The 52? 1080p Sony Bravia KDL-52W3000 LCD HDTV is simply an amazing set. This is one of the best 52" LCD HDTVs out there. This set is loved by many and you can check all over the internet and you'll see that I'm not fibbing. Sony just keeps making the Bravia better and better with each new model release. If you're looking for a 52" LCD HDTV and this one is in your budget, this may be the best one out there.
First, let's talk about how the KDL-52W3000 looks aesthetically. The brush metal matte frame is a classic look that actually absorbs light and does not reflect like the 46V3000 if you found the piano black to be distracting. The stand does not pivot like the 46V2500 does, but that's only one slight negative thing compared to what this baby can do.
Let's talk about the picture, the part that everyone wants to know about. Let me say that the picture quality of the Sony Bravia KDL-52W3000 LCD HDTV is simply amazing in HD. The picture is vivid and the Live Color Creation "gimmick" is no gimmick. Colors are rich, vivid, and life like to the point that it's almost 3D, especially when watching animated films like Ratatouille or Cars. The viewing angle is excellent and the screen has no glares and has no problem playing in a sunlit room.
I recommend you use HDMI 1.3 Category 2 cables so that the TV can display colors better. Standard definition is fine and will not terrify you like most LCD HDTVs out there. Watching DVD is almost HD like when paired with the up-converting Oppo DVD player. The refresh rate is 60hz but there is little to no difference when compared side by side with the 120hz XBR4. Motion blurring is usually normal in LCD TVs, but the Sony Bravia KDL-52W3000 does a good job at keeping it to a minimum. If you do catch any blurring, try turning off Noise Reduction to eliminate it.
The Sony Bravia KDL-52W3000's audio quality is above average especially if you customize the sound yourself, turn on the S-Force Front Surround, and raise the voice boost. The stock TV speakers are not going to make you feel like you're in a movie theater, but it's good enough if you're not planning to get a home theater although you should. The Sony DAV-HDX500/i BRAVIA Home Theater System is a good one.
Get the 52" Sony Bravia KDL-52W3000 LCD HDTV if the XBR4 is too expensive. This set is the next best thing if it falls within your budget. Remember to buy HDMI 1.3 cables to get the best colors possible because this TV supports it. Have fun and don't forget to look away from the TV and get up to walk around once in a while because this TV will suck you into the world that you're watching like you've been looking through a window the whole time.