Sony Bravia KDL-46XBR2
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: KDL-46XBR2
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Although more expensive than most similarly sized HDTVs on the market, the stylish Sony KDL-46XBR2 delivers one of the best pictures we've ever seem from an LCD flat-panel.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Sony Bravia KDL-46XBR2 price range: $2,495.95
- Reviewed by: Kevin Miller
- Edited by: David Katzmaier
- Reviewed on: 09/21/2006
- Updated on:05/07/2007
- Released on: 08/15/2006
The good: Accurate color decoding; extremely sharp and detailed picture, thanks to true 1,920x1,080 resolution; delivers deep blacks for an LCD; comprehensive feature package with numerous picture controls; great connectivity with three HDMI inputs and a PC input; unique styling.
The bad: Expensive; noisy standard-def video processing.
The bottom line: Although more expensive than most similarly sized HDTVs on the market, the stylish Sony KDL-46XBR2 delivers one of the best pictures we've ever seem from an LCD flat-panel.
Editors' note: Since this review was first published, we've received reader complaints, both in the user opinions and in e-mails, regarding uneven backlighting in XBR2 and XBR series flat-panel LCDs from Sony's 2006 line. Since we didn't notice abnormal backlight behavior in our review samples, we can't comment firsthand one way or the other. Sony did however issue a statement, which you can read here, addressing the complaints. If you notice uneven backlighting, especially in dark scenes, we recommend you contact Sony's customer service (1-800-222-7669). And as always, feel free to post your own user opinion.
Update 5/7/2007: This product was originally given an Editors' Choice award but that award has been removed due to changes in the compeditive landscape.
Flat-panel LCD and plasma HDTVs are locked in a heated war to get your hard-earned dollars, and it's getting hotter as bigger LCDs become less expensive and encroach on plasma-size territory. Sony's latest line of so-called Bravia LCD flat-panels includes more than a few of high-end, bigger-screen models, including the subject of this review, the 46-inch KDL-46XBR2 ($4,299). Its high price buys just about everything you could ask for in an LCD today, namely the vaunted 1,920x1,080 (1080p) resolution, a great feature package, and excellent connectivity. Performance on the KDL-46XBR is almost as impressive as its specifications, although nothing is perfect and some plasmas can still outperform it in overall picture quality. That said, if you are in the market for a big-screen LCD flat-panel, and the best picture is a more important prerequisite than the best price, the Sony KDL-46XBR2 should be among your top choices.
Note: CNET also reviewed the 40-inch version, model KDL-40XBR2. Our findings are mostly similar for both sets, so we awarded them the same ratings.
User reviews
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PLEASE DO NOT BUY THIS TV
by TangleWire on December 1, 2006
Pros: Nice design
Cons: Uneven and Cloudy Backlight, no solution from Sony
Summary: I will share my personal experience with this set. In any case, If you want to avoid a very annoying problem and be part of a worldwide issue (same as ...
Summary: I will share my personal experience with this set. In any case, If you want to avoid a very annoying problem and be part of a worldwide issue (same as the laptop batteries). You better go for another option. I bought this high end TV and second day of using it I noticed sort of clouds on the corners, during dark scenes. I won't give all the details of the story. But the bottom line: the clouds were getting worse. I returned the item. I got a new one from the dealer and I got the same problem. Then I searched on the web and I found hundreds of people with the same issue with no answer from Sony. It seems to be that the problems are with sets manufactures on August 2006 and beyond. Please check this link to see how my fancy XBR looks like: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=748779
This is not acceptable for this type of high tech device. With all these PS3, batteries and now TV issues.. no more Sony to me.41 out of 48 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Stupendous (did I spell that right?)
by amatot on September 15, 2006
Pros: Color rendition; black level/contrast, input memories and super fast processing.
Cons: Lacks low end bass response but the surround still kicks A!
Summary: I bought one of these 2 weeks ago. The 40" is what caught my eye and had I not needed someting closer to a 50" in size, the 40" was ...
Summary: I bought one of these 2 weeks ago. The 40" is what caught my eye and had I not needed someting closer to a 50" in size, the 40" was a complete blow away! Remember, the 40" is 1080p as well which means the pixel elements are smaller thereby resulting in a more focused viewing experience at typical view distances. Same pixel element
count between both the 40" and the 46" - means smaller is better on the 40.
