Showing posts with label HDTVs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HDTVs. Show all posts

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Sony Bravia W-Series KDL-52W4100

Sony Bravia W-Series KDL-52W4100 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

Sony Bravia W-Series KDL-52W4100 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV
From Sony

Price: Too low to display
52" widescreen HDTV (16:9 aspect ratio) * high-gloss black finish * built-in digital (ATSC) and analog (NTSC) tuners for over-the-air TV broadcasts (antenna required) * built-in QAM cable TV tuner receives unscrambled programs without a set-top box (cable service required) * 1920 x 1080 pixels * 2 component video (accepts signals up to 1080p) *
Product Details
  • Brand: Sony
  • Model: KDL-52W4100
  • Dimensions: 4.80" h x 49.80" w x 32.80" l, 71.00 pounds
  • Display size: 52
Features
  • 16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution (1920x1080p) LCD Panel
  • Motionflow 120Hz - clear, smooth motion for DVDs, TV
  • DMex compatible; allows seamless feature upgrades
  • Enhanced XMB with 3D graphics incl. TV Guide
  • HDMI x4, HD Component x2, PC Input
Customer Reviews

Sony Bravia5

Excellent and speedy delivery. Ordered it on Saturday and it was delivered and set up on Wednesday (4 days). Very easy to set up. Very intuitive controls, instructions and features. Excellent speakers. Excellent picture. We do not have cable; the TV is hooked up to our old $19.99 set of rabbit ear antennas. We get all the free broadcast HDTV programming without any difficulty and with excellent reception. Very easy to connect laptop to set. DVD and VCR hook-ups also very easy.

The Heat is On!1

Excellent picture quality 5/5 stars...makes most Blu-Ray movies look like it was recorded from digital camcorder. Games on my PS3 or XBox360 looks fantastic. Here's the big but...
Within an hr the tv is on...room starts getting hot. Its a noticeable source for heat...like a little furnace. On top of the TV gets real hot with heat blowing out of it and the whole tv feels hot...so if you're putting this in a non-circulatory entertainment room you will feel it.

Great TV5

Obviously you've gotta shop and compare various manufacturers to formulate your own opinion. I did that, went to various stores and compared side by side. I feel this Sony, if not the best, then certainly should rank up there with the best. The picture (HD) is near perfect. The non-glare screen works out very nice since it's in a brightly lit room. The on-screen menus are easy to use and when you pair it up to other Sony equipment (say a A/V receiver and Blueray DVD) the controls are flawless. Amazons price guarantee worked very well too. I received (you have to call) 3 price reduction refund credits during the 30 day period from the time the product shipped and they amounted to another $100 in savings. If you're afraid of a price drop, don't be. Buy during a low sale price then keep an eye on it for the next 30 days. The price of these can change daily. The only complaint I have was with the shipping. The item shipped and arrived quickly. The problem? You're supposed to be notified by the carrier and given a "window" when the TV will arrive. I never received a call. I got a call from the delivery driver when he was 5 minutes from my house and that was the first call I received. It was approximately 10:40 pm. Who normally makes deliveries at that time of the night? It was a bit hectic, but all in all turned out to be a terrific transaction for a quality product.




Read Customer Reviews...

Sony Bravia XBR-Series KDL-37XBR6

Sony Bravia XBR-Series KDL-37XBR6 37-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

Sony Bravia XBR-Series KDL-37XBR6 37-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
From Sony

List Price: $1,499.99
Price: $1,181.19
The Sony KDL-37XBR6 37" BRAVIA XBR(R) LCD HDTV features Full HD 1080p, BRAVIA Engine 2 digital video processing, Advanced Contrast Enhancer circuit (ACE), 24p True Cinema capable, enhanced XMB user interface, and BRAVIA Sync with a piano black gloss black finish. Unlike lower resolution products that need to down convert high definition content to a lower level to display properly, the KDL-37XBR6 with its native 1920x1080 display, has the flexibility to display the highest definition content at the highest 1080p HDTV resolution. Dynamic Noise Reduction intelligently identifies and dramatically reduces noise in the signal according to the motion and brightness of each scene for clearer, crisper images. Sony's Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE) uses real-time image processing to dynamically adjust backlight levels for improved contrast without masking details the filmmaker intended you to see. ACE delivers deep blacks in darker scenes, as well as fine details in shadows and other dark areas of the picture for a difference you can truly see. MPEG Noise Reduction Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE) Technology 3D Comb Filter CineMotion Reverse 3 - 2 Pulldown Technology Steady Sound Automatic Volume Control HDMI-CEC Menu Button PC Input PIP (Picture in Picture) Parental Control V-Chip Multiple Language Display - English, Spanish, and French Ports - 1 AC-In (Rear), 1 RF Connection Input (Rear), 3 Composite Video Inputs (1 Side/2 Rear), 1 S-Video Input (Rear), 2 Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Inputs (Rear), 4 HDMI Connections (1 Side/3 Rear), 1 PC In (D-Sub) + Audio In (Stereo Mini) (Rear), 6 Analog Audio Inputs (1 Side/5 Rear), 1 Audio Out (Rear), Digital Audio Output, 1 Optical Digital Output (Rear), 1 Headphone Output (Side), HDMI PC Input, and RS-232C Control Dimensions - 36.3 x 24.1 x 4.4 (920x610x110mm) / 36.3 x 25.6 x 11 (920x649x279mm) with pedestal; Weight - 40 pounds (18 kg) / 47 pounds (21 kg)

