Sony 32 Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV BRAVIA XBR KDL-32XBR9
Posted on 23 February 2010
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| Sony BRAVIA XBR KDL-32XBR9 32-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV | |||||||||||
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Product Description |
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| For consumers who want an HDTV that keeps pace with fast-action movies, sports, and game play in a great size comes the Sony® BRAVIA® 32XBR9 Flat Panel HDTV. This great TV combines Full HD 1080p performance and Motionflow™ 120Hz technology in a compact size, great for a dorm room, bedroom, or even a kitchen. Motionflow 120Hz takes both high-definition and standard programming a step further by increasing sharpness and detail in fast-moving images for more fluid, natural motion. In addition, BRAVIA® 32XBR9 HDTVs use proprietary Image Blur Reduction technology to further enhance the picture for even better performance. The HDTVs also feature BRAVIA Engine™ 2, which uses exclusive Sony algorithms to reduce visual noise and sharpen and enhance an already-striking dynamic contrast ratio. Additionally, they include seven versatile HD connections to ensure you get impressive image quality from all your HD components. Take advantage of four HDMI™ inputs, component and composite inputs, and a PC input, as well as a USB input that lets you play audio files from USB storage devices, or connect a compatible camera to your HDTV for a quick and easy slide show. Sony knows your home theater set-up doesn't stop with your HDTV, which is why the BRAVIA 32XBR9 HDTVs are compatible with BRAVIA Link Modules -- including the BRAVIA Wireless Link, BRAVIA DVD Link, and BRAVIA Input Link Modules. The HDTVs also support BRAVIA Sync, so you can control all of your compatible devices with a single remote. And all BRAVIA HDTVs exceed ENERGY STAR® 3.0 requirements for in-use and stand-by power consumption, meaning you don't need a lot of power to get a lot of performance. | |||||||||||
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Video Reviews
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Customer Reviews
 Let me clear up some misconceptions... |
| Review Date: May 6, 2009 |
| Reviewer: hunter_aran, |
| This is a great HDTV. Hands down is one of the most beautiful displays in this size. You can buy a fancier ultra-thin 32" TV from Samsung right now but it's almost twice the price!
Pros: The blacks are black! When you start it up, the Bravia logo appears on a black background and it's as black as when the TV is off! People say that edge LED lighting will make the blacks truer with less backlight bleeding but this TV is already great in this aspect. The colors and settings are very good out of the box for a few of the styles but need adjustment like any TV. The nice thing is that when you change your input, the TV remembers all the settings for that input! So it's like you never have to re-adjust your settings unless you plug your stuff in differently. The motionflow frame interpolation technology is astounding! 120HZ with the motionflow is worth every penny for bluray and other high-def sources. That's why I waited for this over the XBR6. I however prefer the lifelike "soap-opera" look, but that's me (I have to say PE or the Pirates movies look stunning with it on!). You can turn it off or have this appear more more subtle (the default). The motionflow is basically a side-effect of the necessity to combat blurriness and the staggering "judder" effect inherent to LCDs. It adds one or more frames in between each frame of your source by interpolating entirely NEW frames that were never there by the TV's processor. technology is amazing, isn't it? You have to see it in person to get exactly what this looks like. Other companies are following suit but I find others like the 32 TOC Samsung have more motion artifacts (basically errors ie grabbing parts of the audience behind a fast-moving player in a sports event and dragging them along for the ride). Sony's Bravia processor is second to none. For upconverted sources not originally in 1080 and compressed 1080 cable, the motion technology is less noticeable. So the overall effectiveness depends on how clear the material is. This is important--with the game mode on, which turns off most processing, there is almost NO LAG. I am one of those demanding gamers who is very sensitive and complains about miniscule things like how much play there is in a joystick. So I can tell you that there is still a little lag but the game mode makes fast games like Smash Bros and shooters play like my CRT. So losing the motionflow in the game mode might seem bad, but it's only a small difference especially on something like the 480p Wii. And Wii games with anti-aliasing like Metroid Prime 3 still look AWESOME in contrast to what most say. The PS3 does look AMAZING either with or without motionflow anyway! Cons: Not many but the sound is tinny. What do you expect from such small speakers? If you spent this much on a 32 TV and don't have speakers then you should not complain. There is no headphone jack. I use a mixer with a control-room out to get around this and it works fine. The autodim is annoying but mainly happens for me when the room is VERY dark. In normal light I do not see it. And you cannot turn it off but with as many people as are complaining about it, all Sony has to do is release a firmware update to allow the switching on and off of it (Sony, are you reading this?)