Sony LCD TVs

It should come as no surprise that Sony is one of the leading manufacturers of LCD TVs. Sony products often provide an excellent blend of features with usability at a reasonable price, and Sony LCD TVs are no exception. Sony LCD TVs frequently rank highly on many experts lists of recommended LCD TVs, as well as in Consumer Reports’ LCD TV ratings.

It’s easy to understand Sony's LCD TV lineup: there's the basic S20A10 series, and the more-expensive XBR series. The largest Sony LCD TV is a 40-inch model, the 40-inch Bravia LCD Flat Panel KDL-V40XBR1.

Sony offers a variety of models at different price levels and with different features. Let’s look at a few of the higher-rated Sony LCD TVs.

Sony KLV-SA10 series: The KLV-SA10 series is Sony's entry-level line of flat-panel, LCD-based televisions. These LCD TVs lack the built-in ATSC tuner and CableCard slot found on more expensive models, but they're otherwise relatively full featured. As with most LCDs of their size, they have a 1,366 x 768 native resolution, which means they should display every detail of 720p input. The Sony 26-inch KLV-S26A10 LCD TV, which retails for approximately $1,100, and the 19-inch Sony KLV- S19A10 LCD TV, which retails for approximately $850; both are very competitive when compared to similar models from Samsung and Toshiba.

Sony's higher-end LCDs include the three letters XBR in their model numbers, which Sony uses to designate its more expensive and more technologically advanced LCD TVs. The Sony LCD TVs in this series offer sleeker styling, concealed speakers, an ATSC tuner, and a Digital Cable Ready CableCard slot. Many Sony LCD TVs come in XBR and non-XBR versions: for example, you can purchase a 32-inch Bravia Flat Panel HD-Ready KLV-S32A10 LCD TV for approximately $1,900; for $2,600 you can upgrade to the 32-inch Bravia Flat Panel HDTV KDL-V32XBR1 LCD TV. The differences? You get:
Digital Reality Creation® (DRC®) Multifunction V1 Circuitry
Integrated HDTV
S-Master Full Digital Amplifier
An ATSC tuner and Digital Cable Ready CableCard slot

Many Sony LCD TVs come in the SA version and the XBR version. Are the upgrades and technology differences important to you? You’ll have to decide for yourself; in any case, Sony offers an LCD TV with features advanced enough for any technology buff.

Sony also offers a LCD monitor with built-in TV tuner. The 17" Widescreen Flat Panel PC/TV Display MFM-HT75W LCD TV can be used to watch TV, view DVDs, or as a computer monitor – simultaneously. It offers picture-in-picture so you can work on your computer while watching TV, and has built-in speakers with excellent sound quality.

Sony LCD TVs can be purchased directly from the manufacturer at www.sony.com. (Don’t expect huge discounts, though.) Rebate information and up to date product specifications are also available at sony.com.

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