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Sony Bravia KDL-46HX800

HDTV Review

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Vs Panasonic TC-P50VT20

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Series Comparison
Page 16

Conclusion

The Sony KDL-46HX800 ($2699 MSRP) is a very good 2D TV that insists on milking every last dollar from your pocket to make it a 3D TV. It’s incredibly frustrating. Prior to June 2010, Sony already had approximately 26 new televisions on the market, many of them already reviewed and judged to be very good. Then the HX800 series is launched as a ‘3D-ready’ line, which requires a whole series of additional purchases to function as a 3D TV. Perhaps we need not belabor the point, Sony, but if we want a 3D TV, WE WANT A THREE-DEE TV! If we want a 2D TV, you already have two dozen to choose from.

That said, let’s consider the relative merits of the Sony KDL-46HX800. The 2D performance was very, very good, for the most part. We noted a terrible viewing angle and a highly reflective screen. Color, contrast, black level, and motion performances, however, were quite good.

We weren’t impressed by the 3D feature. It wasn’t nearly as good as the Samsung UN55C7000 or the Panasonic TC-P50VT20, both of which were dedicated 3D HDTVs and are in a higher class than the KDL-46HX800. If you’re looking for a great 3D experience, it doesn’t exist yet: your best bet is a movie theater, and even then the effect breaks down more than it should. If you’re looking for the best at-home 3D experience, though, you should pick up a dedicated set. We aren’t quite to a place where you can half-heartedly add a feature like this. If you’re looking for a 2D, many of Sony’s 2010 models offer the same high level of performance, the same amazing array of online content, and don’t charge you for a chintzy 3D feature you won’t use. We suggest you pick which side of this three-dimensional fence you want to be on and embrace it.

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Sony Bravia KDL-46HX800
HDTV Review

Previous: Page 15

Vs Panasonic TC-P50VT20

Next: Page 17

Series Comparison