Sony Bravia XBR KDL-52XBR6 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.9 x 49.5 x 34.5 inches ; 93 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 101 pounds
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• ASIN: B001F7HJL0
• Item model number: KDL-52XBR6
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (117 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,440 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer BRAVIA XBR HDTVs have become the benchmark by which all others are measured, and the performance-oriented feature set on the XBR6 series shows why. Exclusive motion and color technologies deliver legendary XBR performance. 10-bit processing and 10-bit displays, x.v.Color technology and Deep Color render a wide color gamut and smooth color transitions. Motionflow 120Hz and 24p True Cinema provide smoother picture performance with unprocessed 24p film reproduction. XBR6 Series HDTVs include Sony's innovative DMex technology which "future-proofs" them by creating an expandable platform for connecting to devices that haven't even been invented yet. Of course, right now they will also connect seamlessly with other Sony products like camcorders, computers, digital cameras, and the interesting new Bravia Internet Video Link. HDMI-CEC compatibility means you can control everything from one remote. They are even DLNA compliant, offer Sony’s unique PhotoTV HD, and include swivel stands.

A bold new design with a color-accented speaker grille complements the gloss black finish, which also hints at the floating glass look of previous XBR models. If you’re looking for some personalization you can purchase an optional speaker grille in multiple colors.

Key Features

• New: TV Guide IPG (Learn more)
• New: Enhanced (XMB) User Interface with Rich 3D Graphics (Learn more)
• New: DLNA Compliant (Learn more)
• 16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution Panel (1920 x 1080p) (Learn more)
  
• BRAVIA Engine fully digital video processor (Learn more)
  
• Advanced Contrast Enhancer circuit (ACE) (Learn more)
  
• 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
• 24p True Cinema capable (Learn more)
• DMeX capable (Learn more)
• BRAVIA Sync capable (Learn more)
  
• S-Force Front Surround Voice Zoom (Learn more)
• Robust Connectivity with 4 HDMI inputs, 2 HD Component inputs, and a PC Input (Learn more)
• Piano Gloss Black with Onyx Speaker Grille
• Remote: RM-YD023

Which Bravia HDTV is Right for You?

• Comparison chart of features for all Sony Bravia HDTV Series
• What size TV should I get?
  

Learn More

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Full HD 1080p

Full HD 1080p means our connections accept 1080p signals and the display will render that signal in Full HD 1080p. The flexibility of native 1920 x 1080 displays allows any high definition content to be viewed without the need to downconvert images to the native resolution of the display. Take full advantage of Blu-ray Disc players and PlayStation 3 systems that can deliver 1080p content. (Found in S, V, W, Z, and XBR Series HDTVs) Go back to list of all features.

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Digital Media Extender (DMe^x)

Sony's Digital Media Extender (DMex) offers a digital connection path for optional modules like the BRAVIA Internet Video Link, as well as other modules you can add in the future. Innovative DMex expansion capabilities integrate into the award-winning XMB user interface making HDTVs a powerful entertainment platform that not only meets current needs, but expands to meet tomorrow’s needs as well. Go back to list of all features.

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BRAVIA Engine Technology

The latest version of Sony’s respected BRAVIA Engine fully digital video processor uses a collection of unique SONY algorithms to significantly reduce noise and produce sharp, vibrant, life-like images. Dynamic Noise Reduction: Intelligently identifies and dramatically reduces noise in the signal according to the motion and brightness of each scene for clearer, crisper images. Detail Enhancement: Improved image enhancement algorithms render greater overall detail. Contrast Enhancement: Works with the Advanced Contrast Enhancer circuit to optimize the contrast for every scene to create better depth and reality. BRAVIA Engine technology optimizes the color, contrast, detail and clarity of every scene for the exceptional performance that BRAVIA HDTVs are known for. Go back to list of all features.

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Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE)

Part of the cinematic drama in film-making comes from details found in shadows and dark areas of the picture. Sony’s Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE)n uses real-time image processing to dynamically adjust backlight levels for improved contrast without masking details the filmmaker intended you to see. ACE delivers deep blacks in darker scenes, as well as fine details in shadows and other dark areas of the picture for a difference you can truly see. Go back to list of all features.