Product Details

  • Brand: Sony
  • Model: KDL-37XBR6
  • Released on: 2008-05-20
  • Dimensions: 4.40" h x 36.30" w x 24.10" l, 40.00 pounds
  • Display size: 37

Features

  • 16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution (1920x1080p) LCD Panel
  • DMex compatible; allows seamless feature upgrades
  • Bravia Sync (Enhanced HDMI-CEC)
  • Enhanced XMB with 3D graphics incl. TV Guide
  • HDMI x4, HD Component x2, PC Input


Customer Reviews

Excellent LCD HDTV5

The Sony Bravia 37" LCD HDTV is what you'd expect from Sony - not cheap, but outstanding quality. The picture is superb, with the highest resolution currently available (not that most sources can provide it yet), and no blurring during action scenes (at least to my eyes).

There's a large number and variety of inputs that should match anyone's needs, and outputs for audio if you wan't to send it to a receiver. I have it hooked to a TIVO Series 3 and an Onkyo Audio/Video receiver.

THE BEST YET5

ALWAYS A SONY PERSON. ALWAY ENDING UP BY THE TIME I GET IT HOME THERE IS A NEW ONE.

NOT THIS TIME. BOUGHT IT THE DAY IT WAS AVALIBLE. ONE ONLY NEEDS TO LOOK what sony charges for FIVE YEAR IN HOME SEE WHAT SONY CHARGES FOR 5 YEAR WARRANTY.

$ 179.00. I can still remember warrenties that ran in the thousands of dollars.

This now is the STANDERD. From now on tv will be better or worse than XBR6. Enjoy this it doesn't get any better.

Outstanding HDTV - but where is Sony quality these days?4

This HDTV is outstanding. But, where is the Sony quality these days? Within two days this TV developed a vertical pixel line and that means it is defective - therefore 4 stars instead of 5. Amazon is replacing, but what happened to Sony quality. This is my second Sony purchase in the past few months that I have not been satisfied with. Thank goodness for Amazon customer service.

TV has all the up-to-date inputs and outputs. Very attractive package, highest quality screen that I have ever seen in the competition.



Read Customer Reviews...

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Samsung LN40A550 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

Samsung LN40A550 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

Samsung LN40A550 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
From Samsung

Price: Too low to display

40" widescreen HDTV (16:9 aspect ratio) * high-gloss black finish * built-in digital (ATSC) and analog (NTSC) tuners for over-the-air TV broadcasts (antenna required) * built-in QAM cable TV tuner receives unscrambled programs without a set-top box (cable service required) * 1920 x 1080 pixels *

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #20 in Consumer Electronics
  • Color: Black
  • Brand: Samsung
  • Model: LN-40A550
  • Dimensions: 24.70" h x 3.60" w x 39.20" l, 54.50 pounds
  • Display size: 40

Features

  • Full HD 1080p Resolution
  • Wide Color Enhancer
  • 3 HDMI Inputs
  • USB 2.0
  • HDMI-CDC


Customer Reviews

Love the Samsung4
Very happy with the TV. Great picture especially in HD. Non-HD channels actually look worse than a regular tv. Not sure why. It's not this tv's fault, I think they're all like that. Nice looking set. Works great with plugging in a laptop computer and surfing the net etc. hooking up a digital camera and viewing pics in high res, also easy to hook up games etc. PS2 games don't take advantage of the 1080 res, so they actually don't look that great, like regular tv broadcast. I think a PS3 or Xbox 360 would need to be used to get the full effect. Took the stand off and mounted it to a wall, which was pretty easy. Bought a Sony HTCT 100 which improved the sound greatly. I don't use the internal speakers. Not that great. Try the Sony. Amazon had an excellent price and the unit was delivered quickly and taken out of the box by the delivery men.
Highly recommended! Will buy more Samsungs in the future.

Excellent television at its price point5
I spent a few weeks looking at various LCD and plasma television sets in my local BB and CC to get a feel for what was out there. I followed that up with another couple of weeks of research online into the models I was considering. After looking at the feature sets on various models, I decided to go with the LN40A550 and ordered one from Amazon. The delivery service was polite and fast and they were willing to work around my schedule to arrange a drop off time.

The television itself is pretty awesome, overall. The picture quality, from my unprofessional perspective, is at least on par with a large number of the plasma sets I looked at. The blacks are as black as I've seen on an LCD and there is no perceptible motion blur. The matte surface is excellent at handling the glare from windows opposite the telivision, which has been a blessing for me as I cannot rearrange the room. I will agree with some of the other reviewers, though, that the sound quality from this television leaves MUCH to be desired. The speakers aren't too bad, actually, but they are aimed downward and this causes significant muffling of the sound. I'm lucky enough to have also purchased a set of speakers and an audio/video receiver, allowing me to avoid using the television's speakers entirely.

