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The Sony 2008 LCD TV line up is quite confusing and has tons of models. I’ve put this chart together to help people understand the differences between each line. Right now as of 7/30/2008 we don’t know everything about all the XBR lines. With time I’ll be updating this chart and fixing any errors. Please comment if you find any faults or errors. I do realize how many bits the panel and processor would help but haven’t had time to put this together. I do plan on adding this information.
Here you can find the differences between the Samsung 2008 LCD line differences.
UPDATE! (9/4/2008): Sony Announces prices of XBR 8. 46″ = 5,000 & 55″ = 7,000!
Also Sony announced a new XBR 7 52″ size that will have 240 Hz and similar to XBR 6 design.
Sony has also added another model into the picture, ZX. The ZX will be 9.9mm and have LED backlighting.
UPDATE! (9/25/2008): Yes I haven’t updated the Chart. I haven’t had time with work, school, and Warhammer. I’ll try to get this out by end of the week. Most of all the empty cells will be filled in since majority of the specs are out already.
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This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 30th, 2008 at 11:25 pm and is filed under Home Theater, Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
[…] Home Theater Post Sony LCD TV 2008 Comparison Samsung LCD TV 2008 Comparison Sony XBR 8 Overview Samsung 9 Series Overview Affordable Blu Ray […]
I don’t think the 32/37″ XBR6s are 120 Hz.
Yes I’ve realized the mistake and have some other things to add. Usually I have updates within 24hrs but in Chicago and laptop doesn’t have photoshop or excel file.
[…] Home Theater Post Sony LCD TV 2008 Comparison Samsung LCD TV 2008 Comparison Sony XBR 8 Overview Samsung 9 Series Overview Affordable Blu Ray […]
I really appreciate these graphs that you’ve made for Sony/Samsung. The graphs are extremely helpful at work, but some of the older guys complain that the text is to small.
Anyways, thanks again!
[…] as diferenças de modelos nos EUA, por exemplo, então o legal é conferir o trabalho que encontrei neste blog. Ele montou um tabela com o modelos que existem por […]
Hoot,
Thanks for the compliments. I’ve tried to contact you via e-mail but no avail. If you could comment with your e-mail I’ll get a hold of you.
JM
do you think the kdl40xbr6 will be priced above the z series?
I definitely think the 40″ XBR 6 will be more expensive. Sony has always considered the XBR line to be the higher end of their series. Although the XBR 8 is going to be the featured set out of all these I do believe it carrying the XBR logo gives Sony incentive to add a premium price tag.
I’m not sure if the XBR6 will sport the EX video processor but I do expect a higher contrast ratio.
Hope that helps.
thanks for the speedy reply.
the reason i ask is because i’m shoppping for a new tv for my 750 sq ft apartment and my new ps3. =)
right now in canada, futureshop has the silver 40′ z series for 2000$ and 46′ w series for 2100$. i don’t think i need the advanced features in the z, or the extreme slimnest, so i think i prefer the w series because all i want is 120hz. would u agree its worth the 100$ for 6 inches!?
I would definitely take a 46″ W over a 40″ Z. Unless you really plan on integrating your home with the TV. And even if then if you plan on buying a PS3 that will do it also.
Keep this in mind. Sony’s new line has something called the Sparkle affect. Where a pixel will light up like as if it was starry night on your screen. I plan on writing about all the issues that plague the new sets. Just need time to put it together. For more info google Sony Sparkle Issue or look for it in AVSforum.com.
Good luck and feel free to ask more questions like this.
is this sparkle affect currently plaguing the 2008 models such as the W and Z?
