Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR2 Review

What the reviewers like:
According to reviews, the Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR2 is a nice looking TV with great color rendition and overall image quality. The black levels are among the deepest of any LCD TVs, which makes it a great choice for movie watching. The ultra-bright backlight also makes the KDL-40XBR2 a great choice for brightly lit rooms. Overall, this is one of the best-reviewed 40-inch LCD TVs.

What the reviewers don't like:
The Sony KDL-40XBR2 is expensive compared with competing models. While HD performance is first rate, reviewers say that performance with standard-definition signals isn't as nice (a common issue with HDTVs). There are some reports of a clouding effect on certain scenes and in certain sets if the backlight is at its maximum brightness (a fix is available from Sony). The main drawback here is the Sony's high price compared to other brands.

Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR2 review highlights

According to reviews, the 40-inch Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR2 delivers great picture quality, with deep blacks, as well as excellent shadow detail and color performance. It's one of the top-rated LCD TVs overall. Styling is also attractive and includes a silver bezel that can be replaced -- at extra cost -- for one in five designer colors. However, as with other TVs in the XBR2 series, we've seen reports of a clouding effect on some sets when the backlight is on its brightest setting. According to Sony and some reviewers, the effect is not visible in most program material. Even so, Sony is offering a software fix for those who request it. The Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR2 is expensive, but overall, it gets some of the best reviews in its size class.

CNet.com is the most consistent reviewer of LCD TVs, including the 40-inch Sony Bravia KDL-40XBR2. The site's editors subject the televisions they cover to a series of standard and subjective testing, giving each an overall rating and fully detailed write-up. Consumer Reports also tests dozens of LCD TVs, but evaluations are not as detailed. The review of the Sony BRAVIA 40XBR2 at Sound & Vision magazine is long and packed with information, but the magazine looks at fewer LCD TVs overall and does a poorer job of comparing sets to one another. PC Magazine's coverage of LCD TVs is even more sporadic, but they do assign scores so that readers can more easily compare competing models.

Also see full report: LCD TV

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. CNet.com
Sony KDL-40XBR2 reviews
David Katzmaier
Aug. 8, 2006

The Sony KDL-40XBR2 gets a thorough review and evaluation at CNet.com. Reviewer David Katzmaier says that while that this 1080p LCD TV is relatively expensive, he is impressed by its solid video quality, abundant features and great styling. This reviews is a worthwhile read, since it's the most detailed comparative review we found.

2. Consumer Reports
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LCD TVs
Editors of Consumer Reports
Feb. 2007

Consumer Reports' editors rate dozens LCD TVs, including the Sony BRAVA KDL-40XBR2. While results of testing are shown on a large ratings chart, editors limit their comments on individual televisions to just one or two sentences. However, editors update their testing frequently, so this report is kept up to date and useful.

3. Sound & Vision Magazine
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Sony Bravia KDL-40XBR2 review
Al Griffin
Nov. 2006

This review of the Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR2 at Sound & Vision Magazine is among the most detailed we’ve seen, though this magazine doesn't review as many televisions as CNet. Veteran reviewer Al Griffn tests the 40-inch Sony BRAVIA TV, including comments on black levels, shadow detail, color rendition, ease of use and more.

4. PC Magazine
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Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR2 review
Robert Heron
Dec. 12, 2006

While it does not earn an Editors’ Choice award at PC Magazine, the Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR2 is one of the higher rated current-model LCD TVs reviewed here. Robert Heron tests the TV in a series of standard tests, adding subjective evaluations as well. Since the Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR2 gets an overall rating, you can compare results to those of competing LCD TVs.

5. AVSForum.com
LCD Flat Panels
Contributors to AVSForum.com

Although it takes a while to pick through the postings, AVSForum.com is a great discussion site for AV equipment. The Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR2 is covered in its own 'official' thread, and it's also mentioned in other threads. There's a lot of discussion here about the cloudiness issue, including suggested fixes.

6. Amazon.com
Sony KDL-40XBR2 reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

The Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR2 is the subject of over 50 customer reviews to date at Amazon.com, enough feedback to get a good idea of overall user satisfaction. If you're considering the Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR2, Amazon.com is definitely worth a stop to see how the TV performs after purchase.

7. CircuitCity.com
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Sony 40
Contributors to CircuitCity.com

While the user reviews at Amazon.com are often longer, CircuitCity.com gets more traffic. To date, the Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR2 has received over a hundred comments and ratings from owners, making it another excellent stop for potential buyers.

8. Epinions
Sony KDL-40XBR2 reviews
Contributors to Epinions

While Epinions also offers users the opportunity to share their opinions about products they own, it gets far less traffic than either CircuitCity.com or Amazon.com. There are only a few reviews here for the Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR2.

9. Consumer Guide.com
Sony KDL-40XBR2 review
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Oct. 16, 2006

This review of the Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR2 is more superficial than those at more highly rated sites, but it’s a great improvement over many other Consumer Guide efforts. Even so, the review is short and still seems to rely too heavily on published specifications.

Also see full report: LCD TV

Sony BRAVIA KDL-40XBR2 Review