Features:

• 16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution (1920x1080p) LCD Panel
• DMex compatible; allows seamless feature upgrades
• BRAVIA Sync (Enhanced HDMI-CEC)
• BRAVIA Engine fully digital video processor
• Advanced Contrast Enhancer circuit (ACE)

Editor Reviews:

Product Description:
Performance takes center stage with the KDL-52XBR6 BRAVIA® XBR® LCD flat panel HDTV. Chock full of features including HD 1080p resolution and Motionflow 120Hz technology that provide smooth, natural images. Plus, BRAVIA Engine fully digital video processing enhances overall image detail making every scene sharp, vibrant and life-like. You'll notice deeper blacks with Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE), while 24p True Cinema capability helps deliver the cinematic experience when used with 24p output devices, such as a Blu-ray Disc player. There are also numerous inputs including four HDMI connections, two HD component connections, Digital Media Port and a PC input that offer you a wide range of connectivity options. And with the gorgeous piano gloss black finish, you'll be wondering if the view is nicer with the TV on or off. DMex functionality expands your HDTV's capabilities by letting you connect optional BRAVIA Link modules, including the BRAVIA Internet Video Link, BRAVIA DVD Link, BRAVIA Wireless Link and BRAVIA Input Link (all sold separately) Live Color Creation technology with WCG-CCFL backlight uses advanced chroma signal processing to widen color fidelity Unit Dimensions (Approx.) - 49 1/2 x 34 1/2 x 13 5/8 in (1256.9 x 874 x 346mm) with pedestal; 49 1/2 x 32 3/4 x 4 7/8 in (1256.9 x 830.5 x 121.8mm) without pedestal

Rating : - Worth the Price
I bought the Sony 52XBR6 after nine months of research, including reading reviews of various LCD models on Amazon.com. I found the reviews very helpful so that's why I'm taking the time to write this.

I was considering buying a 52-inch Samsung model because of the many positive reviews, including top ratings in Consumers Reports. However a couple of the reviews mentioned Samsung's highly reflective screen. That wouldn't work in my Arizona home. The XBR6 is in my family room, the southern wall of which is all windows so we get lots of sunlight. No problem for the Sony.

When I ordered the XBR6 I also bought a Sony BDP-S350 Blu-ray player and a Sony STR-DG720 audiovisual receiver, all through Amazon. I've only had them for a week so still learning about them but they work great. Last night I watched a blu-ray disc about Australia. The picture was so clear I could stand within two feet of the screen without seeing pixels - amazing.

I don't have a home theater set up yet. For audio I'm alternating between the TV's speakers and two JBL speakers (Model 4312 Control Monitor) I've had for years. The DG720 receiver's audio settings allowed me designate the JBLs as Front Speakers and combine the 7.1 multi-channels through them without loss. The receiver's audio settings are so flexible I can later add speakers, such as a front speaker and/or a sub-woofer, and just change the settings to accomodate them. I really like that.

My only complaints so far are the user-unfriendly operating manuals for the blu-ray disc and especially for the receiver. Here's a couple of paragraphs from the STR-DG720 Operating Instructions:

"Sound may be interrupted when the sampling frequency, the number of channels or the audio format of the audio output signals from the playback component is switched" (page 21)

"IF YOU CONNECT A SUB WOOFER. This receiver will generate a low frequency signal for output to the sub woofer when there is no LFE signal, which is a low-pass sound effect output from a sub woofer to a 2 channel signal. However, the low frequency signal is not generated for 'NE06 CIN' or 'NE06 MUS' when all speakers are set to 'LARGE'." (page 53)

You audiophiles out there might read these and say "of course" but my response was "huh?" Anyway, by comparison the TV's operating instuctions were a piece of cake.

One final comment. I chose the slower, no cost, delivery option but still received the White Glove service because of the size of the TV. The delivery company's paperwork including the recommendation that I keep the large carton for a while in case the TV had to be returned. However,the truck driver said he never had to return a Sony.