BRAVIA vs. XBR's

[RedDragon7]

Basically I am just wondering what the real differences between the Sony Bravia TV's and the Sony Bravia XBR's (3,4,5). I know the XBR's have more tech in them but I also know some of that tech is in essence just advertising... i.e. x.v. Color I heard is basically meaningless...

Anyway, I wanted to know whether it is actually worth saving up $1000-2000+ more for an XBR or is just a plain Bravia is really good enough.

Is there some tech in the XBR's that is truly very good and helpful?

Thanks in advance for the help and advice.

[kuku]

Well except for the 08 line up(which is all messed up and expanded), XBR was top of the line except for JP, so you expect the bells and whistles in full.

The biggest thing is the engine. Color reproduction and scaling is very good in XBR. Some say the best of LCDs, but definitely top teir.

The speakers are also significantly better. Though whether you need it or not, is another issue.

Then there are selective technologies. Motion enhancer, 120hz, x.v.color, and a new xmb like interface.

There is also a lot more SW in the XBR. you have a lot more customizations, presets, the works. game mode, etc.

One big thing Sony seems to get right is in Game mode you can still change your color calibration, where a Samsung(exact same LCD panel) doesn't let you. So for people that's a breaker right there.

So yes, lots of little stuff that deserve top of the line.

XBR is probably suited for people that spend the time to want everything their way. The customization options in XBR and color reproduction are way up there.

With the 08 line up that's different now. XBR is teir 2 and the new high line is no longer xbr, and of course everything is pushed more down.

[ColinMcP]

So what is tier one now if not XBR?

[mrnagy88]

Are there any good comparison web-pages out there that list the most important features of the TV's and ranks thems?
e.g. What would be as good as an XBR in another brand?

[RedDragon7]

Thanks Kuku. As ColinMcP asked, what is the new tier one then?

[Sederior]

Are there any good comparison web-pages out there that list the most important features of the TV's and ranks thems?
e.g. What would be as good as an XBR in another brand?

Try using any of the meta shopping sites like pricegrabber or even cnet and consumer reports. Most of the time you can just get away with doing Comparison Shopping on google and then use HDTV as a search term.

If you can wait it out and afford it go OLED or LASER.

[rx785guy]

With the 08 line up that's different now. XBR is teir 2 and the new high line is no longer xbr, and of course everything is pushed more down.


no no no no. They just have MORE XBR models this year. Theres a XBR 6 7 and 8 comming out this year. I believe the 8 actually has LED backlighting. It was on engadget a little while back.

XBR is still top tier, its just WHICH XBR you get. I think like the 6 was like a 36" model or something.

[kuku]

no no no no. They just have MORE XBR models this year. Theres a XBR 6 7 and 8 comming out this year. I believe the 8 actually has LED backlighting. It was on engadget a little while back.

XBR is still top tier, its just WHICH XBR you get. I think like the 6 was like a 36" model or something.

No the Z series is top dog. The Z series used to be a special line in JP only but now international.

By doing that they now have completely changed the line up, with XBR being Mini's and Z series being large and W series being middle.

In terms of how Sony is doing it now...

Z>W>XBR>V>L>M>N

But once you put sizes into it, it looks like Z>XBR>W>V

Either way, if you want top, Z is top.

[VayMasters86]

Well I picked up an XBR 4 about 2 months ago. I wanted motion flow for one reason, I seem to see a lot of ghosting and jittery motion on fast movement scenes, my friends think I'm crazy, maybe it's just that I know what to look for and always seem to find it.

But I don't notice any ghosting or jittery motion TV's with motion flow or something similar to motion flow. Overall the picture looks great, it's hard to notice the difference between this one and ones close to the quality though.

I'm still glad I bought the one I did. Although I also need to say I got it at a discount, it was only 2 grand and I got a 3 year warranty on it.

[spazchicken]

I have an xbr2 (60inch 1080p around a year or so) and I could not have had a better TV. I love it!

Yes it's bulkier than the Bravias, but the image quality is extremely good. I got mine for $3300 (after taxes and delivery).

Have not had any problems at all with ghosting or the "green slime" problems. If you pick up an XBR, I think you will be very satisfied.

