Sony HX900 3D TV Review (XBR52HX909)

by: admin Sunday, July 4th, 2010

Mini Review: Sony’s HX900 series are great HDTVs with 3D capability and a lot of interesting features, but they are quite costly. Does the HX900 justify its large price tag? Keep reading to find out.

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		$2499.00

Sony has chosen a different approach to 3D TV side by not including either the infrared transmitter and goggles that enables 3D viewing. It could be considered a positive aspect that you don’t have to pay for these things before you want to engage the 3D features, but on the other hand a built-in infrared transmitter provides a cleaner installation and the cost of the television is already quite high.

Design and Features

Sony is always in the forefront in terms of design, and the HX900 series reinforces the impression that this is a high-end television. After switching it on and watching some HD content, we can confirm that this is a really sharp unit on the inside as well as the outside. Its black levels are phenomenal – with dark areas on the screen you can barely distinguish where the image ends and the black frame around the TV starts.

Its colors are rich and pleasant even if they need to be tuned down a little to produce a completely natural-looking picture. Having adjusted some settings here and there, the HX900 produces a stunning image. This is an LED panel with direct back-light, and save that the image is somewhat grainy when watching it from a short distance, there is very little to complain about. Sharpness and contrast keeps up even when things are moving quickly on the screen.

If you have used a PlayStation device you will quickly recognize the menu system, which is easy to navigate and logically arranged. The remote is a fairly heavy piece with a solid feel to it but there is some noticeable response time when the remote is communicating with the TV.

bravia internet

Sony has packed the TV full of extra features, including IPTV functionality over the Bravia Internet Video Platform. You can also hook up your media player or USB device to the television, but unfortunately the file support is somewhat lacking compared to Samsung HDTVs for example. There’s a large and growing amount of online video content and services.

3D Functionality

sony 3D As mentioned previously, neither the proprietary 3D glasses or infrared receiver from Sony are included with the television, but have to be purchased separately. The glasses from Sony are however comfortable if a little heavy. Moreover, the 3D functionality – once attached – is excellent, offering excellent depth and presence. Unlike a certain Samsung 3D TV we tested earlier, there was no problem with cross talk (double contours around images) in the 3D content we watched on the Sony TV.

In addition to regular 3D playback, the HX900 is also able to simulate 3D from a 2D source. Other manufacturers offer this type of feature as well and none including Sony pulls it off very well.

On the whole , this is still a great HDTV whether you want to use the 3D features or not. The image quality is excellent – well above average thanks to the direct LED backlighting. Unfortunately the price tag is also quite a bit above average and the 3D kit is not included, but if you want a superb television without compromises, an HX900 will not disappoint.

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