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Motionflow™ 120Hz Technology

No Motion Flow

With Motion Flow

Motionflow 120Hz technology doubles the number of existingframes by calculating in real time and inserting 60 entirely new frames between the original 60 frames. It uses a special Sony-developed algorithm that detects specific objects, as well as the movement of the overall scene and intelligently applies the right amount of enhancement. There’s more to the story. Unlike some other high frame rate technologies, Motionflow also includes Sony’s unique Image Blur Reduction algorithm, which reduces blur from the original source image captured by a camera before applying motion enhancement technology. Judder is a visual artifact that shows up in video content that has been converted from film-based content. A visible jerking or stuttering effect can sometimes be seen during motion sequences on converted film-based content that may be noticeable on scenes that include panning. There are many forms of high frame rate technology in the market today, but only Motionflow 120Hz technology uses special Sony algorithms designed to intelligently detect and apply the right amount of enhancement to reduce judder and deliver a smoother, sharper picture with more natural motion of the original film. Go back to list of all features.

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24p True Cinema

Movies and many prime time TV programs are shot at 24 frames per second. This means that TVs operating at any refresh rate that is not an even multiple of 24 will have to do some interpolation to present the content. TVs operating at at 30Hz or 60Hz traditionally solved this via a method called "2:3 pulldown". The television repeats the first film frame over the first two fields of video, and the second film frame over the next three fields of video (1, 1, 2, 2, 2), and continues to do this with the 3rd and 4th frames, the 5th and 6th framer (1,1,2,2,2 - 3,3,4,4,4 - 5,5,6,6,6), and so on until 24 frames are displayed over 60 refresh cycles. This discrepancy in the number of times frames are displayed can lead to a jerky motion in filmed material which some viewers notice  for example, especially with scenes that pan. 120, on the other hand, is an even multiple of 24. Televisions with 24p capability, operating at 120Hz, can display an equal number of frames for every refresh cycle. The benefit—You can watch movies in natural, cinematic motion, the way they are seen at the cinema. Every single frame of the movie can now be seen without using additional video processing that converts film-based images to video reproduction. Additionally, 24p True Cinema input capability can be used along with Motionflow™ 120Hz technology for outstanding fluid motion beyond what you would typically see at the cinema. Once you experience 24p video it will be hard to view video without it. (Found in S, V, W, Z, and XBR Series HDTVs). Sony's Blu-ray disc players wisely take advantage of this by including 24p output capability. Go back to list of all features.

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x.v Color

RGB Color Range

xvYCC Color Range

Thanks to the adoption of a newly approved international color standard called xvYCC (an option in the HDMI v1.3 spec and which Sony participated in creating), the color space has been greatly expanded.  All XBR HDTVs support the xvYCC color profile (Extended YCC Colorimetry for Video Applications), or "x.v. color" for short. Standard RGB color space allows the display of a portion of the colors that are viewable to the human eye. The next generation “xvYCC” color space actually offers  an available range of colors that exceeds what human eyes can recognize. Next-generation “xvYCC” color space supports 1.8 times as many colors as existing HDTV signals Lets HDTVs display colors more accurately Enables displays with more natural and vivid colors Select products such as four Sony Handycam High Definition camcorders include x.v.Color to reproduce color that takes you beyond HD. Go back to list of all features.

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10-bit Processor and 10-bit Panel

While it’s great to state that a TV is capable of creating billions of colors it’s a whole lot better when you have a true 10-bit display that can actually display them. Sony combines 10-bit processing with a 10-bit panel, allowing 64 times the levels of color expression. What that translates to is smoother transitions from color to color and subtle color changes faithfully reproduced without a paint-by-numbers look. So, where x.v. color expands the available range of colors your HDTV can display, Deep Color increases the number of colors your HDTV can display within that range, for smoother transitions from color to color. Lets HDTVs and other displays go from millions of colors to billions of colors Eliminates on-screen color banding, for smooth tonal transitions and subtle gradations between colors Enables increased contrast ratio Can represent many times more shades of gray between black and white.  (Found in all Z and XBR Series HDTVs) Go back to list of all features.

