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(More customer reviews)I've been living with a Panasonic PT40LC12 LCD projection TV since early 2002. Originally, it had a great picture...but, over the years (and 2 bulbs later) the quality of the image has deteriorated significantly. In all fairness, this set is used , on average, about 6-7 hours each day...so, it really owed me nothing. Also, it maxed out at 480P, and didn't have HDMI. So, I went out in search of a replacement. I've been looking at current models for about a year and finally decided to get this Sony.
I've had it about one week, and after spending some time tweaking the picture settings (there are a ton of user adjustments available) I finally sat down and watched a few DVDs.
I've got 2 DVD players and the first film that I watched was viewed at 480P using the component inputs. I had seen the same film before and wanted to compare....the image was absolutely fantastic. Although the DVD was a movie, the image looked more like live video. The depth of the image blew me away...the color was perfect...it looked almost like a live network feed.
The next DVD was viewed at 1080I using the HDMI inputs. Again, the image was outstanding.
Adjusting the set is not for the faint of heart. The Vivid and Normal settings are, in my opinion, way too bright...too much contrast and color intensity. Although it appears that they can be adjusted...why bother. They might work if the set were being used in a sports bar, or other venue...but, not in the home.
I concentrated on the Cinema and Custom settings. There are several blogs, technical sites, etc. on the web that discuss adjustments for this set. It's really worth the time to hunt them down. One thing I read was that the 120hz scan feature only works in the Cinema or Custom settings...and Sony's "out of the box" default is to have that feature turned off. So, make sure to check the settings for the inputs you're using.
I concentrated on getting the best image in the Custom mode for each of my attached inputs. I found that "WARM 1" was the setting that provided the best "live looking" image. WARM 2 (the default for Cinema mode) gave the image a look that most closely mirrored a movie theater experience. If you tweak the Custom settings to give you the most "live looking" image...you can use the THEATER button on the remote to switch into a more Cinema looking image.
Also, it appears that you can adjust the levels for each input...so, you can tweak the picture for each device that you connect without changing any of the others. Although I have an outstanding AV receiver which does 1080P video and audio switching (to which most of my components are attached), I found that where multiple device outputs are available, attaching any device directly to the TV allows the picture to be customized specifically for that device....you can still use your surround sound receiver for the audio.
The remote control is somewhat complex (including a hidden compartment at the bottom with a sliding door). It also took a while to learn to navigate through the various setup and adjustment screens...but, in a short time, it really all made sense.
Viewing my standard definition DirecTV channels was OK....I haven't gone to HDTV as I need to chop some trees to get the proper angle and elevation for the 5 LNB HD dish. However, if the HD channels come in as great as the DVD images, life will be beautiful.
I don't, as yet, have either a BluRay or HD DVD player....as soon as the industry decided which will be king, then I'll decide which to buy......and, the prices can only go lower with each passing day. I've seen BluRay DVDs played over this TV and all I can say is...I can't wait to get mine.
All in all...I think I made the correct choice. It was probably the most expensive set that I considered...but, if it stands up over the years, I think it was worth the price. Also, I'm glad that I waited for the XBR4. The previous XBR model wasn't nearly as attractive (e.g., that ugly silver surround). Also, Sony added many improvements (if you can believe them) to this newer model. If you decide to get one of these...please take the time to study the owners manual. Although there are some unexplained and confusing descriptions, it will at least give you a place to start.
UPDATE...I've had this set for about 2 months now...It only gets better. I purchased a blu-ray player and now watch all my DVDs upconverted to 1080P. Watching blu-ray DVDs at 1080P/24 is the best I've ever seen (even in the stores on their demo sets). The "clouding" issue reported on the previous XBR2/3 doesn't exist...so it appears that Sony did solve that problem.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Bravia XBR-Series KDL-40XBR4 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
The Sony BRAVIA XBR KDL-40XBR4 40-inch 1080p LCD Flat Panel HDTV continues Sony's tradition of making outstanding televisions. The 40-inch screen is ideal for medium-size rooms. Sony does not hold back with any technologies, and the XBR series is its flagship line--so with the XBR, you know you'll get the best quality home theater experience available.
Top-Notch Video Performance The XBR KDL-40XBR4 is a 1080p television with a full 1920 x 1080 resolution, the highest resolution available for the sharpest, clearest picture. The KDL-40XBR uses the most recent HDMI 1.3 interface, which houses both audio and video signals in one connector and has the bandwidth to support the data needed for the high resolution. Sony's Bravia Engine Pro Full Digital Video Processor upconverts all video signals to 1080p so you can watch all your old DVDs on this glorious display.
Sony complements the high resolution with the latest technology in color reproduction. The KDL-40XBR is a 10-bit display with 10-bit processing. Most panels are only 8-bit. The added bit depth here means a larger color palette for more faithful color reproduction and smoother transitions from one color to the next. Additionally, the display also supports the new x.v.Color standard, which dramatically increases the available color space. The end result is a picture that is so detailed, colorful, and vibrant, you'd have a hard time distinguishing it from real life.
The KDL-40XBR4 features Sony's Motionflow technology, which automatically adjusts for and applies the proper processing for optimal motion reproduction depending on the video input. This includes support for 24 frames per second (24p) video, which displays video content at the 24-frames-per-second rate at which it was originally filmed or recorded. With 24p, you get the most faithful possible reproduction of the original.
A Wide Variety of Inputs This Sony television's wide variety of inputs ensures compatibility with your other home theater components. There are three HDMI connections for Blu-Ray, HD DVD, and other technologies requiring the high bandwidth, and two component video inputs, three composite video inputs, one S-Video input, one PC Audio and Video input, and five analog audio inputs. Even with a collection of legacy components, you shouldn't have a problem connecting to the KDL-40XBR4.
Stunning Looks The KDL-40XBR4 not only displays stunning video but is itself a head-turner. It features Sony's unique floating glass frame along with a black bezel that can be interchanged with optional color bezels to match the display to your decor.
Outstanding Ergonomics and Simplicity of Control Sony's Xross Media Bar interface is an award-winning, intuitive on-screen display that makes setup a breeze, with menus and controls logically laid out for quick access. The KDL-40XBR4 also features Theatre Sync technology, based on the HDMI-CEC standard, which means you can easily connect to and control compatible devices. For example, when the KDL-40XBR4 is connected to a compatible DVD player, you can turn on both the DVD player and the television and start playing a DVD with a single push of a button on the remote. When you're done, another push of a button powers everything down. With Theatre Sync, you can spend time enjoying the movie rather than waste time setting everything up.
More Than Just a Television Because more and more people expect to view photos on their HDTVs, Sony developed a Photo TV HD mode that optimally sets the sharpness, gradation, and color to make digital photos look like printed photography.
The KDL-40XBR4 is backed by a 1-year limited warranty for parts and labor.
What's in the Box KDL-40XBR4 40-inch LCD flat panel HDTV, remote control, 2 AA batteries, AC power cord, operating instructions, quick setup guide, warranty card, table top stand, and support strap.
Click here for more information about Sony Bravia XBR-Series KDL-40XBR4 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
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