Sony BRAVIA KDL-52XBR2 Review

What the reviewers like:
According to reviews, the highly rated Sony BRAVIA KDL-52XBR2 is a great looking TV, with an equally excellent picture. Reports indicate that shadow detail is terrific, as is color performance -- this model’s accurate primary colors and color decoding make for realistic images. Experts also say that the Sony BRAVIA KDL-52XBR2 has flexible and extensive picture adjustment controls and very good connectivity.

What the reviewers don't like:
Price is the main drawback of the 52-inch Sony BRAVIA KDL-52XBR2, especially when compared to 50-inch plasma TVs, some of which can cost half as much. Reviews say the Sony's black levels are not quite as deep as some other LCD TVs (although they are deeper than most). The main issue has been a 'clouding' effect -- sometimes seen when the backlight is on its highest setting, though this isn't a problem in all of the BRAVIA KDL-52XBR2 units.

Sony BRAVIA KDL-52XBR2 review highlights

The highly rated 52-inch Sony BRAVIA KDL-52XBR2 LCD television has a lot in common with its siblings in the XBR2 series, including very good black levels and color rendition. Black levels are not as deep as some LCD TVs, but they are better than most. As with other sizes in the XBR2 lineup, some reviewers and owners note a "clouding" effect in some sets -- an issue that seems to crop up when the TV's backlight is at its brightest setting. Though troubling, experts say the problem is not generally noticeable in most programs, and a software fix is available by request from Sony. Another less expensive option in this size category is the Sharp AQUOS LC-52D92U (*est. $3,350). However, while it’s less expensive than the Sony BRAVIA LCD TV, critics say the Sharp TV has some significant flaws.

The most detailed comparative review for the 52-inch Sony BRAVIA KDL-52XBR2 can be found at CNet.com. CNet editors subject each TV they cover to a series of benchmark tests, maintaining lists of top scoring sets so users can see which ones perform best. CNet.com also provides a forum for user feedback. We found additional user reviews for the Sony BRAVIO KDL-52XBR2 at AVSForum.com, CircuitCity.com and Amazon.com.

Also see full report: LCD TV

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

1. CNet.com
Sony KDL-52XBR2 review
David Katzmaier
Mar. 30, 2006

The Sony BRAVIA KDL-52XBR2 gets a detailed review at CNet.com. Reviewer David Katzmaier notes high points and low points as a result of measured performance testing. The Sony BRAVIA LCD TV then gets an overall rating, which can be used to compare the TV to others. CNet also allows site visitors to comment, but only a handful of owners so far have rated the Sony KDL-52XBR2.

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

Along with other LCD televisions, the Sony BRAVIA KDL-52XBR2 has its own discussion thread on this forum, with over 5,800 posts. Users comment on specifications, features, problems, fixes and more. Discussion of the Sony BRAVIA KDL-52XBR2 is also included in many other threads on the site.

3. Amazon.com
Sony KDL-52XBR2 reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

The Sony BRAVIA KDL-52XBR2 is the subject of only a small handful customer reviews to date at Amazon.com, not enough to give a good impression of overall owner consensus. However, more reviews will surely be added.

4. CircuitCity.com
>> Details/Subscribe
Sony 52
Contributors to CircuitCity.com

While the user reviews at Amazon.com are often longer, Circuit City.com gets more traffic. To date, and the Sony BRAVIA KDL-52XBR2 has received more reviews and ratings here than at Amazon.com. If you're considering this TV, it's worth checking both Amazon.com and CircuitCity.com for consumer feedback.

Also see full report: LCD TV