Bravia XBRs

[kempersbh]

I was looking into the Sony Bravia XBR1 40 inch LCD. I noticed there are also similar versions that are the XBR2 and XBR3 for this size. The XBR1 is the cheapest of course. I am not on an extremely strict budget, but I'm also not comfortable enough to spend the extra money if the differences in the models are hardly noticeable.

So basically my question is: Is the XBR1 the right way to go to save some cash? Or are the XBR2 and 3 really worth the extra cash.

[nuttyinnyc]

The XBR 1 is a great TV very capable for todays offering but the XBR 2 is a better TV that is ready for the next stage. With better res 1920 x 1080 compared to the 1366 x 768. More HDMI connection 3 vs 1. DRC system is upgraded to 2.5 and lets not forget my personal fav, the design. I bought it on design alone plus the 1080p capability which one really will not use for a couple of years. I had the XBR 1 and traded up, it is a little bit pricey, $3100 but I already was in the hole for 2500 so the extra six is money well spent. You might, I mean will find it less on line, but do you really want to take a chance on a major purchase like this if it goes bad. My personal thought is the big bad retailers will charge more but if you look at a lot of the forms writen they take these purchases seriously and give some really good customer support. Basically this TV's are called high end for a reason. You don't go looking for a tv like this because you want to save money, you want the best or you favorite Sony before any other. You can get anyone you want for less. That has been proven. My remendation is to look at pics first then you decide. But over here you have a satisfied XBR2 coustmer who had a XBR1. Good luck! :rofl2: :thankyou3 :wave:

[jh.csv]

I got an xbr2 a week ago and it is definitely worth the extra money.HD and DVD with a progressive player are excellent. If you get this set you can go to the CNET website,click on reviews and dinf the xbr2'. They did a review on this model and also posted their video settings for the test.I used their settings for my tv and the picture is outstanding. Hope this helps.

[nuttyinnyc]

jh.csv
Would you do me a favor, I was not able to open the settings on cnet and I wrote Cnet, no answer yet! would you be able to e-mail the setting or post them if that is not to much trouble? :thankyou3
Also, was there a big difference when you set it to their settings? Please let me know
Unrelated, you are right great TV.well worth the extra bucks. Now the reviews are coming in and I haven't seen a bad report yet, just minor ietems. Nothing big. :bow:

[Crazy Ivan]

What is the difference between KDL40XBR2 and KDL40XBR3 model?

Only thing I saw is the color of the bezel... XBR2 has a silver one that can be replaced with some other colors (how many do you get?) and XBR3 comes only in black color... Are there any other differences?

[Nascar DOg]

The only other difference is the XBR3 remote is black and has an XBR logo on it.

[Crazy Ivan]

[KDL40XBR3 is $300.00 more expensive... for a black remote... For real?

[Nascar DOg]

Yes, for real. You can't even change the color of the bezel on the XBR3. Your only choice is gloss black = reflections.

[Crazy Ivan]

What are the colors you get with XBR2, besides silver?

[Crazy Ivan]

I got my answer from the Sony's Web Site... XBR2 comes with 'cheaper' silver bazel and the price for the colored 'nice' ones is $300.00... XBR3 already comes with 'nicer' black bazel, hence the $300.00 more for it... and you are right XBR3 also comes with black remote to fit your bazel color...

One would expect that the difference between XBR2 and XBR3 is in the quality of the picture not crap like this... :boo2:

[gparris]

While we are on the subject of Bravia XBR flat panels, though it is not listed yet and probably at a considerable price increase over the 46" XBR3 is the 52" model.
For those that want to wait a little while longer...just a thought here.
Many of my clients are waiting for this over the 46" model as their main set and don't want plasmas or Sharp's 57" model.

[Alloisus]

Question about the Bazels, do they come with a matching stand? I ask because in a few pictures I've seen advertising them they have stands that match the bazels.

[nuttyinnyc]

the $300 is suppose to include the Bezel and matching stand, the XBR 3 has the matching stand and remote all Black. The Bezel is easily removable with wa few screws. The Piano Gloss is nice but when I saw it in person it wasn't as nice as the pictures I saw from the web.
The have Blue, red, brown, black and white bezels. The Black is velvet not gloss like the XBR 3.
Parris, is right the 52 comes out in Nov. But for 2 grand more. Same models XBR 2 & 3 with minor improvements. See it here if you are curious.


http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/kdl+52xbr2/

[bud4bud]

