Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-40S3000 40-Inch 720p LCD HDTV Review

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(More customer reviews)I have had my Sony KDL-40S3000 set up for about a week now and could not be happier! Amazon.com had by far the best price around considering that you get free shipping and pay no tax, and trust me I surfed every online site and retail store for over a month before making my purchase.
I was about to go plasma with Samsung, until I saw it in store and hated the reflective black display and case as well as reading several poor customer reviews. This Sony set has a sexy matte black finish and the screen is clear and reflection free in any lighting! Sony TV's in my book are across the board the best blend of top technology, proven durability and quality as well as sleek cool looks. My family has always owned Sony TV's and have never had even one of them serviced, some still running are over 20 years old!
But back to my new KDL-40S3000..... It's a sure crowd pleaser in any home! As of now, there are no HD broadcast channels in the 1080p format, only 1080i which this TV with the native resolution of 720p displays vividly, so I would advise you to think about this if you are looking at some of Sony's 1080p models that cost a lot more. Along with the fact that because the majority of broadcast channels besides HD channels (1080i) on Digital cable and I believe even Satellite are still in the 480p format, a TV such as this one with 720p resolution will display a cleaner and sharper image than that of a 1080p model. Bottom line... unless you have a Blu-Ray or HD DVD player and want a barely noticeable sharper picture, Go With 720p, you will save money and not be sacrificing anything trust me!
As for features and sound quality, you will be overwhelmed with what Sony brings to the plate. The menu options and settings are extensive but yet fun with Sony's graphical onscreen display, but the picture right of the box is just as impressive. I am a big fan of surround sound systems, but so far I am completely satisfied with the KDL-40S3000's clear and projecting sound quality, and I seriously question the poor remarks from other reviews about this set being deficient in sound. The audio/video inputs and outputs of this set are numerous and the 2 HDMI hook-ups will meet the needs of most home users considering there are also 2 component connections and various other lower quality connections.
So in closing I would recommend the Sony KDL-40S3000 to any and everyone looking to get into the flat-panel market, hands-down!!! Yes, Sony may be a bit more money than comparable sized other brands, but you are paying for top notch quality, engineering, and styling and you will not regret a cent of it! Set your price range, determine the right size and viewing distance for your room and put Sony at the top of your list when shopping Amazon.com for the best price on your flat-panel TV! Good luck and I hope my review has helped. I know a flat-panel is a major purchase and it's worth the time and effort to write a review if you are truly impressed and satisfied to pass on a great experience to others!



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BRAVIA Engine¿ Full Digital Video Processor --- BRAVIA¿ S-Series LCD televisions use Sony's BRAVIA Engine¿ full digital video processor for crisp and clear images. Several special picture enhancement technologies are integrated into the processor to create better gradations and details, enhance contrast, and dynamically improve color. HDMI¿ and PC Connectivity --- Designed for maximum versatility, Sony's BRAVIA S-Series Digital LCD TV line is equipped with a comprehensive range of input interfaces. The HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI technology supports enhanced or High Definition video, together with multi-channel digital audio to provide matchless image and sound reproduction. The PC input (HD-15-pin) offers easy connection to your PC, allowing you to use your high resolution BRAVIA S-Series Digital TV as a computer monitor.

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Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-40V2500 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

