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Technical Details
- Brand Name: Sony
- Model: KDL55HX820
- Display Technology: led-lit
- Display Size: 55 inches
- Image Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Product DetailsSize: 55-Inch
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Product Description
Amazon.com
Internet-Ready Television
Internet-ready TVs use your broadband connection to deliver dynamic content, whether it's streaming video from Netflix, new music from Pandora, or a quick glance at today's weather forecast.
Although there is overlap, each manufacturer offers a unique bundle of free or paid services, including streaming video and music, social networking apps, online photo galleries, news and financial updates, weather info, sports scores, and a variety of other smartphone-like applications.
Manufacturers continue to add new content to their offerings, keeping customers current through firmware updates, and making a bit of research a prudent step in your buying decision.
Learn more about Internet TVs, how they work, what services are offered by different manufacturers, and exactly what you'll need to get started at our Internet TV 101 customer center.
3D Technology Checklist
This product is 3D-related. To help you get a great 3D experience, use the checklist below to ensure you have everything you need. 3D viewing requires:
 | A Display First, you'll need a 3D-ready display--whether it's a 3D HDTV, 3D projector, or 3D computer monitor. These displays have more processing power than standard 2D models for displaying 3D images in rapid succession. |
 | A Source Your display may be ready for 3D playback, but you'll still need a device to read 3D content. This can be a cable box with a subscription to a 3D channel, a 3D Blu-ray Disc player, or a PlayStation 3 system. |
 | 3D Content 3D content--the actual entertainment, in other words--will be played back using the source mentioned above, whether it's a 3D broadcast from your cable provider, a 3D Blu-ray Disc, or a 3D video game. |
 | 3D Glasses For now, the vast majority of 3D HDTVs require glasses for 3D viewing. Many use powered "active shutter" glasses, others polarized "passive" glasses. You'll need one pair per viewer, and they'll have to be compatible with your display, whether they're the same brand, or a pair of "universal" glasses designed to work across brands. |
 | HDMI Cable To connect your source (such as a 3D Blu-ray Disc player) to your display, you'll need a high-speed HDMI cable. Cables with this designation feature bandwidth speeds up to 10.2 Gbps (gigabits per second), for carrying the 3D signal without any loss of quality. |
If you want to get more information about 3D, shop our 3D products, watch videos, or interact with other customers, we invite you to visit 3D 101, our customer center about everything 3D. | |
March 2011
Experience brilliant Full HD 1080p picture quality with Sony's 55-inch KDL-55HX820 LCD HDTV with 3D. This HDTV features Dynamic Edge LED backlighting technology with local dimming, for serious contrast levels, deep blacks, and brilliant whites--not to mention more energy efficiency than other backlighting technologies. Sony's MotionFlow XR 480 ensures incredibly smooth motion during fast action movies and sports, and X-Reality PRO video processing delivers optimal color, contrast and sharpness--even with low-resolution web videos. Pair with Sony 3D glasses and you'll be ready for another dimension of entertainment, with immersive playback of the latest 3D titles. Or use the built-in Wi-Fi to access connected entertainment options with BRAVIA Internet Video and Widgets, or your digital video, music, and photo files over your home network.
3D in Full HD 1080p
Enjoy an immersive, realistic movie and gaming experience in Full HD 1080p using Sony's 3D active glasses and connecting a compatible 3D Blu-ray Disc Player or PlayStation 3 gaming console.
Sony's 3D glasses are adjustable and comfortable, designed with side panels to block out excess light that can create an annoying glare on other glasses. Better yet, they fit over prescription eyewear, and feature batteries that last up to 100 hours.
When viewed through the active shutter glasses, the on-screen image is precisely synchronized and delivered with the image intact, for an optimum 3D viewing experience. And since each frame you see is shown at Full HD resolution, the 3D action comes alive with razor-sharp detail.
In fact, from the moment you turn on the KDL-55HX820, you'll notice a sharp, vibrant picture, whether you're enjoying 2D or 3D content. Sony's video processing technologies work together to deliver breathtaking picture quality with reduced visual noise, enhanced color and overall image detail, even on 1080p sources such as PlayStation 3 systems and Blu-ray Disc players.