No disrespect to the 46" though, I mean I bought one didn't I - it blows away the Samsung units - hands down - mainly for the fact that the processing circuitry is far
superior and faster. Plus this set has picture setting memories for each individual input - an absolute must! HD looks spectacular, Well mastered DVDs look damn close and composite feeds are cleaned up 10 times better than anything in it's class - including Pioneer Elite
plasma sets which are totally over-rated. Sony states everything is up-converted to 1080p rez and it certainly appears to be the
case. No burn, very minimal blur (on SD feeds), gobbs of user adjustable settings and stupendous blacks/contrast. There's plenty of margin in this set so work the salesperson; 10% off list is an
easy achievement. Also, blow off any attempt to sell you an extended
warranty; you can get one directly from Sony after the fact. Just over $300 for 5 years, coverage is good and in-home service is part of the deal. Why pay upwards of $900.00 from someone else; spend
the money saved on other stuff...20 out of 21 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Unbelievable LCD 1080p - It's the Future!!
by davector64 on September 2, 2006
Pros: Crystal Clear images from gray/blacks to vivid colors. Plenty of inputs & adjustment menus for the 'tweeker's' out there! A Stylish design to boot!
Cons: The price might be too high for some. Some midwest stores will lower the price - talk'em down, They'll work with you!
Summary: Where should I begin? I initially looked at larger screens (40" or larger) back in January 06, I wanted something thin and wall mountable. I talked with several salesman and ...
Summary: Where should I begin? I initially looked at larger screens (40" or larger) back in January 06, I wanted something thin and wall mountable. I talked with several salesman and friends in the Video Industry. I purchased the Panasonic TH50PX60U 50" Plasma (Consumer Report's best buy), watched it for about a week and took it back. Just a side note: I was informed the Plasma's degrade over time and LCD's do not. The Panasonic looked great but it only had one RF input for cable OR TV antenna. I needed two RFs; one for cable TV and one for the HiDef antenna I had on the roof (for free Over-The-Air HDTV). OTA HDTV is the cleanest signal for HiDef because it's not compressed for broadcasting like satellite or cable distribution. Anyway, back to the Sony. I first saw the KDL-40XBR2 40" Sony at a retail store with a Blu-Ray hooked to it, so it was getting a full 1080p signal. I just couldn't stop looking at the clarity that it produced. I recommend that if you are considering this TV, have the salesman hookup the highest quality signal available; preferably a 1080p, 1080i at the very least. Any other signal does not do it justice! I eventually found the 46" Sony and was able to negotiate a price approximately 15% lower then the initial sticker price (Aug 06). My biggest reason for going with this particular TV was the 1080p and the fact that it's a Sony, not to mention the image quality and stylish design. The 1080p technology is where the industry is going, so why buy something less.
20 out of 21 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This review needs to be updated to reflect a recent large scale manufacturing defect with the LCD
by Chris Perry on December 7, 2006
Pros: Perhaps the best 46 inch LCD on the market today
Cons: Almost 2/3 of recent buyers of this LCD TV report problems with "Clouding" (Mura Defect)
Summary: Buyers considering purchasing this LCD TV from Sony would do well to review the information on the AVS forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=748779&page=...
Summary: Buyers considering purchasing this LCD TV from Sony would do well to review the information on the AVS forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=748779&page=1&pp=30).
This forum reports that buyers of this TV since the October time frame have been almost univerally expierencing "Clouding" problems. To date Sony has not acknowleded this problem, despite the numerous complaints.
Since this probelm has surfaced after the latest update to the CNET review, Kevin Miller needs to add the issue in an update and should factor in this new issue into a revised overall rating (as has been done with the "banding" problems with the Sharp LCD TVs).
I believe the 8.3 out of 10 rating is no longer valid and is misleading to consumers looking for complete and accurate information upon which to base their purchases.20 out of 24 users found this user opinion helpful.
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No hope once the 'clouds' appear
by the_second_one on December 13, 2006
Pros: Stunning HD picture
Cons: Made worthless when dark scenes exhibit white clouds
Summary: Cnet really knows how to stress how important black level peformance is on a TV and rightfully so. This is a great TV if you were someone who purchased it ...
Summary: Cnet really knows how to stress how important black level peformance is on a TV and rightfully so. This is a great TV if you were someone who purchased it in the first two months of release (certainly one of the samples Cnet reviewed). I however have a November model that was made in Mexico and exhibits the very common 'cloud' effect. It's heartbreaking to think Sony considers this issue as 'normal' and all of us consumers are stuck with a defect just because Sony wanted to skip QC for bulk manufacturing. The TV has a great HD picture, one of the best. But such goes to waste when you want to watch any dark material (try out Miami Vice) and you see white areas on a dark background. Sony needs to straighten their act and fix the issue before even more consumers are burdened with the issue.
14 out of 16 users found this user opinion helpful.
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CNET review sample not representative of what is currently shipping
by alan267 on December 7, 2006
Pros: First 15 minutes nice picture then problems appear
Cons: Poor quality control and poor customer support
Summary: I purchased the Sony KDL-46XBR3 (no technical difference between the XBR2 and XBR3, just a cosmetic difference and a 12 month warranty vs 18 month warranty) (October build date) and ...
