HDTV Universe

Sony KDL-40XBR9 Review – 40″ LCD TV

Up for review: Sony KDL-40XBR9. With the launch of 40” KDL-40XBR9 LCD TV, Sony plans to bring built-in, interactive entertainment directly to your television. This BRAVIA XBR9 series model with Internet applications called “widgets” is expected to deliver real-time information, as well as streaming video capability via integrated BRAVIA Internet Video Link capability. Instead of previous XBR8 series LED backlighting feature, the XBR9 series models have much improvised CCFL backlight (cold cathode florescent) technology where a wide color gamut has been used. Hence vibrant images are likely to be produced from the new Sony KDL-40XBR9.

Another feature, the local dimming aspect, which was seen in earlier LCD models of Sony is absent in this new KDL-40XBR9. But with the new Motion Flow Technology combined with a whopping 240Hz refresh rate, the new Sony KDL-40XBR9 is most likely to deliver crisper and sharper images, especially during fast motion scenes as the frame rate has been quadrupled in this LCD model. The 1080p native resolution embedded in the KDL-40XBR9 is the highest of its kind currently available in market.

Though the exact price is yet to be announced, it is expected to be pricey like most Sony HDTV’s. This high-end LCD TV is likely to be available in the market by this spring. Although the price may be steep, you do get the piece of mind that Sony quality brings. The Sony XBR series has been some of the best HDTV’s on the market for years.

Sony KDL-40XBR9 Features and Specifications Review:

• 1080p Resolution
• 240Hz Refresh Rate
• WCG-CCFL backlighlighting
• Bravia Engine 3 Video Processing
• Motion Flow Technology
• 24p Film Playback
• Improved XMB Menu
• 4 HDMI Inputs
• Yahoo! Widgets
• PC Input
• Networked Media Streaming
• Internet Powered TV Guide
• BRAVIA Link
• BRAVIA Sync

The new Sony KDL-40XBR9 is one of the first 2009 series of XBR models and as a part of BRAVIA signature line it is only natural to expect higher-end features and performance from this LCD model.

Incorporated with Sony Bravia Engine 3 technology, the new KDL-40XBR9 LCD model is expected to produce higher quality of video and audio output. The 24p True Cinema support feature will facilitate movie watching experience as movies can now be watched in its original 24p frames per second format.

Empowered by Yahoo! “Widgets” technology, the Sony KDL-40XBR9 will bring real-time info through the Internet application right onto the LCD. Sony claims real-time information such as weather reports, financial news, stock ticker updates, Flickr images, Yahoo Video, and additional content can be accessed after connecting the LCD through the Ethernet via a broadband connection. There is also Internet-powered TV Guide to help the users accessing web related info on the LCD TV.

With 4 HDMI inputs and an additional PC input, the Sony KDL-40XBR9 seems to have ample connectivity provision. A USB 2.0 input is also there to facilitate the display of photos or playing video or audio from a USB storage device. Sleek design, advanced features in both video and audio aspects, this new LCD is definitely going to have a strong response from consumers once it’s available in market.

HDTVUniverse.com gives Sony KDL-40XBR9 9/10 stars!