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Sony Bravia XBR8 Series

The XBR8 line from Sony is their flagship LCD television released in 2008 and is the first TV from Sony to feature an LED backlighting system. First introduced by Samsung in 2007 with their 81F Series, LED backlighting offers a few advantages over the conventional CCFL systems. These advantages come in the form of improved image quality from a substantially higher dynamic contrast ratio and deeper black levels, lower power consumption, and longer lifespan. Considering its flagship status the XBR8 introduces the advanced lighting system while retaining all the premium features found in the less expensive XBR lines, this includes the network media streaming and expandability options.

Where to Buy

Sony Bravia XBR8 Series
MSRP $4,499 - $6,199
Release date August, 2008
Brand Sony
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Pros & Cons5
Reviews3
Details
Buy It10
Competitors3
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
3 reviews
73
negative
mixed
positive
3 positive
0 mixed
0 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

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Pros:
Do you agree?
Color is magnificent
+3agreedisagree

Contrast ratio and dark detail competes with plasma
+3agreedisagree

Matte screen finish
+3agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
Price
+2agreedisagree

Side speakers can't be removed
+2agreedisagree


3 people added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!

Details

Specs

  • 1080p native resolution
  • 120Hz mode
  • 10-bit panel, 10-bit processing
  • DLNA support
  • 24p True Cinema
  • Bravia Engine 2 Pro
  • Advanced Contrast Enhancer Pro with local dimming
  • Inputs: 4xHDMI 1.3, 2xComponent, Composite

Differences in 2008 XBR lineup

XBR8 Series - LED based backlight with substantially higher dynamic contrast ratio compared to non-LED XBRs. Comparable to the Samsung Series 9 with local dimming and media streaming features.

XBR7 Series - Features are more advanced image processing engine than the XBR6 series, and adds a RS-232 port for home automation systems.

XBR6 Series - the least-expensive line of XBR models released in 2008. Still a premium television compared to Sony's wide array of LCD lines.

XBR and Z-Series specific features

DLNA compliant - Digital Lifestyle Network Alliance (DLNA) refers to a suite of protocols and standards agreed to by various media, computer, and electronics manufacturers that lets digital content be streamed and accessed by various devices. If you have a compatible DLNA server the Z-series TV will be able to view photos being stored.

Z-Series, XBR, and W-Series features

120Hz - to handle fast motion found in action movies, video games and sports the television's refresh rate is doubled from the usual 60Hz to 120Hz. This results in smoother motion and reduces the image artifacting known as judder.

24p True Cinema - movie's are filmed at 24 frames per second, traditional televisions display their images at 60Hz meaning the movie information needs to be converted. With the 120Hz mode, which is a direct multiple of 24, no conversion is necessary meaning you get the source exactly as it was filmed. 24p content comes primarily from Blu-Ray video.

Z-Series, XBR series, W-Series, and V-Series features

60p and 24p support - these sets can accept Blu-Ray content that is delivered at 24 frames per second with a progressive picture. They also accept a progressive signal that is delivered at 60 frames per second, this is most common in video games. Both the HDMI and Component video inputs can handle these signals.

Bravia Sync - control the other components in your home theater system, such as your A/V receiver and DVD player, directly from the TV. The other components must be Bravia sync compatible.

Features found on all 2008 Sony LCD TVs

Digital Media Extender - this is a proprietary port that acts as a central gateway for future add-ons to be installe to expand the functionality of the TV. The first add-on available is the Bravia Internet Link module that lets you view video content from the Internet. Sony claims future add-ons will be available with more features.

Models

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This report was started August 5, 2008 at 4:17 pm by Omar
with the last edit occurring November 6, 2009 at 2:52 pm by Yale
This page has been viewed 13316 times, with 42 edits by 8 contributors.
See the full report history »

Buy It

Sony Bravia KDL-55XBR8

• Sony Bravia XBR KDL-55XBR8 55-Inch 1080p 120Hz Triluminos LED LCD HDTV

• Bravia XBR KDL55XBR8 55" LCD TV

UPC: 027242739055

EAN: 027242739055

MPN: KDL55XBR8

Sony Bravia KDL-46XBR8

• Sony Bravia XBR KDL-46XBR8 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz Triluminos LED LCD HDTV

• BRAVIA KDL-46XBR8 46" LCD TV

UPC: 027242739062

EAN: 027242739062

MPN: KDL46XBR8

Competitors

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Comments

1.  avatar jdherman said:

Just bought the 46" XBR8 on Saturday and set it up. Had to go out of town on Monday, but at least I brought the manual and read it on the flight. :)
Oct 28, 2008 4:29pm
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Reviews

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jdherman

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December 16, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
60
negative
mixed
positive
3 pros
2 cons
have ithave it
love itlove it
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Color is magnificent
  • Contrast ratio and dark detail competes with plasma
  • Matte screen finish

Cons

  • Price
  • Side speakers can't be removed

Comments

"Just bought the 46" XBR8 on Saturday and set it up. Had to go out of town on Monday, but at least I brought the manual and read it on the flight. :)"

Competitors

jdherman prefers Sony Bravia XBR8 Series over Samsung 9 Series, Sharp AQUOS XS1 Series, LG 47LG90
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Suresh Subramanian

avatar
August 31, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
67
negative
mixed
positive
2 pros
1 con

Pros

  • Contrast ratio and dark detail competes with plasma
  • Matte screen finish

Cons

  • Side speakers can't be removed

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Sgt

avatar
February 24, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
3 pros
0 cons

Pros

  • Color is magnificent
  • Contrast ratio and dark detail competes with plasma
  • Matte screen finish

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

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This product is also known as:

XBR, 8, XBR8