Yes this is for all the 2008 Sony line: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.avsforum.com%2Favs-vb%2Fshowthread.php%3Ft%3D1041953&ei=4gS3SOLCAZSw8AS06bn3Dw&usg=AFQjCNGiOD0JMq0MOnC8ze0eRh-kV58×0A&sig2=MEOmHK37ujut8q-6pU6csw
hi john
i just recently found out about the W500 on some european sites (no word of this from any US sites).
why is a new W out again? how much will it be (close to current W series or jacked up initially like most sony tvs)? is it a bad time to buy the W4100 then….
http://www.sony.co.uk/product/t46-w-series/kdl-46w4500
please give me your opinion.
oh, now it seems more likely that the kdl40w4500 is actually the new kdl40xbr6 which makes sense
The W4500 is the W4100 series in the States from what I remember. The XBR 6 the X3000. The X3500 is the XBR 7 it looks like and the XBR 8 is the X4500.
In other words:
W4100 = W4500
XBR 6 = X3000
XBR 7 = X3500
XBR 8 = X4500
Also it goes W, Z, then X. X being the best.
hmmm i believe the w4100 US is the W4000 in europe since its already out there: http://www.hdtvlounge.net/sony/kdl46w4100-review/
anyway. thanks. i’m definitely content with getting the kdl46w4100 since the xbr6 is out of my price range.
Yeah to be honest not to familar with the European models. I’d check out the Samsung 6 series as well. Those two best sets for that price range and quality I think.
Hi John,
I have a budget up to 3500.00 and I have a size requirement of the tv cannot be more than 44inches wide. I have looked at the kdl-46xbr Sony and eveything sounds great. c-net says that the pioneer kuro is fantastic and also likes some panosonic models. Is mitsubishi anything worth looking at? What tv would you buy based on these size requirements and budget? Thanks CF.
I will respond shortly. Been thinking of best answer for this.
First off I just wanted to say thanks for submitting a question in.
Alright I’m not sure if you still have half an inch of extra room BUT the XBR 7 which the only difference from the XBR 6 is the design (same as XBR 8), has the EX engine instead of Bravia 2, and 18 mo warranty instead of standard 12 mo. Although these may not be huge differences the EX engine would provide for slightly better picture quality. The problem is the TV measures 44.5” across (I’d find one and measure yourself; most of the measurements online never are the REAL size). The XBR 6 is a good option regardless.
I have a personal allegiance to Samsung and probably would go with the Samsung 7 series if in your position. It has been out on the market for awhile and has had great reviews. The HUGE plus in my opinion is that it’s Cheap and I mean CHEAP! You can find the 40” for $1700 at CC now and the Sony XBR 6 MSRP was just announced by Sony at $2,500. Plus it fits in your size constrain. The only downside to the 7 series is the fact that the screen is a bit on the glossy side.
Next I’d consider the Pioneer PDP-4280. This is the last of Pioneer’s 42” plasmas I believe. Recently announced they no longer producing smaller plasmas (also plasmas all together as well). The brand new models only come in 50” or 60”. I’ve never owned one nor had long period of time with them BUT will say this is the crème of the crop. Unfortunately I’d say the XBR 6,7 or Samsung 7 series are going to have a bit more on the features side considering they are 2008 models compared to the Pioneer. Another concern I’d have with the Pioneer is that since it’s plasma you going to have glare more so than the LCDs. Ultimately the Pioneer is going to gives you the blackest black which is the main indicator on how color reproduction is. The Plasma’s will be giving you more of a life like image versus the LCDs giving you an extremely bright vivid color. The Pioneer will ultimately create the most natural looking picture. Your environment will play to the ultimate quality of picture. A dark environment is where this TV will shine. If you have a lot of light in the location of this set I’d lean more towards the LCD.
Now I’d lean towards the Samsung but the Sony XBR 6 I haven’t been able to find in stores down here in Miami. They always reply you mean XBR 5 and its frustrating when you can’t find someone who even knows about the XBR 6 when the XBR 6,7, & 8 are due out this month hopefully. The Pioneer is a classy choice but I’ve never gone with Plasma because I use my screens as Monitors as well.
