Sony KDL 40XBR7

One of the last XBR models Sony put out in 2008, the Sony Bravia KDL-40XBR7 is packed with high-end features everyone was looking for in 2008 along with some of the features that are shaping up to be a big deal in 2009. Going above and beyond the now-standard 120hz refresh rate, Sony is the first to double that as part of TV manufacturer’s battle for the smoothest picture. The first TV with a 240hz refresh rate makes the XBR7 stand out in a crowd of other TVs battling for the consumer’s attention. Also add in the latest from Sony in video processing, and the XBR7 will be able to compete with newer models for some time to come.

Standout Features

• 1080p resolution
• 240hz refresh rate
• BRAVIA Engine EX, for smoother picture
• 4 HDMI ports

Features

The Sony XBR7, much like the XBR4 before it, stands out in picture, features and style. The all-black chassis floating the in the accent glass is the standard design that has set the XBR line apart when lined up next to other TVs. However the XBR7, aside from the option to add customized colored grilles to the speakers, adds some unique technology that makes it stand out even in the crowd of other XBR TVs.

The brother of the XBR7, the more expensive XBR8 comes with an LED backlight, it doesn’t do anything special with the refresh rate. The XBR7 was the first TV, ever, to incorporate the 240hz refresh rate, doubling the rate found on the upper tier TVs of 2008. The 240hz refresh rate, to the naked eye, doesn’t look much different than 120hz. But the concept behind the high-end technology and even miniscule improvement in picture is a testament to the ever-improving technology of LCD HDTVs.

With the BRAVIA Engine EX, a digital video processor, the XBR7 reaches new levels in noise reduction and enhancing the overall image on the screen. The result is that images on the screen are sharper, more vibrant, clearer, and more life-like. Noise reduction doesn’t have to do with the actual sound coming out of your TV. It has to do with the motion, brightness, and sharpness of each scene in real time and gets rid of unwanted artifacts on the screen. Like we said before, the images on the screen only get better and brighter.

Add on 4 HDMI ports, and it makes this XBR7 a pretty not-so-little package. HDMI ports (or High Definition Multimedia Interface ports) clean up that mess of cables behind your TV. Rather than having five or six wires going from you TV to your DVD player, you only need one HDMI connector and cable for each of your plug-ins, and you’re set.

With the 1080p contrast ration and the Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE) circuit, the KDL-40XBR7 improves its contrast, allowing for darker blacks and deeper colors without sacrificing the details in the picture. The Sony Bravia KDL XBR7 also has an 80,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio that helps take the purples LCDs usually produce instead of black closer to the true, deep black color you need for Blu-ray and so on.

Summary of Reviews from Across the Internet

Experts liked the high-end features on the KDL-40XBR7 and noted that as Sony continues to put out their XBR lines, the picture only gets better. They also liked the fact that the speaker grills can be customized in different colors. All users commented that the XBR7 is one of the high-end models that ranks among the best of LCD TVs. However, without the LED backlights that will be available in the XBR8, the XBR7’s time in the spotlight may not last very long.

Summary

If you’re looking for one of the best on today’s market in LCD TVs, look no further than the Sony KDL-40XBR7. The 1080p contrast ratio, 120hz refresh rate and the BRAVIA Engine EX make this TV a purchase you won’t regret.

Check out how other TVs stack up to the XBR7 with TopTenREVIEWS side-by-side comparison of the best LCD TVs.