I am a pretty avid gamer and this screen is excellent for gaming. In game mode there is no perceptible input lag and almost no motion blur at all (some can be detected on occasion but still much better than my older LCD television). I do wish that the different modes didn't gray out most of the configuration options, though. Game mode is required to reduce input lag but the lack of tweaking that can be done to the picture in this mode is irritating. It gives one the option of either enjoying no input lag and putting up with oversaturated colors or putting up with input lag in order to gain control over the color settings.

All in all this is an excellent television and I would purchase it again. The new Samsung models are pretty appetizing, though, and I'd recommend anyone looking at this model to also take a look at their most recent offerings.

Some Surprises4
Have had this TV for about a month now. Amazon delivery was great. They took it out of the box, hooked it up and tried it to make sure it worked with no problems. Could tell they were in a hurry but that is understandable. They did what was necessary and I am completely satisfied with the delivery.
The TV operates great no real problems. There seems to be a great variation in quality of signals coming in. I am hooked up with HDMI. HD channels are great but hard to watch SD after watching the HD. SD is nothing to brag about. My viewing distance is usually about 6 feet as I watch most of the time from my computer chair. Sitting a couple feet farther away does help with the SD. 6 feet is fine for HD.

I was pleasantly surprised by a couple things. The sound is much better than I thought it would be after reading all the negative reviews. A tip to others, there are 5 settings for audio you can try. They are Standard, Music, Movie,Speech and Custom. Check those out to find which one sounds the best to you. Check "Equalizer" and you will see what the settings are for each. Use the best settings as a starting point and use the "Custom" setting to fine tune. Worked for me. Also I am surprised at the quality of the video from a sharp angle. It is just as good as our 50 inch Plasma Panasonic. Overall I am very satisfied with this TV, it works great with my new compact Samsung DVD player and also flawlessly with my JVC VHS player. I give 4 stars because I think the SD should be better but it may be the quality of the signals. HD is Excellent with satellite signal and also Excellent with over-the-air local channels. The Olympics were fantastic with over-the air HD.


Read Customer Reviews...

Samsung LN52A650 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Samsung LN52A650 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color

Samsung LN52A650 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color
From Samsung Price: Too low to display


52" widescreen HDTV (16:9 aspect ratio) * Touch of Color high-gloss "rose black" finish * built-in digital (ATSC) and analog (NTSC) tuners for over-the-air TV broadcasts (antenna required) * built-in QAM cable TV tuner receives unscrambled programs without a set-top box (cable service required) * Ultra Clear LCD panel (1920 x 1080 pixels) *

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #13 in Consumer Electronics
  • Color: Black
  • Brand: Samsung
  • Model: LN-52A650
  • Dimensions: 31.70" h x 4.10" w x 50.20" l, 66.40 pounds
  • Display size: 52

Features

  • Touch of Color Bezel
  • Full HD 1080p Resolution
  • 120Hz Auto Motion Plus
  • 4 HDMI Inputs
  • Super Clear Panel

Editorial Reviews

Manufacturer's Description
Samsung adds a Touch of Color to a blazing-fast 4ms response time and rich connectivity features to redefine the role HDTVs play in the home with its forward-looking Series 6 (A650) and Series 7 (A750) LCD HDTVs. Utilizing the award-winning technologies found in all Samsung HDTVs, Series 6 and 7 HDTVs deliver unparalleled picture quality and enhanced connectivity and networking capabilities that create a true entertainment hub for any home. Series 7 takes networking and multimedia management to a whole new level. Consumers can easily enjoy MPEG and JPEG files stored on external devices by connecting through a side-mounted USB 2.0, turning their LCD into a full-scale home viewing gallery, or connect their MP3 players for a dynamic audio experience.

lifestyleKey Features

  • New -- 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio: up from 25,000:1 on 2007 models (Learn more)
  • New -- Blazing 4ms response time: down from 8ms on 2007 models thanks to a new high-speed liquid crystal
  • New -- Transparent and Opaque Color (TOC) bezel with infused color creates an ultra-sleek shape and appearance (Learn more)
  • New -- InfoLink: Get free RSS feeds of news, weather and sports right to your HDTV with a built-in Ethernet port (Learn more)
  • New -- 4 HDMI 1.3 ports: Simplay compliant, and up from 3 on 2007 models (Learn more)
  • New -- Sports and Game modes boost on-screen performance and interaction with the latest gaming systems
  • New -- Side-mounted USB 2.0 port: connect USB devices directly to your HDTV to view JPEG photos or MPEG movies or easily listen to your MP3 player through your HDTV's audio system or your home theater system.
  • New -- Compatible with Samsung's Home Digital Media Adapter (sold separately) for playback and navigation of Internet and stored PC multimedia
  • Full 1080p HD (Learn more)
  • Automotion Plus 120Hz image interpolation technology provides smoother motion (Learn more)
  • 178-degree viewing angle from all four axes with Super Patterned Vertical Alignment (Learn more)
  • Better clear panel technology for deeper blacks and more vibrant colors (Learn more)
  • Hidden speakers with SRS TruSurround XT audio (Learn more)
  • Cold Cathode Flourescent Lamp (CCFL) and Wide Color Enhancer technology offer a wider color range (Learn more)
  • Picture-in-Picture (PIP) enables convenient simultaneous viewing of TV programs and video or PC sources
  • V-Chip system1 allows blocking of rated TV and movie programs determined by the parent to contain objectionable content.
  • Trilingual on-screen displays in English, Spanish or French.
  • Variable sleep timer to turn the TV off in varying time intervals.
  • Auto wall mount compatible: 3-dimensional operation via TV’s remote control; no external IR receiver required.
  • Swivel stand included
  • 1 year parts and 1 year labor warranty (90 days parts and labor for commercial use), with in-home service, backed by Samsung toll-free support.

