Though the naming scheme might have changed from the previous XBR6-7-8 and 9 style, Sony realizes that the XBR name is not only still strong in the home theater world, but that consumers know that it stands for something: quality. The XBR has been the pinnacle of Sony televisions for well over a decade. Only the biggest, thinnest, and most feature-packed of Sony’s televisions get branded as an XBR. And oh yea, they have the best damn picture quality available too. The XBR-HX929 is no different.

In April, consumers can get their hands on this beefy new TV, starting with 46, 55 and 65-inches, though the latter will be available in August due to the new glassing used on them across the XBR lineup and the more difficult process of producing it in the 65-inch variation. What new glassing? Corning’s Gorilla Glass, of course, which allows for a thinner, lighter, and stronger screen material than anything else on the market, setting itself apart from other available televisions.

First let’s cover some of the specs and features you would expect from this 1080p Bravia. Internet functionality, a feature that Sony has been pushing for the last two years, is front and center on this unit with services like Sony Music Unlimited Streaming Service and Video on Demand ; Qriocity, as well as Netflix, Pandora, HuluPlus, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Slacker Internet Radio, Crackle, and Blip.tv. So although it might not have Google TV built into it like some of other Sony’s offering, it’s damn close. Of course, all of those services can be enabled via the  integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n). 3D of course is fully enabled in this flagship Bravia with a built in transmitter bar, something that is now standard on all Sony Bravia’s.

Now let’s get to some new stuff. Sony is embracing the iOS and Android platforms with a Media Remote application for iPhone, iPod Touch or Android, which includes full remote capabilities as well as a keyboard. This will give users quick access to television functionalities like volume and channel change, but more importantly search and typing input so their online services that were listed above can be much more easily accessible. 720p Skype phone calls via a built in television app (camera sold separately) makes its debut as well with calls to any Skype device. Sony is also using a new local dimming technology called Intelligent Peak LED Backlight which uses full array local dimming for deeper blacks, while also boosting brightness in lighter scenes creating incredible on-screen contrast. This is different than previous methods where entire sections of the screen would dim; those familiar with the image quality of the XBR8 which is still considered one of the best looking televisions out there will be pleased as this was a feature that was introduced on that model and now has been updated. This should also help get blacks levels to Plasma quality, something that the XBR8 was extremely close to achieving. Sony is also introducing an entirely brand new imaging engine: The X-Reality Engine Pro.

“The X-Reality PRO Engine is a two-chip digital video processor that optimizes high definition content, compressed HD signals, standard definition, and other sources including low resolution Internet content. Utilizing a vast database of ‘ideal’ signal patterns developed by analyzing and indexing and enormous library of film and video, the X-Reality PRO Engine compares incoming signals pixel-by-pixel with ideal scenes to display vivid and detailed images. Additionally, the engine’s multi-frame analysis helps create missing resolution and Sony’s Super Bit Mapping technology incorporates 14 bit up-scaling, processing and pixel mapping to smooth gradation and improve the quality of low-tone pictures.”

Another first is the MotionFlow XR 960. Those who are familiar with MotionFlow will know that the tech first started of with 120hz and higher end TV’s later gained 240hz (something that is now mostly standard on Bravia’s above $1,000) to match the quality of Plasma TV’s by reducing the ghosting effect that LCD televisions can have and this can be more apparent with 3D content. Now the XBR-HX929 will offer 960hz, almost quadrupling previous offerings, helping get Sony’s flagship be indistinguishable from plasmas, something that I had a chance to witness for myself during CES 2011.

Monolithic Design

Another feature which is making a welcoming return in the Monolithic design that Sony has embraced for their higher end televisions. Meant to be minimal in design, yet stand out across a sea of other TVs or in your home theater room, this mindset reminds me of Apple’s strategy in design, something that has worked wonders for the Cupertino-based company. When all is said and done though, what I always recommend to anybody who is interested in a new TV is to go see it in person because only then will you truly get a grasp of what the TV has to offer you and the XBR-HX929 is no different. Prior to CES, I had heard murmurs of its specs but once I had witnessed the quality of the TV in both design and picture quality, I knew that it was my next TV. Still, don’t rush out to your local Best Buy or Sony Style store as with an April launch date, they won’t be in stores quite yet.

BRAVIA XBR-HX929 Series 3D Capable HDTV
Available in April, Sony’s new 3D capable (with the addition of Sony active shutter glasses, sold separately), XBR-HX929 series features brilliant full HD (1080p) picture quality with Sony’s Intelligent Peak LED backlight for outstanding contrast.
The model also features Sony’s MotionFlow XR 960 featuring a precise backlight control that is synchronized with the liquid crystal movement from frame to frame creating clearer, sharper moving images.
The beautifully designed model features Sony’s improved Monolithic Design Concept that draws viewers into the picture when the TV is turned on, and blends into the room décor when turned off. The 2011 Monolithic Design BRAVIA models incorporate Corning®’s Gorilla® Glass allowing for thinner, lighter, and stronger screen material.
With integrated with Wi-Fi (802.11n), the XBR-HX929 models offer instant access to thousands of Internet movies, videos and music from BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity. Sony’s Media Remote app provides simple operation and search for internet content.
The XBR-HX929 models are also custom installation friendly with key features such as rear IR-input and a two-way RS232c connection for easier integration with third-party control systems.
Other XBR-HX929 Series features include:
· Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality with full-array local dimming LED backlight
· Sleek Monolithic Design with OptiContrast Panel Technology
· Integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n)
· Skype™ ready in 720p high definition
· BRAVIA Internet Video and Qriocity
· X-Reality™ PRO Engine
· MotionFlow™ XR 960
· Rear two-way IR inputs and two-way RS232C control
· Screen sizes include 65-inch (XBR-65HX292, which is available in August 2011), 55-inch (XBR-55HX929), and 46-inch (XBR-46HX929)