Sony introduces 52-inch XBR 1080p Bravias, new 720p models

Sony has unveiled four new Bravia LCDs, two of which are the largest LCDs in the Bravia range so far, with the 52-inch KDL-52XBR2 and KDL-52XBR3 models both running at 1080p resolution via the three HDMI ports or the VGA and component inputs. Both models come with a built-in ATSC tuner, a "floating glass" panel design, and Sony's Advanced Contrast Enhancer which will supposedly improve the display's 1,300:1 contrast ratio. The only difference between the two models appears to be the color of the bezel, with the XBR3 getting a glossy piano black surround (pictured), and the XBR2 settling for a less glamorous silver bezel. You'll pay $300 for the priviledge of owning the Bravia that matches your piano, as the KDL-52XBR2 and KDL-52XBR3 will be available in November at around $6,500 and $6,800 respectively. Sony also took some time to introduce a couple of new mid-range Bravia LCDs with the 40- and 32-inch 720p KDL-40S2400 and KDL-32S2400 models bringing the total number of Bravia LCDs to sixteen. Shipping next month for $1,700 and $2,600 depending on the screen size, you can expect to get the standard set of inputs (HDMI, VGA, component, S-Video, composite) along with an ATSC tuner, a black bezel, and hidden SRS speakers in return for prying open your ever loving wallet.

The silver bezeled KDL-52XBR2.

The 40-inch KDL-40S2400.

[Paul @ Sep 14th 2006 7:42AM]

I didn't know the top one was new.... Isn't it just a KDL52X??

The 52" was meant to launch this month. 40" and 46" are already out.

[Miles O'Toole @ Sep 14th 2006 8:27AM]

I was *just 10 minutes ago* checking out Sony Bravias on Amazon and similar places, in particular the 46" Sony KDL46S2000. See? I was able to paste that long name in here because it was still on my clipboard; that's how recently I was shopping around for it... Anyway, odd coincidence that Engadget (and Sony) chose this morning of all days to talk about new Bravias.

That said, you can buy a NICE 46", 1080p Bravia with the same contrast ratio for only around $2200, so I hardly think the extra ten inches is worth over four grand!! Am I alone?

[Galley @ Sep 14th 2006 8:54AM]

$220 for a 46-incher with 1080p lovin' sounds reasonable to me.

[Galley @ Sep 14th 2006 8:56AM]

D'oh $2200.

[DJ @ Sep 14th 2006 9:21AM]

We just bought the KDL-46XBR2 for $4000 (of course my wife insisted on the brown bezel and stand which was another $300). That works out to $87 per diagonal inch. The 52 works out to $119 per inch. Number one, not worth it and number two, won't fit where I'm putting it. It's being installed on Saturday morning, just in time for all of the games!

[Evan @ Sep 14th 2006 9:27AM]

Why are they still making 40" in 720P? That size really needs 1080P.

[Mark @ Sep 14th 2006 9:48AM]

I hate Sony's proprietary practices but I have to admit XBR TV's are king. I have NEVER seen a better picture anywhere.

"Honey, where's the home equity checkbook?"

Mark

[otakucode @ Sep 14th 2006 2:09PM]

There are LCDs EVERYWHERE. Laptops, iPods, TVs (both LCD and LCD projection units), PSPs, Nintendo DSs, cell phones, and COUNTLESS other places.

So... why aren't they DIRT CHEAP? The cost of manufacture per unit of LCD panels should be down around 0.000001/ea by now. Who is controlling the market and artificially inflating prices so that a 52" LCD panel is $6500+? LCD isn't a new technology, it doesn't suffer from a lack of a market in any sense of the word, it doesn't use hard-to-get natural resources, it isn't difficult to produce. As the market increases and production runs get larger and larger, the price should plummet. Like memory chips. They're in everything, and that's why you can buy a 2GB SD card for $20 (after rebate).

When are LCDs going to meet with some economic reality checks that bust their price down to a rational range? Is it the threat of SED that makes the manufacturers keep their prices high? They know once it comes out, every display technology that has existed before will be obsolete overnight?

[Paul @ Sep 14th 2006 7:33PM]

How can you compare the use of LCD technology with SD Cards?

If you read the article, these LCD's are 1080p televisions. The top end of HD quality, along with Sony's Bravia components. Just because an iPod uses and LCD screen and your computer screen is LCD....don't compare that LCD with the Sony X Series.

Your argument is so pathetic.

Just to simplify what you have just said. "There are so many cars on the road like a 2000 Ford Focus's, why are 2006 Ferrari's so expensive? Cars should be easy to manufacture"

[hoochie @ Sep 15th 2006 1:41AM]

does it come with a 5 year zero dead pixel policy?

[Pat McKinley @ Sep 15th 2006 5:03AM]

The Sony Sony KDL46S2000 is not 1080p. It specs out at 1366 x 768, which would make it a 720p. Full 1080p HD has a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080.

For 1080p in the same size, you'll have to wait another month or so for the Sony KDL46V2500. Google it... it looks pretty nice! They will also have a HD-15-Pin connector so you can use it for your PC display! I may need to move my computer out into the living room...

I can only imagine playing my favorite PC games on that baby!

[Paul @ Sep 15th 2006 5:59AM]

Yes the S Series is not 1080p, buy my comments refered to the X Series Televisions.