:)

[PrestoFIVE]

Yes, XBR's have many better aspects verses the bravia's. Many of them being the video processor in them...which in turn produces great color and picture quality.

I have the XBR4 (the latest besides the XBR5, which the only difference is the XBR5 has a different type of pc connection.) and I could not be happier with it! It is (still) one of the best lcd tv's out there.

[Shalashaaska]

I've been looking for a good 32'' gaming HDTV - do they even have an XBR (or anything other than Bravia) for 32'' 720p TV's? Would it even matter? I don't know, I guess good scaling is important to me since I'd be running 480p stuff on that TV all the time.

[seksy]

XBR 6/7/8's will still be the Top Tier for North America and the Z series will be the second Tier. etc etc.

[vipergts2207]

No the Z series is top dog. The Z series used to be a special line in JP only but now international.

By doing that they now have completely changed the line up, with XBR being Mini's and Z series being large and W series being middle.

In terms of how Sony is doing it now...

Z>W>XBR>V>L>M>N

But once you put sizes into it, it looks like Z>XBR>W>V

Either way, if you want top, Z is top.

Nope that is wrong. This is the sequence for 2008 models from lowest to highest: S, V, W, Z, XBR6, XBR7, XBR8. 100% fact. Go check out www.avsforum.com if you don't believe me. Very serious HT gurus there.

[Kyo-Unit]

Do you guys have the X series over there?

we have XBR and X in Australia, both have the exact same panel the only difference is XBR is a metal finish, the X is a matte black.
also about 1k in price as well.

[kuku]

Nope that is wrong. This is the sequence for 2008 models from lowest to highest: S, V, W, Z, XBR6, XBR7, XBR8. 100% fact. Go check out www.avsforum.com if you don't believe me. Very serious HT gurus there.

BRAVIA(R) KDL-37XBR6 Flat-panel LCD HDTV
Available this Spring
• 37-inch 1080p flat-panel LCD HDTV
• Motionflow™ 120Hz high frame rate technology
• DLNA(R) compliant
• Digital Media Port (DMP) ready for optional accessories include
Audio cradles compatible with select Network Walkman™ players and
iPod(R) products
• 24p True Cinema input capable
• High-definition 3D graphic user interface
• Digital Media Extender (DMex) ready for optional modules like the
BRAVIA Internet Video Link and future expansion modules
• 1080p input capable via HDMI™ (x4), Component (x2) and PC input
• BRAVIA(R) Sync™


The Z-series models are also compliant with the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) specification, so they can display digital photos from PCs and other DLNA-enabled products.
BRAVIA® KDL-46Z4100 Flat-panel LCD HDTV
Available this Spring
• 46-inch 1080p flat-panel LCD HDTV with new slim frame bezel and
ultra-thin depth
• Motionflow™ 120Hz high frame rate technology
• x.v.Color™ and Deep Color compatible
• DLNA® compliant
• Digital Media Port (DMP) ready for optional accessories include
Audio cradles compatible with select Network Walkman™ players and
iPod® products
• 24p True Cinema input capable
• High-definition 3D graphic user interface
• Digital Media Extender (DMex) ready for optional modules like the
BRAVIA Internet Video Link and future expansion modules
• 1080p input capable via HDMI™ (x4), Component (x2) and PC input
• BRAVIA® Sync™

The longer wins!

The most obvious is the 10bit panel in Z-series.

For 7 and 8, we don't know their specs yet, so that's blowing in the wind. Will it be bigger sizes or will it be better or will it be cheaper, etc.

If you actually read AVS they call calling Z series as the rebranded XBR 7 and 8.

[vipergts2207]

BRAVIA(R) KDL-37XBR6 Flat-panel LCD HDTV
Available this Spring
• 37-inch 1080p flat-panel LCD HDTV
• Motionflow™ 120Hz high frame rate technology
• DLNA(R) compliant
• Digital Media Port (DMP) ready for optional accessories include
Audio cradles compatible with select Network Walkman™ players and
iPod(R) products
• 24p True Cinema input capable
• High-definition 3D graphic user interface
• Digital Media Extender (DMex) ready for optional modules like the
BRAVIA Internet Video Link and future expansion modules
• 1080p input capable via HDMI™ (x4), Component (x2) and PC input
• BRAVIA(R) Sync™