Step-Up Features

  • Series 7: Internal flash memory (1GB) with pre-loaded interactive content such as cooking recipes, children's entertainment, HD artwork and more, Integrated woofer for an enhanced audio experience, DLNA-Compatibility for better interopability with electronics, computers and mobile devices from many different manufacturers (Learn more)
  • Comparison of Features for various Samsung LCD HDTV models
  • What size TV should you get?

Learn More

Touch of Color

Touch of Color Samsung’s Series 6 marks the first appearance of TOC (Touch of Color) design in the 2008 LCD HDTV line-up. Inspired by designs from the automotive and fashion industries, Samsung’s unique unique Transparent and Opaque Color molding process creates a clean, smooth finish infused with a hint of a translucent color during the manufacturing process for an ultra-sleek appearance.

InfoLink

Touch of Color Up-to-the-minute access to weather, news, sports and stock information is just a cable and a click away through the HDTV’s Ethernet port and new InfoLink RSS service. An all-new user interface with digital contents management guide provides intuitive navigation and access to both internal and external content.

Auto Motion Plus 120Hz

auto motion plus 120Hz
automotion graph

Super Clear Panel

clear panel chart

super clear panel
Samsung enhances the clarity of select LCD HDTVs by replacing the light-diffusing plastic face of traditional LCD HDTVs with a natural black panel with a clear anti-glare shield. Reduced reflection of external light creates a new dimension in image clarity, highlighting black and darkened areas, enabling vibrant, more compelling colors and a brighter, clearer picture. Black will never again appear grayish. Black details will show in vivid black even in dark scenes.

The latest version of Samsung’s breakthrough super clear panel technology makes colors appear more vibrant and blacks even deeper than ever. Enhanced films reduce glare and optimize off-angle viewing.


50,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio/500 nit Brightness

25,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio 50,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio will give you a picture better than you ever thought possible, with whiter whites, blacker blacks and a nearly infinite subtlety of gradations in between. As two of the most important determining factors in overall picture quality, contrast and brightness levels achieve new heights in this latest generation LCD panel. Samsung’s new LCD TV’s give the most stunning realistic picture quality ever.

Full HD 1080P

full HD 1080P Full HD, or 1080p, contains 1.5 times more scanning lines than conventional HD TVs. More scanning lines mean more pixels, more details and a better picture. The new Samsung LCD TV with resolution that is approximately 2 times greater than conventional HDTVs, creating the most perfect picture imaginable.

Samsung’s 1080p panel uses a new high-speed liquid crystal to cut response time to 4ms. The fast response time, coupled with Samsung’s Auto Motion Plus 120Hz motion blur reduction technology dramatically reduces motion blur and judder.
1080p

Digital Natural Image Engine

DNIe image DNIe™ The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine. This exclusive Samsung technology dramatically improves the picture by enhancing the contrast, detail, white balance and reduces.


Wide Color Enhancer/Cold Cathode Flourescent Lamp

The NTSC (National Television Systems Committee) has established the color standards all TVs in America try to meet. And typical LCD TVs only meet about 72% of this standard. Samsung LCD HDTVs use Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp backlights to give you 92% coverage of the NTSC standard, ensuring truer, more breathlessly vivid colors.

Samsung’s exclusive Wide Color Enhancer technology delivers more brilliant colors, even in bright areas of the picture where blues and greens are washed out on conventional screens. The system displays wider color reproduction, showing you truer colors – the fresh green of spring foliage, the intense blue of the summer sky.
wide color enhancer wide color enhancer wide color enhancer wide color enhancer

Connectivity

wiselink

Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA)

DLNA logo

dlna daisy chain
You already know something about digital living. There’s the TV and digital video recorder in your family room. (And another set in your bedroom.) You have a PC and digital printer in your office, along with a network attached storage device. And you’ve copied all your music onto your portable music player and haven’t had to open a CD case for years. But getting them to talk to each other can be pretty tough. Why is it still so difficult to send digital content from one device to another?

Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a collaboration of the world’s leading consumer electronics, PC and mobile companies that has created design guidelines for a new generation of products that can work together — no matter the brand.

Think for a moment about all of the photos "locked away" on your home PC that you wish you could access while entertaining your friends and family. Now, thanks to DLNA enabled devices, a DLNA-enabled PC can be accessed from the comfort of your living room or family room via a DLNA-enabled HDTV, where you can enjoy your memories with friends and family, without having to deal with the hassle and non-intuitive "PCexperience".