:canada: I have just found this site and at the perfect time. The info has been great thus far from all that have written in on the new Bravia's. I am ready to purchase (was going to buy the XBR3) last week as I was told it was a 'better' tv. Based on my readings, that is not the case, unless 'better' means 'piano black plastic'. The former or first generation Bravia's had, in my opinion, a poorly designed 'frame' that did not seem right in term's of proportions. The next generation XBR's are in my mind, perfect in terms of 'look'.. by look I mean the style, not the tv itself. I say this as I am no expert on TV's.. I know nothing about the engines, just the 'design' and I have always liked and trusted the Sony brand. As a Canadian, :canada: we always get everything AFTER you Yanks, and I appreciate the feedback and would like a bit more advice. I am ready to buy this week, and want to purcahse the best 40" LCD TV out there.. I was going to buy the XBR3 only because it was deemed the best.. pls confirm to me that the picture is idential on it vs the XBR2 as I actually prefer the silver frame (it goes better with my decor and ties in with the Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances). Also, I want to advise that I am a tv watcher only, and will not be playing DVD's on this.. knowing that, what is the best type of service to get to watch shows that offer HDTV? Also, cabling? Is there better cables to buy for the picture quality and if so, what type? Finally, I need a wall bracket for the 40". I'd like the LCD to be able to tilt left to right and up and down, the whole while leaving me with the tightest fit to the wall so as to no have the LCD stick out. Again, thanks for the advice thus far, and I hope to have some further feedback to help make my decision.. I've been waiting for a great LCD for years! :thankyou3

[nuttyinnyc]

You made a right choice by making the Sony your #1 choice, You will spend more but it is worth it. At least for me it was! I have cable and my Cable looks good, the company could probably give me a better signal but for now it looks very good. In my opinnion I like Cable but from what I read the satelite companies give the best signal. Just read more when you are ready to investigate.
You need to use HDMI cables when you buy this tv, it would give you the best transfer from Signal to TV and from DVD to TV. Monster is the "BEST" brand out there but expensive. Monoprice or Mono cables is a web site with that has the cables for less, much less. People do like them also. Look around this fourm and you can get the correct website. You can use componenet cables but I feel you buy the best TV you should get the best signal possible.
The XBR 2 and the XBR 3 is the exact same TV the difference is what you have read. Piano gloss bezel and black remote and stand. I have the XBR 2 and I love the way it looks in my room. All my components are silver and the room is cabinets are black. If the Silver doesn't do it for you you can go to Sonystyle and purchase a different color for $300. I will probably buy the blue but I am going to wait until the price drops on the bezels. They will drop when nobody is buying them for that 300 dollars. I have the TV on athe stand so I really can't help you with that but someone will help, just be patient. Hope this helps with your purchase. Welcome to the family.

[Crazy Ivan]

Now is the perfect time to buy XBR2 or XBR3... in Canada Sony just dropped their price by $500.00... now you can get KDL40XBR2 for $4000.00... same price as KDLV40XBR1 (which is not even full HD) they did introduce new model KDL40S2010 which sells for $2,699.99 but it's also not a full HD...

I originally wanted to get KDL40XBR2 but when I saw KDL40XBR3 in the store next to it I changed my mind... XBR3 is $300.00 more (the price of extra bezel in some other color for XBR2)… difference is that XBR2 has bezel with a lot of large holes in it (for the speakers)... XBR3 on the other hand has a solid shinny black bezel with nice black speaker cover on the sides... small difference but XBR3 looks much more sleek, refined and expensive... but it’s only a minor thing that will cost you $300.00 extra so you decide… if you are in Toronto :canada: , Sony store in Fairway Mall and in Yorkdalle has both so you can compare them on the spot…

In any case you cannot go wrong, they are full HD and have a very dark 7000:1 dynamic contrast ratio (makes black color look black not grey like on the other LCDs).

At the end... both Rogers and Bell have HD channels so it's up to you to select which one you want... also use HDMI cable to connect your HD box (or DVD if it has HDMI) to your new TV... don't get fooled... HDMI can cost up to $300.00 in tha major stores get them over the Net they are $5.00... that's right only $5.00... here is the link... HDMI Link (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024004&p_id=2526&seq=1&format=2&style=)

[hziemba]

One thing that is missing in the XBR2 and XBR3 is the CableCard slot, which IS in the XBR1. I bought my 40" last November and couldn't be happier. If I were replacing it today, I'd try to find another XBR1.

As to the 720 vs 1080 native resolution, keep in mind that whichever set you buy, it will always interpolate/extrapolate, unless you're viewing material in your native resolution. So if you're watching ABC HD or anything else that is sent at 720, you're better off with the 720 set. If you're watching CBS HD or anything else that is sent at 1080, then the 1080 set is better. The real question is: will YOU see a difference, at your usual viewing distance? I suggest that other factors related to image quality are likely to be more signifcant, unless the image processing electronics are identical.

[nuttyinnyc]

Sorry buddy sony took out the card and have no interest in putting it back in. It wasn't as popular as they thought it would be. (Lack of 2 way card and interest ingeneral was fading.)If you go that set, get one soon. the prices have been dropping fast and in the USA it is considerred a discontinued item, you can really get them cheap soon.

[damondlt]

I saw there is a 52 inch version.XBR2 and XBR3 (sonystyle.com) anyone know if its out in stores yet ?I'd like to see one before I think about buying!

[nuttyinnyc]

I saw there is a 52 inch version.XBR2 and XBR3 (sonystyle.com) anyone know if its out in stores yet ?I'd like to see one before I think about buying!
not yet, sometime in November. It looks just like the 40 & 46in so look at that one if it helps, just much bigger.

