Digital Home Thoughts: PCMag Reviews Sony Bravia KDL-V40XBR1

"LCD TVs offer more pixels per given screen size than any other consumer display technology, and the 40-inch Sony Bravia KDL-V40XBR1 ($3,499.99 list) LCD TV will generate admiring gazes when displaying high-definition material. When it came to the standard-definition viewing experience in the lab, however, the V40XBR1 required a few adjustments from its default settings before it could match the performance of less-expensive (albeit slightly smaller) alternatives... The V40XBR1's black bezel is nearly two inches wide and matte-finished to reduce ambient light reflections. The silver trim that encircles the V40XBR1 provides a subtle and pleasing contrast to the bezel and screen."



I have the 32" version of this exact same TV and it is fantastic. The picture quality is wonderful, the sound is great and watching HDTV on it is truly is a great experience. In fact, when looking for the large screen TV for my living room, it came down to a choice between the Sharp 45" and the Sony 40" and it took me almost a week to decide. After putting them side by side in the showroom, the picture quality on the Sony was definitely better, but I ended up going with the Sharp because of the larger size, the slightly lower price:size ratio, better I/O ports and a faster response. Plus, while the picture quality on the Sony was better, the Sharp was a VERY close second. BTW, when I say better picture quality, I mean that the image was crisp, the colors were very vibrant and the refresh rate was great.