Flat Panel Displays

Price: $3,499
Technology: LCD
Resolution: 1280x720
Size: 40"
Inputs: One each HDMI, two i.LINK, three component, two RF, three composite, one S-video, USB
Highlights: CableCARD and Over-The-Air HD tuners, WEGA Engine processing with DRC, built-in speakers

This 40" LCD is actually the top dog in Sony's flat-panel kennel by virtue of its being in the vaunted XBR line. 1366x768 is heavy pixel density for a 40" integrated HDTV. This XBR ships with integrated CableCARD and Off-The-Air HD tuners, and of course Sony always packs its latest and greatest in features and processing into their top-of-the-line sets. The WEGA Engine with a full suite of DRC processing is included, as is an upgraded stealth sound system and a light sensor that optimizes the set's light output to match the ambient light in the room. While we'd like to see more than one HDMI input on a premium set like this everything else appears to be what one would expect from a Sony XBR.