Sony XBR-52HX909 Shipping Now, Gets Reviewed By CNET

The high end Sony XBR, 3D enabled KDLXBR-52HX909 (still perplexed here why Sony USA decided to rename its prefix from KDL to XBR, while other regions still refer to KDL) is finally showing as being available to be shipped to your houses; Sony sort of beat themselves to delivery promises quoting middle of July, so it’s nice to see certain high end products to be available sooner.

There was a lot of talk whether or not this TV will beat in PQ (picture quality) its older brother KDL-55XBR8 that utilizes backlit full array of local dimming LEDs. Did Sony get it right this time around? Cnet gave this TV a spin and was very pleased with its deep black levels and new monolithic design. However, let’s get to the nitty gritty as everyone wants to hear whether or not this TV suffers any of the blooming issues that pretty much have plagued majority of localized LEDs. Unfortunately, the answer to this is yes, Cnet has reported that they did noticed certain issues with color accuracy and blooming is still something that has not been ironed out yet by Sony engineers. I’d say we will most likely see those kind of issues until a commercially available OLED TV will be out.

3D performance of the set was good and that’s of course if you get the accessories that will enable that feature. Frankly, this is a pretty expensive set and it would have been nice if Sony threw in or bundled the 3D kit with it.

Here is a quick summary from the source:

The good: Produces extremely deep black levels; video processing properly handles 1080p/24 material; relatively accurate color with linear grayscale; 3D compatible; 2D-to-3D conversion system works better than expected; numerous streaming video services; Excellent design with stylish monolithic exterior; energy-efficient.

The bad: Extremely expensive; exhibits more blooming than competing local dimming LED models; black areas tinged bluer; sub par off-angle viewing; 3D exhibited ghost images along edges (crosstalk); does not include 3D glasses or IR emitter.

The bottom line: Although its black levels challenge the best ever, some other picture-related aspects of the Sony XBR-HX909 series don’t live up to the high price.

Slightly disappointed to learn about its issues, however it makes me feel good that my KDL-55XBR8 still rocks and does not need a replacement. I am sure Stan Glasgow will agree with me on that one.

Check the video below and read a full review here.