TV Reviews

"Home Theater." While this phrase has been trumpeted for every advancement from "big screens" to "home stereos," Sony's newest line, ironically, takes the blur out of the picture, then blurs the line between Hollywood and home.

The crisp, razor-sharp picture and audio produced by the new Bravia KDL46XBR6 1080p LCD HDTV is the latest in a string of successful forays into the realm of home theater for Sony television. While the Bravia line has been successful for Sony, the corporation has taken the opportunity not to rest on its laurels, but to stay one step ahead of the competition.

New to this model is the introduction of the Bravia Engine 2 video processor, which creates a picture truly worthy of the label High Definition. Not only does a true HD 1080p picture appear vividly on screen, but with Sony's Motionflow 120Hz technology, fast action movies and sports no longer suffer from pixilation and blur. While improving contrast and reducing video noise with these features, the clarity produced rivals not simply other televisions, but a court-side seat. That may be because the Bravia KDL46XBR6 utilizes a full HD 1080p resolution panel, allowing home theater buffs to finally match the quality of Blu-ray with the appropriate output device.

While this latest Bravia model does not come cheaply, in the $2,000 range, upgrades in picture quality make this HDTV a clear favorite for the "home theater." Judging from the advancements Sony is making, it soon may not be a question of bringing the theater home, but a question of why the "Big Screen" isn't as good as the small one.

If crystal clear picture quality is what you live and die for then you will want to check out the Sharp Limited Edition 65- inch Aquos XS series. It's the top liquid crystal display (LCD) unit on the market. Several important qualities make it so.

The Aquos XS takes the latest in lighting technology and transforms it into ring-side seats for all of your television programming. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are the secret to the unparalleled picture quality experienced by Aquos XS viewers. LEDs provide exceptional detail, wide viewing angles, and the true-to- life, on-screen color. Add in the 120 Hz technology for reducing motion blur in fast action scenes and you have a visual experience that moves you into the picture.

The energy-efficient LED screen is ensconced in a snappy brushed steel frame which is just over an inch thick. The easily accessed touch controls are centered on the lower front part of the frame, offering convenience and a stylized approach to common television design.

Overall, the Aquos XS delivers everything a discerning viewer would want when it comes to picture quality and overall viewing experience. Priced at $18,000, the Sharp Limited Edition Aquos XS stands alone in its' class as a premier LCD (liquid-crystal display) unit designed with the viewing connoisseur in mind

The loss of analog broadcast leaves good reason for consumers to look forward to newer television options. Samsung offers a unique viewing experience with its LE40A558 model.

Not only does this model offer the highest quality viewing experience, but also it offers consumers the option of changing the clarity of the picture for their favorite sports game or movies. It also offers the standard high-class features consumers have come to expect in an excellent television - consistent audio, child protection, and ability to surf channels while still watching a show.

Connectivity of peripherals is simple with one easily accessible port for games and computers on the side and more connectivity for regular media devices and computers on the back. Users of the LE40A558 will be surprised to know they could still use their VCR and older DVD players as well as the newest accessories with this television. This television offers advanced visual features, promising to deliver a crisp picture for all sources of media, new or old.

It offers advanced sound features as well. New technology in this television show the sound experience is nothing like the tin can history of the old tube model televisions. Samsung has patented their own enhanced system to deliver superior sound even to headphones.

The viewing and sound experience of the Samsung LE40A558 offers consumers tremendous value and adaptability for years to come. No additional sound equipment is necessary, older and newer devices are easily connected, and this television offers features to protect children from adult programming, surf channels while watching a show, or enhance the picture of different media formats.