Best Buy PS

The Sony Bravia KDL-52Z5100 and the Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR9 are two of Sony’s top models for 2009, which is why you might want to consider taking home one of them to be the new centerpiece of your living room. Both models seem identical, though, so which one is the better model?

To answer this question, let’s start with comparing their designs. At first glance, the two may appear alike but take a closer look and you will find some small yet noticeable differences. To be specific, while both have stylish, thin frames, the frame of the KDL-52XBR9 is the same width on all sides, while the frame of the KDL-52Z5100 is slightly thicker at the bottom, where you will see a glimpse of its dual speakers. On the other hand, the (four) speakers of the KDL-52XBR9 are invisible, making it look more attractive.

There is also a difference in the lighting used by both models, although this is not discernible to most. While both use fluorescent lighting and not the LED lighting that many look for in LCD HDTVs, the KDL-52XBR9 uses WCG-CCFL as opposed to the plain CCFL used by the KDL-52Z5100, which means it has a slightly wider color gamut. The KDL-52XBR9 is equipped with the Sony’s Live Color Creation technology, too, which produces deeper red and green shades and more accurate and vibrant colors overall, resulting in images that burst to life on your screen.

Apart from these and the fact that the KDL-52XBR9 has a dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 compared to the 100,000:1 ratio of the KDL-52Z5100, the picture quality offered by the KDL-52Z5100 and the KDL-52XBR9 are basically the same. In fact, everything else is. They both produce excellent images, though not necessarily awesome, and are equipped with the Sony Motionflow 240Hz technology to prevent blurring during fast-action sequences.

Both also share the same interactive features, namely Yahoo widgets to keep you posted on the latest weather, news and stock market updates, built-in video streaming capability, which means you can watch your favorite online videos from Amazon on Demand or YouTube and other providers without having to buy the Bravia Internet Video Link, and enhanced DLNA compliance, allowing you to stream picture, music and video files stored on the other computers in your network.

Even in terms of energy consumption, both the Sony Bravia KDL-52Z5100 and the KDL-52XBR9 are at par, exceeding Energy Star 3.0 standards with an option to cut down energy consumption by limiting the peak brightness of the screen with just two steps, a room-lighting sensor to adjust screen brightness, a mode that lets you turn off the screen when listening to music and a mode that automatically turns of the TV when not in use.

The connectivity suite of each model is impressive, too, with three HDMI inputs on the side panel for easy access, along with the USB port and VGA input, and another one at the rear, with the component video connections and most of the audio connections for both analog and digital devices.

So which one should you get? If you want to have a more stylish HDTV with deeper blacks and slightly better picture quality, the KDL-52XBR9 is the obvious choice, but keep in mind that the Sony Bravia KDL-52Z5100 is just as good in most aspects and yet not as expensive.

The KDL52XBR9 LCD HDTV is a top of the line HDTV brought to you by Sony. This 52 inch HDTV is black with silver borders giving it a very sleek look.

What Are the Specs?

OK, for all the techno-types who like the details here you go:

16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution Panel (1920×1080) – It can accept any HDTV signal and gives you optimum resolution so make sure you take full advantage of your Blu-ray Discs.

Motionflow 240Hz Technology – This allows the motion details and clarity to be at their highest levels. The frame rate is quadrupled giving you realistic experience in your viewing.

BRAVIA Engine 3 Fully Digital Video Processor – Enhanced algorithms provide a reduction in noise, better image detail which are sharp and life-like.

Live Color Creation Technology with WCG-CCFL Backlight-By working with the Bravia’s cold cathode fluorescent lamp, the Live Color Creation technology is able to give colors that are true and life-like.

USB to View Photos, Music, and Video-You can connect your camera, MP3 player (must be USB enabled) or a USB storage device and watch home video or look at pictures.

For All The Non-Techno Types Who Don’t Care About The Boring Details

Don’t worry I got you covered. In easy to understand straight talk here is what you get: You get an HDTV that provides you with life-like picture and excellent colors. Plus, you can watch on demand video from Amazon, YouTube videos, hook up your video recorder and watch your child’s latest game on the big screen, view photos or plug in your MP3 player (needs USB cable) and listen to music. Oh yeah, you can also plug in the Playstation 3! Now try and get the kids to stop playing video games all the time!

Specifications: Since its launch, the Samsung PN42B450 42-inch plasma HDTV has been topping the best-seller charts. After testing it for a couple of days, it is easy to see why (a low price tag helps too). This model is 790p HD model where its display has a 1024 x 768 resolution. For its sound system, it uses the SRS TruSurround HD technology and has 20 Watt in audio power. In terms of connectivity, the PN42B450 comes with 3 HDMI ports, two component video port, a USB port and a couple more standard connectors. It is also quite energy efficient as it is Energy Star Compliant.

Design: The Samsung PN42B450 has an almost all black glossy frame and stand. On the bottom frame (below the screen) there is a streak of dark red that creates a nice accent to its overall look. It measures 41.7 x12.4 x 28.4 inches in dimensions and weighs at 61.3 pounds. Most of the ports are located on the back of the unit. There are also several connectors (such as a HDMI port and composite AV input) located on the side of the HDTV.

Features & Performance: Although the Samsung PN42B450 is a 720p plasma, from our tests, the video playbacks were much better than many 1080p LCD HDTVs in the market. The black levels were very deep and the colors were accurate. We tested ‘Transformers’ (Blu-ray) and the visuals were just stunning. Fast action sequences were smooth and almost flawless thanks to its 0.001ms response time. I use to think that Panasonic and Pioneer plasma HDTVs are the best in the market, but now, it seems that the Samsung PN42B450 (along with the PN50B450 and other model in its series) is going to give those giants a good run for their money. To top it off, this model currently costs around $680 a piece (with free shipping), making it an unbelievable deal. There are very few HDTVs (42″) in the market that are selling below the $900 mark.