Or, say you recently downloaded your daughter’s birthday party video from your digital camcorder to your PC. Now you want to share it with your parents who are visiting. Without DLNA, you probably have to burn a DVD of the video or hook up the camcorder to the TV. With DLNA, you can just use your TV’s remote to call up the video on your TV. That’s it.


Super Patterned Vertical Alignment

wide angle
Samsung’s Super Patterned Vertical Alignment (SPVA) panel provides a 178-degree viewing angle from all four axes

Audio Features

TruSurround is a patented SRS technology that solves the problem of playing 5.1 multichannel content over two speakers. TruSurround delivers a compelling, virtual surround sound experience through any two-speaker playback system, including internal television speakers and headphones. It is fully compatible with all multichannel formats up to 5.1 channels. High-quality virtual surround sound can be experienced with just the two hidden, downward-firing side-mounted 2.2-channel dome speakers built into the TV.

SRS TruSurround XT technology delivers an amazing, simulated 3D effect with clear dialog and powerful bass.

TruSurround XT audio also adds three audio enhancement technologies to produce an amazingly immersive sound experience.
Stereo broadcast reception is offered for MTS and SAP with 181-channel capacity. A sound leveler keeps audio volume consistent during channel changing.

Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?

HDTV Size chart
With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience. If you know the size of the room you have already, where you want to sit, and where your new HDTV should go once you get it, you can figure out the size HDTV you should get.
  • Minimum size = Viewing distance/3
  • Maximum size=Viewing distance/1.5

Which Samsung LCD HDTV is Right for You?

Series 3

Look at Series 3 LCD HDTVs
19- and 22-inch Models
  • 3,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • 8 ms response time
  • HDMI 1.3 port: Simplay compliant
  • PC Input port
  • 2 Hidden 3-watt speakers with SRS TruSurround XT audio
  • Wide Color Enhancer technology and Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (CCFL) offer a wider color range
  • V-Chip system allows blocking of rated TV and movie programs determined by the parent to contain objectionable content.
  • Trilingual on-screen displays in English, Spanish or French.
  • Variable sleep timer to turn the TV off in varying time intervals.
  • Auto wall mount compatible: 3-dimensional operation via TV’s remote control; no external IR receiver required.
  • 1 year parts and 1 year labor warranty (90 days parts and labor for commercial use), with in-home service, backed by Samsung toll-free support
26-inch Model Adds
  • 2 HDMI 1.3 ports
  • 5,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • 5-watt speakers
32-, 37- and 40-inch Models Add
  • 8,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • 6 ms response time: down from 8ms on 2007 models thanks to a new high-speed liquid crystal
  • 178-degree viewing angle from all four axes with Super Patterned Vertical Alignment
  • Swivel stand included

Series 4 Adds

Look at Series 4 LCD HDTVs
  • 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • Third HDMI 1.3 port (3 total, 2 rear/1 side)
  • A/V inputs: 1 rear/ 1 side
  • DNIe Digital Natural Image Engine improves the picture by enhancing the contrast, detail, and white balance

Series 5 Adds

Look at Series 5 LCD HDTVs
  • 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • AutoMotion Plus 120Hz image interpolation for smoother motion
  • 4ms response time
  • Transparent and Opaque Color (TOC) bezel
  • Ethernet port with Infolink free RSS feeds
  • 4 HDMI 1.3 ports
  • Compatible with Samsung's Home Digital Media Adapter for playback and navigation of Internet and stored PC multimedia

Series 6 Adds

Look at Series 6 LCD HDTVs
19- and 22-inch Models
  • New -- Transparent and Opaque Color (TOC) bezel with infused color creates an ultra-sleek shape and appearance
  • 720p HD
  • 5,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • 8 ms response time
  • HDMI 1.3 port: Simplay compliant
  • Component and PC Input
  • Stereo Speakers (3 Watts per channel)with SRS TruSurround XT audio
  • Cold Cathode Flourescent Lamp (CCFL) and Wide Color Enhancer technology offer a wider color range
  • V-Chip system1 allows blocking of rated TV and movie programs determined by the parent to contain objectionable content.
  • Trilingual on-screen displays in English, Spanish or French.
  • Variable sleep timer to turn the TV off in varying time intervals.
  • Auto wall mount compatible: 3-dimensional operation via TV’s remote control; no external IR receiver required.
  • Swivel stand included
  • 1 year parts and 1 year labor warranty (90 days parts and labor for commercial use), with in-home service, backed by Samsung toll-free support.
  • Rear-mounted USB 2.0 port: connect USB devices directly to your HDTV to view JPEG photos or MPEG movies or easily listen to your MP3 player through your HDTV's audio system or your home theater system.
32-inch Model Adds
  • Full 1080p HD
  • 15,000:1 Dynamic contrast ratio
  • 5 ms response time
  • New -- InfoLink: Get free RSS feeds of news, weather and sports right to your HDTV with a built-in Ethernet port
  • 178-degree viewing angle from all four axes with Super Patterned Vertical Alignment
  • 4 HDMI 1.3 port: Simplay compliant, and up from 3 on 2007 models (Learn more)
  • 2 Component inputs
  • Wiselink
  • Wheel Key Remote
  • Ultra Clear Panel technology for deeper blacks and more vibrant colors
  • Hidden, downward-firing speakers
  • Entertainment, Sports and Game modes boost on-screen performance and interaction with the latest gaming systems
  • Picture-in-Picture (PIP) enables convenient simultaneous viewing of TV programs and video or PC sources
40-, 46-, and 52-inch Models Add
  • New -- 50,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio: up from 25,000:1 on 2007 models
  • New -- 4 ms response time: down from 8ms on 2007 models thanks to a new high-speed liquid crystal
  • Automotion Plus 120Hz image interpolation technology provides smoother motion

