Product Description

Experience powerful performance and superior design with the Sony BRAVIA XBR9 HDTV, featuring Motionflow 240Hz technology for maximum motion detail and clarity, plus broadband internet connectivity with built-in BRAVIA Internet Video1 capabilities that let you view select on-demand movies, TV shows, music and more, and even lets you personalize your entertainment experience by selecting and positioning widgets containing the latest news, weather, sports and more directly on your TV screen.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #327 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Black
• Brand: Sony
• Model: KDL-52XBR9
• Dimensions: 29.37" h x 3.37" w x 49.00" l, 57.10 pounds
• Display size: 52

Features

• 16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution Panel (1920x1080)
• BRAVIA Engine 3 fully digital video processor
• Motionflow 240Hz
• Live Color Creation technology w/ WCG-CCFL backlight
• USB to view photo/music/video

From the Manufacturer
From the Manufacturer Manufacturer's Review (April 23, 2009)
Experience powerful performance and superior design with the premium Sony BRAVIA XBR9 HDTV, featuring Motionflow 240Hz technology for maximum motion detail and clarity, plus internet connectivity with built-in BRAVIA Internet Video capabilities that let you enjoy thousands of on-demand movies, TV shows, music and more, and even lets you personalize your entertainment experience by selecting and positioning widgets containing the latest news, weather, sports and more directly on your TV screen.

Powerful performance and superior design. Click to enlarge.

16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution Panel (1920x1080)
16:9 Full HD 1080p resolution panel (1920x1080) accepts any HDTV signal and renders it with optimum resolution, so you can take full advantage of Blu-ray Disc players and Sony PLAYSTATION3 entertainment systems that can deliver 1080p content.

Motionflow 240Hz Technology
Motionflow 240Hz technology is Sony's highest level of motion detail and clarity so you enjoy exceptional motion detail in sports, movies and games. Motionflow 240Hz technology quadruples the frame rate, resulting in a crisp fluid motion and a natural, realistic viewing experience.

BRAVIA Internet Video
With BRAVIA Internet Video you can enjoy one of the largest collections of premium and free on-demand entertainment directly to your HDTV. Use your in-home broadband connection and the BRAVIA HDTV remote control to access online video, music, and more content from over 20 providers including Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube, Sports Illustrated, Sony Pictures, Sony Music, Slacker, and Epicurious.com.

Personalize your HDTV With BRAVIA Widgets
Personalize your viewing experience by selecting, positioning, and resizing widgets on your BRAVIA HDTV display. BRAVIA Internet Widgets are small applications that can be accessed with the touch of one button providing you with the latest in news, weather, stock info, and much more right on your BRAVIA XBR9-Series.

BRAVIA Engine 3 Fully Digital Video Processor
BRAVIA Engine 3 is the newest fully digital video processor from Sony. It uses a collection of enhanced algorithms to significantly reduce noise, enhance overall image detail, and optimize contrast so every scene produces sharp, vibrant, life-like images.

Four HDMI inputs for uncompressed digital video and multi-channel digital audio from a variety of sources.

Includes RM-YD029 remote. Click to enlarge.

Motionflow 240Hz technology reduces blur level by creating three new frames based on original frames. Click to enlarge.

Live Color Creation Technology with WCG-CCFL Backlight
Live Color Creation technology works with the BRAVIA XBR9-Series' WCG-CCFL (Wide Color Gamut--Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) backlight to achieve wide color reproduction for more natural and vibrant colors. The technology combines advanced chroma signal processing with enhanced filters and purer light to reproduce 105 percent of the NTSC (National Television System Committee) color standard. This means deeper reds and greens with overall color that's truer and more life-like.

USB to View Photos, Music, and Video
Connect your camera, USB-enabled MP3 player, or USB storage device directly to the HDTV's USB input to view photos on the big screen or control your latest music playlist. BRAVIA XBR9-Series HDTVs also include MPEG2 video file support, so you can go straight from shooting video to screening it over USB.

DLNA with Photos, Music, and Video
Compliance with DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) allows BRAVIA XBR9-Series HDTVs to access digital photos, music, and video from DLNA-enabled PCs and other devices, so you can enjoy your memories with friends and family in the comfort of your living room instead of crowding around a PC.

Networked TV Guide Interactive Program Guide
Sony has integrated the TV Guide Interactive Program Guide into the exclusive Xross Media Bar (XMB) user interface to deliver regularly updated program listings via your existing Internet connection--with no subscription fees or phone connection required.

HD input x 7
Get versatile HD connection options with seven HD inputs. Four HDMI inputs (up to 1080/60p capable) let you connect a Sony PLAYSTATION 3 entertainment system, Blu-ray Disc player, or any other HDMI-capable equipment and get uncompressed digital video and multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. An HD component input and an HD combo input (1080/60i capable) provide added HD-capable connectivity, and a PC input (HD-15 pin) offers the added versatility of using your HDTV as a computer monitor.

Xross Media Bar Menu Navigation
The award-winning Sony Xross Media Bar (XMB) user interface allows you easily navigate through your favorite photos, music, channels, and connected devices.