Experience More in Sony 3D
Vivid, Lifelike Entertainment
Dynamic Edge LED Backlight
Experience enhanced picture quality and contrast with Sony's Dynamic Edge LED backlighting technology, with local dimming. Get sharp image contrast, for a crisp, detailed picture. The added bonus? LED backlighting is easier on the environment (and your pocketbook), using substantially less energy than traditional CCFL-tube TVs.
Sleek Design
Sony's monolithic design consists of a sheet of Corning Gorilla Glass stretching from edge-to-edge, adding some elegance to your viewing room. It looks just as good when it's off as it does when it's on.
The HX820 series also features Sony's new OptiContrast panel, which features a design and surface treatment to minimize reflection, producing deeper images with superior black levels even in bright rooms.
MotionFlow XR 480
Experience motion clarity from the combination of LED backlighting and high frame-rate technology. See smooth motion during fast-action movies and sports. Sony's Motionflow XR 480 technology reduces blur caused by quick camera movements, enhances image sharpness, and overall creates a clearer picture.
X-Reality PRO Engine
Enjoy the best picture experience no matter what you're watching. Sony's X-Reality PRO engine brings out incredible detail through multi-frame, pixel-by-pixel analysis of each scene. You will see optimal color, contrast and sharpness, even when viewing lower resolution web videos.
Smart Design, Smart Features
Corning Gorilla Glass
Enjoy an incredibly durable, remarkably lightweight, frameless design with Corning's exclusive Gorilla Glass. Combined with the Opti-Contrast panel, this HDTV boosts contrast, increases brightness, and minimizes unwanted light reflections.
Intelligent Presence Sensor
Enjoy an incredibly customized picture and sound experience every time. Sony's Intelligent Presence Sensor uses built-in Face Detection technology to turn itself off if no one is watching, warns children when they're too close to the screen and adjusts picture and sound based on where people are sitting in the room.
Energy Saving Switch
Even when turned off, most electronics are still using energy if they are plugged in. With Sony's Energy Saving Switch you can easily eliminate this standby power without the fuss of plugging and unplugging the cord. When the switch is turned in the "OFF" position it reduces the television's standby power to nearly nothing.
USB Photos, Videos & Music
Share your photos on the big screen or listen to your favorite music. Simply connect your digital camera, USB-enabled MP3 player, or USB storage device directly to your HDTV's USB input.
LightSensor Technology
Enjoy customized picture brightness and save energy without lifting a finger. The built-in Light Sensor automatically adjusts the picture brightness based on the amount of light in the room.
BRAVIA Sync Compatible
Conveniently operate and control other BRAVIA Sync compatible devices--including BRAVIA HDTVs, Blu-ray Disc Players, surround sound systems, Handycam camcorders and Cyber-shot digital still cameras, all with one remote control when connected via HDMI.
Faster Start-Up
Quick Start & Viewing feature enables this Sony television to go from 'OFF' to 'ON' 2-3 times faster than previous Sony televisions.
BRAVIA Internet Video and Widgets: Endless Entertainment
With integrated BRAVIA Internet Video, there's always something on. Using your home broadband internet connection, you can access premium content including movies, TV shows, videos and music from providers like Qriocity, Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, and many more to instantly stream your favorite media.
Or perhaps you're a social media addict? Internet Widgets like Facebook and Twitter let you connect and share, and get up to the minute information while you enjoy your television.
Connecting is a breeze thanks to the HX820 series' built-in Wi-Fi. No need to addan external adapter--connect to your wireless network right out of the box (if you'd prefer a wired connection, use the built-in Ethernet port and you're all set).
You can also access and share photos, videos, and music on your TV by streaming them from compatible DLNA devices like your PC, Playstation 3 system, network storage, etc.
Finally, the KDL-55HX820 is Skype Ready: Easily connect to family and friends live on your HDTV wherever they are with Skype! Enjoy free high definition Skype-to–Skype video calls from the comfort of your living room. Simply attach the Sony compact microphone/camera for Skype (required, sold separately) and see your friends on the big screen.