Series 7 Adds

Look at Series 7 LCD HDTVs
  • Full 1080p HD
  • up to 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • 5 ms response time
  • USB 2.0 port: connect devices directly to your HDTV--view JPEG photos or MPEG movies or easily listen to your MP3 player through your HDTV's audio system or your home theater system

Series 8 Adds

Look at Series 8 LCD HDTVs
Coming Late 2009

Series 9 Adds

Look at Series 8 LCD HDTVs
Coming Late 2009



Read Customer Reviews...

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-42V4100 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Reviews


Ready for HD done the Sony way? Sony's KDL-42V4100 brings 1080p picture quality home with amazing, Sony-exclusive features like the latest version of Sony's respected BRAVIA Engine fully Digital video processor, which uses a collection of unique SONY algorithms to significantly reduce noise and produce sharp, vibrant, life-like images. With Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE) you get real-time image processing to dynamically adjust backlight levels for improved Contrast without masking details the filmmaker intended you to see. ACE delivers deep blacks in darker scenes, as well as fine details in shadows and other dark areas of the picture for a difference you can truly see. Add to that a sophisticated, piano black design, 24p capability so you can get the most out of the movies you watch on Blu-ray and DVD, 4 HDMI inputs along with three other HD-capable connections, enhanced Xross Media Bar(TM) with 3D graphics and integrated TV Guide program information, built-in DMeX functionality, and what you have is a television that can bring dreams to life. BRAVIA Engine fully Digital video processor 24p True Cinema capable DMeX capable New TV Guide IPG New Enhanced (XMB) User Interface with Rich 3D Graphics BRAVIA Sync capable S-Force Front Surround Voice Zoom Dolby Digital V-Chip Parental Control VESA hole spacing compatible Piano Gloss Black color 1-Year Limited Warranty Input Ports - 4 x HDMI (1 Side/3 Rear), RF Connection, 3 x Composite Video (1 Side/2 Rear), S-Video, 2 x Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Input, PC in (D-Sub) + Audio In (Stereo Mini), 6 x Analog Audio Input (1 Side/5 Rear), Audio Out, Optical Digital Out, Headphone Jack Approximate Unit Dimensions - 28.4 (H) x 40.8 (W) x 12.1 (D) with Pedestal Approximate Unit Weight - 63 pounds
Product Details
  • Color: Black
  • Brand: Sony
  • Model: KDL-42V4100
  • Dimensions: 26.80" h x 4.40" w x 40.80" l, 63.00 pounds
  • Display size: 42
Features
  • 16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution (1920x1080p) LCD Panel
  • DMex compatible; allows seamless feature upgrades
  • BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI-CEC)
  • Enhanced XMB with 3D graphics incl. TV Guide
  • HDMI x4, HD Component x2, PC Input
The BRAVIA V-Series HDTVs add an easy-to-use graphic interface and digital expandable to premium Full HD 1080p performance with Sony's Xross Media bar interface.

Thanks to some great new features V-Series HDTVs make the user experience more fun. Sony’s rich graphics make accessing video content and digital
images colorful, fun and easy to do. TV channels, inputs, and digital images can be quickly accessed and enjoyed by the entire family. When the family wants to find out what’s on TV and to quickly access it things get a whole easier with the integration of TV Guide’s Interactive Program Guide (IPG) into Sony’s exclusive Xross Media Bar (XMB) user interface. TV Guide On Screen delivers updated program listings to users. BRAVIA Sync includes BRAVIA Theatre Sync HDMI-CEC functions along with the added functionality of controlling BRAVIA Syncenabled camcorders right on the TV screen using the BRAVIA HDTV’s remote control. No more getting up and down from the comfort of your easy chair to fast forward through those forgettable moments or rewind back to those magic memories. Sit back. Relax. Enjoy life with BRAVIA V-Series HDTVs.

Key Features

  • New: TV Guide IPG (Learn more)
  • New: Enhanced (XMB) User Interface with Rich 3D Graphics (Learn more)
  • 16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution Panel (1920 x 1080p) (Learn more)
  • BRAVIA Engine fully digital video processor (Learn more)
  • Advanced Contrast Enhancer circuit (ACE) (Learn more)
  • 24p True Cinema capable
  • DMeX capable (Learn more)
  • BRAVIA Sync capable (Learn more)
  • S-Force Front Surround Voice Zoom (Learn more)
  • Robust Connectivity with 4 HDMI inputs, 2 HD Component inputs, and a PC Input (Learn more)
  • Piano Gloss Black color
  • Remote: RM-YD023
  • Voice Zoom
Which Bravia HDTV is Right for You?
  • Comparison chart of features for all Sony Bravia HDTV Series
  • What size TV should I get?

