Sony Bravia KDL-46V2500

Summary: The v2500 is an amazing set and I think represents the best value in LCD from Sony. It's essentially the same set as the XBR2 - it uses the same LCD panel - minus a couple features and the snazzy (but huge) glass bezel. The v2500 is compact, with bottom mounted speakers, and yet still attractive (it is actually a dark gray, not the battleship gray the pictures make it out to be).

HD programming is incredible on this set. Colors are vivid and accurate and on its default "vivid" setting the set could light up a small stadium. SD looks ok on this set (as good as it goes on any 1080p set) but you'll really want to stick to HD programming as it never fails to impress. Even more incredible is 1080p from my computer (using a DVI to HDMI cable) - 46" makes for one heck of a game of Half Life 2! Plenty of inputs (2 HDMI) and a decent, if basic, remote round out the package.

Unfortunately, this set is not perfect. In the month I've had mine, I've been dealing with gray-white "clouds" (actually light bleeding through the LCD panel) that are very apparent during darker scenes. These non-uniform clouds are annoying and can even been seen on brighter scenes were they dull out bright colors. My advice - do a lot of online research before buying! (Google "xbr clouds" as a starting point) If you do have a cloud-free set, you're in for a treat because I think the v2500 is otherwise the best deal in LCD HD.