Up conversion from 480i and 480p: 2:35:1 aspect DVDs should be viewed inside the Zoom aspect photo mode controlled by the Broad button on the remote control.
Whilst this mode correctly displays the element of the content,
it does soften the image giving a slightly blurred appearance from the enlarged image. This was one of several only drawbacks from the XBR8's picture. In addition to that the Bravia Engine 2 processed signals extremely properly.
When turning on this setting option, the picture was crisp and clear with really tiny about which to complain. There is certainly bright color, excellent contrast and black levels and most surprising to us – plasma-like viewing angles. There was some false contouring in dark on bright locations with the image. This "mapping" of dark matter won't be observed you are 15 feet or more through the television. However, it can be noticeable from a closer distance. Other than that, another defining plasma-like characteristic is depth perception with HD signals which can be excellent.
No complaints in this department aside from the occasional mapping issue. Dark locations of images were detailed and easily discernible.
The Sony Bravia XBR8 dialed in nicely to D6500 and color details appeared natural and not over baked like so several pricey LCDs. At times we found ourselves pleasantly glued to a scene just enjoying the realistic, colorful pictures.
Viewing Angle/Off Axis Viewing: The XBR8 has the very best viewing angle capability we've observed on an LCD. We estimated that contrast will not start to degrade until about 75 degrees – a superb plasma-like result – particularly for an LCD TV.
There was some notable jerkiness when the camera panned back and forth. Sony will not give a clear alternative for accessing the 120Hz processing. Instead, they give a few advanced image settings for instance Motion Enhancer and Game Modes. So, it was impossible to know whether we were viewing images in 60Hz or 120Hz. We thought the XBR8 did an excellent work with reduction of motion lag during fast moving scenes. It might be nice to clearly have the ability to turn the 120hz processing off if wanted – to see the difference.
We do not normal advise using lots of the "enhancing" features present on todays TVs which typically add video noise. Nevertheless, the Noise Reduction option about the XBR8 is often a favorable function. We suggest placing it on the medium setting which greatly reduces background motion artifacts without having softening the photo too much.
Although an attractive TV, there isn't any real design style improvements over past models. One drawback we immediately noticed within the XBR8 is the 6" depth cabinet that is no doubt caused by the new LED lighting program. Still, that is a bulky depth especially if wall mounting. The speakers now are housed about the sides of the "floating" glass. The wide bezel and glass produce a tiny glare from ambient lighting though the screen itself does an excellent job reducing glare.
There exists a new Video Game mode in addition to Bravia Sync alternative for communicating with other Sony equipment.
The Xross Media Bar menu system is often a cool looking if not a small quirky to use at initial. As soon as accustomed to it, it's a fun tiny feature scrolling via the numerous sophisticated settings which generally you will need to avoid. 1 that you do wish to turn on could be the Noise Reduction function. It's annoying to have to scroll through inputs every time 1 needs to change input sources (for instance from HDMI to composite). We would like to see discrete input buttons on the remote manage.
LCDs which aren't LED backlit, might possibly not have the viewing angle or deep blacks that this unit does but will sell for half the cost. A 58" top of the line Plasma TVs with similar picture good quality will market for around half the value as well.
The picture is definitely exceptional particularly the black levels, and viewing angles that are so essential to viewing pleasure. Color information whilst not the very best we've seen was also excellent. Drawbacks include the cabinet depth at 6 inches, the surprising poor audio good quality from the built in speakers, as well as the occasional scaling mistake from lower resolutions.
