electronicsme - Electronics / Televisions made easy

Print this page

Sony KDL46XBR6: Review

Posted to Televisions 2009-02-01

Sony KDL46XBR6 review :

The Sony KDL46XBR6 is Sony's latest addition to their acclaimed Bravia XBR series of LCD TVs. This series has become one of the standards by which large-screen LCD TVs are judged. This latest entry is a 46 inch 1080p model with a refresh rate of 120Hz for smooth viewing in fast action scenes. The unit features a 16:9 aspect ratio, the Bravia engine digital video processor, and Sony's exclusive 3 speaker (two front, subwoofer) surround sound system.

The 46XBR6 also features Sony's Digital Media Extender (DmeX) which works with Sony's optional Bravia Link modules such as the Bravia Internet Video Link and the Bravia Wireless Link. The unit boasts a 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ration and features Sony's Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE), which results in deep blacks without losing fine details in shadows and other dark areas of the picture. Connectivity options include a PC (VGA) input, 4 HDMI inputs, 7 analog audio inputs, 1 analog audio output, 2 component video inputs, and an Ethernet connection.

Rating:

5.0 out of 5

Features

The 46XBR6 gets 5 stars in the features category mainly due to the wealth of connectivity options it includes. The unit is definitely intended to be the centerpiece of a full-featured multimedia center, not just a home theater system. The 1080p resolution and HDMI inputs provide compatibility with Blue Ray DVD players and Sony Playstation 3 HDTV output. In addition to the connectivity options already mentioned, the unit features 3 composite video inputs, a Digital Media port, an optical digital audio output, an HDMI PC input, an RF connection, an S-Video input, and a USB 2.0 port.

Performance

Video performance is stellar, even in brightly lit rooms - there's little glare or reflection seen on the screen. The ACE circuit and 50,000:1 contrast ration deliver surprising contrast in detailed scenes. And the 120Hz refresh rate ensures that even the fastest action scenes are smooth and flicker free. The 10-bit processor and 10-bit panel combine to allow the reproduction of billions of colors. And all of the already mentioned connectivity options make this the ideal foundation for a complete multimedia experience. The built-in audio provides adequate surround sound, but you'll need a surround system with external speakers for a true home theater experience.

Summary

If you're looking for an LCD TV around which to build a multimedia system with lots of components, then the 46XBR6 is an ideal choice. The price is competitive and the picture quality is outstanding. Sony has been making some of the best and most reliable TVs around for years and this new model is no exception. Sony has made the transition into the digital age by developing some of the best digital processing technology to be found anywhere. Due to its excellent picture quality and built-in surround, the 46XBR6 is also a good choice for a standalone TV or a home theater system.

Pros

46 inch LCD with 108p resolution
Wealth of multimedia connectivity options
Outstanding picture quality
Minimal glare and reflection from bright lights
Built-in 3 speaker surround sound technology

Cons

There are no cons for this product