The Z-series models are also compliant with the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) specification, so they can display digital photos from PCs and other DLNA-enabled products.
BRAVIA® KDL-46Z4100 Flat-panel LCD HDTV
Available this Spring
• 46-inch 1080p flat-panel LCD HDTV with new slim frame bezel and
ultra-thin depth
• Motionflow™ 120Hz high frame rate technology
• x.v.Color™ and Deep Color compatible
• DLNA® compliant
• Digital Media Port (DMP) ready for optional accessories include
Audio cradles compatible with select Network Walkman™ players and
iPod® products
• 24p True Cinema input capable
• High-definition 3D graphic user interface
• Digital Media Extender (DMex) ready for optional modules like the
BRAVIA Internet Video Link and future expansion modules
• 1080p input capable via HDMI™ (x4), Component (x2) and PC input
• BRAVIA® Sync™

The longer wins!

The most obvious is the 10bit panel in Z-series.

For 7 and 8, we don't know their specs yet, so that's blowing in the wind. Will it be bigger sizes or will it be better or will it be cheaper, etc.

If you actually read AVS they call calling Z series as the rebranded XBR 7 and 8.

Thats the small size XBR6 you used to compare to the Z. If you do some research you'll find that the smaller size don't have the same features as the larger such as 120Hz refresh rate. The site you pulled the info from is outdated as evidenced by the fact that they state the KDL-37XBR6 as having 120Hz Motionflow. Sony has since changed the specs. Honestly I don't know why Sony called the 32" and 37" models XBR6s because their specs are more on par with the V series. The upper sized XBR6s are better than the Z however. And we do know some specs on the XBR's in fact the XBR8 will use RBG LED backlighting while the other XBR's will use WCG-CCFL. The XBR8 will also use Sony's new BE2 Pro. Go into the Sony 2008 Bravia lineup thread on AVS and you'll find that I'm correct. Most people believe that the 2008 Z will be about the equivalent of 2007's XBR4. The fact that it also only comes in 40" and 46" sizes should be proof enough that it isn't Sony's top of the line. The XBR8 comes in 46" and 55" sizes. Wait until the Z and XBR sets come out and then it will be impossible for you to deny it.

[kuku]

Thats the small size XBR6 you used to compare to the Z. If you do some research you'll find that the smaller size don't have the same features as the larger such as 120Hz refresh rate. The site you pulled the info from is outdated as evidenced by the fact that they state the KDL-37XBR6 as having 120Hz Motionflow. Sony has since changed the specs. Honestly I don't know why Sony called the 32" and 37" models XBR6s because their specs are more on par with the V series. The upper sized XBR6s are better than the Z however. And we do know some specs on the XBR's in fact the XBR8 will use RBG LED backlighting while the other XBR's will use WCG-CCFL. The XBR8 will also use Sony's new BE2 Pro. Go into the Sony 2008 Bravia lineup thread on AVS and you'll find that I'm correct. Most people believe that the 2008 Z will be about the equivalent of 2007's XBR4. The fact that it also only comes in 40" and 46" sizes should be proof enough that it isn't Sony's top of the line. The XBR8 comes in 46" and 55" sizes. Wait until the Z and XBR sets come out and then it will be impossible for you to deny it.

Ahem... just so you know that's straight from...emmm AVS thread 2008 lineup, with ohh stickyed...so ummm WHAT?

But XBR traditionally only has 1 and only 1 mode(size not withstanding)l. XBR 3/4 and 4/5 are one and the same except in a different case and a extended warranty.

And I can't get a bigger size, that's just how Sony decided the line up. Just like there is no 40" Z, it starts at 46".

No matter how you cry foul...umm...riiight... Anyway

But the specs you are going for LED and stuff...well that's in the rumor section, and very much possible or..not if engadgets dug up Sony timeline is right.

But as far as TVv world is concerned, the here and now is what we have.

The Z series has always been the highest, just the no one knew it outside of Japan.

[RedDragon7]

Thanks for all the input. I decided to wait till June when the newer models rollout and the supposed price-cut hits. Even if there is no price cut I should be good for a $2100 XBR with Motionflow.