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(More customer reviews)After reading reviews of various LCD HDTVs, my main concern was how well the set would display standard definition content, which still constitutes the majority of what is available on cable. Reviews of Sonys seemed to indicate they did a better job of displaying 480i signals, and I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by how good standard def looks on this set...comparable or better than the tube set it's replacing. Digital channels look great, too, and of course the high def channels are fantastic. DVDs from a progressive scan player also look great.
A few points to consider when shopping for a set like this:
1. Don't get one that's too big for the viewing distance. Use 3 times the diagonal size as a guide. I sit about 10 feet away from the screen, so the 40 inch set is ideal. There is a big difference watching this TV from 4 ft. away vs. 10 ft. Sit too close (or with too big a screen) and you'll see all the grain and imperfections in a 480i signal, and even the pixel shimmer on a high def signal. Sit farther away, and the image looks much, much better.
2. Standard def in 4:3 looks better that way than trying to zoom it out to fill the wide screen. By doing so, you introduce distortion to the picture and also enlarge the 480i signal, which reduces the quality. This set has a black border, so watching a 4:3 image with the black bars on the right and left is not distracting.
3. Not all high def content is provided in 16:9 format, and the quality of the signal may vary. Some high def stations look better than others.
4. This set has backlight control that allows you to turn down the backlight brightness. This helps to improve black levels quite a bit.
5. Don't spend $80-$100 on an HDMI cable. I ordered one from Amazon for around $15 bucks and it works just fine. Digital signals are not as subject to noise and interference like an analog signal, so no need for an overpriced cable.
This TV is pretty easy to set up. The menus are fairly easy to navigate. You can tailor your settings for each input. You can have up to 8 different inputs, and the TV allows you to label each one and also to skip any that are unused. The remote is basic and doesn't allow you to control any other devices, but on the plus side, is simple to operate.
The delivery service by EGL (Eagle) was fine, and their delivery estimate was accurate. They contacted me by phone when the TV arrived to schedule a time for delivery. They arrived on time, unpacked the set, placed it on the stand, and removed the packaging. The delivery guy also helped me move my other set. The one minor problem I had was with the tracking number. Apparently, the number had been used previously a couple of years ago, so the tracking on the Amazon site was incorrect. I had to go to EGL's web site and enter it as a reference number in their tracking query in order for my order to show up.

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Sony KDL-40V2500 40" V-Series 1080p LCD HDTV

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Sony BRAVIA S-Series KDL-46S5100 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)Typically when there is a fanboy war over LCDs, the fight comes down between Samsung and Sony. Sonys are usually hailed as having better blacks while Samsungs [aka Sammys] are cited as having more accurate color.
I had a 46V4100 [last year's V-Series a step higher than this S-series] and found it was a solid performer that was plagued by uneven backlight issues.
After researching several sets, I decided to give Sony another chance. At some point when buying an HDTV you have to accept that there will be compromises.
For a "entry level" set, the S5100 does not disappoint. Yes, SD content looks sketchy because of the huge amounts of upscaling that take place. That's true on any 1080p set. And the compression that the cable and satellite companies use mean you will see blocky compression artifacts around the edges of some HD content.
But from a picture standpoint, the colors are accurate, the shadow detail is good and the viewing angle for an LCD is outstanding.
Physically, the set is handsome in a functional way but doesn't have any design pizzazz. Also, the bezel is reflective. I know manufacturers do this so their products look "nice and shiny" but the position of the set in my room causes a noticeable glare on the left bezel- I thought it was severe backlight bleed until I looked more closely.
The screen itself is glossier than most LCD screens- not as reflective as a plasma but it will still throw a reflection at you. Probably not the best choice for a room with lots of direct sunlight. I have the TV in a room under a ceiling fan and the reflection is noticeable but not distracting. However, the reflection is nowhere near as diffuse as you'd expect from an LCD.
I think this reflective screen helps with the viewing angle, though. I'm sitting 6 feet to the left and 2 feet in front of the TV and the colors are almost as vivid as if I were sitting directly in front. This is a rare LCD that can challenge a plasma on viewing angle. Usually you get 50 degrees off center from an LCD and your picture is washed out.
Sony's xcross [pronounced "cross"] menu system [used on the PS3 AND PSP] is not on the S5100. I don't consider that a big loss and you do get a remote button called "tools" that lets you get to commonly used functions without using the menu. The interface is attractive and easy to use.
The TV has plenty of connectivity. 3 HDMI, PC input [9 pin, not DVI], 2 component in, digital audio digital audio out... you get the idea. 2 of the HDMI ports and the PC input are on the left side of the panel, recessed far enough to protect the plugs. Seems like a strange design choice.
Finally, I will admit that there are some minor backlight issues [2 "flashlight" areas] but unlike the V4100, I have to look at them to notice them.
If you want a big set and you're on a budget, this is definitely a set worth looking at. I will warn you that it is very basic- there are NO extras on the TV. So SD slot, no internet connectivity, no picture in picture, no Motionflow 120/240
Those aren't issues for me. In my opinion, most of those "features" exist to allow TV manufacturers to roll new TVs out each year and build in profit margin at then expense of people who want toys. I'm willing to bet that as a pure picture and sound experience [ie no MotionFlow] this set is the equal of the V5100 series for $200-$500 less.
PS- I apologize for not being able to review the sound but I have the set connected to a receiver.