Full HD 1080p

Full HD 1080p logoFull HD 1080p means our connections accept 1080p signals and the display will render that signal in Full HD 1080p. The flexibility of native 1920 x 1080 displays allows any high definition content to be viewed without the need to downconvert images to the native resolution of the display. Take full advantage of Blu-ray Disc players and PlayStation 3 systems that can deliver 1080p content.

(Found in S, V, W, Z, and XBR Series HDTVs)

Go back to list of all features.

Digital Media Extender (DMex)

Sony's Digital Media Extender (DMex) offers a digital connection path for optional modules like the BRAVIA Internet Video Link, as well as other modules you can add in the future. Innovative DMex expansion capabilities integrate into the award-winning XMB user interface making HDTVs a powerful entertainment platform that not only meets current needs, but expands to meet tomorrow’s needs as well.

Go back to list of all features.

BRAVIA Engine Technology

The latest version of Sony’s respected BRAVIA Engine fully digital video processor uses a collection of unique SONY algorithms to significantly reduce noise and produce sharp, vibrant, life-like images.
  • Dynamic Noise Reduction: Intelligently identifies and dramatically reduces noise in the signal according to the motion and brightness of each scene for clearer, crisper images.
  • Detail Enhancement: Improved image enhancement algorithms render greater overall detail.
  • Contrast Enhancement: Works with the Advanced Contrast Enhancer circuit to optimize the contrast for every scene to create better depth and reality.
BRAVIA Engine technology optimizes the color, contrast, detail and clarity of every scene for the exceptional performance that BRAVIA HDTVs are known for.

Go back to list of all features.

Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE)

Part of the cinematic drama in film-making comes from details found in shadows and dark areas of the picture. Sony’s Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE)n uses real-time image processing to dynamically adjust backlight levels for improved contrast without masking details the filmmaker intended you to see. ACE delivers deep blacks in darker scenes, as well as fine details in shadows and other dark areas of the picture for a difference you can truly see.

Go back to list of all features.

24p True Cinema

Movies and many prime time TV programs are shot at 24 frames per second. This means that TVs operating at any refresh rate that is not an even multiple of 24 will have to do some interpolation to present the content. TVs operating at at 30Hz or 60Hz traditionally solved this via a method called "2:3 pulldown". The television repeats the first film frame over the first two fields of video, and the second film frame over the next three fields of video (1, 1, 2, 2, 2), and continues to do this with the 3rd and 4th frames, the 5th and 6th framer (1,1,2,2,2 - 3,3,4,4,4 - 5,5,6,6,6), and so on until 24 frames are displayed over 60 refresh cycles. This discrepancy in the number of times frames are displayed can lead to a jerky motion in filmed material which some viewers notice for example, especially with scenes that pan.

120, on the other hand, is an even multiple of 24. Ttelevisions with 24p capability, operating at 120Hz, can display an equal number of frames for every refresh cycle.

The benefit— You can watch movies in natural, cinematic motion, the way they are seen at the cinema. Every single frame of the movie can now be seen without using additional video processing that converts film-based images to video reproduction. Additionally, 24p True Cinema input capability can be used along with Motionflow™ 120Hz technology for outstanding fluid motion beyond what you would typically see at the cinema. Once you experience 24p video it will be hard to view video without it.

(Found in S, V, W, Z, and XBR Series HDTVs).

Sony's Blu-ray disc players wisely take advantage of this by including 24p output capability.

Go back to list of all features.

Rich Graphic On-Screen Control Interface

Delivering a fun user experience is what the new rich graphics are designed to do. Accessing video content and sharing digital photos with your family and friends on an HDTV is now fast, easy and fun. Colorful thumbnails cascade before your eyes allowing you to visually choose what you want to see. Viewing digital images through Sony’s photo viewer is now more organized and can be quickly accessed.

Go back to list of all features.

TV Guide On-Screen Interactive Program Guide

TV GUIDE logo The TV Guide On-screen IPG delivers continually updated program listings to users. The guide requires no subscription fees or phone connection and is available at no extra cost to the consumer. Sony is the first company to integrate the TV Guide On-Screen User Interface into a custom interface — Sony’s exclusive Xross Media Bar user interface.

(Found in all V, W, Z, and XBR Series HDTVs)

Go back to list of all features.

Connectivity

In 2007 Sony included HDMI CEC capability in select HDTV and BRAVIA Theatre Home Audio products, which led to a one-touch function Sony feature called BRAVIA Theatre Sync This feature allows the access and control multiple tasks and system operations with one button ease. BRAVIA Sync is now being introduced as the name for a new family of control features that not only includes BRAVIA Theatre Sync, but will now include BRAVIA Sync. This feature allows the user to control a CEC-enabled camcorder connected to a BRAVIA HDTV via an HDMI cable by using the HDTV’s remote control and an on-screen display that shows camcorder transport functions.