Summary: I purchased the Sony KDL-46XBR3 (no technical difference between the XBR2 and XBR3, just a cosmetic difference and a 12 month warranty vs 18 month warranty) (October build date) and was initially amazed at the picture quality. Then after having it on for about 15 minutes I noticed a severe "cloudiness" in the upper left hand corner and the lower right hand corner with a less severe but still apparent blotchiness extending across the entire panel. This is especially noticeable on dark scenes and on blank inputs in the evening. If you purchase this unit do so locally so that you can check it out in advance and take advantage of the return policy. It seems that the majority of sets manufactured after September 2007 have this problem. July/August builds (check rear of your set for date) for the most part seem to be okay. More on this issue can be found in the AVS forum (Official Sony 46" XBR LCD Uneven Backlight/Cloudy Thread). This problem is apparently affecting all Sony 40", 46" and 52" LCD TV screens.
Now comes the worst part, Sony's official stand on this issue is that this is `not' a defect and is not covered by warranty (see above thread for more details). So be absolutely certain that your set does not exhibit this problem as Sony is not offering any recourse at this time. Their official stand is to deny that there is a problem.Updated
It should have read September 200611 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Exceptional HDTV, except for clouding issue
by jaholguin27 on December 15, 2006
Pros: Unbelievable picture quality!
Cons: Clouding effect is reason enough to avoid this televsion.
Summary: I purchased this television despite the numerous reviews stating that there were problems with the backlight. I spoke to numerous sales associates at different electronics stores, and none were aware ...
Summary: I purchased this television despite the numerous reviews stating that there were problems with the backlight. I spoke to numerous sales associates at different electronics stores, and none were aware of a "clouding affect." I decided that it did not seem to be that big of an issue and forked out the cash, $3900 after taxes, for the set. I brought the TV home, hooked it up to my HD receiver and was immediately blown away by the picture. Best picture I have ever seen on a television. I watched it for the weekend, and sadly but surely the "clouding" issue made its appearance on the third day. I was devastated! Sony is my brand of choice, and I am extremely disappointed that such an expensive TV would be riddled with so many issues. I hate to say it, but until you hear that Sony has resolved the matter, save your money! CNet definitely needs to review this product again and adjust it's rating. It certainly does not deserve an 8.3.
10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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My Beautiful LCD TV!
by shie0023 on September 14, 2006
Pros: Elegant looks, easy set-up out of box, connections, great contrast ratio for a LCD, 1080 resolution
Cons: (Being picky here) No PIP, no card readers, can be pricy
Summary: Well, after over two years of looking at flat panels, I finally drop the doe and purchased my first flat screen! I've always been a plasma enthusiast, but this ...
Summary: Well, after over two years of looking at flat panels, I finally drop the doe and purchased my first flat screen! I've always been a plasma enthusiast, but this TV got me switched to the LCD family. Initially I was strongly considering the Panasonic TH-50PX60U or the Samsung HP-S5053, which both are excellent plasmas, significant cheaper and bigger than this Sony 46XBR2.
What got me to switch you ask and spent more money? Well, it's the LCD technology, lighter TV, 7000:1 contrast ratio (which was pretty bad in earlier LCD generations), and the 1080 HD capability. I figured that if I am to invest $4000+ into a new flat panel, I might as well invest into future technology which is 1080 HD!
I'll be the first to tell you that I'm not a flat TV technology guru with a vision that can tell you the difference from a good flat panel TV to a great flat panel TV, only thing I know is that this TV looks great in standard digital TV and excellent in HD TV. Trust me, I may not be a guru, but I did my research on all the specs for many flat panels (plasmas and LCD).
Right now, this is the LCD to get. I have the following set up to this TV:
Digital Cable: Cox
Connection: HDMI-to-DVI
Power Conditioner: Monster Home Theatre Reference HTS-3600 MKII PowerCenter
DVD Player: Sony DVP-NS725P
A/V Receiver: Pioneer VSX-D912
Wall Mount: Sanus VMPLb
Freaking love this machine! If you have $4000+ to invest into a new flat TV, this is it! Can't wait to see 1080 on HD DVDs or Blueray stuff.Updated
I just wanted to touch upon my wall mounting experience. First, I refused to spend $400+ for professional install. All I wanted was my TV on the wall and no way in hell that I was going to fork out another $400+ when I can do this myself (I'm no carpenteur either). Wall mounting isn't that tough, if you can read instructions and put together a book case, then you can mount a TV. I went to Home Depot and bought a decent stud-finder, made some measurements and secure the wall mount (Sanus VMPLb) nicely on my wall.
The only thing is that the nuts & bolts that came with the Sanus wall mount kit didn't really fit the Sony 46XBR2 TV on the back that well. So my suggestion for you is if you are going to buy this TV and wanted to mount it on the wall, go get the official Sony TV wall mount for this TV for best stability.
