Digital Trends

Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR6 December 31st, 2008 | by David Elrich

Features and Design

The is an attractive flat panel HDTV—if looking at a black piano-finished rectangular frame can be in any way exciting. We think it’s what you see onscreen that really matters, but the television has a sophisticated floating glass design that sets it apart from the myriad of other flat panels out there. Below the strip of glass that separates the main screen from the speakers is a long silver grille you can change to match your room’s décor—red, brown or gold—take your pick for $99 each. Other than a small XBR logo and a lighted Sony nameplate, there’s not much else to see. Unfortunately, there are no memory card slots or front A/V inputs, and you’ll barely notice several tiny status lights.

This 52-incher is a very heavy panel, weighing 79 pounds without the stand, and 94 with the pedestal. The 50-inch Pioneer Kuro we recently reviewed tipped the scales at 88 including the stand, and 74 for the panel. Supposedly, plasmas are heavier than LCDs, but it appears to be another plasma myth, like shorter lifespan and image burn-in. The Sony is also thicker—4.87 inches deep versus 3.65 for the Kuro. This really doesn’t mean much once you get the set into position, though, since most people will never go near it again other than to occasionally dust it off.

On the left side, you’ll find a nice set of inputs to handle game consoles, camcorders and cameras (USB, HDMI and A/V). On the right are basic TV controls you won’t use unless you can’t find the remote—power, channel/volume up/down, input and home.

The rear jack pack has a good selection including three HDMI (four total), two component, PC-in, digital audio out, and so on. You should be good to go with this selection. Separating the XBR6 from run-of-the-mill displays is the LAN jack, Digital Media Port for portable players and DMex  port for the optional Bravia Internet Link.

What’s in the Box

The Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR6 comes in the typical upright carton. Since the set is heavy and has no handles on the back panel, you’ll definitely need a friend help move it into position. The box also contains a quick setup guide, a well-written and designed 60-page owner’s manual, an AC cord, remote and two AA batteries. Make sure you have your HDMI cables at the ready.

We got the set in place, connected two HD sources, loaded the batteries in the remote, then settled in to see how it performed.