[jh.csv]

Go to cnet,click on reviews,click on televisions,find the Sony XBR2,click on it and then click on Tipsand Tweaks in the test report. Their settings did make a difference

[jh.csv]

If you will send me your email address I wil try to forward the settings to you.My address is jh.csv@earthlink.net

[Ratman]

It's better to use PM. Not a good idea to "advertise" your personal EMail addr. in public.

[mase63425]

:sightv: Just put down money on the 46in xbr3 and i just found out they have the 52in now in xbr3 is it worth 2 grand for 6 more inches?

[gparris]

:sightv: Just put down money on the 46in xbr3 and i just found out they have the 52in now in xbr3 is it worth 2 grand for 6 more inches?
While I know this is a Sony LCD panel thread, the 52" Sharp has been getting good reviews, has 1080p, a fast response time and is about $4K (US) depending on where/when you buy it.
I know of some very satisfied 45" size Sharp LCD-panel customers, so why not check the 52" out at CC?
The 46" XBR2/3 size is great for 6-8 feet away (for getting all your HD resolution), but the 52" will get you 8-9 (or more) seating distance, depending on your room setup and if this is your only HDTV setup, IMO. :D

[mase63425]

i think the SONY XBR3 LCD would show a better picture and good for play games on such as PS3 and XBOX 360 than the Sharp LCD screen :shootout: :sobbing:

[gparris]

While I have my reservations about Sharp, the Sony is 2 thousand dollars more and I believe both offer the same if not similar response times for gaming if that is your principal use for the set vs. say, movies, sports and so on.
Later this weekend I am taking a client to the CC store to evaluate the 52" Sharp for this very thing amongst other factors, as this store is very open to me bringing folks in for some real analysis (gets them guaranteed sales, everytime).
As time permits, I will explore this Sharp set closer to see if it worth saving that amount of cash and buy, perhaps, more software items like DVDs and games or even...a decent surround system or upgrading one with the savings. :)

[Jake34]

Any opinions on the Sony Bravia KDL-40V2500 as it relates the XBRs 1, 2 and 3?
It is a new 40" LCD without the XBR name on it but specs are similar and better for space efficiency. Is this set in any way inferior to the XBR 1(not full H Def), 2 and 3.
Note is it 1080P full HDef.just like the XBR 2 and 3.

[gparris]

I was doing that comparison thing with CC, doing it and the XBR2 set:
Looks every bit as good as the XBR series without all the "glamour", IMO.

Unless you need anything that the XBR has, it looks like a winner! :D

[nuttyinnyc]

Any opinions on the Sony Bravia KDL-40V2500 as it relates the XBRs 1, 2 and 3?
It is a new 40" LCD without the XBR name on it but specs are similar and better for space efficiency. Is this set in any way inferior to the XBR 1(not full H Def), 2 and 3.
Note is it 1080P full HDef.just like the XBR 2 and 3.
parris is right, but you lose a lot more then glamor. speakers on the bottom instead of on the sides. only 2 watts per channel less then the XBR2/3 but there have been reviews and test that side speakers are better and more durable. If you only use a surroundsound then that last point is useless. It has 2 hdmi, one less then the XBR2/3. Look Looks exactly like the XBR1 but has better specs then the XBR1 had. The XBR 2 & 3 added style to their name, But if the style of the 2 and 3 isn't for you then you will be happy. My father bough a 46 s2000 or something like that. He praises that TV everyday. It will come down to what you perfer. Just check reviews first, the XBR line(1, 2, or 3) were very highly rated and most reviews stated these 3 as the "best LCD of it's time" I money is an issue and 1080p isn't a necessity, then the XBR 1 would be a great buy. It is being over shaddowed by the XBR 2/3 so the price has been droping. Sony Bravia KDL-40V2500 you want is a newer madoel so the drop will not be that soon, But the XBR2/3 have already dropped $500 since release 2 months ago, Good luck dude, you can go wrong buying a Sony in the late 90's , but not when it comes to LCD's now, this is all they are producing which leave a lot of time to perfect the picture. Let me know what you decide.

[anomie612]

I don't own one but they are getting great user reviews. Try this thread for more information (69 pages - and growing)!
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=702114&page=1&pp=30&highlight=KDL40V2500

Any opinions on the Sony Bravia KDL-40V2500 as it relates the XBRs 1, 2 and 3?
It is a new 40" LCD without the XBR name on it but specs are similar and better for space efficiency. Is this set in any way inferior to the XBR 1(not full H Def), 2 and 3.
Note is it 1080P full HDef.just like the XBR 2 and 3.

[Panther08]

In response to the XBR2 and XBR3 differences. Besides the obvious color bezel changes I had to ask the Sales person at a Major Retailer (yellow tag ring a bell?). They struggle to figure out the differences and thought the sound quality was different. For you money go for the XBR2 in my humble opinion as I will be this month the next time it is on sale.