With all that my BEST BEST advice is to go see all the sets in person. See which one produces the best picture to you. One big indicator is skin tones. and color of grass during football games.
Last thing I’d say is if you have a budget of $3,500 and only use up some of it. Lets say you spend $2,500 of it only. You have another $1,000 in your pocket and had originally planned to spend it. My BEST suggestion is buy a really nice AV Receiver. I don’t know what your situation with audio is but if have an old system or wouldn’t mind upgrading and placing your existing system in another room. I’d also pick up a Blu-ray player while you’re at it. Say you have one already and have an ok audio system set up pick up some nice tower speakers (you won’t regret having a nice pair of towers)
Thanks for the info John,
I have had a mitsubishi projection in the big box. 10 years ago when I bought this house I built a cabinet around the tv. This is why I can only now by a tv with no greater width than 44inches. In addition, the way it is in the room I can’t put any towers next to it. The room has a lot of light so based on what you said I am probably going to go with the KDL-xbr6. I have a sony bravia in one of my bedrooms and it has so far been a wonderful tv, not a bit of problems and the pic is very clear. For my home theatre system I have a bose and for my needs with my kids it does a fantastic job so I will just hook that up to the xbr6. Could you give me your opinion on any mitsubishi LCD’s? Are any of them any good? Some of the reviews out there are mixed?
Thanks again.
CF
Honestly I wouldn’t go with the Mitsubishi’s. They’ve just never been a company to take seriously in the LCD category. The new LaserVue sets from Mitsubishi look promising but also excessively expensive.
It definitely looks like the XBR 6 would be ideal for you. I would suggest going to go see the Samsung 7 series. What I mainly tell people is that the Sony has more of a natural picture and the Samsungs have that POP and real vivid colors. Don’t write off Samsung by any means. Most people who are real into this stuff go with either Samsung or Sony when it goes to LCDs.
Since you’re covered with Bose system I’d recommend just picking up a blu-ray player. Also you might want to check out the new Sony HTIB w/ Blu-ray player. The speakers are actually way smaller than the Bose. The speakers are about the size of a golf ball and come with Blu-ray player. I’m not a fan of it really but might be something to think about since you might want to pick up a blu-ray player to get that 1080p picture from whatever set you purchase.
I don’t know if you have a son but a PS3 might be good option since he might get older and thank you down the line. LOL
Thanks John,
I just came from Fry’s a large electronics retailer here on the west coast. They are offering a Sony z series 46″ regular 2599.00 for $2099.99 today only. What are your thoughts on this vs. the xbr6 46″. Salesman there thought the difference would be minimal for the xbr6. He thought this z series was a great deal. Any thoughts on that? I thought the picture was great for the z series. Thanks for your thoughts.
CF
BTW, the mitsubishi 46 lcd was next to the Sony z series and there was no comparison. Hands down Sony was a better pic.
My only concern about the Z is the fact that the V, W, & Z have been known to have a sparkle issue where a random pixel will light up. They call it the sparkle issue because its like random pixels light up like stars sparkling.
But yes the Z is extremely close to the XBR 6. Before it was thought that the XBR 6 would use the Bravia Engine EX but once we found out that it will use Bravia Engine 2 it’s almost like whats the big deal with the 6. The EU XBR 6 does have 240 Hz but only the 52″ XBR 7 will have 240 Hz.
If you do end up looking at the Z why not check out the W. The difference is extremely minor as well. No fancy network feature and thats about it.
It gets confusing and thats why I’ve created this chart. Haven’t had time to add the XBR 7 52″ nor the ZX model. Most likely get to it tomorrow. If Warhammer doesn’t steal my time. Hope I’ve been able to help. Feel free to ask some more.
So surprise to see there is L series in the lineup. So far I am familiar with S, V and X series only.
Anyway, look like they try to discard the market of 32, and fully concentrate on screen size above 40 market.