... CLARIFICATIONS----- Here are some points that I thought were incorrect in some other reviews so I felt compelled to make this clear to potential buyers. Okay some people just don't do their research in TVs. Sony's top line of HDTVs is the XBR line. The XBRs are split into the standard and then two higher end levels. Last year we had the XBR6s (standard XBR), XBR7s (larger fancier models) and XBR8 (larger still fancier models). This XBR9 IS NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR XBR8!! It replaces the XBR6 and the XBR8 was WAY more money and there was not even a 32" one available! The reviewer who complained about there being no LED backlighting is wrong in getting upset because the XBR6 never had LED lighting and the XBR8 is a higher end unit which is different that the XBR9s. Sony will undoubtedly release an XBR10 and XBR11 or something to replace those two higher lines. Maybe in the next few years Sony will add edge LED lighting to the standard XBR line unless something like OLED takes off... Next the TV takes about as long to start up as my over 10-year-old Sony Trinitron 32" XBR CRT does. Some models take longer some don't but it certainly is not 30 seconds! That reviewer must have gotten a problem unit or need a firmware update or something. Also, to change input, all you have to do is push "Input" then push that arrows up or down and that's it. Wow if that is too much for you, then technology is not your thing. Maybe you should hire someone to push the buttons for you so you don't have to. Come on. The thing has many inputs and, yes, some are on the side. On bigger TVs this would probably get covered up so on this one you can see some cabling if you have a thick cable that cannot bend easily. If you are clever you can use the cord-management strap to clean this up but my thick Monstercable does not bend that easily so I do see it. Oh well. So with thinner types of cables that bend back easily you should be fine. It's common knowledge that you get the same quality in a $5 HDMI cable as a $200 one because it is digital; getting a cheap thin one should solve the side cable-view problem. I wanted a more durable cable though. This is a relatively high-end HDTV that means it's designed to be used primarily to view HD content over a HDMI cables. That's why over half it's inputs are HDMI. So if you have a ton of stuff in composite or component, sorry, but Sony is trying to cater to the people who utilize the TV primarily for what it was designed for. Get a splitter/switcher or upgrade your cables to HDMI because, again, no matter how crappy your HDMI cables are, there is NO signal loss. There's an advantage to update anyway. Also contrary to popular belief numbers across different manufacturers ARE NOT EQUIVALENT. So comparing Lg to Sony to Samsung is not at all accurate. Think of comparing HP numbers in cars--measuring at the flywheel or tire gets you VERY different results and this often misleads consumers. Trust your eyes on a calibrated set with the same source. I can tell you this TV has more than enough contrast and is improved over last years model. ---- So far I have not had any problems with the TV and it looks amazing. I would recommend this to anyone and if you are internet savvy and find a good company to work with, you can find it for only slightly more than the closeout or last-year's KDL32XBR6 model--about $850 (or less, as in my case) :D EDIT: Thanks to other posters for mentioning this--Sony has released a firmware update that apparently makes the menus easier to navigate (faster?) and FIXES THE AUTODIM PROBLEM! I am trying to figure out how to install it now... |
| Sony has fix for backlighting problem in the advanced contrast section. |
| Review Date: May 27, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Ara, Minnesota |
| We were unhappy with this TV and then found that Sony has fixed the back light issue so you can adjust it or turn it off and this has fixed the screen changing from dark to light with different scenes. It was easy to down load this onto a usb memory stick and the TV automatically did the update. The channels seem to change faster also. Here is the web site for downloading it from Sony - just make sure you follow all of the steps and read the info first. They will mail you the update on stick also.