Don't get me wrong, with my Sanus wall mount, I was able to secure my TV on the wall, but the bolts aren't long enough for a full stability (this is confusing, I know), but just take my advise, don't use the Sanus wall mount for this TV.
Now, if you wish to hide wires and do all that special electrical connections, then yes and go hire professional installation.10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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CLOUDS RUIN THIS OTHERWISE DECENT LCD
by 12theagle on December 21, 2006
Pros: SHARP PICTURE (IN 1080) SNAZZY FRAME
Cons: TERRIBLE STANDARD DEF AND LOUSY BACKLIGHT ISSUES
Summary: Ok, i was suckered in too. It's a thing of beauty to look at in the store however, we don't think about things like "cloudy backlight issues" when ...
Summary: Ok, i was suckered in too. It's a thing of beauty to look at in the store however, we don't think about things like "cloudy backlight issues" when were in BB for two hours trying to make up our minds. I wish i would have. As soon as i got home i noticed the clouds. Thought i was buggin out from my long day in a long line, (Black Fridy, don't laugh cause i got it at a great price). So i waited till morning. Woke up, made coffe, put in "ROCKY", OH YEA!! CLOUDS!!!!!!!! Lower left, upper right, and smack dab in the middle. If i sat and watched for a moment or two, you could see them start to form and swiril around. I'm not even kidding. I could rattle off a good size list of reasons to by this set. However, it's that one HUGE reason not to. DO NOT BUY THIS SET!!! Consider yourself warned. If you purchased it and if you still can, return it for the PIONEER PLASMA PDP-5070. NICE.
Peace and hair grease.9 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great TV but the "cloud" issue ruins it.
by Vathone on December 15, 2006
Pros: Great picture quality, vibrant colors, bright compared to most TVs
Cons: EXTREMELY annoying uneven backlighting
Summary: I Just recently purchased a Sony Bravia XBR2 and was quite impressed with everything the TV had to offer (which is why it is getting a 2 and not a ...
Summary: I Just recently purchased a Sony Bravia XBR2 and was quite impressed with everything the TV had to offer (which is why it is getting a 2 and not a 1) but as soon as a very dark/black scene appeared I saw some grayish/red ?clouds? or ?bloches? every time a dark scene would appear, which was extremely destracting. After making sure I was not hallucinating I did a Google search for the problem and was taken to this link http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=748779&page=1&pp=30 . After reading the 1500+ posts in this post, I learned that this problem is rather wide spread. At least 10-20 people took their defective sets back 2-3 times just to be plagued by the same problem each time, one person even took theirs back 5 times! In addition many people called the Sony tech support and all they got is ?uneven backlighting is normal?. A few people were even told that it wasn?t covered under the warranty because it is not considered defective. It was also noted that the models made before September 06 were largely unaffected. At this point I would defiantly not advise that anyone get this TV until the issue is resolved.
9 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: KDL-46XBR2
- Description: Whether you're watching sports, movies, TV or even a presentation direct from your PC, make it more dynamic and vibrant with the KDL-46XBR2.
General
- Series BRAVIA
- Product type LCD TV
- Diagonal Size 46 in - Widescreen
- Dimensions & Weight Details TV set with stand - 50 in x 13 in x 32 in x 89.9 lbs
- Enclosure Color Silver
Display
- LCD Backlight Technology Wide Color Gamut-CCFL
- Resolution 1920 x 1080
- Display Format 1080p (FullHD)
- Image Aspect Ratio 16:9
- Progressive Scan Progressive scanning (line doubling)
TV Tuner
- Digital TV Tuner ATSC
Video Features
- Video Interface HDMI, S-Video, Component, Composite
- HDTV Ready Yes
- Input Video Formats 720p, 1080i, 1080p
- Freeze Memo Yes
Audio System
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Surround Mode Yes
- Sound Effects BBE, SRS TruSurround XT
- Output Power / Total 22 Watt
Connections
- Connector Type 3 x HDMI, 2 x Component video input, 1 x S-Video input ( 4 pin mini-DIN ), 3 x Composite video input ( RCA phono ), 1 x VGA input
Remote Control
- Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
Sustainability
- Greenpeace policy rating (Sept 2009) 5.1
Product series
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Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: LCD TV, 32 in, 1366 x 768, 16:9
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Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: LCD TV, 40 in, 1920 x 1080, 16:9, Silver
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Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: LCD TV, 46 in, 1920 x 1080, 16:9, Silver
Accessories
- URC Universal Remote Professional Line MX-810 (32912039)260.00 - 399.95
- URC Universal Remote Control MX-900 (32552106)449.95 - 460.99
- URC Professional Line MX-850 - universal remote control (32092938)439.99
- URC Professional Line MX-450 - universal remote control (33639921)249.95
- URC Home Theater Master MX-3000 - universal remote control (31337842)610.62 - 989.95
Manufacturer info
- Sony
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.sonystyle.com
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
