Sony BRAVIA KDL-46XBR4

I have owned my Sony XBR4 for almost 2 years and it has been nothing but trouble. My 18 year old 27" Sony Trinitron has a better picture. The remote on this TV has to be pointed directly at the receiver… and be no further than 5 feet away. Sometimes when you turn it on you get no sound. Sometimes when you turn it on the picture is good on half of the screen, the other half is dark. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I'll update after I get it fixed again.

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After a year and a half, my $2700 "dream TV" started to have issues. When I would turn on the set for the first time, the right half of the screen would be distorted or really dark. After about 10-15… minutes it would clear up and be great for the duration. Had a Sony cert tech (where I purchased the set) check it out. Said he had never seen this issue, nor did anyone at Sony. Finally diagnosed as bad panel. Repair cost $2500. Throughout the ordeal I had contacted Sony by phone and by email. Finally they agreed to replace the set with a new XBR9 for an additional $500.

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I have had the television about a year and a half now and when I turn the television on the picture is terrible with the color darkening and melding together. The picture does correct itself after being on… about 15 minutes, but until then the picture is terrible. Although out of warranty I would expect the television to perform better with its minimal use what we paid for it. Very dissappointed. Update 10/23 The LCD board is out and it is a $1200 fix. Will be visiting with Sony to correct or I will never buy another Sony again.

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I just bought this Bravia XBR a week ago BRAND NEW (6/3/09), and I have to say I am absolutely 100% satisfied with my purchase. I have been researching televisions for over a year now anticipating a… purchase. I loved this model of TV from the first time my uncle had bought his 52" version. I was initially considering a newer XBR and also a Panasonic G10 plasma set. All I can say is that I am extremely glad with my purchase. I used custom settings found from an online forum for these model of XBR's and couldn't be happier with the results. Of course high definition sources (HD cable, PS3 Bluray) look incredible, but the standard definition content from the cable box also looks VERY good. I am not sure what they put in these generations of XBR TV's, but it works! The styling of this set is also by far the best looking television I have ever seen. The newer XBR models just don't have the style of this set with the floating glass perimeter. All in all I give this TV 5 stars from an extremely satisfied customer. I did not purchase this set from amazon, but their service is always incredible. Do yourself a favor and buy one of these sets (any size, XBR4 or 5) before they are all gone!

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I would buy this TV all over again. Paid $2,499 for it in January 2008, which at the time, was $800 cheaper than 2 very popular brick and mortar places. As much as I appreciate a great picture, I am no… audio/videophile. So I'm not going to go into the technical details. I'm just going to say that after 16 months there are still programs and sporting events that come on that prompt me to say "WOW!". The clarity and detail are amazing. What's more, I've never had a single issue with the set, so I am hoping the money I spent for the extended in-home service plan turns out to be a complete waste. Once the satellite installer set up the HD (had analog prior)that was it. Incredible picture with not a single adjustment. Hopefully I can write this same review in another 16 months. Also, kudos to Amazon. They are incredible to deal with. From initial order right through delivery. Probably the best service provider I ever dealt with.

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