Sony XBR65HX950 (XBR-65HX950) Review
Bravia 65 inch LED Smart TV
by Jack Burden, Senior Editor
Introduction
Sony's gone all out and produced a complete full-array local dimming LED backlit 65 inch monster that is priced between $4999 and $5499. That's actually not too bad. This top of the line model exceeds the previous top KDL-55HX850 model by Sony due to the full array backlighting which which is both difficult and expensive to do well. The HX850 has edge-lit LED backlighting. Both models have the Gorilla Glass OptiContrast panel.
Picture Quality Characteristics
The included OptiContrast panel does a nice job of producing deep black levels while capturing inbound ambient room light and not allowing it to escape, thus producing a picture with less reflection. Colors and depth appear much better from this panel than they do from screens that contain a more matte-type finish.
If you choose to use it, the Intelligent peak LED backlighting will control contrast based on room light conditions as well as the on screen images being displayed. Sony has long been one of the best if not the best TV manufacturer when it comes to upconversion and scaling technologies. Following is their statement about related technologies associated with the XBR-55HX950: "The HX950 picture engine employs multi-frame analysis to help create missing resolution, and Sony’s Super Bit Mapping technology incorporates 14 bit up-scaling, processing and pixel mapping to smooth gradation and improve the quality of low-tone pictures. Sony’s MotionFlow™ XR technology helps to reduce blur caused by quick camera movements, enhancing sharpness and creating a clearer picture during fast–action sports, movies and games."
Other Features
- Sony's Sony Entertainment Network is included - we were not impressed
- Additionally, there are Remote Apps for iPhone/Smartphone use that allow a keyboard
Bang for the Buck
Sony fans may be willing to shell out the $5000 plus for this HDTV. It will yield an exceptional picture quality. This is the only full array 65" LED TV in the market as of this writing. The closest is a LG 60" 60LM9600. Although this Sony seems expensive it may look appetizingly cheap to those looking at the new OLED or 4K TVs coming out later this year.
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Jack Burden joined the review staff of CEAG Inc. in May 2003 after finishing his graduate work at Harvard University. He has been reporting on consumer electronics and conducting product reviews for more than seven years... Read more about Jack |
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