[...] Darlene |
| Excellent Crisp Picture Once You Upload Sony Updated Software |
| Review Date: August 15, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Amazonian, Westport CT |
| Buying a new LCD TV can be a nightmare with all the choices. We had a Sony XBR4 which died 2 months ago after only 20 months but luckily I remembered that Mastercard doubled the one year warranty and got a check back for $1,080 to buy a new set. At first, I was drawn to the amazing $1,300 Samsung LED with what seemed to be the clearest picture (the store had the Samsung LED on it's own Blue Ray player which was deceiving). Then I went to a big box retailer and looked at all the LCD (and LED) sets on the wall. The Sony XBR9 had the blackest blacks and the best picture by far! Then I did some research and found out that Sony sends out a free USB stick with updated programing for an even better picture. The picture now is downright amazing and golf on HD looks like you are right there. If I only had $400, I would go with the Vizio at Wallyworld. But at a $700 price point, the Sony XBR9 is a great deal. Keep in mind that LCD's will only last 5 to 7 years given that LCD is less durable than the old tube sets. So if anyone knows where to get a cheap extended warranty please let me know. If you get the set, please remember to call Sony and get the USB stick to upgrade the picture! |
| Sony XBR9 is Good |
| Review Date: March 30, 2009 |
| Reviewer: cc2009, Fullerton, CA USA |
| Sony 32" XBR9 is a good TV with great picture.
I have read review that this model dim in and out and got darker on a dark scene. I found out if you used HDMI line with a upconverting DVD player, this problem will happen. I think in the process of upconverting 480 to 1080 it causes the dimming and darken effect in the dark scene. If you used component and composite line, this problem will be solved. Try it and enjoy your Sony 32" XBR9. |
| First HDTV |
| Review Date: March 19, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Dustin Schroeder, SD USA |
| Well there was no review for this item so I figured I would right one. I recently started doing internet research since I wanted a new computer monitor and something to watch my Blu-rays on that was high definition. I wanted 1080P for maximum resolution and to make my Blu-rays look the best so the smallest you can get that in is 32' right now. Also right now there are only like 5 TV companies I think that have 32 with 1080P. After looking at them for a while I would say if you want the best it is this one I think it is the only one I found with 120hz refresh all the rest have 60hz. Also it had the second best contrast ratio but I think the Lg's was only 10000 above and all the others were way below. I was also looking at the Sharp AQUOS mainly because it says it has a gaming accelerator thing which it was still 60hz so I doubt that it would make up for it.
So in the end I went to best buy and bought one mainly because I wanted the 4 year best buy warranty since it is my first HDTV and so far everything seems to work great. It has a an advanced contrast adjuster which 2 times now has made the image darken during a movie for a a couple seconds but I probably just need to adjust the settings or shut it off. Also I have had heard people complain about the sound which I think is good when you put a movie on with the simulated surround sound on you have to turn the volume way up but it works nice. Anyway this was my first review hope I did ok. |
| Great TV but Pricey! |
| Review Date: March 30, 2009 |
| Reviewer: JJ, |
| Sony makes some of best LCD HDTV's and this 32"XBR9 is no exception.
This is a great set for anybody who wants 120hz, and doesn't care about getting a bargain deal on a XBR6. In regards to the picture dimming, this is an inherent factor that has plagued many of the past Sony models. You can turn off the light sensor for the auto dim, but presently there is no way to completely eliminate this problem. This is well documented on many AV forums. Other than this slightly annoying problem, this set excels on many levels. |
| Software Upgrade is a Must |
| Review Date: June 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Alan J. Rothenstreich, New Rochelle, NY |
| This is an excellent television with great color, easy menus with a few idiosynchrocies. First is to make sure you perform the software update available on the Sony website. It makes a tremendous difference. Also, make sure you check the video 2 settings to match what you have as far as connections. Otherwise you can end up scratching your head unless you read the manual. Once set up though the TV works great.
Enjoy it. Alan |
| Beautiful and High Quality |
| Review Date: October 12, 2009 |
| Reviewer: O. Elmore, Louisiana USA |
| I love this TV. I'm sure I would feel differently had I not updated the firmware before I even tried to use it, but since I did -- I LOVE THIS TV! I am going to try to put the link for the update at the bottom of this review, but Amazon may have a policy to delete links in reviews. If this happens, then go to [...] and follow the links for this model. You'll eventually find the update. Download it to a jump drive and plug it into the service port (the only one that'll take USB) with the TV off, then turn the TV on and things will take care of themselves.