Does anyone know how credible this price-cut rumor is? And when are these newer TV's going to be announced? I heard within the first week of June... Didn't know if that was just speculation or fact. Thanks again for the info.

[vipergts2207]

Ahem... just so you know that's straight from...emmm AVS thread 2008 lineup, with ohh stickyed...so ummm WHAT?

But XBR traditionally only has 1 and only 1 mode(size not withstanding)l. XBR 3/4 and 4/5 are one and the same except in a different case and a extended warranty.

And I can't get a bigger size, that's just how Sony decided the line up. Just like there is no 40" Z, it starts at 46".

No matter how you cry foul...umm...riiight... Anyway

But the specs you are going for LED and stuff...well that's in the rumor section, and very much possible or..not if engadgets dug up Sony timeline is right.

But as far as TVv world is concerned, the here and now is what we have.

The Z series has always been the highest, just the no one knew it outside of Japan.

I know you got it from that thread, BUT the post you took it from was from the beginning of January and it is now May. Like I said specs have since changed. Ask the folks in that thread the order of the Sony line-up and they'll tell you the same thing I have.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13830260#post13830260
Read post 1652. That post is actually relatively recent.
No 40" Z!?! More misinformation from you. It's on Sony's website for crying out loud.
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665406612
Your ignorance is showing.
By the way, LED isn't a rumour, it's confirmed!
Do you also not notice how 2 other people on the forum have stated the same thing that I have?
You must be dreaming if you think Sony's top of the line tv is only $2800. The 55" XBR8 is expected to be between $6k and $8k. Do you not realize that what you claim to be the 2008's top of the line is cheaper than the 2007 top of the line XBR5? It's more expensive and it's a year old! Get some sense man!

@Shalashaaska
Sony has the KDL-32XBR6.

[PS3in1080p]

Will the XBR 8 series be available in a 52" too or just 46" and 55"? Thought I read that there would be a 52" model available as well.

[vipergts2207]

Will the XBR 8 series be available in a 52" too or just 46" and 55"? Thought I read that there would be a 52" model available as well.

As far as I've read there will only be a 46" and 55" XBR8. I believe there will be a 52" XBR6 though. It won't have the RGB LED backlight but it will still be an amazing set.

[RedDragon7]

When are these going to be announced? Any idea when they'll be released by chance?

[vipergts2207]

When are these going to be announced? Any idea when they'll be released by chance?

If you mean the XBR8s then some people are speculating around September. Here is a link to some info from boy genius report.
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2008/04/14/sony-kdl-xbr6-kdl-xbr7-and-kdl-xbr8-specs-and-release-dates/
It should be close to that but not exact. So far it seems like the tv's are launching a little earlier than expected. By the way what size tv is it that you're looking to buy?

[RedDragon7]

I'm looking at 46" Sony's right now. Trying to keep it around the low end of $2000, but the really nice ones are closer to the mid $2500 range as far as I can see.

So I'm kinda hoping this "price-cut" in June really does kick in, but I'm expecting to be disappointed just in case.

EDIT: I would actually like a set on sale for 1800 would be great. But the 120 Hz TV's have yet to do that. And the ones that are 1800 or less have an 8ms response.

[vipergts2207]

I'm looking at 46" Sony's right now. Trying to keep it around the low end of $2000, but the really nice ones are closer to the mid $2500 range as far as I can see.

So I'm kinda hoping this "price-cut" in June really does kick in, but I'm expecting to be disappointed just in case.

EDIT: I would actually like a set on sale for 1800 would be great. But the 120 Hz TV's have yet to do that. And the ones that are 1800 or less have an 8ms response.

Probably near zero chance of the 46" XBR's going that low. Might have a shot with the Z though. Probably start looking at that set. A lot of people have said it might be the most bang for your buck Sony tv this year. I myself am hoping the 40" W drops to around $1500, but we'll see about that. If not I'll probably end up with the 37" XBR6. By the way 8 ms should be enough response time, including gaming. Even 120 Hz only requires a response time of 8.333 ms.

