Sony KDL-XBR6, KDL-XBR7, and KDL-XBR8 specs, and release dates!
What could possibly be better than your 52 inch Sony XBR5 TV? The XBR6, XBR7, and XBR8, of course! If there was any doubt about Sony’s seriousness with the XBR line, we can safely put that to rest right now. We’ve just got a hold of the product roadmap for this year, in addition to full spec sheets on the XBR6, XBR7 and the XBR8. The XBR6 and XBR7 lineup isn’t the most interesting compared to the current models, with modest upgrades like DLNA compliance, TV Guide IPG, "Enhanced" XMB interface, and now BRAVIA Sync capability. Also they sport four HDMI ports instead of three while still keeping both component inputs. There’s also a PC input as well, but it looks like the TVs shed the standard RCA inputs. Then again, will we really miss them?
Here’s where the XBR8 gets really exciting though — TRILUMINOS RGB LED backlight! Yes! That’s what we’re talkin’ about, folks. In addition to the LED backlighting, Sony has thrown in their "Advanced Contrast Enhancer PRO", the new BRAVIA Engine 2 PRO, and all of the other features the XBR6 and XBR7 have. Excited yet? We’re foaming at the mouth. Now you may ask, BG, when can we buy one? Here’s where the roadmap comes into play:
There are a bunch of XBR models coming soon, and that also includes a 32" model as well as a 37" one, too. It looks like we’ll see the KDL-32XBR6 around the middle of May and the KDL-37XBR6 around the middle of July. Also, the KDL-46XBR8 will be launching in August. In September and October, the rest of the other models are set to be released. These include the KDL-40XBR6, KDL-46XBR6, KDL-52XBR6, KDL-40XBR7, KDL-70XBR7, and finally the KDL-52XBR8. Hit the jump for the full spec sheets and roadmap!
Thanks, Al!
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 11:12 am, Maurice Said:
sigh….i still have an XBR4 still pimp though, wonder if i can colorware it?
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 11:42 am, Chris Said:
Sweet a whole new series of TVs I can never afford! Maybe Circuit City will let me bring over some friends and a few beers for football season.
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 11:57 am, MAUL Said:
Nice, I just wanted these to come out to bring down the prices of the XBR4’s so I can pick one up as I wont be able to afford the new models..
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 12:29 pm, Derek Said:
These sony televisions are jokes… sony is nothing but a name that tries to make money… there just like bose now everyone is stuck on them from previous products… another thing the LCD technology is garbage… Plasma is by far a better technology…alot of people are misled by the bright image that is washed out.. the xbr5 and this 120hz is a joke to…Do your research on plasma tv, by 2010 there going to be more energy effecient than LCD. They already have a better picture quality,better detail, better colors, a true image, and it last just as long as a lcd.
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 1:07 pm, Mike Said:
Am I just seeing things or does that matrix show a KDL-55XBR8 coming in September? I was hoping to get a 58″-60″ TV before Christmas of ‘08 but would gladly settle for a 55″ XBR. Yeah, I know 3″ isn’t big a deal but size does matter. I would love that 70″ but I haven’t won the lottery yet.
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 1:09 pm, andrew Said:
lol so why is pioneer, who is arguably the best plasma manufacturer exiting the market? Why are the XBRs regarded as the best lcds money can buy right now? Plasmas have their advantages as do lcs, but you have to be a fucking dolt to think one technology is perfect for everyone.
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 1:25 pm, NiceTryPlasma Said:
Derek, I’ll be the first to admit I own a Sony KDL-52XBR5. It is a great tv, and you’re right the black levels are not great. What do you propose people do that game with their TV’s? Should they just accept permanent burn-in on their tv’s? Also, you say they will be less power hungry in 2010!!!? What about now, technology is about what can I get right now. If I want a TV now what should I get? I have done the research on plasma, and I know the technology is going to die just like HD-DVD. Why else would you have one of the best PDP makers in the world evaluating whether or not to continue it PDP R&D (Pioneer)
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 1:29 pm, The Boy Genius Said:
@ Derek
I’m very sensitive about the Sony XBR-series. Please stop talking crazy. They are currently the best LCD TVs on the market, and with the upcoming XBR8 with LED backlight and improved contrast, it’s going to give a lot of Plasmas a run for the money. And yes, I do have a 52″ XBR5, 40″ XBR4, 46″ XBR2, and 40″ XBR2.
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 1:34 pm, MadMike Said:
Wait, I’m confused. These are 120Hz 10-bit panels and they only do 1080p/60 and not 1080p/24? WTF is that?! If the panels and the processor can handle it, why doesn’t it? Or is it just a typo in the ads?
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 1:35 pm, MadMike Said:
Wait, I think it’s a typo. I just saw the 24p logo on the side of the ad. Maybe they should hire marketing people who know something about TV’s, eh?
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 1:47 pm, Matt Said:
Crap and here i thought that my 52xbr4 would last for so long, I ain’t gonna lie if there aren’t any issues with the xbr8 it’s gonna be mine. Don’t care if i have to sell a kidney to purchase it.
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 1:49 pm, Matt Said:
@Derek, you’re right dude that’s why companies quit making plasma’s every year.
Get a life and come out of your cave.
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 2:10 pm, Alex the Great Said:
On roadmap XBR8 has 55″ not 52″ size.
