Loading ...Sony KDL-32XBR9 Review – 32″ LCD TV
Up for review: Sony KDL-32XBR9. The new KDL-32XBR9 is Sony’s first expansion of the BRAVIA XBR9 line of HDTV televisions for 2009. Unlike the other higher models of this XBR9 series, the 32” KDL-32XBR9 is embedded with Sony Bravia Engine 2 technology in stead of Bravia Engine 3. This latest LCD model is scheduled for spring availability. The market price of Sony KDL-32XBR9 is yet to be set, but it is expected to be of something around $1700.
Wrapped in a slim, stylish and sleek design, the new Sony KDL-32XBR9 will bring advanced video technology to your fingertips as per Sony’s claims. It can be used both as a TV or a computer display. With a native resolution of 1080p, the new Sony KDL-32XBR9 is most likely to produce real life-like images. The LED-backlit feature that was present in last year’s XBR8 series is not there in XBR9 series. Instead of that, a new and improvised fluorescent backlight technique, known as WCG-CCFL backlighting has been incorporated.
Though the Sony KDL-32XBR9 LCD has many similar features with the three larger XBR9 models, it lacks in certain aspects. As opposed to the 240Hz rate used on the larger sets, this 32” KDL-32XBR9 has a 120Hz refresh rate. But along with the fast Motionflow technology, crisper and sharper images are likely to be available without any motion blur especially in fast motion scenes.
Sony KDL-32XBR9 Features and Specifications Review:
• 32-inch LCD screen
• 1080p Native Resolution
• 120Hz Refresh Rate
• Bravia Engine 2 Video Processing
• WCG-CCFL backlighlighting
• Motion Flow Technology
• 24p Film Playback
• Improved XMB Menu
• 4 HDMI Inputs
• Yahoo! Widgets
• PC Input
• Networked Media Streaming
• Bravia Link
• BRAVIA Sync
• 1 year limited warranty
The new Sony KDL-32XBR9 lacks the Internet-powered TV Guide which looks like a serious limitation as compared to the three larger sets of the same XBR9 series. The Internet-powered TV Guide seems to be an improvement over the standard TV Guide.
Equipped with the “widgets” feature, courtesy Yahoo, the Sony KDL-32XBR9 LCD is most likely to expand and personalize the high definition television watching experience by adding onscreen applications that provide real-time info such as weather reports, financial news, stock updates, Yahoo Video, Flickr images, and additional content.
With 4 HDMI inputs and an additional PC input, the Sony KDL-32XBR9 LCD HDTV seems to have ample connectivity options. Bravia Sync / Link connectivity is also supported by the new KDL-32XBR9. An improvised XMB Interface has been embedded with the LCD model. And the Networked Media Streaming feature facilitates connecting stream media directly from networked computers.
There are certain striking features of the XBR9 series missing from the Sony KDL-32XBR9, but as part of the XBR9 series, it will still probably be one of the most solid 32-inch LCD TV’s on the market. Many HDTV manufacturers leave the bells and whistles to the larger screens and appears the case with this TV.
YouReviewElectronics.com gives Sony KDL-32XBR9 9/10 stars!
User Reviews
why do they butcher the 32″ xbr9? can’t we want all the features and best picture possible in a small package?
I’m getting this TV by UPS tomorrow, and I was PISSED when i learned how gimped it was compared to the other sizes, but it’s the only size that will fit in my tv stand. I wasn’t gonna use the internet tv guide anyways but the video processor and refresh rate is really chaps my ***!
NOT only the butchery, but the whole “auto-dimming” feature is really killing it! I just purchased this thing, expecting the best. It is a great mid-tv to begin with, however, I quickly realize during dark scenes, this tv would get extremely out of control dark. Sony must resolve this issue, or I will be trading my TV in.
You none believers don’t have to take my word for it. Go ahead and try for yourself and see what I mean.
I’ve had my Sony 32 XBR9 for a month now and I’m completely satisfied with it. I’ve had to make a few options changes in the settings to fit the lighting and sound in my bedroom. After the adjustments, the picture and sound are always perfect. I recommend having this TV on a higher stand or mounting it on a swingarm mount to get the best sound and picture view. Oh yeah, Amazon has the best deal on this TV.
The auto diming problem has been resolved by a software download after the download you must sellect the advance contrast enhancer to from low of off and it will be ok after that . Other people complaint about sound but all 32 lcd have this problem overall is good but the 120hz 32 inch samsung lcd its much much better ended up trading it for that samsung…
I just purchased it and am very pleased so far. I haven’t viewed any HD content yet as I have a basic cable box and not an HD box (trading it in later this week). But the standard cable channels look really good using the default settings out of the box. The built-in speakers have adequate sound quality… I’ll get the Bose surround sound hooked up over the Christmas holiday.
Bottom line… if you can get it at the $599 sale price I got it for at Best Buy you will not be sorry.
After talking with Sony’s technical support for over 2 hours, they confirmed that the optical audio output is only capable of PCM (2 channel stereo) and not AC3 (Dolby Digital 2.0 and 5.1) for broadcast DTV. If you use an antenna or cable with no cable box and expect Dolby Digital as Sony advertises for this model, you will be disappointed. On the plus side Sony has one of the best features on there ATSC (antenna) tuners, you can rescan for DTV terrestrial stations with out loosing the previously found (saved) stations. This is valuable if you need to turn your antenna to receive all the stations in your area. I returned the KDL-32XBR9 and replaced it with a Samsung LN32B650. I now have Dolby Digital for broadcast DTV and am impressed with the image quality. Now if Samsung would add the rescan feature to the ATSC tuner they would have the best 32” LCD DTV available. The Samsung even controls my Sony BluRay player via the HDMI connection.