Sony XBR-HX909 series (photos)

The last Sony TV we reviewed with superb picture quality was the ultra-expensive KDL-55XBR8 from 2008, which also and not coincidentally featured the company's last example of a full-array local dimming LED backlight. That TV's spiritual successor, equipped with a similar backlight, is the ultra-expensive XBR-HX909 series, but all told its picture quality fares less favorably against the competition. It does deliver deliciously deep black levels but they come with too many compromises, including issues with blooming and color accuracy, for a TV at this price level.

If you extend your investment to include a pair or more of 3D glasses, an IR emitter, 3D content, and a device to play it, the Sony XBR-HX909 will deliver that third dimension to your brain. Many other 2010 TVs at this level are also 3D compatible, and compared to the two we've tested, the HX909's 3D image quality falls squarely in the middle. Its other notable attributes, including best-in-class design and oodles of streaming video, will appeal to many of the buyers able to afford it, but those seeking the best-available home theater picture quality will probably want to look elsewhere.

The HX909 looks like a black slab when turned off, and the screen blends well into the thick bezel.

At 2.75 inches deep, the Sony is a bit thicker than some edge-lit models but still plenty thin.

While the number of HDMI and component-video inputs on the HX909 is standard at this level, we'd like to see an extra standard-def input here. The RS-232 port is nice to have for custom installations, but seems physically glommed on since it sticks prominently from the back of the TV. Sony offers just one USB port, so if you buy the USB Wi-Fi dongle, there's no extra port for USB-based streaming files.

Sony includes one of the best remotes we've ever used. The logically sized and placed, flush-yet-still-tactile keys emit a satisfying low-pitched click. The concave shape along the clicker's length seems to send the thumb to the Home key and the middle of the big cursor control. We like the ability to control other devices via infrared or HDMI, but we wish the blue backlight also illuminated button labels other than "Home."

Sony's optional 3D glasses cost $150 a pair, and like the specs of other TV makers, can only be used on Sony TVs.

Sony also requires you to purchase a separate emitter with the HX909 to sync the TV to the glasses via infrared. Other TV makers build their emitters into the TV.

Sony includes a 2D-to-3D converter as well as a smattering of 3D picture settings.

The shortcut menu allows easy access to numerous TV functions.

The Favorites menu offers shortcuts to oft-used inputs and video services.

Streaming video services on the Sony include majors like Netflix and numerous niche providers like Blip.tv.

With Pandora, Slacker, and more, Sony offers a solid range of music-streaming choices.

Sony's exclusive Qriocity service offers up high-def video on demand.

Sony, like many TV makers, has its own custom YouTube client.

There are four options for Sony's MotionFlow function, which offer varying degrees of smoothness and antiblur processing.

Advanced controls are extensive and include two modes that affect local dimming.

In its favor, the XBR-HX909 delivered some of the deepest shades of back we've seen on any display, darker than the other local dimming sets and nearly as dark overall as our reference Pioneer plasma. It also handled 1080p/24 sources well. Its other issues however, namely excessive blooming, color drift over time, and a bluish cast to the image, spoiled its chance to unseat the best LCD and plasmas available.