psimon's Full Review: Sony BRAVIA KDL-52W4100 52 in. HDTV TV
After years of watching a standard definition 27 inch TV, we decided to take the leap and move up to an HDTV. Given the size of the wall and room, we decided that around a 50 inch screen would be a good size. We also had to decide whether to go with a Plasma or LCD system. After doing our comparisons we decided that LCD was the way to go. The rule of thumb we read was that once you pass the mid 40 inch range, it was better to go with an LCD type TV. The picture is clearer and the contrast ratio is higher when you get to the larger sets using LCD technology.
We had always been very happy with Sony products and decided to check them out. We fell in love with the KDL52W4100 system. We saw it in a number of stores (Circuit City, Best Buy and a few others) and it always looked great compared to the competition. Christmas day Circuit City dramatically dropped the price and made me an offer I couldn't refuse. I made the jump. I am not unhappy.
First, this TV is identical to the V4100 model except for one feature, which I will get into later. Here are some of the basic specs: Out of the box, this unit comes with a TV stand, so out of the box it is ready to go. With the stand, as we are using it, the dimensions of the set are 49.75" x 34.375" x 13.75". If you decide to use it without the stand, it is 49.75" x 32.75" x 4.75". I can't explain why the set is narrower when hung vs. on the stand. With the stand, the unit weighs 84 pounds, and without it, 71 pounds. The W model uses 295W. The TV comes with the RM-YD023 remote.
The set is beautiful out of the box. Around the screen is a black plastic border, about 2 inches wide. Under the screen, on either side are the speakers on the outer edge. The speakers are 2.5" x 5.875". They are silver, but not a bright reflective silver... more of a satin finish. The audio is 10W per channel.
As to connectivity for this TV, in the rear, there are: * 3 HDMI inputs, one of which can be used as just a DVI connection, with the separate Audio in connectors. * 2 A/V inputs, one of which has an S-Video input * 2 Component inputs plus associated audio * 1 PC input to connect to a personal computer's video and audio output connector. * 1 DMEx USB port for service, or to connect to the optional Bravia external module * 1 Digital Audio Out, to connect the optical audio output of the TV to the optical audio input of your digital audio equipment that is PCM/Dolby Digital compatible. * 1 set of Analog audio output connectors so as to listen through your audio system. This output can be set to either a fixed or variable level. * 1 Coaxial RF input to connect to an antenna of cable system.
In addition to all of that, on the side of the set, for transient events there is an additional HDMI port, as well as additional Audio/Video connectors.
Setup for this TV is fairly simple. It's menu system is similar to that of a Sony PS3. When you first turn the unit on, it asks what language you want to use (choices are English, Spanish, or French).
The next step is the auto program function. It will scan to see what channels are available, both analog and digital through the coax input. If you are using an input other than coax, (A/V or HDMI, or plan to use a cable box as your tuner) you can skip the channel scanning/programming.
After that, all that is left is to set the current time and date, and to tell it where you are located, so the TV can configure the FREE TV Guide service. It says it can take up to 24 hours to receive the data for that service.... I found it up and running within an hour. This feature is valuable if you are not using a cable system and plan to attach the TV either directly to an antenna, or your cable company does not have a scheduler available. If you are using a cable box, this feature doesn't really have much value.
There are controls on top of the TV... Power, channel, volume, input selector and the home button, for menu access. My recommendation, stick to the remote. You never know when an errant static discharge can zap the set. It would be a shame to harm such a nice TV because of something as avoidable as a static shock. Just my opinion.
When you hook up your set, you may or may not need a cable box to view HD channels. If you don't need a cable box, and can use the RF (coax) input, you get the flexibility of using one of the features of this TV called Picture and Picture. Please note, I didn't say Picture IN Picture, but Picture AND Picture (PaP). This TV has a dual tuner internally. What this means is that when you turn on PaP, the channel you are currently watching moves to the left side of the screen, half it's size. Next to it, on the right, a smaller window opens showing most likely the same programming. You can then select which one you want to address, using the arrow keys on the remote, and then change the channel or associated input to that pane. Consequently, you can watch a movie in the large window, while your spouse is watching their favorite sports in the smaller one, or you could watch two sporting events simultaneously, or a DVD and a game.... You get the idea. Whichever pane (large or small) you select by highlighting, you listen to the associate audio. Bottom line, this makes the TV very flexible and very family friendly.
Since standard definition programming is squarer than HD video, when you are watching standard definition programming, the results are black vertical bars on the sides. You have the option to stretch or zoom the picture so you can cover the entire screen. If you do this, understand you will either be distorting the picture or missing some of the picture, but that is a personal preference and this TV allows you to make it.
The picture is superb. The blacks are really deep blacks, the colors (when set properly) are crisp and the whites are white. As to be expected with digital TV, the picture is as was shot at the source. You can now count the pores in your favorite newscaster's face (if you like to of that sort of thing) because the picture is that sharp.
Through the programming menu, you can control the type of programming that can be seen on the TV, based on the Rating system that is used, for example, for movies. The typical G, PG, PG-13, up to X for movies, and TV-Y to TV-MA for TV are available. You can choose which types of programs are "watchable" and which are not allowed. This is set using a password. If you read the manual you will find there is a master password incase you forget the one you set, so you aren't stuck with your choices forever.
There is a sleep timer available is you are one to fall asleep in front of the TV and don't want it to play all night.
For the techies this set plays in the following formats: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p and 1080/24p.
This set does NOT include CableCARD functionality.
You can adjust the picture based on the type of programming you are watching. Picture modes include the following: Vivid - For enhanced picture contrast and sharpness. This is the brightest mode.Standard - For standard picture settings. Recommended for normal home entertainment.Cinema - For viewing film-based content. Most suitable for viewing in a theater-like environment.Custom - Allows you to set up your configuration for your favorite type of viewing. One of the features of the "W" model is that it has a 120Hz refresh rate. This is the feature that differentiates it from the "V" model. The feature is called the Motion Enhancer. Its purpose is to enhance the smoothness of picture movement and to reduce blur. This is most obvious for scrolling text as well as quick motion, such as when watching live sports. The choices for this setting are: * Off - if the other two settings result in video artifacts, such as ghosting. * Standard - Provides for smooth picture movement. * High - Provides smoother picture movement for film-based content.
It is very obvious when this feature is turned on. It does a wonderful job of reducing the "jitters" of scrolling text and quick moving sports action. I highly recommend it. If you really feel you don't need it, drop back to the "V" model of this set. Everything else is the same.
Would I buy this set again... in a heartbeat! The 52 inch picture is breathtaking. The clarity is amazing. The colors are wonderful. The flexibility of the PaP make for a more pleasant viewing event. It gives you the opportunity to share the TV, yet still have reasonable sized pictures to watch.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave comments on this epinion. I will get back to you as I see them!
16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution (1920x1080p) LCD Panel Motionflowâ„¢ 120Hz - clear, smooth motion for DVDs, TV DMex â„¢ compatible; allows seamles...More at Amazon Marketplace
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