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Rich Graphic On-Screen Control Interface

Delivering a fun user experience is what the new rich graphics are designed to do. Accessing video content and sharing digital photos with your family and friends on an HDTV is now fast, easy and fun. Colorful thumbnails cascade before your eyes allowing you to visually choose what you want to see. Viewing digital images through Sony’s photo viewer is now more organized and can be quickly accessed. Go back to list of all features.

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TV Guide On-Screen Interactive Program Guide

The TV Guide On-screen IPG delivers continually updated program listings to users. The guide requires no subscription fees or phone connection and is available at no extra cost to the consumer. Sony is the first company to integrate the TV Guide On-Screen User Interface into a custom interface — Sony’s exclusive Xross Media Bar user interface. (Found in all V, W, Z, and XBR Series HDTVs) Go back to list of all features.

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Connectivity

In 2007 Sony included HDMI CEC capability in select HDTV and BRAVIA Theatre Home Audio products, which led to a one-touch function Sony feature called BRAVIA Theatre Sync. This feature allows the access and control multiple tasks and system operations with one button ease. BRAVIA Sync is now being introduced as the name for a new family of control features that not only includes BRAVIA Theatre Sync, but will now include BRAVIA Sync. This feature allows the user to control a CEC-enabled camcorder connected to a BRAVIA HDTV via an HDMI cable by using the HDTV’s remote control and an on-screen display that shows camcorder transport functions. (Found in all V, W, Z, and XBR Series HDTVs) All Connections 4 HDMI — High Definition Multimedia 2 component video inputs PC Input: Limited to resolutions supported by both the PC and the Sony TV. See Sony TV users manual and PC documentation for supported resolutions. Go back to list of all features.

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Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA)

All 2008 XBR and Z-Series BRAVIA HDTVs are DLNA-compliant. You already know something about digital living. There’s the TV and digital video recorder in your family room. (And another set in your bedroom.) You have a PC and digital printer in your office, along with a network attached storage device. And you’ve copied all your music onto your portable music player and haven’t had to open a CD case for years. But getting them to talk to each other can be pretty tough. Why is it still so difficult to send digital content from one device to another? Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a collaboration of the world’s leading consumer electronics, PC and mobile companies that has created design guidelines for a new generation of products that can work together — no matter the brand. Think for a moment about all of the photos “locked away” on your home PC that you wish you could access while entertaining your friends and family. Now, thanks to DLNA enabled devices, a DLNA-enabled PC can be accessed from the comfort of your living room or family room via a DLNA-enabled HDTV, where you can enjoy your memories with friends and family, without having to deal with the hassle and non-intuitive “PCexperience”. Or, say you recently downloaded your daughter’s birthday party video from your digital camcorder to your PC. Now you want to share it with your parents who are visiting. Without DLNA, you probably have to burn a DVD of the video or hook up the camcorder to the TV. With DLNA, you can just use your TV’s remote to call up the video on your TV. That’s it. Go back to list of all features.

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Live Color Creation featuring WCG-CCFL Backlight

Many colors in the real world such as deep reds, greens and clear blues cannot be expressed with conventional display technologies. Working in combination with Sony’s special WCG-CCFL backlight in LCD HDTVs in our HDTVs, Live Color Creation technology achieves wide color reproduction using advanced chroma signal processing algorithms. The primary benefits are clear blues, natural greens and an overall vibrant color for all scenes. (Found in XBR6 Series HDTVs) Go back to list of all features.