Anyway, the engine by them so far look good and every model from them with good quality display. By the way, good quality mean you need to pay extra >10% for the premium brand and technology. If you have money, just buy this brand product, no need to waste your time for survey or listen to salesman’s bluff…. at least, this is what I think….
I’d have to say that yes the L series is very unpopular. Last year when it was only the S, V, W, & XBR the S sold well just because it had the name Sony on it and was as cheap as the Toshiba’s, LG’s, and Samsung.
People buy into the name of Sony. The fact that they release lower end models at Walmart, Target, Cosco, BJ’s, etc… gives Sony the ability to tap into the market that doesn’t want to spend a fortune on a TV but think just cause its Sony it has to be good. Which of course if completely not true. The lower end models are quite different from the big models like the XBR. Sony didn’t get their name for making lower end models they did it by producing quality. I’m not saying Sony lower end models are garbage but don’t forget about other brands.
At least in Miami the market is Hispanics and most of them believe Sony is the best and have always owned Sonys for many years. It’s hard to explain to them that Samsung is their main competitor and usually is just as good (somtimes better) and cheaper.
As far as the 32″ size is concerned majority of people have used this size for the bedroom and manufactures know it. This is why every brand has at least one set in a 32″. I wouldn’t say brands are concentrating more on 40″+ now. If anything it has remained the same. You never saw all S,V,W, & XBR model in the 32″ size only in 40″+. You only saw the S & XBR in the 32″ size. You save your big guns on the larger sizes. I will say it is extremely dissappointing to many though because the XBR 8 & Samsung 9 series which are the TOP of the line will only be available in 46″ & 55″. I think this was a huge mistake. Most people sometimes rather pay more for the BEST 40″ instead of an average 46″. Plus I know I’d probably save up some money to pick up the 40″ version of the 9 series or XBR 8 if it came in 40″ because it wouldn’t be a lot to put down compared to the $5k price tag of a 46″
Yes, agree with you, John.
For me, brand name is important, but low-end of the super brand have good quality product is not alway true! I am looking for a 42 model now, thinking to go for Toshiba (http://www.guide2lcdtv.com/2008/10/best-value-lcd-tv-japan-toshiba-regza/), but found that the low-end model (got to know the cheap low end model from salesman) without the 14-bit processor and feel quite disappointed. Need to do more research for other brand and compare.
Hi!
Thanks for the great excel chart.
I am in India, and can not exactly co-relate the available models here with the models that you have mentioned.
Can you help in mapping the folowing models that Sony sells i n India:
1USD = 45 Rs
Series S:
KLV-40S400A : Price Rs 76,900
KLV-37S400A: Rs 62,900
Series V:
KLV-46V400A : Price Rs 113900
KLV-40V400A: Price Rs 83,900
KLV-32V400A : Rs 48,900
Series W:
KLV-52W400A: Rs 299,900
KLV-46W400A: Rs 158,900
KLV-40W400A: Rs 103,900
Series X:
KLV-55X450A: Rs 399,900
KLV-46X450A: Rs 263,900
KLV-40X450A: Rs 153,900
thanks
Yes I’m not a fan of the low end models when it comes to big names like Sony and Toshiba. I remember when I use to work at CC the Toshiba’s never sold well. The price was never right on them in my opinion. They were too close to the Samsung and LG’s and couldn’t compete with those two. Although I am looking forward to the new Toshiba’s which will include the Cell Processor.
I am big fan for best value and low end market… haha… because my buying power not strong…
I am targeting the RV530 series Toshiba 42RV530U - $1299 because it provide best value for money and within my buying power.
Could you provide the subscribe to comment feature?
Don’t have much time right now to check it out.
And on free time been playing Warhammer. I’ll try to get the subscribe to comment feature added later today or end of week. Still haven’t updated my chart on Samsung or Sony.
