today could only display 720p versus the new 1080p format. I then decided to wait a few more months and I researched this SONY and a Samsung 4696 model. After all my research and actually being able to compare the 2 in a store side by side I decided to go with the better picture quality of the SONY. I can truly say I could not be happier. This SONY KDL-46XBR3 is one amazing TV. I purchased the TV from Crutchfield and I have to say I could not be more pleased. I also bought the fairly inexpensive TERK indoor antenna for about $39.99. When I connected it in to the tv, and the Tv finished its auto programming I was able to not only get about 10 HD channels. I received the amazing Discovery HD and ESPNHD through my cable connection, and also a number of digital music channels which I did not expect. I got over 100 digital cable/music channels and over 80 analog channels with my cable and antenna conncection. That was a great surprise and if you want to just listen to the music you have the option of turning the picture off and just listen to sound. I like the favorite channel option which lets you save 16 of your favorite channels (including the music ones) and it lets you save both the cable and antenna ones so you don't have to toggle back between the cable and antenna option. The guide button is also another great feature as it gives you show time, time remaining, description of the show (if available by channel)and it lets you know if your show is in 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, or even 1080p. I connected a Samsung Blu-ray player and WOW! It is an amazing picture just like looking through a window! The ony thing I can complain about is that this tv does not have pip (picture and picture). I feel for the price Sony should have included pip, otherwise it is a great TV. Now many people have asked about the glass around the TV and if it causes a glare with some lighting situations. I think many people think the glass is over the entire TV (like a plasma or tube tv) and it is not. There is only about 1 inch of glass and it is only around the entire edge of the tv and is lined with some type of silver color edging. The glass is so minimal that it does NOT really create a glare, and believe me I have a lot of light(s) in the room my TV is in. I am not sure if SONY used some kind of anti-reflective coating over the glass or what but it really does not create a glare and that really surprised me. Now what does create a minimal glare is the shiny piano black around the screen, but nothing bad at all. When you see the amazing picture quality of this tv you really don't seem to mind those small things.
After researching and finding little information on this TV I am posting as much information as I possible can to help others make a more infomed decision on this purchase.
(Below is a more in depth review courtesy of Crutchfield.)
So much is changing with today's TVs -- shape, size, display technology -- that it's nice you can still count on some things, like Sony's "XBR" badge. The BRAVIA XBR line represents Sony's finest LCD TVs ever, with picture quality that's simply stunning. The features and performance of the 46" KDL-46XBR3 are identical to the KDL-46XBR2 -- the only difference is the XBR3's gloss-black cabinet, which looks extra stylish encased in Sony's clear "floating glass" case.
The big performance story for the KDL-46XBR3 is "Full HD 1080" screen resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels). It provides about twice as many pixels as you get with typical 40" LCDs. That higher resolution gives images lifelike clarity, detail, and texture -- it's like looking through a window. Colors look strikingly natural, too, thanks to Sony's "wide color gamut" backlight, which reproduces a much wider range of colors.
You'll want to feed this thoroughbred as much high-quality material as possible, like DVD movies and HDTV programs. But realistically, you'll probably still be watching some regular (non-HD) programs for a while yet. That's when you'll really appreciate the KDL-46XBR3's advanced video processing. The latest version of Sony's DRC (Digital Reality Creation) circuitry has twice the processing power of earlier versions. Until now, DRC could only process interlaced video signals, but this version can upconvert both interlaced and progressive video, giving images a smoother, more solid look. Native 1080p signals (like those from Sony's Blu-ray Disc player) are displayed directly, without any processing.
The future-ready set of audio/video connections is heavy on HD-compatible connections, including two component video and three digital HDMI for your most advanced video gear. The natural ruggedness of LCD panels helps the KDL-46XBR3 excel as a total entertainment display. Connect your PC and/or video game console and work or play for hours if you like -- LCDs are immune to screen burn-in.
