Sony Bravia KDL-40XBR2

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ONE WORD - CLOUDS!1166464569

Pros:

Good picture quality under CERTAIN CONDITIONS!

Cons:

TERRIBLE CLOUDING IN DARK VIEWING ENVIRONMENT!

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.