Sony LCD TV Reviews 2008 Models

Filed Under Sony LCD TV, Sony LCD TV Review

Like most TV manufacturers, there is a large range of Sony LCD TVs with a variety of size and feature combinations.

When evaluating any LCD TV, remember to focus on picture quality, especially with motion, such as sports, and sound quality rather than esoteric features that you will probably rarely use.

Sony has generally been positioned in the mid to high end of the market and its TVs usually perform well in comparisons.

It has also made a noticeable effort to be much more price competitive in recent times, so you can often get a Sony LCD TV for about the same price as one of the historically, lower priced brands.

The main product ranges are:

Bravia XBR4 series
Bravia XBR5 Series
Bravia XBR6 Series
Bravia XBR7 Series
Bravia XBR8 Series
Bravia V4100/W4100 Series
Bravia M4000 Series

Understanding Sony’s Model Numbering System

As an example, if you take the LCD TV model Sony KDL-40XBR4 the last 4 digits refer to the range and the number refers to the screen sixe in inches. So 40XBR4 means a 40 inch TV in the XBR4 range.

Bravia XBR4 LCD TVs

The models in the XBR4 range include:

Sony KDL-32XBR4
Sony KDL-40XBR4
Sony KDL-46XBR4
Sony KDL-52XBR4

Bravia XBR5 LCD TVs

The XBR6 series are Sony’s entry tier models for 2008. As the model numbers indicate they come in 5 sizes from 32 up to 52 inches (note the 32 and 37 inch LCD TVs have different styling to the larger models and do not feature the 120Hz MotionFlow technology present on the larger XBR6 TVs).

The 3 larger sized models: KDL-40XBR6, KDL-46XBR6, and KDL-52XBR6 feature Sony’s MotionFlow 120Hz refresh rate. They house a USB port for easy playback of music and photo gallery.

The models in the XBR5 range include:

Sony KDL-40XBR5
Sony KDL-46XBR5
Sony KDL-52XBR5

Bravia XBR6 LCD TVs

The models in the XBR6 range include:

Sony KDL-32XBR6
Sony KDL-37XBR6
Sony KDL-40XBR6
Sony KDL-46XBR6
Sony KDL-52XBR6

Bravia XBR7 LCD TVs

The models in the XBR7 range include:

Sony KDL-40XBR7
Sony KDL-70XBR7

Bravia XBR8 LCD TVs

The XBR* range is Sony’s high end line offering for 2008. The main differentiating feature with the KDL-46XBR8 and 55XBR8 TVs is the local dimming feature. This claims to improve contrast in “localized” areas of the screen, achieved partly through use of the new LED backlight (siliar to Philips ambilight).

The models in the XBR8 range include:

Sony KDL-46XBR8
Sony KDL-55XBR8

Bravia V4100/W4100 Series LCD TVs

This series features a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1080p panel and uses the BRAVIA Engine 2™ for realistic images. The models also contain features such as the XMB (Xross Media Bar®) with 3D graphics, DMex capability and picture quality enhancement technologies such as ACE (Advanced Contrast Enhancer).

The models in the V4100/W4100 range include: