Sony is advertising their 40% "closer" aperture grille on their
XBR models. Can one assume that it makes a better TV picture
regardless of resolution and interlaced/progressive?

Calibrated one and no pixels at 3 screen heights.

Great display provided you understand it is quite small. Of course get it calibrated.

Richard F. Fisher
Have you been calibrated? ISF and HAA Trained
Mastertech Repair Corporation, Lawrenceville, GA
770-513-3987 E-Mail - help@mastertechtv.com
Factory Authorized Service
Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Toshiba, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL
Lumagen Scaling and Bravo D1 Dealer