[RedDragon7]

Probably near zero chance of the 46" XBR's going that low. Might have a shot with the Z though. Probably start looking at that set. A lot of people have said it might be the most bang for your buck Sony tv this year. I myself am hoping the 40" W drops to around $1500, but we'll see about that. If not I'll probably end up with the 37" XBR6. By the way 8 ms should be enough response time, including gaming. Even 120 Hz only requires a response time of 8.333 ms.Ya, i think XBR's will be out of my reach. But the Z series has some very nice models though. I was indeed looking at them. Thanks for the 8 ms clarification, I heard it was a bad idea. Although I'd still like to get a 120 Hz TV as unless I'm wrong, that should smooth out any possible problems a stand-alone 8ms time might have.

[vipergts2207]

Ya, i think XBR's will be out of my reach. But the Z series has some very nice models though. I was indeed looking at them. Thanks for the 8 ms clarification, I heard it was a bad idea. Although I'd still like to get a 120 Hz TV as unless I'm wrong, that should smooth out any possible problems a stand-alone 8ms time might have.

I'm not sure if gaming on 120Hz sets has any benefit over 60Hz because most games only play at 60fps tops anyway. Honestly 120Hz is most useful for movies, but if you can afford to then go 120Hz. You know it won't be any worse than 60Hz at least.

[RedDragon7]

I'm not sure if gaming on 120Hz sets has any benefit over 60Hz because most games only play at 60fps tops anyway. Honestly 120Hz is most useful for movies, but if you can afford to then go 120Hz. You know it won't be any worse than 60Hz at least.Lol, forgot about that. But I do plan to play plenty of Blu-rays on it and TV as well. So even if gaming makes no difference, the TV/movie side is probably worth it in my case.

[StalinX1]

the XBR4 and 5 are considered the best LCD on the market today. my store has just got in the XBR6 32 and 37, and they look just as amazing, so the 7 and 8 coming in the next next months will most likely follow suit. as for 120hz, its a must for everything because it doesnt just have to do with FPS, it has to do with th refresh rate of the panel, giving smoother movement on everything on the screen.

[RedDragon7]

Welcome to the forum :D

Ya I'd love to get an XBR but starting at $3000 is kind of tough. However, I'm definitely getting a 120Hz TV.

As it is I'm looking at a Model: KDL46W4100. It's at Circuit City (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-46-W-Series-LCD-HDTV-KDL-46W4100/sem/rpsm/oid/212217/catOid/-12869/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do) for $2399.99 which is already tough for me.

[StalinX1]

i have installed both the 46 and 52w4100 and they are great TVs. good choice.

[kuku]

i have installed both the 46 and 52w4100 and they are great TVs. good choice.

I like Sony's lineup, but Samsung currently IMO has them beat until the I can see more models(not just rumors and white papers).

the A650 series has a better bang for a buck then the W series, and has more bulletpoints then it, putting it to the level of Z series.

Since the Z series isn't out yet, I can't comment, but Samsung's March refresh has hit the "best LCD" curve before sony.

Very nice all around, and looking forward to how the Z series might look.

But here and now, I would suggest the Samsung A650/A750 over Sony W series.

The W series is a little disappointing, because it uses old gen LCD technology while A650 are already using newer ones. (The stuff the Z series are suppose to have)

Well either is good, just that it's what you are standing next to.

[RedDragon7]

Actually Kuku I just started noticing that. Lol, I was getting sick of hearing these Samsung TV's on sale constantly and the Sony's never go on sale. So I checked out the Samsungs and I was rather surprised.

So with the obvious question of which TV is better... I thought I'd see what you guys say about these two:

Samsung - 46" Series 6
• 1080p
• 4 HDMI inputs
• 120Hz frame rate
• HD tuner
• 4ms response time
• Touch of Color
Price: $2199.99

Sony - 46" W Series
• 1080p resolution
• 4 HDMI inputs
• 120Hz frame rate
• HD tuner
• S-Force front surround
• Bravia Engine processor
Price: $2399.99

I'm more of a Sony fan but the Samsung seems to have better specs with just as good if not better reviews. However, I'm not sure if that 2199.99 price will stay... as I think it's just part of the sale for this week, not sure.

Also, by June 20th I should be able to afford the Samsung. The Sony being a few hundred more will take a few more weeks.
From the other thread:http://www.ps3forums.com/showthread.php?t=136459&page=2