Favorites Menu
The Favorites Menu function makes it easy to quickly access your favorite channels and video inputs.

BRAVIA Link compatibility
BRAVIA Link compatibility expands your HDTV's capabilities by letting you connect optional BRAVIA Link modules, including the BRAVIA DVD Link, BRAVIA Wireless Link, and BRAVIA Input Link (all sold separately).

BRAVIA Sync capable
BRAVIA Sync capability combines the one-touch access and control functionality of BRAVIA Theatre Sync with the ability to control CEC-enabled Sony Handycam camcorders and Cyber-shot digital still cameras using the TV's remote and an on-screen display.

Scene Select
Scene Select makes choosing the appropriate settings for the best HDTV experience easier than ever. Scene Select packages different picture and audio settings based on the type of content you want to view. For example, the "Sports" package configures the perfect picture and audio settings to make you feel like you're right in the stadium. Other packages include "Cinema," "Photo," "Game," and "Music."

ATSC/NTSC Tuner with QAM
A built-in ATSC/NTSC tuner with QAM delivers over-the-air digital TV and unencrypted HDTV broadcast signals, as well as traditional analog TV broadcasts.

x.v.Color Technology
x.v.Color technology takes HDTV color expression to new levels. When connected to x.v.Color capable video sources, such as select Sony camcorders, BRAVIA XBR9-Series HDTVs can display nearly twice as many (1.8x) viewable colors as the existing RGB color standard, resulting in more natural, life-like images.

Energy Efficiency
Sony HDTVs exceed Energy Star 3.0 requirement. In addition, they incorporate advanced power saving features such as Light Sensor technology that adjusts backlight intensity based on ambient room lighting conditions and Dynamic Backlight Control that adjusts backlight intensity based on the brightness of the image on the screen.

What's in the Box
Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-52XBR9 52-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV, Remote Control RM-YD029, Batteries (Type AA x2), AC Power Cord (separate), Operating Instructions, Setup Guide, Warranty Card, Table Top Stand (attached)

Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?

With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience. If you know the size of the room you have already, where you want to sit, and where your new HDTV should go once you get it, you can figure out the size HDTV you should get. Minimum size = Viewing distance/3 Maximum size=Viewing distance/1.5

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Rent or Buy more than 40,000 Titles from Amazon Video On Demand

With Amazon Video On Demand, Sony customers can now instantly watch more than 40,000 commercial-free movies and television shows, including hit new releases and the latest episodes available in HD.

	Using an intuitive interface, customers can order movies right from their couch and enjoy instant playback without waiting for lengthy downloads or annoying commercials. Prices start as low as $.99 and no subscription fee is required
	Find Choose from thousands of movies and TV shows by browsing the Amazon Video On Demand store on your Sony TV. Access and add to your virtual collection of purchases via Amazon Video On Demand’s Your Video Library and re-watch anytime on your Sony TV, your PC or Mac and other compatible devices.
	Rent or Buy Renting and purchasing titles is a snap with the power of Amazon’s 1-click purchasing. Order new release movies and the latest TV shows right from your couch and you’re watching within seconds. Prices start as low as $.99.
	Watch Enjoy Amazon Video On Demand’s high quality video right from your Sony TV. Videos playback instantly, without waiting for a download. Purchases and rentals are added to Your Video Library and stored online by Amazon so you can conveniently watch them again on your Sony TV, PC or Mac, and other compatible devices.

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Customer Reviews

Impressive.
This is a very impressive TV. It replaces a 34-inch Sony WEGA tube-based high-def television that I bought in 2003, and I have an XBR6 in another room.

Picture quality is very good. I'm not an expert and won't quibble about technical details. All I know is that I can see the makeup that doesn't completely cover the news anchor's face, and I can examine his dental work. That's probably more than I really need to see. :-) The picture seems to pop out into the room, and that effect is enhanced by the TV's narrow frame. There's a little bit of what I guess is called "mura" when there is no picture on the screen, but it's hardly noticeable and vanishes completely when a picture appears, even if the picture doesn't occupy the entire screen. Not an issue at all.

Sound quality is also very good. I use a separate speaker and amp system if I'm watching something where sound is especially important, but the built-in speakers here serve their purpose quite well and are amply adequate for routine use.

For me the most interesting thing is the ethernet connection, though this is not for browsing the 'net. Sony is still in the process of updating its internet presentation, but I have used the TV to download high-definition movies from Amazon, and it worked very well. Some competition in that space would be useful. Why no NetFlix access? (8/4/09: After an automatic software update last night there's a NetFlix logo and a message that NetFlix access will be available in the fall.)

With movies and TV programs available from Amazon and others, with the Bravia's expanding internet access, and with local broadcast stations offering multiple digital channels with different content, this TV could compete with cable and DirecTV. DirecTV's limited selection of pay per view movies just cannot compare to this. Also, the increasing capability for "a la carte" purchase of program episodes currently available only through DirecTV (or other cable or satellite providers) will reduce the value of my monthly subscription. Really has made me consider my DirecTV subscription.

