XBR65X850D vs XBR65X930D; XBR55X850D vs XBR55X930D

Both the X850D and X930D are edge LED TVs but only the X930D utilizes Slim Backlight Drive technology, which is a grid array backlighting structure that features two LED rows, each with its own light guide plate. This system permits for a more accurate local dimming, and gives more control over light distribution across the panel in comparison to a standard edge LED TV such as the X850D, which has a single LED row, and only one light guide plate. Further, the X850D omits the local dimming in favor of frame dimming where the entire frame is dimmed as opposed to only the dark regions of the picture. This is further from optimal since it affects the brighter areas as well.

Although both are able to process and display High Dynamic Range (HDR) content, albeit only in the HDR-10 format, the HDR content will appear different on the X850D vs X930D. That is because the HDR metadata is mapped to the display characteristics of each of the two series. The X930D is capable of achieving brighter highlights and deeper shadows thanks to the X-tended Dynamic Range PRO. The X850D, on the other hand, doesn't have this technology. The result is roughly three times smaller dynamic range is comparison to the X930D. The low peak brightness and light black level lead to a lackluster HDR performance by the X850D. Considering the X850D uses an IPS (In-Plane Switching) type of panel, which have rather poor black levels, and it lacks local dimming, there isn't much you can do to improve the black level, besides having some ambient light on in the room during the night, thus preventing the black color from appearing gray. The X930D has VA (Vertical Alignment) type of panel, which means that it's natively capable of achieving deep black level, even prior to applying the local dimming. The X850D, however, has a wider off-axis viewing angle than the X930D.

TRILUMINOS Display is employed by the X930D, as well as the X850D, so both series have bright and saturated colors, which is especially noticeable with HDR content. Despite not including any 3D shutter glasses, the X930D supports the active 3D technology. The X850D lacks any 3D capabilities.

The X930D has a 2.2 channel speaker system and a total of 30 Watts (7.5W x 2 + 7.5W x 2) audio power. The X850D, in the 55 and 65-inch class, has a 2 channel speaker system. The sound output power is 20 Watts (10W x 2). Unlike the X930D, the two X850D models lack a woofer, so the bass is not particularly deep. This, however, doesn't apply to the 75-inch class X850D model, which has the 2.2 channel speaker system of the X930D, and the same total audio power of 30 Watts (7.5W x 2 + 7.5W x 2). The speakers are down firing + bass reflex on all of them series except for the 85-inch X850D model, which has a long duct type of speakers.