KDL-55HX820 Key Specifications
| Display |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size (Diagonal): | 55 Inches | |
| Display Type: | LCD (OptiContrast Panel) | |
| Backlight Type: | Dynamic Edge LED with Local Dimming | |
| Resolution: | Full HD 1080p (1920x1080) | |
| Video Signal: | 1080/24p (HDMI Only), 1080/60i, 1080/60p (HDMI / Component), 720/60p, 480/60i, 480/60p | |
| Tuner: | Clear QAM/ATSC/NTSC | |
| Inputs and Outputs | ||
| HDMI: | 4 (2 Side/2 Bottom) | |
| Component Video (Y/PB/PR): | 1 (Adaptor/Bottom/Hybrid) | |
| Composite Video: | 2 (Adaptor/Bottom/1 Hybrid ) | |
| USB 2.0 Ports: | 2 (Side) | |
| RF Connection: | 1 (Bottom) | |
| Analog Audio Input: | 2 (Adaptor/Bottom) | |
| PC Input: | D-Sub 1 (Side), Mini 1 (Rear) | |
| Ethernet | 1 (Bottom) | |
| Digital Audio Output: | 1 (Side) | |
| Analog Audio Output: | 1(Side) Hybrid w/HP | |
| Headphone Outputs: | 1(Side) Hybrid w/Audio out | |
| Weight and Dimensions | ||
| Dimensions (WxHxD): | 50-1/2 x 30-1/2 x 1-1/8 Inches (50-1/2 x 31-3/4 x 12-1/4 Inches With Stand) | |
| Weight: | 51.2 lbs. (62.4 lbs. with stand) | |
What's in the Box
KDL-55HX820 55-Inch BRAVIA HX820-Series LED LCD HDTV, Remote Control (RM-YD061), AC Power Cord (Attached), Table Top Stand (Assembly Required), Documentation
Sony 2011 HDTV Comparison
| Series: | BX320 | BX420 | EX520 | EX523 | EX620 | EX720 | NX720 | HX820 | HX929 |
| Models: | |||||||||
Picture Quality | |||||||||
| Full HD 1080p Resolution |  | | | | | | | | |
| 3D in Full HD 1080p |  | | | | |||||
| Picture Engine |  | | | | |  | | ||
| LED Backlight |  | | | |  | | | ||
| Motionflow Technology |  |  | |  |  | ||||
| OptiContrast Panel |  | | | ||||||
| Corning Gorilla Glass |  | | | ||||||
Connectivity | |||||||||
| Skype Ready |  | | | | | | | ||
| Internet Streaming |  | | | | | | | ||
| Built-in Wi-Fi |  | | | | |||||
| Wi-Fi Ready |  | | | ||||||
| "Media Remote" App |  | | | | | | | ||
| USB Input |  | | | | | | | | |
| HDMI Inputs |  | |  | | | | | | |
Energy Efficiency | |||||||||
| Energy Star |  | | | | | | | | |
Product Description
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Available Warranties or Services for This TV
Customer Reviews
I am updating my review today October 9th 2011. I am dissapointed to say Sonys warranty and repair Department is the worst I have ever had to deal with in my life. Needless to say, they refused to properly repair this very expensive tv of mine. After 1 month and a 2 week stay at there local repair shop, my tv was returned to me in the same exact condition it was received. Not only did they not repair it but the have refused to replace it for a nondefective one, as the concluded the tv is suppose to be that way. I have posted a Pic of the problem with the glass ungluing and you be the judge and decide if that is normal. I am not telling anyone not to buy Sony products but just be aware they dont live up to there warranty. All this being said, after 1 month of dealing with Sony and there terrible warranty dept., I called Amazon out of desperation to see if they can assist me in dealing with Sony. After explaining the situation to them and a 5 minute hold, I was greeted with a suprise I was not expecting. Amazon rep told me, they were sorry what had happen to me and would be sending out a replacement television and accepting my defective one. All this well beyond my 30 day window. 3 months beyond to be exact. 1 week later my new TV arrived and it is in perfect condition. I am very greatful to Amazon for this and this should serve a lesson to Sony on how to handle a defective product and how to treat loyal customers. Cheers to Amazon and a million jeers for Sony. Thank u Amazon.