Details:
high-definition TV -- receives and decodes digital standard-definition and HDTV signals from over-the-air broadcasts (antenna required)
S-PVA (Super Patterned Vertical Alignment) LCD panel for improved off-axis viewing
widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio
1920 x 1080 pixels
ultra-fast pixel response time (8 milliseconds)
1300:1 contrast ratio (7000:1 dynamic)
178(H) x 178(V) viewing angle
adjustable Wide Color Gamut fluorescent backlight for more accurate colors
BRAVIA Engine(tm) Pro digital video processing
adjustable DRC MultiFunction v2.5 (upconverts video signals to 1080p)
built-in stereo speakers (11 watts x 2)
multibrand remote control
picture settings memory for each video input
8 A/V inputs, including:
* 3 composite video (2 rear, 1 side)
* 1 S-video
* 2 component video (accepts 1080i/720p/480p/480i signals)
* 3 HDMI digital audio/video inputs (2 rear, 1 side) -- accepts signals up to 1080p
PC input: analog RGB (D-Sub 15-pin)
2 RF inputs for antenna/cable signals
optical digital audio output for Dolby Digital
Energy Star compliant
detachable stand (stand "footprint" is 19-5/8"W x 12-5/8"D)
wall-mountable (bracket not included)
49-5/8"W x 28-7/8"H x 5"D (31-3/8"H x 12-5/8"D on stand)
weight: 79.4 lbs. (without stand)
warranty: 18 months parts & labor -- in-home service
WHAT'S INCLUDED in the Manufacturer's Box?
Download Owner's Manual
46" LCD projection TV
RM-YD013 wireless remote control
2 "AA" batteries
8' Power cord
5' RGB cable (D-Sub 15)
9.75' Coax cable with screw-on F-connectors on each end
Nylon support strap with mounting screw and mounting bolt
Plastic wire management bracket
Operating Instructions (English)
Operating Instructions (French)
Operating Instructions (Spanish)
Quick Setup Guide (English)
Quick Setup Guide (French)
Quick Setup Guide (Spanish)
Installing TV on wall instructions (English/French/Spanish)
US Warranty information
Canadian Warranty information
On-line Product Registration sheet
Statement about licensed software used (English)
Statement about licensed software used (French)
Warranty Card (Spanish)
FEATURES
Overview: The Sony BRAVIA KDL-V46XBR3 and KDL-V46XBR2 is a 46" diagonal LCD flat panel HDTV that features a Live Color Creation backlight system, TruSurround XT audio technology and digital audio enhancement amplification to provide you with a dynamic picture and sound quality experience.
Full HD 1080: There are a lot of ways to define high-definition but Sony BRAVIA Full HD means you're getting the best resolution that high-definition has to offer. With Sony BRAVIA XBR HDTVs, Full HD 1080 means 1920 x 1080 pixels and 1080p video inputs.
1920 x 1080 Panel Resolution: When it comes to high-definition TV the pinnacle of performance is achieved by using 1920x1080 display panels; BRAVIA XBR televisions have them. Full HD 1920x1080 panel resolution with over 2 million pixels (more than twice that of 720p HDTV) is exactly what you need to reproduce the 1080p content that can be delivered by our cutting edge 1080p Blu-ray disc player. And working with BRAVIA Engine PRO everything from standard definition and high definition is upconverted to 1080p for a picture so real it's like you're actually there.
Bravia Engine PRO Full Digital Video Processor: Sony improved on the great benefits of the BRAVIA Engine by adding a picture quality enhancement circuit called Digital Reality Creation Multi-function v2.5. DRC-MFv2.5 now has the added ability to process interlace and progressive video signals and because it has twice the processing power of previous DRC-MF circuits, it can do its processing and output them to 1080p. (Native 1080p input signals are not processed through DRC-MFv2.5.) Add to this the crisp details, outstanding contrast, eye popping colors, and dramatically reduced digital artifacts that DRC-MF circuitry is known for. And the best part of all is that DRC-MFv2.5 is user adjustable according to the video source. All of this helps define the reason why people want Sony TVs to begin with-unparalleled picture quality.
