Sony has an extensive line of LCD flat panel HDTV sets. Their line includes sizes ranging from 26 inches, to an astonishing 70 inches. Within their line of LCD flat panel displays, there are several different series of sets. These series have many similarities and many differences. This review will focus solely on the 40″ Sony Bravia XBR Series LCD Flat Panel HDTV.
This particular model of Sony LCD set is distinguished by the model number KDL-40XBR5. A brief discussion of the model number is needed in order to understand what the actual model number implies. Ignoring the KDL which is used on almost every Sony LCD Flat Panel HDTV used, we turn to the first two numbers 40 which indicates the size of the set at 40 inches. The next letters, XBR indicates that this set is an XBR series LCD display. The final number 5 indicates that this display features a high gloss piano black finish.
Now we will move on to a brief discussion of this particular set. The KDL-40XBR5 has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $2599.99. This is significantly more expensive than most other LCD sets of the 40 inch size. But this is mainly because the XBR series of LCD displays from Sony are considered at or near the top of their class.
This particular LCD HDTV set is a 1080p full high definition display. This indicates that it can display every detail and take full advantage of a true high definition signal. A 1080p set is generally more expensive than its lower resolution 720p counterpart, but the picture quality level is usually noticeably different between the two resolutions.
Now we will move on to a few specs that are associated with this particular LCD set. This set employs a 120 hertz refresh rate. This rate is important when comparing LCD sets. The refresh rate indicates how quickly the image is change or refreshed on the screen. Faster of higher numerical rates typically mean that fast action scenes will look less blurry and picture detail will be more precise.
This set has a strong contrast ratio that is listed as a dynamic contrast ratio of 18,000 to 1. This compares favorably against most other LCD sets. The higher the contrast ratio, the more distinction there is between black levels and white levels on the screen. In general, a higher contrast ratio implies a better picture and a better LCD set.
Finally, this LCD Flat Panel Display utilizes Sony’s own Bravia Engine Pro. This is Sony’s premiere engine and is only utilized in Sony’s top end LCD displays.
This brief overview is intended to provide easy access to the major specifications of individual HDTV sets. If interested in comparing this particular set to another LCD of Plasma HDTV set, simply look through the list of sets that I have provided an overview of. Overviews are available for or will soon be available for all major sets from Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, Pioneer, and Toshiba sets.