It comes with a nice pillar and plate stand but I think I'm going to move mine to the wall. I'm really tempted to put a nice frame around it. Seriously. Another very nice feature is you can turn off the light behind the Sony logo at the bottom center of the screen. It's visible enough for me as is and I personally don't like all the extra lights that so many sets use to light up their logos. So nice and subdued it is. The set also locates where people are in the room. It has a camera (not sure how I feel about that on an internet-connected TV) and captures full-on images of you as you watch it. It uses this for adjusting the internal speakers, the 3D effect if you are off center, and to determine if nobody is watching to turn the set off to conserve energy. I might just put a bit of black tape over it and turn off the energy conservation so it doesn't always think it is alone and shut down.
This thing also synthesizes 3D from 2D images. You can watch regular TV or DVD's/Blu-Ray, or any of the streaming functions in 3D if you want. It actually does a pretty good job and for the life of me I couldn't tell you how they pull it off. It's basically magic. For true 3D input it is absolutely amazing. You also have the ability to adjust the apparent depth to the 3D effect.
I looked at other 3D sets and the images on the Sony don't pop out into the room like some of the others. (Edit - this is a setting and you can bring images out into the room.) It's almost like you are looking into the 3D scene as opposed to having it come out into the room (on the default settings). I think looking into the 3D scene is a bit more natural though not as startling or stunning as having things look like they are basically in your lap. That has lots of wow factor but seems more gimmicky and less realistic. There are a number of adjustments for the 3D image and it's possible the Sony will push them out into the room too. (It can.)
One other thing about the 3D effect - the Sony uses active glasses to produce 3D. Most others do too but one manufacturer does not - LG. Their 3D uses circularly polarized glasses just like the ones at the theater with the RealD 3D. Those are cheaper, lighter, and you can even turn your head sideways and still see the image perfectly. I liked the Sony's features better than the LG which is why I went Sony. One was that the set with the plain polarized glasses is only 120 Hz while the Sony is 480. On the Sony with active glasses, and again most others, if you lay down where your head is 90 degrees from vertical, the images go dark. It's surprisingly tolerant of head tilt, though, and stays bright until you are just about horizontal. This will also be a function of the glasses and I did not use Sony glasses. I used Xpand Universal X103 3D Glasses Compatible with Active 3D TV's, Black.
Other points - the unit is very well packed but the shipping box is almost as thin (6") as the set itself (1.1"). As far as shock damage if you have this unit shipped, I doubt there will be much of a problem unless the shipper is extremely careless. Something sticking through the box is going to stand a good chance of hitting the screen or the back of the unit though the cardboard box itself has very thick walls. Even the box was is great shape and the TV was perfect.
This unit was definitely worth waiting for. Also, if you buy this from Amazon, you get a 2 week price guarantee. (Note - Amazon can change the guarantees at any time. Be sure to know the conditions and details when you buy yours.) The day before mine was to be delivered, Amazon dropped the price. I just notified Amazon and the refunded the difference. Nice. You also get a 30 day shipping-paid return if you decide you don't like the set. I'll only use that if something fails. This set is worth the price.
Also, I am always leery of buying LCD screen items if returns are going to be a hassle if there are stuck or dead pixels. None of either on my set. I'm exceptionally happy about that! But had there been, Amazon's return policy is better than the local stores' policies. I've got 30 days for something like that to develop (always possible) to make sure I've got a good set. It's hard to beat that.
At least in my case, Amazon shipped using CEVA. I had not heard of them before and was a bit nervous watching the CEVA tracking page. I don't know what they are doing there, but it doesn't seem to have any basis in reality. It showed the TV going around the country in a big circle basically and finally arrived right back where it started. I thought for sure they would blow the promised delivery date. Amazingly, a few hours after tracking showed it arriving back at origin, I got a call from the local shipper to arrange delivery and it actually arrived a day early. Nice. But just a heads-up if you buy one and it ships CEVA. Something is very odd about their tracking page and it is basically worthless IMHO.