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Optimized Theater Mode

Developed in consultation with the Sony Pictures Entertainment movie studio, most 2008 Sony BRAVIA LCD HDTVs feature our optimized Theater Mode. Selecting the THEATER mode on the BRAVIA HDTV remote automatically adjusts a number of key elements that have an important impact on reproducing movies better. Skin tones and lighting are seen as natural without over-enhancing color and contrast. The picture is fine-tuned for a dark viewing environment just like the cinema and optimized for LCD display technology. Even the right amount of film grain is included. All of this helps preserve the mood and detail so you enjoy the cinema experience that you go to the theater to see, right in the comfort of your home. Optimized Theater Mode is another great example of Sony HDNA in action. We not only create the exciting movies that you see at the cinema but also enhance the home viewing experience to recreate it as only Sony can. (Found on most Sony® BRAVIA LCD HDTVs.) Note: Optimized “Theater Mode” was developed in consultation Columbia Pictures, a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. Go back to list of all features.

Audio Features

S-Force Front Surround
Built around a sophisticated set of Sony algorithms, the S-Force Front Surround enhancement function generates realistic surround sound from the two speakers in the TV. Unlike some other "virtual surround" technologies, S-Force Front Surround sound does not need to be bounced off of side walls or other surfaces to hear three-dimensional sound. No matter what the size or shape of the room it's possible to hear sounds from behind you.

SRS TruSurround XT
TruSurround is a patented SRS technology that solves the problem of playing 5.1 multichannel content over two speakers. TruSurround delivers a compelling, virtual surround sound experience through any two-speaker playback system, including internal television speakers and headphones. It is fully compatible with all multichannel formats up to 5.1 channels. High-quality virtual surround sound can be experienced with just the two hidden, downward-firing side-mounted 2.2-channel dome speakers built into the TV.

SRS TruSurround XT technology delivers an amazing, simulated 3D effect with clear dialog and powerful bass.

TruSurround XT audio also adds three audio enhancement technologies to produce an amazingly immersive sound experience.

• Dialog Clarity brings movie dialog into Focus during the playback of any surround-encoded material to make speech much clearer and crisper.
• TruBass creates incredible deep rich bass allowing a person to perceive significantly deeper, richer low bass tones that are far beyond the physical low frequency capabilities of the speaker itself.
• The SRS WOW feature widens the soundstage by processing standard two-channel stereo material as well as multi-channel encoded material for a dramatic improvement in the playback of any stereo audio over a two-speaker system.

Stereo broadcast reception is offered for MTS and SAP with 181-channel capacity. A sound leveler keeps audio volume consistent during channel changing.

Go back to list of all features.

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Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?

With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience. If you know the size of the room you have already, where you want to sit, and where your new HDTV should go once you get it, you can figure out the size HDTV you should get. Minimum size= Viewing distance/3 Maximum size=Viewing distance/1.5 Go back to list of all features.

Which Sony Bravia Series is Right For You?

Series

Size Range

Resolution

Bravia Engine

ACE

True 24p

DMex

TV Guide IPG

3D Graphic Onscreen Controls

120 Hz

10-Bit

Deep Color

x.v. Color

DLNA

Backlight

Dynamic Contrast

Multi Device Control

Component Inputs

HDMI Inputs

Speakers

Standard Features

L

32",37"

720p (1366x768)

8,000:1

1

2

2 x 10W

1 PC Input 178 degree viewing angle VESA mounting compatible 8 ms panel response ATSC/NTSC tuner with QAM

M (19-inch)

19"

720p (1440x900)

9,000:1

1

1

2 x 5W

M

26",32",37"

720p (1366x768)

BE2

ACE

9,000:1

Bravia Theatre Sync

2

2

2 x 10W

N

26",32",37"

720p (1366x768)

BE2

ACE

9,000:1

Bravia Theatre Sync

2

2

6 (2x7W + 20W internal subwoofer + 2x7W external)

S

40",46"

1080p (1920x1080)

ACE

25,000:1

2

3

2 x 10W

V

40",42",46",52"

1080p (1920x1080)

BE2

ACE

25,000:1

Bravia Sync

2

4

2 x 10W

W

40",46",52"

1080p (1920x1080

BE2

ACE

30,000:1

Bravia Sync

2

4

2 x 10W

Z

40",46"