Live Color Creation System (featuring WCG-CCFL backlighting system): Sony's Live Color Creation System not only pushes resolution to the limit but also brings color reproduction to new heights. Live Color Creation achieves precise and wide color reproduction using a combination of advanced chroma signal processing algorithms along with a specially developed WCG-CCFL (Wide Color Gamut - Cold Cathode Florescent Light). The results have to be seen to be believed. Deep blue levels along with a natural, broad range of greens deliver vibrant colors throughout any scene.
7th Generation Sony LCD Panel: The Sony TV uses a 7th generation Sony LCD panel for truly matchless image quality and performance. This panel is produced efficiently from glass to a create large, high quality panel. The PVA high definition display (1,920 x 1080) that is used offers an astounding 178 degree viewing angle, very fast response times and a spectacular contrast ratio.
High Contrast Ratio: Sony uses a dynamic backlighting system called ACE (Advanced Contrast Enhancement) on BRAVIA TVs. ACE automatically senses the APL (Average Picture Level) of the video signal and adjusts the intensity of the backlight for improved contrast. VESA test and measurement methods are applied yielding a contrast ratio of 7000:1. This number represents the widest possible ratio between black and white contrast levels. Sony also measures their BRAVIA televisions with a more stringent method that measures the amount of black and white levels that can appear on the screen at the same time. This method yields a more real world measurement of 1300:1.
CineMotion: This Technology along with the reverse 3-2 pull-down technology provides smoother picture movement when playing back movies or other video sources on film.
Integrated HDTV: This feature allows you to watch digital television programs and enjoy the improved audio/video quality offered by these programs.
ATSC Integrated Tuner: This tuner allows the reception of local, off-air digital broadcasts providing the viewing of free, true high-definition network programming without the addition of a set top box or a monthly fee.
HDMI: HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) provides an uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface between the TV and any HDMI-equipped audio/video component, such as a set-top box, DVD player, and A/V receiver. HDMI supports enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio.
PC Input: The PC input (HD-15-pin) offers easy connection to your PC, allowing you to use your high resolution BRAVIA S-Series Digital TV as a computer monitor.
VESA: The TV uses VESA compliant mounting holes to add an optional wall-bracket to hang the television on the wall. The TV is VESA 400 x 200 compatible.
Wide Screen Mode: This mode allows you to watch 4:3 normal broadcasts in wide screen mode (16:9 aspect ratio). There are five settings to choose from.
Wide Zoom: fills screen with minimum distortion
Normal: displays 4:3 picture in original size when original source is 4:3.
Full: enlarges the picture horizontally to fill the screen when the original source is 4:3; also use this mode when the original source is 16:9 to display the 16:9 picture in its original size
Zoom: enlarges the original picture without distorting the aspect ratio
Auto: screen automatically changes to the screen mode that is best for the current program
Picture Mode: The TV features Three Picture Modes to customize your picture viewing.
Vivid: This mode enhances the picture contrast and sharpness.
Standard: The Standard mode is recommended for your home entrainment use. (default setting)
Custom: This mode allows you to store your preferred settings from the following.
Backlight: adjust to brighten or darken the backlight
Picture: adjust to increase or decrease picture contrast
Brightness: adjust to brighten or darken picture
Color: adjust to increase or decrease color intensity
Live Color: makes colors more vivid
Hue: adjust to increase or decrease the green tones
Sharpness: adjust to sharpen or soften the picture
Gama: adjusts the balance between the light and dark areas of the picture
Black Corrector: enhances black areas of the picture for stronger contrast
Advanced Contrast Enhancer: automatically optimize the contrast; effective for dark images scenes because it will increase the contrast distinction of the darker picture scenes
Clear White: emphasizes white and light colors
Color Space: select the range of color reproduction from Normal to Wide.
