I found it strange that Sony did not replace their LED backlit with local area dimming LCD models, the XBR 8 series, which were some of the best LCD panels ever made with similar models for the 2009/2010 lineup. What they did instead was introduce an edge lit series the XBR10s, which I have yet to get my hands on. However, if they are anything like the other edge lit models I have seen it isn’t in the same league as the XBR8. A notch below the XBR 10 series are the XBR 9s, and the subject of this review is the KDL-52XBR9 a standard CCFL panel that also comes in 32, 40, and 46-inch screen sizes. Overall color accuracy is good, but black level performance is not, and that hampers perceived contrast ratio, and hinders fine shadow detail.  

 Contrast Ratio: The panel is capable of excellent light output even in the Standard Color space setting. Blacks are its weakest point in terms of performance so the perceived contrast ratio is significantly lower than on LED backlit panels that have much better black level performance. Shadow detail also suffers when blacks are not as deep as they should be, and that is definitely the case with the KDL-52XBR9. 

Color Accuracy: Overall color accuracy is good on the XBR 9 thanks largely to a choice of color spaces in the advanced menu. Choosing Standard Color Space produces reasonably accurate primary and secondary colors. If you have the grayscale calibrated properly this panel will deliver fairly accurate color. Not quite as dead nuts on as the Panasonic G10 and V10 series plasmas with the THX modes, but pretty close. 

Video Processing: Sony has never been known for their state-of-the-art video processing. They do have what they call 24p True Cinema, which would be their solution for processing 24p from Blu-ray, which appeared to work well with 24p Blu-ray content. Sony’s KDL-52XBR9 also includes the MotionFlow dejutter processing feature. I highly recommend you leave it off when watching anything film based like movies on DVD and Blu-ray as it makes motion look jerky, giving the picture an amateur camcorder production look. This issue is true for all such features from all of the major LCD HDTV manufacturers whether 120Hz or 240Hz.  The company’s CineMotion feature provides 2:3 pull-down for non 24p film based material, which is still important as there is a lot of that content coming from cable and satellite sources.  

Wrapping Up: If it weren’t for the poor blacks I would recommend this panel, but since black level is probably the single most important factor in picture quality it makes it a deal breaker. LED backlit with local area dimming technology is the only way to go if you are stuck on purchasing an LCD flat panel, and at least for now that would eliminate Sony altogether as far as choices go.

Sony KDL-52XBR9 TweakTV Calibration Report

Purchase the Sony KDL-52XBR9

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From the Manufacturer Manufacturer's Review (April 23, 2009)

Experience powerful performance and superior design with the premium Sony BRAVIA XBR9 HDTV, featuring Motionflow 240Hz technology for maximum motion detail and clarity, plus internet connectivity with built-in BRAVIA Internet Video capabilities that let you enjoy thousands of on-demand movies, TV shows, music and more, and even lets you personalize your entertainment experience by selecting and positioning widgets containing the latest news, weather, sports and more directly on your TV screen.

16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution Panel (1920x1080)

16:9 Full HD 1080p resolution panel (1920x1080) accepts any HDTV signal and renders it with optimum resolution, so you can take full advantage of Blu-ray Disc players and Sony PLAYSTATION3 entertainment systems that can deliver 1080p content.

Motionflow 240Hz Technology
Motionflow 240Hz technology is Sony's highest level of motion detail and clarity so you enjoy exceptional motion detail in sports, movies and games. Motionflow 240Hz technology quadruples the frame rate, resulting in a crisp fluid motion and a natural, realistic viewing experience.

BRAVIA Internet Video
With BRAVIA Internet Video you can enjoy one of the largest collections of premium and free on-demand entertainment directly to your HDTV. Use your in-home broadband connection and the BRAVIA HDTV remote control to access online video, music, and more content from over 20 providers including Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube, Sports Illustrated, Sony Pictures, Sony Music, Slacker, and Epicurious.com.

Personalize your HDTV With BRAVIA Widgets
Personalize your viewing experience by selecting, positioning, and resizing widgets on your BRAVIA HDTV display. BRAVIA Internet Widgets are small applications that can be accessed with the touch of one button providing you with the latest in news, weather, stock info, and much more right on your BRAVIA XBR9-Series.

BRAVIA Engine 3 Fully Digital Video Processor
BRAVIA Engine 3 is the newest fully digital video processor from Sony. It uses a collection of enhanced algorithms to significantly reduce noise, enhance overall image detail, and optimize contrast so every scene produces sharp, vibrant, life-like images.

Four HDMI inputs for uncompressed digital video and multi-channel digital audio from a variety of sources.

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Live Color Creation Technology with WCG-CCFL Backlight
Live Color Creation technology works with the BRAVIA XBR9-Series' WCG-CCFL (Wide Color Gamut--Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) backlight to achieve wide color reproduction for more natural and vibrant colors. The technology combines advanced chroma signal processing with enhanced filters and purer light to reproduce 105 percent of the NTSC (National Television System Committee) color standard. This means deeper reds and greens with overall color that's truer and more life-like.

USB to View Photos, Music, and Video
Connect your camera, USB-enabled MP3 player, or USB storage device directly to the HDTV's USB input to view photos on the big screen or control your latest music playlist. BRAVIA XBR9-Series HDTVs also include MPEG2 video file support, so you can go straight from shooting video to screening it over USB.

DLNA with Photos, Music, and Video
Compliance with DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) allows BRAVIA XBR9-Series HDTVs to access digital photos, music, and video from DLNA-enabled PCs and other devices, so you can enjoy your memories with friends and family in the comfort of your living room instead of crowding around a PC.

Networked TV Guide Interactive Program Guide
Sony has integrated the TV Guide Interactive Program Guide into the exclusive Xross Media Bar (XMB) user interface to deliver regularly updated program listings via your existing Internet connection--with no subscription fees or phone connection required.

HD input x 7
Get versatile HD connection options with seven HD inputs. Four HDMI inputs (up to 1080/60p capable) let you connect a Sony PLAYSTATION 3 entertainment system, Blu-ray Disc player, or any other HDMI-capable equipment and get uncompressed digital video and multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. An HD component input and an HD combo input (1080/60i capable) provide added HD-capable connectivity, and a PC input (HD-15 pin) offers the added versatility of using your HDTV as a computer monitor.