Official Sony 40",46",52" XBR2, XBR3 Lcd'S NO PRICE TALK!

Sony announced its fall 2006 Bravia lineup today.

More info with photos at http://www.sony.com/2006TV

XBR3 line (KDL-46XBR3, KDL-40XBR3)
Resolution: 1920x1080 with 1080p input via HDMI
Wide Color Gamut backlight; Bravia Engine Pro with Digital Reality Creation 2.5
Contrast: 1300:1 (static)
Response time: 8 ms
Viewing angle: 178 degrees
Inputs: HDMI (3), component (2), S-video (2), PC
Tuners: ATSC, NTSC, QAM
Color: Gloss black inside "floating glass" frame
Available: August
MSRP: $4,600 (46-inch), $3,800 (40-inch)

XBR2 line (KDL-46XBR2, KDL-40XBR2)
Resolution: 1920x1080 with 1080p input via HDMI
Wide Color Gamut backlight; Bravia Engine Pro with Digital Reality Creation 2.5
Contrast: 1300:1 (static)
Response time: 8 ms
Viewing angle: 178 degrees
Inputs: HDMI (3), component (2), S-video (2), PC
Tuners: ATSC, NTSC, QAM
Color: Silver inside "floating glass" frame; colored bezel inserts available ($300)
Available: Now shipping
MSRP: $4,300 (46-inch), $3,500 (40-inch)

XBR2 line (KDL-32XBR2)
Resolution: 1366x768
Wide Color Gamut backlight; Bravia Engine
Contrast: 1300:1 (static)
Response time: 8 ms
Viewing angle: 178 degrees
Inputs: HDMI (1), component (2), S-video (2), PC
Tuners: ATSC
Color: Silver with black bezel
Available: September
MSRP: $2,000

V2500 line (KDL-46V2500, KDL-40V2500)
Resolution: 1920x1080 with 1080p input via HDMI
Wide Color Gamut backlight; Bravia Engine
Contrast: 1300:1 (static)
Response time: 8 ms
Viewing angle: 178 degrees
Inputs: HDMI (2), component (2), S-video (2), PC
Tuners: ATSC, NTSC, QAM
Color: Silver with black bezel
Available: September
MSRP: $3,800 (46-inch), $3,000 (40-inch)

Will update as more info is available.

So with the XBR3's, basically you're paying an extra $300 for a black bezel? Is that the only difference from the XBR2 line?

Only one HDMI on the 32-inch XBR2? Might as well get an XBR1 right now ... unless the Bravia Engine is better than the Wega Engine?

OK so do the XBR2 models come with the same DRC and wide-gamut backlight as the XBR3s? Would those account for the $300 difference?

How much is that flourescent backlight going to cost and what is its rated service life?

Any time frame on using LEDs or is that for other types of displays?

From what I can tell, the entry level Bravia's do not have DRC 2.5, which is the main draw for me.

My question is does this new DRC processor even matter past 480i? I read the manual for the UK X2000 model and it states that DRC isn't even active when displaying a 480p or better signal.

I really don't know, but I think it relates to all interlaced signals. I believe the specs on the Sony site referred to broadcast HD as benefiting from the new engine. Look here for more --- http://babelfish.altavista.com/babel...01%2fsony1.htm

Wow Sony just dropped the ball on their 32" model. The rest look good though but are expensive.

The number 3 is clearly bigger than 2 so it must be better and that is what you are paying for.

Hmmm... I just picked up a KDL-V40XBR1 yesterday... just my luck that this PR comes out today... I searched and search for weeks and had nothing but late 2006 as info on the new models.

With the exception of Blue Ray, will any other source look appreciably better on a 40" screen at 1080 as opposed to 720?

I have 30 days to return... what would you do? Is $4000/$4300 the street price or list price?

Jeff

Do we know yet whether or not the PC Input accepts 1920x1080?

Did Sony drop QAM tuners in the new XBR models? And what about PBP or PIP?

Has anyone delved into how the "V" series, also 1080p capable, differs from the "X" series? I'm hoping it's just the "floating glass" design which I can do without, especially for a $500 savings.

Byrne

So no 52" model?

The UK model only as DRC V1. The US is DRC V2.5 - the main difference of 2.5 is that it also works on HD signals.

Right now I own the European equivalent to the upcoming KDL-V32XBR2 (neither have DRC, my old Sony LCD WEGA did). I don't miss it - the quality on the new TV with BRAVIA Engine is better than the old combination of WEGA Engine and DRC.

That said, DRC might make a big difference on large, 1080p screens.

What is the policy on stuck or dead pixels?

Will they swap out the panels for one or two or are they like laptop and computer display manufacturers who with not swap out for an odd dead pixel here and there?

im not sure if they changed it but i believe it was 99.7% of the pixels need to be working.

Any chance the XBR 2 and 3 coming down a bit when PS3 hits? (I hope so, I WANT ONE OF THESE!)

I wouldn't hold my breath. The price on anything from Sony with the letters "XBR" after it tends to be fairly fixed. The V2500, however, should show some quick drops once stores start competitive pricing.

I do feel your pain on this matter. I really like everything I see about the XBR sets but I am really having a hard time swallowing a price of $4k + shipping and/or sales tax for only 40". Then again, as others have mentioned, it seems that these prices do not reflect the recent drops so it would be prudent to wait until final pricing is announced before making any decisions.

Jeff,
I got mine last week and after I found out that it will not handle 1080p, I have decided to return it and wait for the Samsung 96D series!! which comes out this month!!
Leos98

Yeah, seems like the pattern would make the 52" $6300, @ a grand for 6 inches...

The 52 with a black finish (matte or piano) XBR3 is mine! Please, Sony, get me this by October!!!!

This is some hot news but the prices are out of there