Picture this
It wasn't so many years ago that everyone watched their favorite shows on standard-definition tube TVs. They were gigantic — except of course for the screen. We've come a long way since then. TVs started slimming down around the same time High Definition video started popping up. After a while, a consortium of manufacturers introduced Blu-ray discs. With five times as much storage space as DVDs, Blu-ray discs brought with them Full HD 1920 x 1080 video (among other improvements). All the while, TV screen sizes have been steadily improving. Here to help usher in the next big breakthrough, the Sony BRAVIA KDL-55HX800 pulls out all the stops. It fully supports Full HD 1080p with four of the latest HDMI v1.4 inputs. It supports Deep Color for incredible contrast, vibrant colors, and smooth gradients. With full array LED lighting, local dimming allows even greater contrast. 240Hz offers you a smoother picture. A 55" screen brings you larger-than-life action. But here's the real kicker: With 240Hz refresh rate, Full HD resolution, and HDMI v1.4 support, this TV is 3D-ready! With a separate adapter and additional accessories, you can start enjoying real 3D Blu-rays in Full HD in no time. This TV will even let you convert any 2D signal into an artificial 3D. Pretty impressive when you think back to that "ancient" tube TV you used to watch TV on.
Get the LED IN
After Full HD flatscreens became more or less mainstream, there were two dominant technologies: LCD and plasma. LCD and plasma are still the standards, but there's another type of flat panel getting quite a bit of attention in the last year or so: LED. You may find yourself wondering why LED isn't one of the standards if they're so popular. The answer is quite simple, really: Because LED is really a sub-type of LCD. LED refers to the type of bulb used to light the LCD panel. So why is it such a big deal? For one thing, LED bulbs are more energy-efficient than other bulbs, so you save energy and save money on bills. They also typically last a lot longer than most bulbs without losing quality. These benefits offer plenty of incentives for you to choose an LED TV.
Together at last
Once upon a time, your sources of entertainment were neatly separated. Your flat panel displayed television programming and DVDs, your iPod held your digital music library, your car's stereo played your favorite local FM station, and your computer's browser opened the gates to a plethora of content from sources like YouTube and Pandora. Serious structure junkies may want to take a seat for this next part: Your media is now mixed together. The culprit is Sony's new BRAVIA KDL-55HX800. This LCD comes ready for a Wi-Fi adapter. With that additional adapter, a whole new world of content is available to you. Sure, you could still enjoy your local programming, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs. But now, you can also utilize Netflix's instant streaming (with an account), YouTube, Slacker radio, Pandora, and many other top content providers. Additionally, if your home computer is DLNA-compliant, you can play your media files from the computer on your TV. And, as if that wasn't enough, a USB 2.0 slot gives you even more options for content. When it comes to content, you just can't keep it apart any more.
As real as it gets
No matter how great a show looks on your HDTV, it's just never quite the same as seeing the real thing. But with the processing of this BRAVIA TV, it's pretty darn close. The BRAVIA Engine 3 used here is Sony's most advanced processing system ever. It provides superior image detail, exceptionally vibrant, life-like images, reduced noise, and optimized color and contrast, even on Blu-ray discs. With the BRAVIA Engine 3 you'll experience a picture so real you'll want to touch it.
Footnote
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs © 2009 Sony Pictures Animation Inc. All Rights Reserved.
![]() |
Comparison Specifications
- 55" diagonal screen size
- 16:9 native aspect ratio
- Viewing angle: 178° up/down, 178° left/right
- 3D-capable (with optional 3D Sync Transmitter)
- 4 HDMI v1.4 inputs (2 front, 2 side)
- 1 USB 2.0 input, 1 ethernet input
- Invisible Speaker system with Sound Elevation
- Audio: 20W total (2 speakers x 10W each)
- Mounting: Includes tabletop stand; VESA compatible (300 x 300)
- Includes remote control (RM-YD040); BRAVIA Sync
Additional Specifications
- 24p True Cinema technology
- BRAVIA Engine 3 technology
- 240Hz Motionflow PRO technology
- 2 composite video inputs (1 rear, 1 side), 2 component video inputs (both rear), 1 PC input
- 4 analog audio inputs (3 rear, 1 side), 1 optical digital output, 1 RF input
- ENERGY STAR compliant
- Xross Media Bar (XMB) interface
- 5.1-channel audio output (digital)
- Dolby Digital
- Sound Enhancer
Manufacturer Specifications
- SteadySound automatic volume control
- On/Off timer, Sleep timer
- Parental controls
- Deep Color
- Wi-Fi ready with adapter
- DLNA compliant
- BRAVIA Internet Video
- Edge-lit LED lighting
- Swivel: Up to 20° L/R
Dimensional Specifications
- Dimensions (with/without stand): 50.38"/50.38" W x 31.50"/30.13" H x 13.88"/2.88" D
- Weight (with/without stand): 59.3/49.8 lbs
Sony KDL-55HX800 Warranty Details
1-year limited manufacturer's parts and labor warranty
