The XBR line is Sony's ultimate top-of-the-line set, and one of this season's new arrivals is the KDL-46XBR4. This 46-inch flat panel LCD set offers full HD 1080p (1,920x1,080) resolution with advanced processing power that will provide a great picture from just about any source.

Among the advanced features that you'll find with the KDL-46XBR4 is the new SPVA LCD panel, which results in a higher contrast and wider viewing angles than other LCD screens. With this set there is really no bad seat in the house, nor do you need to worry about ambient light reflecting from the screen or being washed out by lights in the room. You can enjoy TV with the blinds up regardless of the time of the day.

This model features the BRAVIA Engine Pro digital video processing with Digital Reality Creation. In simple terms, this basically is used to help up convert standard definition signals, so that even when you are watching a regular DVD or digital cable TV you get a great picture. Likewise, the set uses Sony's Motionflow High Frame Rate technology to double the amount of frames from 60fps to 120fps, providing real-time calculations and create entire new frames of information. We liked that the three different settings with this feature so you can choose which one works best, whether you want a more cinematic feel to some content. The KDL-46XBR4 also utilizes the 24pTrue Cinema, which helps reduce judder in film-based material, notably 1080p/24fps movies.

We also liked the results with Sony's Live Color Creation technology and 10-bit processing, which has the capability to deliver 64 times the level of color of normal 8-bit panels. To the naked eye, you'll see more natural and lifelike colors with more subtle transitions. The set also features Sony's new x.v.Color (which is also known as xvYCC), which according to Sony provides 80 percent more color than on the standard ATSC color space. What this means is with the right source material, you'll be able to see the most realistic color of just about any TV out there. Of course, as we've mentioned with other sets, there isn't exactly a lot of content that takes advantage of x.v.Color, or the accompanying HDMI 1.3 inputs, just yet. Again, it is a good feature to have, and as this is a top of the line set, it is one worth having for tomorrow's technology.

One thing we didn't like about the KDL-46XBR4 was the design. The set utilizes a picture frame design rather than a thin bezel, and while this might be a good look for some styles of d'cor, it makes for an oversized panel. The speakers are also far more visible than we've seen on some other flat panel LCD sets this season. Looks aside, the speakers do provide excellent sound, including virtual Dolby Digital and S-FORCE Front Surround Sound to emulate a multi-channel surround sound system. This is actually quite impressive, but for the true cinematic experience you'll want a dedicated home theater system to complement this top-of-the-line set. Fortunately, with the digital coaxial audio output, this set works nicely with various digital components as a pass-through to your home audio system.

And as far as connections go, there is littleto complain about. We were highly impressed that this set features two rear HDMI inputs, as well as a third side input. In addition, the KDL-46XBR4 features two component video inputs (rear), one S-Video imputer (rear), two composite inputs (rear) as well as an additional side composite input with a headphone output.

If you are considering the XBR line, the only way to go is down. This set has so many advanced features that the only problem you might have is appreciating them all.


Pros: 1080p, three HDMI inputs
Cons: Not the thinnest bezel design

Warranty
1-year limited