Sony KDL-40W5100 Review: 40” LCD HDTV

Up for Review: Sony KDL-40W5100 LCD TV. Overcoming small hiccups like being costly and issues of screen uniformity, Sony has introduced a model which is perfect for streaming video fans. Although this pricey model has the capability to burn a deep hole in the pocket, yet the glamor of the Sony name and the many extra features make this TV a must buy. Like all the good HDTVs in this range today, this set is also Internet ready featuring several widgets on the screen like most of the high profile Yahoo widgets, a plethora of streaming Web videos, Shoutcast, YouTube and Amazon Video on Demand. Netflix is waiting in the wings to make a grand entry, which will propel this TV to the top of the HDTV line in the consumer market.

Surprisingly, Sony has gone for a low profile external look with a charcoal gray bezel this time. The compact frame is not very wide at the sides but the bottom gets thicker and the entire bezel is framed with transparent material. The speakers are nicely camouflaged and the TV is supported by a non-swiveling stand. This may be a great disadvantage while tweaking the controls at the side and rear. The remote is also quite distinctive in design but lacks the control over other devices connected to the TV. There are also buttons to summon the widgets at will.

Sony KDL-40W5100 Features and Specifications Review:

• 40” display
• 24p True Cinema™ Technology
• 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
• 1080p display resolution
• 178 degrees viewing angle
• 3D Comb Filter
• 120 Hz Motionflow™ Technology
• 20W Audio Power Output
• 4 Speakers
• 4 HDMI
• 1 PC input
• 1 USB port
• Energy Star compliant

The integration of 120 Hz refresh rate works wonders for the motion resolution in connivance with the MotionFlow dejudder processing. Sony has not made it possible to separate the dejudder and antiblur modes. There are also 4 aspect ratio modes for HD sources and another option for full 1080p resolution. It is always advisable to use this setting as you will get the best picture quality here. In addition, Sony pays a lot of importance to the energy consumption. There is scope to limit the peak brightness which helps save energy. There is also a room lighting sensor and a mode to turn off the screen and leave the sound on. This is very useful when you want to hear music without viewing the video.

Connectivity options are good but most of the important ports are to the side. Out of 4 HDMI, only 1 is at the rear. There is a PC input and an USB port at the side too. This has been done to provide greater access for fidgeting around with the ports. Considering that there is no swivel stand, it is great that the ports are at the side. Performance –wise, this set has absolutely no problems. Black level and color accuracy are good. Priced at $1099.99 MSRP, it is worth the attention that it gets.

YouReviewElectronics.com gives Sony KDL-40W5100 4/5 stars!