XBR, an acronym for eXtended Bit Rate, designates Sony’s highest performance series of WEGA FD Trinitron CRT and BRAVIA LCD televisions featuring advanced features and progressive industrial design. The XBR range is typically derived from equipment that has been released in Japan and Europe as mid and high-end models, usually with some small upgrades. For example, in Europe and Japan, the Sony X-Series 1080p TVs had two HDMI inputs, whereas on the American XBR version, there were three. An XBR may cost up to $7,000USD.
XBR models usually are denoted by a series number, particularly in the BRAVIA line.
- XBR4 & XBR5 - the screen is surrounded by a glass frame and offers a 120 hertz refresh rate, (XBR5 has optional interchangable color meshs).
- XBR6 - a 120 hertz model featuring a floating customizable lower speaker, USB input, and DLNA photo player.
- XBR7 - a transitional series of models including a 52-inch 240-hertz model and a mammoth 70-inch model. This series uses normal CCFL backlighting.
- XBR8 - a 120 hertz model featuring the Triluminos LED backlighting and floating customizable side speakers.
- XBR9 - a 240 hertz model including enhanced DLNA capabilities and built in internet video features.
- XBR10 - a 240hz thin LCD panel with local LED backlighting/dimming (called Intelligent Peak LED), and Full HD 3D.
Warranty Extension - Sony is now replacing select XBR4 and XBR5 models (as well as some other 40 and 46 inch models) because of a manufacturing defect that causes flickering and shadowing on the screen. Customers can call the Sony support line and may receive a replacement TV. There is some discussion of this on the AV Science Forum. Additionally there appears to be a separate safety issue with certain Sony Bravia models.