(Found in all V, W, Z, and XBR Series HDTVs)

All Connections
  • 4 HDMI — High Definition Multimedia
  • 2 component video inputs
  • PC Input: Limited to resolutions supported by both the PC and the Sony TV. See Sony TV users manual and PC documentation for supported resolutions.
Go back to list of all features.

Optimized Theater Mode

Developed in consultation with the Sony Pictures Entertainment movie studio, most 2008 Sony BRAVIA LCD HDTVs feature our optimized Theater Mode. Selecting the THEATER mode on the BRAVIA HDTV remote automatically adjusts a number of key elements that have an important impact on reproducing movies better. Skin tones and lighting are seen as natural without over-enhancing color and contrast. The picture is fine-tuned for a dark viewing environment just like the cinema and optimized for LCD display technology. Even the right amount of film grain is included. All of this helps preserve the mood and detail so you enjoy the cinema
experience that you go to the theater to see, right in the comfort of your home.

Optimized Theater Mode is another great example of Sony HDNA in action. We not only create the exciting movies that you see at the cinema but also enhance the home viewing experience to
recreate it as only Sony can.

(Found on most Sony BRAVIA LCD HDTVs.)

Note: Optimized "Theater Mode" was developed in consultation Columbia Pictures, a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

Go back to list of all features.

Audio Features

S-Force Front Surround
Built around a sophisticated set of Sony algorithms, the S-Force Front Surround enhancement function generates realistic surround sound from the two speakers in the TV. Unlike some other "virtual surround" technologies, S-Force Front Surround sound does not need to be bounced off of side walls or other surfaces to hear three-dimensional sound. No matter what the size or shape of the room it's possible to hear sounds from behind you.

SRS TruSurround XT
TruSurround is a patented SRS technology that solves the problem of playing 5.1 multichannel content over two speakers. TruSurround delivers a compelling, virtual surround sound experience through any two-speaker playback system, including internal television speakers and headphones. It is fully compatible with all multichannel formats up to 5.1 channels. High-quality virtual surround sound can be experienced with just the two hidden, downward-firing side-mounted 2.2-channel dome speakers built into the TV.

SRS TruSurround XT technology delivers an amazing, simulated 3D effect with clear dialog and powerful bass.

TruSurround XT audio also adds three audio enhancement technologies to produce an amazingly immersive sound experience.
Stereo broadcast reception is offered for MTS and SAP with 181-channel capacity. A sound leveler keeps audio volume consistent during channel changing.

Go back to list of all features.

Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?

size chart

With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience. If you know the size of the room you have already, where you want to sit, and where your new HDTV should go once you get it, you can figure out the size HDTV you should get.
  • Minimum size= Viewing distance/3
  • Maximum size=Viewing distance/1.5
Go back to list of all features.


Customer Reviews

Sony Bravia HD 42" LCD TV5

Received the TV it was packaged for shipping very well.
Took it to my computer room and connected it up and it worked very well from 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Suddenly it would not display the the upper HD Channels. I came to the conclusion that the new TV was not the problem. Somehow it had to be my newly installed COX HDMI receiver for the new TV. Contacted COX the next day they came out and located a filter that had been previously installed by COX in the line serving the modem for my computer and now the new Sony TV. After the COX one way filter was removed from the cable line I have enjoyed watching the HD channels very much on the new Sony HD LCD TV. Excellent clear 1080 pixcel pictures. Can't wait to watch the Olympic games this month on the newly received TV.

If you'd asked me yesterday...2

I'd have said I loved it. Excellent sound (without additional speakers); awesome color and sharpness with DVD and HD cable. Lots of little "extras" like variable sleep timer (up to 2 hours), timer settings (I've been known to use this as an alarm clock), dimmer options, ambient room lighting automatic adjustment option, many device inputs, and more.

HOWEVER. There's always a "however," isn't there? Mine is just 5 days old. I thought it was by far the best TV for the price (and I got mine very inexpensively indeed, thanks to my extended warranty on my old television). Then, today, it went white. The entire screen (even the black "bars" set around a 4:3 picture - I don't like to distort the image, so I leave bars) is a purplish-whitish-grey and it doesn't matter which input setting I use. Other televisions hooked up to the same inputs are fine - I checked. I wasted hours trying to get Customer Service or Technical Support at Sony. Finally, I contacted my vendor for a replacement, which they agreed to provide.

If it had lasted years, I'd have said nothing. If I had done something to the television, like dropped it, spilled something on it, or pushed some bizarre button sequence on the remote, it would have been my own fault. But I just got this thing five days ago, and the screen went white in the middle of my viewing a DVD. FIVE DAYS? That's a new low. And NO customer support from Sony - which just added insult to injury.

Since I have no way of knowing what actually went wrong with the screen, or how likely it is that I'll have this problem with the replacement, I will give this two stars (instead of one). But be careful if you choose to buy this item - and make sure you get a warranty!




Read Customer Reviews...