HDTV & Televisions : Sony Bravia KDL-40XBR2

This was the flatpanel TV I've been waiting for. Finally, a company has produced a (relatively) affordable 1080p-compliant LCD panel with an excellent picture, that addresses many of the shortcomings common of LCD. Whereas many LCDs have a narrow optimum viewing angle, the Sony XBR2 claims a 178 degree viewing angle -- and it's true. Stand practically perpendicular to this set and the image is perfectly clear. Another common complaint among LCDs is that black-level is too light to accurately display dark pictures -- another area where this Sony outperforms the competition. A fast refresh rate (less than 8ms) keeps even extremely fast-moving action sequences from experiencing "ghosting" effects. Sound is also excellent, though I'm using my receiver exclusively. The set also accepts up to three HDMI inputs (two in back, one on the side for PC connectivity).


One downside to switching to panels with resolution this high is that regular resolution (non-HD) TV signals will appear to be rather poor in quality -- digital channels fare a bit better, while the HD channels will blow you away (though none are yet even taking advantage of the full HD resolution the Sony XBR2 provides). There is also no cablecard support for this set; however, if you order PPV, Video on Demand or require any two-way communication between your TV and cable/sat provider, you can't use a cablecard (yet) anyway.


All-in-all, a very welcome release from Sony. Full HD-capability that won't make me want to have to upgrade my TV when they finally settle on a standard 1080p content format (Blu-Ray or HD DVD?), in a set that can fit in a normal-sized room without looking ridiculous. Hide Full Review

I have been through 4 XBR TVs and all of them have had clouding backlight issues - also known as 'mura'. I swapped my first 40XBR2 out for a 46XBR2. The 46XBR2 was the worst of the four I'd had. I came complete with the brightest and most widespread clouding and also one stuck green pixel!

The problem is most visible in low lighting conditions and can be readily seen when watching dark scenes in movies or games. I noticed my first set had clouding when watching Superman Returns. During the scene when Superman flies into outerspace and is kicked back with his cape flowing out behind him, I noticed clouds with him in outerspace. It was impossible to overlook this issue.

Were it not for the superior picture during other conditions (i.e. a lit room showing content that didn't contain a lot of shadows), I'd have given up immediately on the Sony XBR2's. However, I have been through the ringer with buying a set only to have to cart it back to Best Buy the next day.

Sony is also officially not acknowledging this problem. The customer service response for some members of the AVS forum has been alarming. Some have had Sony authorized repair techs come to their house only to be told "this is normal." When I called Sony, they told me to "return it to the store" if I was still within the thirty day period.

I strongly suggest anyone considering this TV to search on Google the following words "Sony XBR clouds." You will find more than a few hits that will lead you to online forums. I particularly recommend AVS forum.

Once Sony fixes this problem, I will be able to recommend this TV and will purchase one for myself again. Hide Full Review

I purchased this TV for my mom who has macular degeneration. Within one hour of having it installed, my mom called to say she could see the clues on Wheels of Fortune for the first time in years. Subjectively that about sums it up.

Objectively, I spent a great deal of time researching sets from LCD to Plasma, and decided on this model after seeing it in person and comparing it to others at Best Buy and Circuit City. My short list boiled down to Samsung and Sony. The Sony XBR set was hands down the better picture but much more expensive. I am loyal to Sony after having 2 CRT sets over the past 20 years with the second still working. So I decided to go with the Sony.

My only hesitation was the mura effect "Clouding" issue. After much research, this is a software issue not a LCD issue. All new sets have the new software fix, and a fix is available for sets that have the mura effect. My set manufactured in November 2006 had the fix. No mura effect seen.

The picture quality is simply unbelievable. The design is great. I only wish the price was less as I do think you pay a premium for the Sony brand. However, I have no regrets and once again Sony has produced a great product. Hide Full Review

For the CLOUD people out there. There are no clouds when you're watching TV. The fact is the backlight at times comes through the panel in spots when the TV is on an input NOT being used. When you are watching TV you NEVER see clouds. I've owned the 46XBR2 since it first came out and it is by far the best TV on the market. Hide Full Review