Color Temperature: adjust the white balance of the picture; there are three selections
Cool: gives the white colors a bluish tint
Neutral: gives the white colors a neutral tint
Warm: gives the white colors a reddish tint
Detail Enhancer: enhances the details of the picture
Edge Enhancer: enhances the outline of the picture
Noise Reduction: You can select to reduce the noise level of the connected equipment to the TV's VHF/UHF input. You can choose from Auto, High, Medium, Low or Off.
DRC Mode: This mode produces a high-resolution picture for high-density sources such as Blu-ray, DVD, or Digital Satellite. You can select from Mode1(Recommended), Mode2 (only for 1080i) or Off.
DRC Palette: This feature allows you customize the level of detail (Reality) and smoothness (Clarity) for input sources.
Color Matrix: This feature allows you to reproduce the color-difference signals. You can choose between Standard (Automatically optimizes based on signal) or Custom (select either ITU601 or ITU709 which normalized the tone when color tones look unnatural).
Light Sensor: This feature allows the pictures brightness level to be optimized to ambient light. The effect from the Light Sensor depends on the setting of Picture Mode and Power Saving Mode.
Sound Mode: The TV features Three Sound Modes to customize your TV listening.
Dynamic: enhances bass and treble
Standard: suitable for spoken dialogue
Custom: flat setting or it allows you to store your preferred settings from the following.
Treble: increase or decrease higher-pitched sounds
Bass: increases or decreases lower-pitched sounds
Balance: emphasizes left or right speaker balance
Volume Offset: adjust the volume level of the current input (TV or video input) relative to other inputs
Steady Sound: select this mode to stabilize the volume across all programs and commercials
Surround: You can choose from "Off (stereo)", Simulate Stereo (adds a surround-like effect to mono programs), or TruSurround XT (surround effect for stereo programs)
BBE: select to give sound more impact by compensating for phase effects in speakers; you can choose from High, Low or Off
MTS: allows you to enjoy stereo, bilingual and mono programs
SRS TruSurround XT: Building on the success of TruSurround technology, TruSurround XT audio adds three new audio enhancement technologies to produce an amazingly immersive sound experience. Dialog Clarity brings movie dialog into "focus" during the playback of any surround-encoded material to make speech much clearer and crisper. TruBass creates incredible deep rich bass allowing a person to perceive significantly deeper, richer low bass tones that are far beyond the physical low frequency capabilities of the speaker itself. And WOW widens the soundstage by processing standard two-channel stereo material as well as multi-channel encoded material for a dramatic improvement in the playback of any stereo audio over a two-speaker system.
A/V Sync: Us this option to make adjustments to audio and video synchronization when you have external equipment connected to the Optical Out of the TV.
Label Video Inputs: This feature allows you to identify A/V equipment you connected to the TV. You can choose from the following.
Video 1-6 Inputs: Receiver, Satellite, Cable Box, VCR, DVD, DVR, HD, Game, Camcorder, Edit or Skip
Video 7 Input: PC, Edit, Skip
Note: The Edit label allows you to create a custom five character label for that input.
Label Channels: This feature allows you to assign labels such as station call letter to the channel numbers. You can use up to five characters.
Favorite Channels: This function allows you navigate a list of up to 16 favorite channels without leaving the current channel.
Show/Hide Channels: This feature allows you to show or hide channels that appear when you use the channel +/- buttons.
Note: Channels that you set to be hidden can be accessed only with the 0-9 buttons.
Freeze Function: Press this button once to display a frozen image of the current program in a window on the screen. Press again to show only frozen image on the TV screen. Press again to return to the program.
Jump Function: This feature allows you to jump back and forth between two channels. The TV alternates between the current channel and the last channel that was selected.
Parental Control (V-Chip): The parental control function allows parents to block unsuitable programming from younger viewers. You can select between Off, Child, Youth, Young Adult or Custom using the rating system in the TV's manual.
