Plasma HDTV Reviews

Sony Bravia XBR-Series KDL-46XBR4 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

The Sony BRAVIA XBR KDL-46XBR4 46-inch 1080p LCD Flat Panel HDTV continues Sony’s tradition of making outstanding televisions. With a 46-inch screen, you’ll be able to see every little detail without any need to squint. 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.

The KDL-46XBR4 has vibrant colors and a 178-degree viewing angle. View larger. View product demo (requires Flash).

The XBR series delivers beautful visuals while incorporating all of Sony’s latest technologies. View product demo (requires Flash).

Top-Notch Video Performance
The XBR KDL-46XBR4 is a 1080p television with a full 1920 x 1080 resolution, the highest resolution available for the sharpest, clearest picture. The KDL-46XBR 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-46XBR 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-46XBR4 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-46XBR4.

Stunning Looks
The KDL-46XBR4 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-46XBR4 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-46XBR4 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-46XBR4 is backed by a 1-year limited warranty for parts and labor.

Full HD Quality HDTV provides up to six times the visual detail of the Standard Definition television. You need an HDTV set, HD sound and a source of HD content to make sure you’re really getting HD.

One-step Simplicity It’s easy to setup your HDTV system. A single HDMI cable carries both audio and video signals, while it also banishes confusing setup and cord tangles.

You’re Surrounded HD broadcasting can include up to 7.1 channels of surround sound. A Sony HD Audio system lets you experience every whisper.

Ready for Primetime You’ve got the set, now get the shows. HD sports, comedies, dramas, movies and more are available on Broadcast, Cable and Satellite TV.

What’s in the Box
KDL-46XBR4 46-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.

Customer Review: Summer 2009 and still the best!
I just bought this Bravia XBR a week ago BRAND NEW (6/3/09), and I have to say I am absolutely 100% satisfied with my purchase. I have been researching televisions for over a year now anticipating a purchase. I loved this model of TV from the first time my uncle had bought his 52″ version. I was initially considering a newer XBR and also a Panasonic G10 plasma set. All I can say is that I am extremely glad with my purchase. I used custom settings found from an online forum for these model of XBR’s and couldn’t be happier with the results. Of course high definition sources (HD cable, PS3 Bluray) look incredible, but the standard definition content from the cable box also looks VERY good. I am not sure what they put in these generations of XBR TV’s, but it works! The styling of this set is also by far the best looking television I have ever seen. The newer XBR models just don’t have the style of this set with the floating glass perimeter. All in all I give this TV 5 stars from an extremely satisfied customer. I did not purchase this set from amazon, but their service is always incredible. Do yourself a favor and buy one of these sets (any size, XBR4 or 5) before they are all gone!
Customer Review: After 16 Months…
I would buy this TV all over again. Paid $2,499 for it in January 2008, which at the time, was $800 cheaper than 2 very popular brick and mortar places. As much as I appreciate a great picture, I am no audio/videophile. So I’m not going to go into the technical details. I’m just going to say that after 16 months there are still programs and sporting events that come on that prompt me to say “WOW!”. The clarity and detail are amazing. What’s more, I’ve never had a single issue with the set, so I am hoping the money I spent for the extended in-home service plan turns out to be a complete waste. Once the satellite installer set up the HD (had analog prior)that was it. Incredible picture with not a single adjustment.

Hopefully I can write this same review in another 16 months. Also, kudos to Amazon. They are incredible to deal with. From initial order right through delivery. Probably the best service provider I ever dealt with.

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