Sony KDS-55A2000

SXy beast

Sony's latest rear-projection TV uses brand-new, piping-hot SXRD tech to deliver full-HD eye-candy on a whopping, 55-inch screen, at a price that's as jaw-dropping as its visuals.

Also boasting Bravia Engine Pro image processing and a digital tuner, this 1080p, wallet-friendly giant does have a trade-off in terms of size, being bulkier than an equivalent LCD or plasma and not wall-mountable, unless you have concave walls. This is a small price to pay, though, when you consider that there's no smearing during fast movement and the high contrast ratio means that dark areas retain definition and detail far superior to most LCDs.

Considering the pictures are so large, there's an amazing amount of detail. If we wanted to quibble, we'd say that this isn't quite as sharp as an LCD, that there's some graininess, and the sound's solid rather than spectacular, despite the inclusion of Virtual Dolby Surround. Sod that though - this TV is still truly lip-smacking with HD sources.

If you can fit one of these in your lounge, you have to consider getting one. Simple as that.

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