Sony BRAVIA KDL-32XBR4

We haven't had a chance to fully test this product yet, but we've assembled this helpful overview of relevant information on it.

The Sony Bravia KD-L32XBR4 is a 32-inch flat panel LCD HDTV that delivers 120Hz MotionFlow technology, perfect for Video, TV, and Games.

The Sony Bravia KDL-32XBR4 delivers superb visuals and is part of Sony’s XBR premiere line of HDTV’s. The KDL-32XBR4 features a 32-inch display making ideal for smaller rooms. The display resolution on the KDL-32XBR4 is 1366 X 768 pixels and the set converts all video signals to 720p. The KDL-32XBR4 also incorporates Sony’s MotionFlow technology that allows for clear pictures and auto adjustments on various video inputs. The KDL-32XBR4 features three HDMI connection allowing various Blu-ray, audio, and gaming systems to be hooked up, as well as a PC audio and video input allowing one to use the KDL-32XBR4 as a monitor.

Features List:

-32-inch LCD screen

-1,600:1 contrast ratio

-three HDMI ports

-8ms response time

-2 built-in 10 Watt speakers

Digital Trends’ TV Buying Tips:

How large of a screen do I really need?

“Bigger is better” doesn’t make any more sense when choosing an HDTV for your living room than when choosing a couch for your living room. A lot of factors come into play. As a general rule, consider a TV 1.5 to 3.0 times the screen size. For instance, a 32-inch television might make sense for viewing distances as close as four feet away, and as far as eight feet away. Check out our guide to choosing the right size HDTV for more details, including a helpful chart.

What are widgets?

Many of the top television manufacturers – including Sony, Sharp, Panasonic and Samsung – include Ethernet jacks on the back of their premium televisions for high-speed Internet connectivity (or in some cases, have integrated Wi-Fi for wireless connections). TV viewers will then use the remote to select “widgets,” graphicalicons on the screen that plays relevant (and customized) content ranging from YouTube videos and Flickr photo galleries to local weather, news, sports updates and stock quotes, usually delivered by Really Simple Syndication (RSS). Even more exciting is the partnership between Netflix and various TV companies, such as LG and Sony, allowingtelevision viewers to access tens of thousands of movies on-demand, many of which are in high-definition.

Do I need a 120Hz set? What about 240Hz?

This popular LCD TV-based technology helps reduce motion blur. Pronounced “120 hertz,” 120Hz technology essentially doubles the speed at which frames are displayed, from 60 frames per second to 120 frames per second, resulting in a clearer moving image, especially in fast-action video sequences.

Since the screen can display more frames than a movie actually has, many TVs will artificially generate in-between frames where they don’t exist to make motion look smoother. Some people find the look more fluid, while some people think it looks artificial and odd. Fortunately, all TVs that offer it also offer an option to turn it off, if you don’t like it. We recommend testing it in person to see the effects for yourself before deciding whether or not you should pay extra.

Check out our article 120Hz and 240Hz Refresh Rates Explained for more on motion smoothing.

What inputs should I look for?

A final consideration when buying a new HDTV is what you can connect to it. Make sure there are ample HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) ports to connect multiple components, such as a cable/satellite receiver, video game consoles, DVD/Blu-ray player, camcorder, and so on. At least three or four such ports is a must. A convenient bonus is when the TV also offers a USB port to connect a Flash thumb-drive or external hard drive full of music, photos and videos, or a SD or Memory Stick card slot that lets you insert a compatible card that contains photos and videos. If you think you’d like to connect your computer to the television for big-screen web surfing, look for one with PC connectivity. Many TVs today offer these additional features.