Caption Vision/Info Banner: This feature allows Closed Caption and/or channel programming information to be displayed on the TV screen. You can choose from CC1, CC2, CC3, CC4, Text1, Text2, Text3 and Text4
Sleep Timer: You can set the amount of time you want your TV to remain on before shutting off automatically. You can select from Off, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 or 120 minutes.
Timer: You can use this feature to turn the TV on, turn it off, or tune it to a specific channel at a scheduled time. The TV has two timers (Timer1 and Timer2).
Note: The Timer feature will not be available until you set the Current Time.
Power Saving: Select this feature to reduce the power consumption by adjusting the backlight brightness. This function also enhances the black level. You can choose from Off, Low, High and Picture Off.
Remote Control
Wireless Remote Control: The TV comes supplied with a wireless remote control (RM-YD013). The remote control is preset to operate Sony brand video equipment. The remote is also pre-coded to work non-Sony brand equipment such as DVD, VCR, DVR, Satellite or Cable.
Inputs and Outputs Notes
Side Panel:
HDMI In: the TV provides a side panel HDMI input
Video 2: consists of a composite video input as well as composite stereo audio inputs; great for connecting a camcorder or game system
Headphone Jack: listen to your TV in privacy using the headphone out
Rear Panel:
HDMI Inputs: The TV features two rear panel HDMI inputs that provide an uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface between the TV and any HDMI-equipped device, such as a DTV set-top box, DVD player or A/V receiver. HDMI supports enhanced or high-definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio. You can also connect a DVI-equipped device to the TV via an HDMI-DVI adapter cable. Since a DVI connection does not output audio, you will also need to connect an audio cable from the DVI-equipped device to the TV. One of the HDMI inputs has left and right RCA audio inputs.
Component Video Inputs: The two component video inputs will accept 1080i, 720p, 480p, and 480i signals.
S-Video: The TV features one rear panel S-video connection.
Composite A/V: The TV has two rear panel composite audio/video RCA connections.
Audio Out: The TV has a rear-panel audio output, which consists of left and right RCA audio jacks. Using the menu, you can choose Fixed or Variable audio output. The audio jacks are only operable when the TV's built-in speakers are turned off.
Optical Output: You can use the TV's optical digital audio output to connect a Dolby Digital/PCM-compatible digital audio device, such as an audio amplifier.
VHF/UHF and Cable Inputs: Two RF inputs that connect to your Cable and VHF/UHF antenna.
PC IN: Use the RGB connection to connect a personal computer's video output connector using HD15-HD15 cable (supplied analog RGB cable).
IMPORTANT Note about WARRANTY
Incorrect Paperwork: WHen I received my TV the information included with this TV incorrectly shows the warranty period as one year. The warranty period is actually 18 months and covers parts, labor, and in-home service.
Call SONY for any questions regarding this.
Sorry about the long review but I want others to know as much as they can about this TV before buying it. Since this is a huge investment I feel it is appropriate to put as much helpful information as possible.
UPDATE 12/03/2006
As for this cloudy issue people are talking about I have had NO problem with this issue. My TV looks amazing! The TV comes with a 18 month warranty (12 month on XBR2) and if your not happy with it why not exchange it? I recommend getting an extended warranty for this large of a purchase should you ever have any issues you know you will be taken care of. I highly recommend you check this TV out at a store near you this way you can make a better informed decision and make sure your happy with it before buying one.
 Good but not great January 25, 2007
31 out of 53 found this review helpful
Hello,
My quest for buying a new large flat panel HDTV has been in progress for a year. In the past, I bought Sony's XBR1 40" (was the largest at the time) LCD TV. However, when I brought it home, there was something about it that did not please me. I couldn't nail exactly what it was. Maybe it was my expectations from it that it would blow me away (paid $3,400 at them time).
