Sony's KDS-R50XBR1 is a 50-inch HDTV that will be a multitalented addition to any home theater. This attractive rear-projection monitor has a silver cabinet and stand, side-mounted stereo speakers, and easily accessed front-panel control and inputs hidden behind a small door. The wide-format screen is framed in black and thrust forward to dramatically set off the picture.

The KDS-R50XBR1 utilizes Sony's Silicon X-tal Reflective Display (SXRD, a variation of LCoS) technology, and its three SXRD panels (one each for red, blue, and green) ensure that images are rich and bright. Native resolution is 1,920X1,080, and all incoming signal formats can be up-converted to 1,080p for a highly detailed and crisp picture. A 3-D digital comb filter eliminates rainbow effects, and action scenes in movies are enhanced through 3:2 pulldown conversion, which eliminates the unevenness that results from the film-to-video conversion process.

The KDS-R50XBR1 is equipped with twin tuners for split-screen and picture-in-picture viewing without a external video source, and a Memory Stick media slot makes it possible to view digital photos and movie clips directly on the large screen. Computer games and other content can also be displayed via the PC input. A built-in HDTV tuner and CableCARD slot make it possible to eliminate extra tuners from a home theater setup, saving space for a DVD player, DVR, and other components.

The internal stereo speakers can be configured to simulate surround sound, and the volume can be set to maintain a steady level even during commercial breaks. Other convenience features include memory for up to 16 favorite channels, screen freeze, an adjustable sleep timer, three picture presets, and four widescreen viewing modes.

The KDS-R50XBR1 offers a broad range of input and output options, including two RF inputs, three audio/video/S-video inputs (one on the front panel), two component video inputs, a PC input, three iLink (FireWire) connections, an HDMI input, a Control-S input and output, and an optical digital audio output. The slim universal remote control has a previous channel return button and a program guide button.

If you are looking for a 50-inch screen with an outstanding picture and are willing to pay the price, the Sony KDS-R50XBR1 could be the unit that you've searched for.

Warranty
1 year parts and labor, 2 years picture tube