I gambled on buying this through Amazon since they aren't local to go see someone in person if it had been necessary and there was the risk of shipping damage. Neither was an issue. Not only did I get price protection (I waited through one price drop but a 2nd one came within days of ordering so price protection is nice), but there was no damage whatsoever and I didn't have to get someone with a truck to help me pick it up at the store. I just helped the delivery guy carry it from his truck to my living room.
The set itself is everything I had thought it would be and more. I had seen other Opticontrast panels before but it is absolutely stunning in my living room. As some apparently say about these sets, it does look more real than real.
5 stars without a doubt. I have no problem recommending this set to anyone.
Update the firmware as soon as you get it so that the newer features like video streaming and iPhone media remote (available through app store) work properly. Qriocity didn't work due to the recent security breach but should be back up soon. Netflix streaming and Pandora work perfectly. The presence sensor is nice when set to only do motion detection otherwise it performs poorly for facial recognition when you are heavily backlit. I have windows behind me and many times the settings page would say the presence sensor is not functioning properly. I thought it was broken until I tried later at night. It worked great then and was almost creepy how it changes the sounds and picture based on where you are in the room. I also like the feature which prevents children from getting to close to the screen. The facebook and weather widgets are based on Yahoo! widgets and I have to say that they are pretty gimmicky. They aren't fast and navigating within them is nowhere near as nice as the other built-in features. Weather, Facebook, Stocks, etc are so much easier to get to by grabbing my phone than working with the remote. Speaking of, the remote is strange in that it is big. It also has an extra power on/off button on the back. It looks really cool and is recessed to prevent inadvertent presses.
DLNA streaming leaves a little be desired because it doesn't support MKV files, XVID, or other popular video formats. It also took a long time to start rendering/playing a plain mpeg file I sent via my Windows 7 laptop. Simply plugging in my WDTV Live for DLNA streaming from my laptop solved all that and worked so much better. Pictures and music seemed to work fine however. When hooked up to a Windows 7 Media Center PC via HDMI or DVI, the screen looked better than my own computer's LCD. It was so clear and crisp that it can easily be used instead of a projector for presentations and Starcraft II looked amazing.
The Gorilla Glass monolithic design is just plain sexy. I like it better than the D8000 Samsung. To me, the Samsung sets looked a little too plastic-y even though the very small bezel looked so awesome from far away. The HX820 looks like a solid piece of black glass when it is off. I receive a lot of comments from people just walking past it in the room. The stand it comes with is a very nice and sturdy with a sort of brushed/anodized look to it. It is very classy.
Even though the screen is very bright, the glossiness is troublesome at time. There is a lower end Sony that comes with a matte screen and slightly lower feature set that would provide me with better viewing but it just doesn't look as badass sitting up there.
The internet browser doesn't really work well and I found it troublesome that it tries to load Sony's own web page upon startup and then after a couple minutes(!) fails with a message that the page is too large. So much for testing before shipping. I'm sure future firmware updates will resolve this and I love the idea that it updates itself. The only real area I feel Sony missed the mark with this TV is that they went through the trouble of adding the presence sensor and Skype but you still need another camera to use Skype. I know the built-in one is very poor quality but it seems like it would have been easy to make a dual purpose camera.
Overall, this is the best TV I've owned. Add to that Amazon's price protection policy if the price decreases after you buy it for refunds and you really cannot go wrong pulling the trigger.
A note on shipping: It was delayed more than 4 days from the estimate given to me due to some ambiguous "external factors". I'll let that slide though because I assumed it was due to the tornado(s) in the middle states. The delivery service was very good about calling to schedule times and the guys that came did an nice job plugging it in to be sure it worked before leaving.
Overall, great buying experience, great TV, and great shipping.
my friends , relatives and i are upset with SONY products.
SONY prducts have BAD BAD mainboards. dont waste your money. Read more
Netflix, Youtube, Hulu, etc. on the big screen looks great. Read more
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