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Review From Amazon:
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Normally I wait a few months before giving any sort of review on high ticket items such as this telvision simply to give time for issues, if any, to surface.(See my review of the KDL-52XBR4). But in this instance I already know I have a great piece of hardware and feel no reservations about writing so early on.

I have had this television for about three weeks now (purchased online via SonyStyle) and I love it. I bought the XBR model simply becuase it harbors most of the same things my larger KLD-52XBR4 model does. Namely, native 1980×1080p resolution, Bravia 2 engine, a myriad of controls for in depth picture calibration, numerous HDMI unputs, etc.

Initial setup is a snap, as the television asks simple questions with regards to language and region, what type of signals it can expect to receive, and what other components, if any, should it expect to be connected to. Once set up the tv works like any other. SD programming looks pretty good since it’s a smaller panel, and HD programming shines given its native 1080p resolution. Since I purchased this for the bedroom I only have a Sony upscaling DVD player conected to it, but I am utilizing the Bravia Sync feature and I love it. All I have to do is hit a button on my remote, select the device I want to use, and everything I need for that device turns on. This translates into not having to get out of bed. The speakers are great for a set this size regardless of the output setting you choose.

As far as cons, I don’t really have any to list. After reading some of the other reviews I can’t verify the ’smelly’ review, as this tv doesn’t run hot for me at all. I have it mounted on my bedroom wall, so it’s possible that the placement of the tv with regards to surrounding items/cabinets/armoirs might make a difference. Also, please note that contrary to what the features checklist (above) states, this television does in fact have Sony’s XROSS Media Bar (3D on-screen feature navigation). I don’t know why it states otherwise, but it leads me to think that maybe the checklist was released prior to Sony’s new line of smaller tv’s for 2008.

All in all, this television is great and works perfectly as a bedroom set. It saves tons of space when mounted to the wall and has plenty of connection options for any device you might want to plug in. The remote is nice, although I wish it had a backlight feature like the one for my XBR52 does, which makes for easy navigation in low-light situations.

I agree that while this television is priced higher than other telvisions in its size class, it is completely worth it for all the options it comes with. Some might argue that 720p for a panel this size is fine, but once you have 1080p it’s hard to go back, and this is the only television currently offering a native 1080p resolution for its size. Recommended!