Please clarify.
AG
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 2:48 pm, Sony Guy Said:
It’s not a typo smart guy it means 24 frames per second which is a 1080p standard now for people who have tv’s that support it with a Blu-ray player. All Sony tv’s as of last year do 24p and the XBR series does 120hz processing which is interpolation. The XBR series is currently the #1 rated LCD on the market and so were the XBR-2′S and XBR-1′S. As far as plasmas haha where do I start. Maybe with the half-life, or with the power consumption, or with burn in. LCD tv’s outsold plasmas 3 to 1 last year. If your not buying a Pioneer Elite for $6000 and up your not wasting your money. Go LCD all the way or OLED when they get bigger!
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 2:55 pm, Galvatron Said:
Dosn’( matter I watch tve on my laptop. An my parets old magnavox
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 4:01 pm, Michael Said:
Sony’s insinuating the XBR6-8 will have the floating glass, reminiscent of the XBR4-5. However, the XBR6 that has already been previewed doesn’t have the floating glass frame. I imagine the XBR7-8 will look like the previewed XBR6. Any thoughts?
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 4:21 pm, mrnico Said:
Are you kidding me? Plasmas suck. They really suck compared to good LCDs (read Sony.) They have a fuzzy picture and are NOT sharp or detailed. Sure, the color is a little more accurate, so what when the picture is blurry? The Bravia XBR is by far the best TV made. My 36″ 1999 WEGA XBR250 CRT has a better picture than most TVs made today, including plasmas. The Mitsubishi 73″ DLP rear projectors are pretty sweet, but they are not the same. Derek is obviously a ‘tard.
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 4:22 pm, mrnico Said:
You mean they are the best TVs period.
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 7:47 pm, Jeff B. Said:
They are some of the best TV’s along with the Sharp Aquos but these are better.
BG, we got any prices?
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 9:15 pm, Ken Said:
“These sony televisions are jokes… sony is nothing but a name that tries to make money… there just like bose now everyone is stuck on them from previous products… another thing the LCD technology is garbage… Plasma is by far a better technology…alot of people are misled by the bright image that is washed out.. the xbr5 and this 120hz is a joke to…Do your research on plasma tv, by 2010 there going to be more energy effecient than LCD. They already have a better picture quality,better detail, better colors, a true image, and it last just as long as a lcd.”
Plasma only works well in room without windows…otherwise the glare off of the screen is horrible.
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 11:00 pm, lord ace man Said:
I love plasma and i own a 42inch panasonic. During football season the picture/color quaility is AMAZING. Only problem is Late afternoon and night games are worth viewing. Anything during early afternoon like 1pm games. I’m standind up to watch tv. why because of glare. Same goes for gaming. I’m on xbox constantly and only play during overcast days and later during the day when room isn’t so bright. Looking forward in seeing what the new sony lineup has to offer. You never know, if the price is right. I may be adding a sony.
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On Apr 14, 2008 @ 11:37 pm, Jordan Brown Said:
All displays have their place. If I had a dedicated room where I was just going to watch movies on a 50″ or bigger display, I would get a plasma..
But for most people (backed up by sales) the LCD is the way to go.
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On Apr 15, 2008 @ 1:13 am, liquidplatinum Said:
The only thing I would trade my Pioneer PRO-150 for is the PRO-151.
Dead/dying technology or not. My Pio fully calibrated rocks my buddy’s 52″ XBR5 that was also calibrated by the same person in the same week. No comparision what-so-ever. No offense BG.
I have no preference between plasma and lcd, and am not a fanboy of either. Show me an lcd that looks better than my Pio Elite and I’ll buy it in a heartbeat.
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On Apr 15, 2008 @ 1:14 am, Yaweee! Said:
Derek, like most Plasma-heads, are retarded. The extra bright picture on Plasma actually does wash out the colors and the colors ARE NOT very accurate as a result. White people look people and Black people look orange on Plasma TV’s. The only thing Plasma does better than an LCD is black levels, and the Sony XBR line definitely gets pretty damn close to even Pioneer’s in this regard.
Not to mention, why would anyone want to spend $8,000 for a 1080P plasma, when you can get an equally good LCD for half the price? You’re retarded. Most Plasma’s for the same price as a 1080P LCD are only 720P. Or a better question, is a marginally better black level at the cost of every other color being oversaturated worth an extra $4,000? No, it’s not. And that’s why you Pioneer stepped out of the game because it just wasn’t selling.
If you were to ask Sony, they would actually say that their Rear Projection SXRD series (discontinued last year) is actually their best TV when it comes to overall picture quality, and I would have to agree. I have an XBR5 in the bedroom and an SXRD in the living room and although RP suffers from off viewing angles, when sitting right in front of the TV I can see a difference in color accuracy between the two and the SXRD delivers a bit better. Unfortunately, thin is in and despite the advantages of their SXRD technology, people want a thin TV so no one was buying the SXRD.
Consumers dictate a companies products and not the other way around. Get that in your head.
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On Apr 15, 2008 @ 5:28 am, True-Red Said:
Thank god I spotted this BEFORE purchasing the samsumg f96..
Have been deliberating for ages between the f96 and the x series.. Now I can have a sony AND led.. Woohoo!! It’s the dream ticket!!
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