Sony SXBR Simply the best

Better than a Plasma! Even though you cannot mount this on a wall this is a great TV based on LCOS technology better than all DLP's, CRT and LCD Projection TV's. HDTV is Mind blowing and this is the reason I bought it. SD programs are better than most TV's but can be little stretched if you don't want to view them with Gray/Black Bars on the sides(4:3). You can Pick from three different color modes Vivid, Standard and Pro). The Pro Mode (Best Mode) has some extra features to adjust Gamma, Blacks and the Whites. The Sound has three modes (Dolby Digital, Trusurround and Simulated) Sounds and Colors can be picked and adjusted to personal preference but the factory default settings are well balanced. Otherwise the sound is not that great(for some people) but I use a sony audio system to compensate that. Moving/Switching to different Video Outputs is not that convenient but I have got used to that. For all you PIP lovers PIP is available but limited to a few video outputs. There is a Fan and you can hardly hear it. Other moving part is the Iris. No matter if you watch this TV in bright lights or a dark room the picture and colors are great always. Animated Movies like ICE AGE are mindblowing. Zoom feature is also available but it is limited on HDTV programing.

OUT OF THE BOX: TV takes more than 45 Minutes to tune into local or Local HD channels but that is only a one time deal for most people. The Universal Remote (Only for Basic operations though)is made of Aluminium or some kind of a metal and looks classy but some people may find it a little heavy. The remote is Programmed to work with any sony products by default (It worked on my Sony DVD and Audio System) but not all features will work so don't count on that.

FEATURES: SXRD Technology, Advanced Iris, Integrated HDTV (1080P), Cinemotion, BN Smoother, S-master full digital amplifier, widescreen mode, Twin Mode(PIP) and ofcourse the wega engine

SHAPE: Some people don't like the side speakers but frankly I don't mind them because it makes the TV look a little bigger. The TV is not that heavy but you need 2 people to move it for sure. I like the Black bezel around the screen as it somehow helps focus more on the screen as compared to all silver/grey TV. This TV has plenty of Inputs and I am sure many people will love that which includes 2 Cable inputs, Cable card slot, Video input for a PC, 2HDMI inputs, 3 S-Video, 2 component Video, 3 audio/video inputs, Digital Audio output, 2 i-Link and a memory stick slot (great for showing Photo's on a 50 inch to friends and family)

DVD Movies: I can't wait for the Blue Ray and HD DVD Players to come out (and become cheaper) only then it will be even more fun watching DVD's on this TV but for now I have a Sony up-convert DVD player with HDMI output and quality is Awesome too. Animated movies almost seem 3D. You have an option to Zoom in if you like to watch fullscreen movies.

PC Connection: If you plan to connect your PC to the TV the only use I found so far was if you are planning to watch a downloaded movie or planning to listen Music (with Graphics) or maybe even gaming. I ran powerpoint presentation and the quality was amazing and could be used for family presentation. but this was not the reason why I bought this TV.

GAMING: I have a PS-2 and Xbox. Graphics are awesome but Some games seem a little streched but I don't play much anymore. I have tried KOTOR and Navy Seals so far and it is more fun fun shooting bad guys on a 50 inch. As far as Xbox 360 goes I was able to buy one from a local store. The Picture is awesome and mind blowing...no grains and everything seems realistic in widescreen. I switched Xbox 360 to non HD output and I could immediately witness the change and the difference. Another think I did was I hooked my PC to the TV and Played Call of Duty and it was a good experience playing.

SUMMARY: Overall if you buy this TV and don't have HDTV please get one you will really enjoy it. Remember the bulb will have to be replaced eventually which costs around $250. If you have a Bigger budget then maybe go for the 60 inch model. In the end SONY SXRD (Silicon X-tal reflective display) is for sure is the "The King of all RPTV's" and "neighbour's envy and owners pride".