BTW, I have a home theatre system in my basement fully loaded with top of the line DLP projector, B&W nautilus speakers, DEnon, upconverting etc. Needless to say, I am used to seeing good quality home theatre experience already. I just wanted another TV better than my 27" Sony CRT for my living room. Again, something bothered me about the LCD XBR that I purchased - it kept tiring my eyes and I found myself trying to focus on the picture. My living room isn't that big about 15x14 ft. Discouraged, I returned the 40" LCD XBR to the store.
Six months later, I was back in the market - was impressed with Sony Blu Ray and new XBR2 demonstration playing in the stores. I didn't like the Silver but was happy to discover that another Sony - XBR3 is available black. I loved the styling on the TV as well - after all it should look turned off too!
Now comes the negotiations and purchasing. Yesterday as I was negotiating the price at Ultimate Electronics on Sony XBR3, I ran into a movie playing on new 1080p Pioneer plasma that absolutely captivated me. I had never seriously considered Plasma before. I had ruled it out because it had glass on it. Also, I have always bought nothing but Sony TVs ever - So when Sony stopped making Plasmas I automatically thought of LCD as the technology of future. Later I find out that Sony had neither LCD or Plasma plants and chose one to invest in - unlike Samsung who makes both.
The whole new world suddenly opened up to me. I am a technologist at heart and got pretty excited by the new "discovery :-)" of plasma TVs. I spent the next 4 hours doing side by side comparison of Pioneer 50 inch 720p (since 1080p models were out of my budget) and Sony 46 inch XBR3 (1080p). The salesman was kind enough to sit with me and make this happen. My comparison included side by side playing of Blu Ray DVDs, 1080i HD signals and regular DVD player.
I suddenly realized why I wasn't satisfied with my previous XBR experiences. There are MAJOR differences between the two technologies.
Here is what I noted:
1. The artifacts on SONY XBR LCD seem very prominent and unavoidable.
2. LCD pictures seemed blurry to me. I think its due to how it renders its image - despite 1080p the edges seemed "fat" and artificially generated.
3. Motion based video was aweful on LCD due to refresh problems - yes, the refresh rates are getting faster but there still major issues with this technology. It leaves ever so slight trail of objects as they move. It is there only for a milliseconds but human eye is very powerful and doesn't miss much. This gave it a sense of blurriness that cannot be missed. At times you also see jaggedness in edges but I think that's due its digital processing circuitry.
4. The whole XBR watching experience seemed artificially extra bright causing eyes to tire and wanting to take a break. I think LCD has back light panels that are probably the source of this. I felt I was forcing myself to watch it even though the material was an documentary on bahamas. When I was watched the same material on Pioneer, I felt like I was actually there - Bahamas seemed very inviting and full of pleasure.
I started to research more on plasma and found its main drawback is the potential of burn-in where the pixels remember the picture if you display it for a long time (1 - 2 hours). However, there are numerous articles on internet on how this isn't much of a problem anymore and the burn in problem in plasmas now match that of traditional tube TV. I never worried about my tube TV so I figured my type of usage will not affect plasma as long as I follow directions during the "break in " period of first 2 months.
I bought the 42 inch version - I am glad I did since it looks pretty big in my living room. Cost wasn't a factor in my decision. Pioneer 42 was about 1200 dollars cheaper despite the fact that I was getting a GREAT deal on Sony 46 XBR3 at 3,300. Both were in stock.
The Pioneer looks absolutely stunning so far in my house both in picture quality and looks. Its piano black finish is very modern but classic. My upconverting DVD player makes regular DVDs look stunning. Can't wait to get Blu Ray when it gets a little cheaper, until then Samsung upconverting DVD player works pretty good. Sound from this television is much better than I have ever experienced on Sonys over the years. Standard signals are very clear to watch as well. I have never purchased a Pioneer before but beginning to become a fan of it.
Good luck with your purchases.
