Flat Screen TV reviews

Model: Sony KDL-52XBR9
Description: 52" LCD TV 1080p resolution
Reviewer: Robert Wiley with Jack Burden
Date: Fall/Winter 2009

Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR9 Review
A shot of an SI Swimsuit edition clip of Marissa Miller on the set - available from the Sony XBR's Bravia Internet connection.

Test and Optimum Viewing Distance: 15 feet
Calibration
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calibration results

Calibration Notes: The XBR9 was more difficult to calibrate than many recent TVs. There is error occuring in varying ire points creating a condundrum in where to tighten up color and where to just allow it to fall where it will. Gain controls may only be reduced on the XBR9, when we needed to drive blue up. We ended up with error in the 40, 50, 60 range opting to let the middle float and keep the ends of the scale on scale. Off axis viewing dramatically affects blacks and grays when calibrating - making calibration difficult when color shifts at varying angles. See Viewing Angle section for more.
Sony KDL-52XBR9 Picture Settings
Backlight 7
Picture 85
Brightness 55
Color 49
Hue R1
Color Temp Warm 1
Sharpness Minimum
Noise Reduction Off
Motion Flow On
For complete picture settings including white balance settings, see the calibration page.
HQV Processor Testing
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test results

720p/1080i/1080p Picture Quality: HD picture quality was much crisper and colors are more saturated. Blacks become slightly hazy at side angles but straight appear plenty saturated. I beleive the anti glare technology introduced into the LCD panel creates most of the weakness issues with color calibrations and off angle viewing. Dont misunderstand, the HD picture from Blu Ray and Broadcast HD was clear, vivid and colorful as always, but alas the image does not appear as deep as some of the better pictures we've viewing lately.