[...] UPDATE Okay, so Amazon did delete everything. That's okay -- you know Sony has a website. |
| Great Picture - Convenient Size |
| Review Date: May 6, 2009 |
| Reviewer: John L Salyards, North Chelmsford, MA United States |
| Latest and greatest release - has the 120Hz scan rate so you get less of the stuttering from film conversions. Fairly wide viewing angle w/ great coloration - not overly saturated with cartoonish tinting.
Lots of available adjustments, though works great out of the box. Doesn't seem to pass 5.1 sound from cable input through the optical connection to Sony's HTIB BDV-IS1000, though most people will probably use a sat or cable box and send the audio from there. Bravia Sync with the remote to other Sony boxes takes a bit of fiddling with to get the results you expect. Beautiful modern TV that fits in traditional size furniture! |
| 32XBR9 - amazing picture |
| Review Date: September 4, 2009 |
| Reviewer: William J. Clark, Ohio, USA |
| I purchased the Sony 32XBR9 after carefully reading all possible reviews on this site and others. I decided after my experiences with other Sony products, it was worth the money. I ordered the set and was told delivery could be expected by September 3, 2009. Amazon has speciality shippers handle their television sets, not UPS or Fedex. The TV arrived in the Columbus depot where the shipper Pilot turned it iver to a third party carrier. There was where the problem started. The third party shipper only delivered in this area once a week or when they had a big enough load to justify the trip. Well, the only day they would bring it was Tueday, Sept 8, almost a week after the promised date. I called Amazon customer service and complained that since the TV was a gift and the party was September 4, it wouldn't do me much good. They called Pilot, and a guy named Zack from the shipper moved heaven and earth and had another third party shipper pick up the set and had it here on the 4th in the morning, I can't begin to tell you how impressed and appreciative I was. They even refunded shipping costs even though shipping was free! Great service Amazon and Pilot!
Now back to the TV (which is what this review was actually about). The TV gets an excellent picture. I immediately did the software update from Sony which was a breeze. The sound is about right for that size TV. The picture is amazing. Hookup was fairly easy though I did not get sound on HDMI2. Still haven't figured that one out yet and may actually have to read the manual. I went into settings and set the picture to vivid (default is standard). Really made a difference, though it is ceratinly a matter of taste. When I went to input, it highlights the inputs that are active so there is little confusion getting to the peripherals. I can't say I noticed the problems that resulted in the update as I put it in first off because of the reviews, but it certainly looks great now. It does take a few seconds to come on or change inputs, but I am really not so impatient that it bothers me. The picture is worth the wait If you are looking for a 32 inch LCD- this is the one! ....and Amazon beat best buy by almost 300 dollars Sony BRAVIA XBR KDL-32XBR9 32-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV |
| Outstanding Colors - Stunning to watch. |
| Review Date: September 12, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Bobby G. Bodenhamer, Gastonia, NC |
| The Sony Bravia XBR KDL-32-inch 1080p 120hz LCD HDTV offers a fantastic time of entertainment as you view your favorite programming on it.
The colors are brilliant. I love the materials put out by the Discovery and the National Geographic programming. The nature scenes are absolutely stunning. I have been waiting for this TV to drop down in price to my affordable range. I have been waiting since last Christmas. This TV was worth waiting for. Thanks Bob |
| Sony BRAVIA |
| Review Date: July 6, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Gerald A. Wheelock, |
| I did some research on the type and model of tv that would fit my purpose. This model fulfills all of my expectations and at a good price. |
| It is like watching TV for the first time. |
| Review Date: August 12, 2009 |
| Reviewer: David Sierra, St. Petersburg, FL, USA |
| The connections and setups are not as eseay as the manufacturer claims. Thanks to the HD Cable instalation technician who did the connections (TV, Blurays player and HD Cable Box) and the settings, I was able to enjoy TV like I never thought possible. When I watched PBS's News Hour I actually knew what was going on with a full screen view. Then came my surprise: PBS presentation of "Benise - Night of Fire". WOW!!! Colors came alive, backgrounds were clear, movements exciting, sound almost surrounded. Sony BRAVIA XBR KDL-32XBR9 32-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV |
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