To that asshole from India (I’m Indian too; so, you better not accuse me of racism: There is something called netiquette or, net etiquette. Can you not do the bloody conversion (Rs to $) yourself? What do you think, people here are your SERVANTS?!
Hey John
Replacing a 36″ 15 year old set and have been searching the web for info and options for the last year, I tend to over research all purchases especially tech stuff since it’s not a strength, and have found your site to be an amazing find.
I have a bright 19′ x 23′ 1 1/2 story great room that I’m working with so visability and sound are a real challenge. I need glasses to see the TV and at times I miss half the words due to echos. Had orginally directly wired speakers to the TV but after 8 years the sound card blew out so now I’m down to the small ones in the set itself.
Trying to fit the largest screen possible into a closed door cabinet and think the following will work: 52XBR6 (50″w) mounted to the back of the cabinet with a Chief PDR with it’s 37″ projection capabilites and hopefully the manueverability to slide the TV back into the cabinet at an angle.
Do you think the sound system in the Sony is decent or is there a simple inexpensive way to get perhaps add two speakers reinforcing the sound in the rear corners of the room?
Is Chief’s PRD a a good felxible mount and is $484 a good price?
Have hunted for the widest screen that doesn’t waste width space with side speakers and features a narrow bezel. Also viewing is primarily football, nature shows and 2 movies a week (no gaming/no kids). Is the is the X improvements worth the premium for my situation or the Z or and other letter? Would like to budget $2500 here.
Assume the 3 yr extended warrenty is prudent @ say $300?
Thanks
Dave
From looking at the new Sony models and comparing them on paper. There are not many differences between each other. Although I haven’t updated the chart I will say your best bet is the 52″ W over the 52″ XBR6. The Z is not currently available in the 52″ size most likely due to the fact that they are so similar. Unless you’re way ahead of the economy I’d say stick with the W.
Now as far as the bracket goes. That’s a bit pricey but sounds like regular retail price. I’m sure if you search the net for some online deals sites you can find a better deal.
One thing I’d also consider is checking out the Samsung’s. I tell that to everyone but with the prices dropping you might find a great deal for a 5 or 6 series. Only concern would be with the Samsung is finding the semi-gloss screens instead of the glossy screens.
For speakers. I’d first see how you feel about the speakers on the new set. Obviously they aren’t the greatest but since you are use to TV speakers they might be sufficient. If you want to save some cash I’ve told plenty of people to buy cheap computer speakers and plug into the headphones jack and crank those up.
If you have any other questions feel free to ask.
Hey thanks for the image compiling the differences between Sony’s televisions! It was super helpful
Great information!
I’m considering the Sony W and Z models, but I’ve heard that the Z models come with a 10-bit panel versus an 8-bit for the W models.
Is there any truth to this? If so, should I be concerned about this difference?
Thank you
I SAW A DEAL AT BEST BUY ON A`SONY KDL-52XBR6 FOR CHRISTMAS BUT THEY GOOFED AND IT WONT BE HERE TILL JANURARY SO THEY SAID THEY WOULD TRADE US AND GIVE US THE SAMSUNG LN-52A850. IS THE SAMSUNG JUST AS GOOD IN COMPARISON? OR SHOULD I JUST WAIT FOR THE SONY XBR6 HELP PLEASE
To be honest it really depends on your taste. The Sony gives you a bit more of a natural soft feel to the image where as the Samsung usually gives you a very bright sharp image.
They are both extremely similar in every way. The Samsung 8 series is the thin model so it should be a lot lighter and easier to move. If you plan on mounting it on the wall the Samsung has a much closer to the wall look than the Sony.
All in all they are both great sets. I’m more bias to the Samsung but tons of people go for the Sony name.
Would a Sony 40S400A at USD 1,000 be a good deal or is it just about the right price?
To be honest I am not very familiar with the models over seas.
I will say a 40″ Sony that is 1080p for $1,000 is not a bad deal for an US model that is 1080p.
thanks its the S series for southeast asia.