1080p (1920x1080

BE2

ACE

30,000:1

Bravia Sync

2

4

2 x 10W

XBR6 (37-inch or smaller)

32",37"

1080p (1920x1080)

BE2

ACE

25,000:1

Bravia Sync

2

4

2 x 10W

XBR6 (40-inch or larger)

40",46",52"

1080p (1920x1080

BE2

ACE

WCG-CCFL

50,000:1

Bravia Sync

2

4

2 x 10W

XBR8

46",55"

1080p (1920x1080

BE2 Pro

ACE Pro

TRILUMINOS RGB LED

over 1,000,000:1

Bravia Sync

2

4

TBD

Product Description

Looking for XBR performance and design in a small screen TV --- Experience Sony unique features like an enhanced Xross Media Bar with 3D graphics and integrated TV Guide program information, DMex functionality that allows you to add capabilities to your TV, and BRAVIA Engine 2 for an even better picture. Add to that the sophisticated design you've come to expect from the XBR line and 1080p capability, and you can see why we say that the KDL-52XBR6 packs a lot of punch.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A joy to behold!, November 14, 2008

By 

Redman1953 "Music and Movies Lover" (Saint Louis, MO) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony Bravia XBR KDL-52XBR6 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV (Electronics)

I am simply thrilled with this TV! I did a lot of research over a period of many months before making this purchase and it really paid off. I got a great price from Amazon and the product itself is wonderful! Great picture, terrific color, easy to set up and use, great features, very attractive sleek design. It allows you to either go with the standard settings or make all kinds of adjustments to the sound and picture from the easy-to-use menu options. You can customize your settings (and save them) for the various HDMI and other inputs. I ordered it late on a Sunday evening and it was already out for delivery to my home on Wednesday morning. Pilot Air Freight called ahead to make arrangements for whatever delivery time was convenient for me. You choose your own time right down to the half hour, in fact, my deliver person was actually early! They gave me free white gloves delivery with a very friendly, prompt, and careful delivery person. They bring it into the house, unpack it and put it on your TV stand, all in just a few minutes--and in perfect condition! Non-HD over the air broadcasts look fairly decent on it. Ordinary DVDs look excellent--even from an ordinary DVD player. It has a USB port so you can look at your digital photos on the big 52" screen, and believe me it makes them look fantastic--and huge! It's at its best when you watch Blu-Ray movies on it. They just look incredibly beautiful and the sound is gorgeous, even with just the onboard speakers. I can't wait to hear how it sounds with my new receiver and surround speakers! And it can play Master Audio disks. You can't go wrong with this TV. The price is right and it's worth every penny and then some. I love it! Thanks again to Amazon for a great product at a great price with super fast high quality free delivery!

53 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Jekyll & Hyde of HDTVs, January 3, 2009

By 

webapalooza "webapalooza" (Rochester, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony Bravia XBR KDL-52XBR6 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV (Electronics)

I spent a good 6 months researching HDTVs, reading reviews and visiting local stores to check them out before I decided on the Sony 52XBR6. But now I'm returning it; read on to find out why.

The only reason I went with an LCD instead of a plasma was because of the screen reflection issue. Our TV will be directly across from a large bay window, with our sofa in-between the two. So my wife and I didn't want to constantly have a reflection of the window behind us in the TV screen. So I never even considered plasma for this single reason.

After speaking to local salespeople, they recommended the Sony XBR6 over all other LCDs, including Samsung. They informed me that although Samsung TVs look nice, they have a quality control issue, where they allow an error rate of 8%-9% off the production line, as opposed to Sony who only allows 1%-2%. One store I went to that services the brands they sell said they stopped carrying the Samsung TVs altogether because they were spending too much time fixing them! So I ordered the Sony XBR6 and my wife and I eagerly awaited delivery.

Upon setting it up, the picture was fine: very clear, and HDTV channels looked crazy good. We popped in the Planet Earth Blu-ray disc, and again we were blown away. I also liked the on-screen menus -- very fluid, sorta like the PS3 or an iPhone. We couldn't have been happier. Little did we know that we were seeing the "Dr. Jekyll" side of this TV, and once nightfall came the "Mr. Hyde" side would emerge...