The XBR9 can retrieve photographs (or music or movies) from my computer via my home ethernet network, or from a flash drive plugged into a USB port, so I'll be able to make lots of people view my photographs and slide shows! (Of course, seeing your photos on this screen in superb color and detail will necessitate another visit to Amazon to upgrade your collection of photography paraphernalia.)

One little quibble: there's a panel of switches located on the right side at exactly the position where I put my hand to move the TV on its mount (Amazon shows an image). Sure would have been thoughtful of Sony if they could have provided some kind of protective device to make it a little harder to accidentally flip one of those switches when I'm trying to adjust the position of the TV.

Finally, and this is important: I installed it using a Sanus wall mount Sanus Systems VMAA26B Universal Articulating Mount with Extended Reach for 30" to 50" Displays (Black). The TV has a lot of mass, and if the cables reach their limit while the TV is still moving, something has to give. So be careful to leave enough slack in the connecting cables to allow the TV to move freely throughout its range. That's especially important with the coaxial antenna cable that screws into its connection and can't merely be pulled out, but it seems possible that you could also damage other connectors, including the HDMI connections.

I love this television
This is my first ever review and my first leap into the hdtv arena. I've been waiting for quite some time to purchase an "almost perfect" tv at a great price. Had my eye on the 55xbr8 which probably has a superior picture because of its LED backlighting. Also in the running was the super slim Samsung B8000. I ruled out the Samsung because of its limited connectivity and a review written by the owner of one which stated that the edge backlighting caused a halo effect around the tv in a darkened room. I decided to go with the 52xbr9 because of its moderate depth, hidden speakers, built-in internet video and widgets, and much more resonable price than the 55xbr8.

I've had this baby for 3 weeks and I'm still in the process of learning about how to get the best out of it. Out of the box, I was blown away by how great the picture looks. HD channels really come alive. SD channels are just ok. DVD's look great, with a little added help from my Oppo dvd player. Haven't purchased a blu-ray player yet. Built-in internet video quality ranges anywhere from outstanding to extremely poor. That all depends on the source content and your connection speed. Because of its florescent backlighting, this tv generates a lot of heat. The longer it's on, the warmer the room feels. The owners manual warns against enclosed installations and advises a free air space of 4 inches on boths sides and bottom and 11 7/8 at the top to prevent heat damage or possible fire. If you've been thinking about putting this tv in a tight spot, please don't.

I wall-mounted this tv in my bedroom above the dresser in place of the mirror. My bedroom is 12x12 and no, this tv is not too big. Keep in mind that probably half of all viewing on a widescreen tv will not fill the entire screen without distorting the picture, so the bigger the tv, the happier you'll be. My favorite thing of all is the pc input. I have it connected to a pc in the next room which has dual monitor display capabilities. The pc display quality is outstandingly sharp. I'm now able to lounge in bed and surf the net on the big screen using my Gyration wireless compact keyboard and air mouse ( all purchased from Amazon at a great price btw). I'm also able to stream all the Netflix movies I want via pc at no additional cost than my $8.99 monthly membership. Surprisingly, Netflix streaming video quality is usually very good.

The bottom line....This is a fantastic tv. Sound quality is very good for a flat panel, especially in surround mode. Speakers are on the bottom of tv (not the back) and are of decent size. Amazon had the best price and more importantly, they can be trusted. Black levels aren't quite as dark as with tvs with LED backlighting but the picture is still quite good. Shipping was fast. Amazon's customer service kept me well informed with the status of my shipment and Pilot delivery service was very easy to work with. If you've been playing the waiting game to purchase a great HD television as I have...you need not wait any longer.

UPDATE...August 1, 2009...Netflix will be coming this fall to Sony Bravia. They've already added the Netflix icon on the internet video menu of my tv. That's one more reason to buy this remarkable television.

Good, Also Dissapointing
I bought the 52" XBR9 based on rave reviews (both consumer and professional) but I am sadly disappointed in it.

The picture quality is as good as you'd expect for an HDTV these days but the black level and backlighting are a let down. It gets pretty dark but not as black as I expected from a Sony XBR in this price range. The back lighting is this TV's major flaw though. It is VERY noticeable. You can always see the backlights shining down from the top two corners in any dark scene of a Blu-Ray movie or in the letterbox bars. The backlight is also very non-uniform. In any dark scene or during a black transition you can see splotches of light scattered across the screen. It becomes quite noticeable when the camera pans across a dark room and you see the backlight splotches staying in place as the image on the screen moves around.

I don't want to sound too negative because I haven't compared this TV to anything else this size so I don't know if there is a better TV in this price range. And the XBR9 has a lot of cool features such as the internet widgets and the Digital TV Guide (which is great for people with basic cable like me because it is essentially like having a digital cable box with a guide and program information built in). The 240HZ MotionFlow produces incredibly smooth, life-like images that truly look real, though I prefer to leave it turned off and preserve the "film" look of movies.

The Sony XBR9 is a fine HDTV with nice features and good picture quality but I can't help feeling a little disappointed with the black level and backlight performance.