Sony or Sharp HDTV?
MIGOC -- Mon, 10/22/2007 - 23:50
I have narrowed my choice between the Sony KDL-52XBR4 and the
Sharp LC-52D64. Which one should I get? What are the pros & cons
of each?
Thanks. :D
If money is no object, I'd get the Sony, definitely. The Sharp lists for $3500, and the Sony lists for $4500. If the 40-inch KDL-40XBR4 is any indication (and I imagine it is), the 52XBR4 has much lower black levels, 120Hz refresh rate, and other advantages; after all, the Sharp D64 line is their "entry-level" 1080p LCD, while the Sony XBR4 line is much more upscale. Not that the Sharp is bad--far from it. See my review of that very Sharp model and Larry Ullman's review of the KDL-40XBR4, both in Issue 82, which you can read online at avguide.com.
Scott Wilkinson
Video Editor
The Perfect Vision
Why do black levels matter in real rooms (if they do)?
They absolutely do matter; in my opinion, black level is one of the most important factors in overall picture quality regardless of lighting condition. The lower the black level, the better colors look, the more they "pop," even in bright scenes. Also, the lower the black level, the greater the contrast ratio, which makes the picture look better in all lighting conditions. Finally, the lower the black level, the less obtrusive are letterbox bars on movies.
Scott Wilkinson
Video Editor
The Perfect Vision
Mr Wilkinson,
Considering Sony. Is the XBR worth the money for either their LCD or SXRD lines? How much real difference in performance is their between
a run of the mill 60in SXRD and a 60in XBR SXRD? Performance difference wirth the money?
Have owned Sony XBR CRTs in the past. Substantial premium for XBR in their SXRD line.
Thanks
Sheepherder
Shenandoah Valley, VA
In terms of performance in the LCD TVs, I haven't had the opportunity to review any models below XBR, so I can't speak to any differences in that regard. There are differences in features, of course; for example, the XBR series provides 120Hz refresh rate, which can reduce motion blur. Also, the XBR series has the Bravia Engine Pro processor, whereas the lines below that have Bravia Engine EX or just Bravia Engine. I don't know how much difference this makes in the performance. I do know that the KDL-40XBR4 reviewed in Issue 82 (Winder 2007) is among the very best LCDs I've ever seen.
As for SXRD, I haven't reviewed an XBR model, but I did review the KDS-55A2020 in Issue 78 (June/July 2007), and I thought it was excellent. I'm about to get the KDS-60A3000, and my review is scheduled to appear in Issue 84 (January 2008). I don't know how much better the performance of the XBR line is, though I will say the XBR5 line has some important new features compared to the older XBR2 line, such as 120Hz and Bravia Engine Pro. According to Sony's Web site, however, XBR5 won't be shipping until early 2008. Also, the A3000 line shares many of the same features with XBR5, and it recently underwent a $500 price drop, which makes it very attractive indeed. See www.sonystyle.com for more info on the features of each line.
Bottom line: in terms of sheer performance, I don't know if the extra money for XBR is worth it in the LCDs, but I tend to think it's not in the SXRDs. I'll know more after I review the A3000, which will be in the next few weeks.
Scott Wilkinson
Video Editor
The Perfect Vision
compared between two same features products, then figure out which point is your highlighted,afterwards, choose one which is suit to you.
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