That night, we sat down to watch a movie on Blu-ray. Almost immediately, even before the opening credits came up (while the screen was still dark), I noticed lights shining from the corners and edges across the screen. There were also a couple of cloudy patches. I pointed them out to my wife, and she said "It looks like a marquee sign!"

I played around with the picture settings for a while, but even when I set the backlight to "Min" (the lowest setting) and the power saving mode to "High" (which is supposed to reduce the backlight to save energy), I could still see the lights. Of course, when the movie was playing I rarely saw them because the picture on-screen overwhelmed the flaws in the backlight. But whenever a dark scene came on, or a scene faded to black before the next scene faded in, you could see these lights. I saw the lights no matter what the source: Blu-ray, DVD, cable TV. My stomach sank, because I found it so distracting that I knew I couldn't keep the TV if something couldn't be done.

I contacted Sony tech support through their online chat feature, and after describing the problem and following a few of their troubleshooting tips, the problem remained. That's when the Sony tech support said, and I quote:

"This is the characteristic drawback of LCD technology. If you think that the LCD technology is not acceptable, you may purchase a plasma display to avoid the clouds."

Here's the kicker... Sony doesn't even make plasma TVs! So they were basically telling me to return their TV and buy a competitor's product!

So why am I giving this TV 3 stars instead of 1? Because in all fairness it does produce a great picture when feeding it an HD signal, as long as the picture is relatively bright all across the screen. If you watch mostly sports, sitcoms, and animation, you'll probably never notice the flaws in the backlight. But if you watch a lot of movies or TV dramas with dark scenes in them, you'll find the backlight flaws totally unacceptable. Maybe you'll get lucky and get one without flaws in the backlight, but that's the chance you're taking.

As for me, I'm getting a plasma, reflections be damned. In fact, I took my wife out to see the Panasonic plasmas at the same store where we bought the XBR6, and she said, "THAT'S the reflection you're talking about? That's not bad at all, I can live with that." And besides, that's what curtains are for, right? So it looks like our replacement TV will be a Panasonic plasma.

But don't take my word for it -- see for yourself. I posted some photos of the leaking backlight here: www.webapalooza.com/sonyxbr6/

51 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dazzling picture, October 31, 2008

By 

Terry94705 (Berkeley CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony Bravia XBR KDL-52XBR6 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV (Electronics)

This was a big jump up. The last TV was a 6 year old 20 inch JVC tube, so you might think we would be easy to dazzle. Nevertheless I did a lot of research before springing for this one. Got it to watch DVDs; we don't have cable or dish, just an indoor antenna. We were really surprised at all the new (digital) channels we got, even without upgrading our antenna --so don't be hasty in assuming you need to have an outdoor antenna, cable, etc., especially if you are in a metropolitan area.

The old analog stations (say, channel 9) come in pathetically, but usually there are other stations associated with each number. For example, we now get digital 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3 --three different programs where we used to get one. This was all a pleasant surprise. We got digital versions of all the old channels and 7-8 new ones. We even get a San Jose station that we haven't seen in years.

Everything on the digital channels is gorgeous. When I was shopping I saw big HDTVs where the non-HD picture was stretched and distorted, but you don't have to set it that way. You can set it so that each program comes in at its optimal picture quality. Some day, hopefully, it will all be HD, but the SD stuff looks pretty good on this set! As for the Bravia XBR6 specifically, great black-blacks, but your detail within shadows is not sacrificed. It came set to "vivid" color setting, but I find the standard setting more natural. REally stunning picture! Haven't watched any blu-ray disks yet (no player) but the standard DVDs look fabulous!

This was a big purchase but I am very happy with it. And--at least in the SF Bay area-- delivery was faster than projected and the CEVA white glove service was fine. They do not connect your components for you but they do put it on a stand and power it up so you can be sure all your pixels, sound, etc, function.