See what makes this Sony LCD TV the best LCD TV

Sony LCD TV (the 32XBR950) dimensions 41"W x 22"W x 3.8"D weight 49 pounds

The Sony KDL-32XBR950 is likely to be the most expensive LCD TV available in the 32-inch screen size. It uses the Sony "floating glass" design. Conceived as the high-end LCD TV competition to the Sharp LCDs the Sony nudges past the Sharp 32G4UA in PQ. But is it worth the extra cash? Probably not. This LCD TV will need to be calibrated out of the box to maximize its PQ.

This Sony LCD seems to float between its speakers. It’s an effect Sony created by mounting the panel on a pane of glass. The glass bezel and the wide speakers make it wider than similar sized panels. Sony sells a stand for $299 or you can mount it on the wall with a variety of optional brackets.

The remote has no backlight and the buttons will drive you crazy but it can be programmed to operate other components. This LCD cannot be used as a computer monitor. So far no Sony flat panel TV we've seen has connections for use as computer monitor.

This Sony LCD comes with an external receiver unit that has a built-in ATSC digital tuner. You can watch high def programming with an ordinary antenna. The receiver allows you to run just a single cable to the TV. Unfortunately the LCD uses a proprietary cable that's only 10 feet long. If you need a longer cable it'll cost you another $300.

The KDL-32XBR950's native resolution is 1280x768. It's a true HDTV that can display all incoming signals, including 1080i. Signals are converted to match the panel's exact pixel count.

These are some of the Sony LCD TV 's more useful features:

four aspect ratio modes (like other LCDs they don't work with high def)
three color temp presets
PIP called "twin pictures" by Sony

Sony uses three picture presets, which are adjustable and can remember its settings. In the Advanced Video portion of the menu you can adjust the levels of red, green, and blue in bright (gain) and dark (bias) portions of the picture, but they could overcome color temperature issues.

This Sony LCD come with an array of connectivity:

two broadband component inputs
one DVI input with HDCP copy protection
two rear and one front S-Video input
two rear and one front composite-video inputs
two iLink (FireWire) input/outputs for DV or camcorders

While the Sony LCD TV probably has the best PQ of any LCD in its class it must be calibrated to get it there. Yes it has a host of connectivity, black levels are excellent (for an LCD) and a supersharp look but it's significantly more expensive than its close competitor--the Sharp 32G4UA. If you have money to burn buy the Sony LCD TV.

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