AMAZING TV...But....Clouding Issues are a problem! January 4, 2007
20 out of 24 found this review helpful
I have owned a 46xbr3 for over a month now. I would 1st like to say that the image of this TV is awesome. The menu options you have to tweak the look of the image is very very detailed. It helps if you run component and HDMI signals and need to have different tweaked settings to optimize look and reduce pixelization. 1080p with your playstation 3, blu ray or hd dvd players. The tv does not run 1080p component, only hdmi and vga, so your xbox 360 will have to run in 1080i (still looks great). The xbox 360 does run 1080p through vga input on this tv but xbox360 makes the screen look washed out.
Clouding Issue:
There is however a manufacturing defect that is not officially published by sony and no recall is yet in effect. The Sony LCD flatpanels XBR2/XBR3 40"/46"/52" screens have a greater then 50% chance to have a defect nicknamed "clouding". I am one of those unlucky buyers. What "clouding" basically is, is white puffy looking background lighting, when screen is black. This is not to be confused with non uniform lighting often seen in PC lcd panels; This is much worse and much brighter and heavily blotchy. For most people with this problem (including myself) you can only see this clouding during times when the screen goes black. (credits at the end of the movies, transitions between commercials to tv shows, dark parts scenes in movies and shows.) During these dark scenes they stand out like a sore thumb and make viewing distracting; due to the fact they are very bright and whitish. My experience is the longer the TV stays turned on the brighter these clouds get. When you 1st turn on the Tv they are very faint. They also have an odd habit of shifting around the panel very slowly over the course of weeks. (as strange as this may sound) I have found the clouding does not discolor or overbrighten the screen when the TV has full colorful images on it. This is why this problem is tolerable and I did not demand my money back, its still not acceptable though. I have read a few users say their clouding is so bad it effects the colors and makes them washed out. Thankfully I have not seen that.
Please do not take my word for any of this I encourage you to be a critical thinker and go out on google and seek this "sony lcd clouding" issue. I am doing my part for the small community of us who are stuck with this sad problem overshadowing what is otherwise an absolutely great HDTV.
In closing this TV is beautiful looking but when you spend this much money you don't want things like this bringing down your morale over the product. If you buy this TV you could be one of the lucky buyers and get an untainted screen and most stores give you a 30 day return policy. I have also heard (not confirmed) that the newest manufactured models have fixed this issue. I gave the product 5 stars despite the flaw, because even with this flaw I love this TV.
Best of luck with your HDTV purchases. Hope this helps.
Sleek, clean and awesome November 2, 2006
19 out of 21 found this review helpful
Just bought the unit on 10/30/06 and I have to say that 1080i (and hopefully 1080p coming soon) is fantastic with the Sony. Amazing how flat the screen is and how much more room I now have in my family room. I plugged it into my cable outlet without a cable box (Comcast) and I got over 100 digital channels as well as the 79 analog channels. I can listen to the music channels and I get 7 HD channels that Comcast transmits without having a cable box (MY network, ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, CW, FOX). Cant figure out why Jeopardy is in HD but hey, its about the sports and NASCAR and concerts and whatever else you are in to. I went with the Sony based upon my experience with their TV product as well as some online research and in store reviews and actually seeing it in action. Now if I need to wait to see if Blu-Ray or HD-DVD will reign supreme so I can get myself on the HD DVD bandwagon. I am impressed as well as very happy with my purchase.
 Another piece of Sony Crap! December 9, 2006
17 out of 47 found this review helpful
I bought this television less than a month ago and have had to have it replaced 3 times before I got my money back. If you type in google (Sony XBR3+cloudy) you will find forum after forum with people reporting their t.v.'s have the cheap LCD back light leakedge. All three of mine had it in pretty much the same places and nothing is more annoying than watching a movie or a show that has several dark scenes in it, and seeing clouds of gray in the picture. IT IS THE WORST and Sony will not acknowledge it. They say it is normal. THE HELL IT IS!
I would avoid this t.v. with all cost until next year when they finally get their crap in a row. Typical Sony crap! They wonder why they are loosing billions of dollars a year.
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