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Sony\'s S-series TVs put amazing picture quality and stunning dynamic contrast in reach for value-oriented consumers who want to step up into the Sony Full HD 1080p experience. These TVs represent the entry-level models in Sony\'s large screen offerings in 2009 and offer the superior resolution and contrast, advanced image processing features, and variety of HD input options available on high-end BRAVIA HDTVs -- all in an affordable package. With three HDMI connections, you can hook up a Sony PlayStation3 entertainment system, Blu-ray Disc player, or any other HDMI-capable equipment and get uncompressed digital video and multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. You also have numerous other HD connection options, including YPbPr Component inputs as well as a PC input for using your laptop or desktop PC with your big-screen HDTV. No matter which HD source you use, the exclusive Sony BRAVIA Engine 2 fully digital video processor ensures that images look sharp and brilliant. With BRAVIA Link compatibility, you can easily expand your high-resolution home theatre set-up with optional BRAVIA Wireless Link, BRAVIA DVD Link, or BRAVIA Input Link Modules. And BRAVIA Sync makes controlling everything a snap. Additionally, BRAVIA S-Series HDTVs exceed Energy Star 3.0 requirements by incorporating advanced power saving features such as Light Sensor technology that adjusts backlight intensity based on ambient room lighting conditions and Dynamic Backlight Control that adjusts backlight intensity based on the brightness of the image on the screen. Utilizing these features can reduce power consumption by up to 60% in a typical home theater environment.

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Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-40S4100 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a remarkable TV for the money, with a great picure and resolution up to 1080p (P for progressive scan -- 1080 lines of resolution with no interlace), and also support for 24 frames-per-second movie playback with Blu-ray high definition DVDs.
Setting up is straightfoward -- you set up the stand where you want it, lift the TV onto it, and tighten 4 screws. It can also be wall mounted. On the back are the large range of inputs: three HDMI, two component, one S-Video, two standard video (RCA jacks) and one VGA port. You can guarantee that whatever you have, you'll be able to connect it to this TV.
The best quality of output and convenience comes from HDMI connections (order some low cost HDMI cables from Amazon; my local stores wanted $50-$179!) A Blu-ray DVD player connected to the TV via HDMI delivers outstanding picture quality at 1080p, with amazing detail. It's so good, in fact, that I found myself noticing film grain more often -- you can practically count the grains!
This TV supports 24 frames-per-second ("24p" in the jargon), which matches the screen refresh rate to that used in movies. The visible difference shows up in shots where the camera pans (moves parallel to the scene). With regular TV playback, panning makes the scene blurry and you can't see much detail because extra "interpolated" frames are inserted to match the TV frame rate. Panning shots in "Casino Royale" blu-ray DVD were clear at 24p, revealing some visual jokes I missed before (e.g. the Richard Branson cameo at airport security). For movies like The Bourne Ultimatum with lots of camera movement, 24p makes the whole movie clearer.
Screen contrast of the TV is also very good. Blacks appear black, color is not overdone (though there is a "vivid" setting if you want to boost saturation). Lower resolution sources at 480i look pretty good -- they are upscaled nicely by the TV. Connecting a Wii with the standard video cables worked fine and produced a good picture.
For HDTV sources, this TV does excellent noise reduction and yet still delivers crisp detail and good color. This is where other LCD TVs fall down, and Sony really has done a great job with the Bravia engine.
Sound from the internal speakers is very good indeed, with dialogue particularly clear. Home theater speakers are better, but then that's true for any TV.
I am very happy with my purchase -- the TV has a stellar set of features at a great price versus more expensive versions with more bells and whistles... which I don't need. It is not the cheapest LCD TV in the 40" size, but the picture quality and number of source inputs sets it apart.


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Ready for full 1080p HDTV?Sony's KDL-40S4100 is your affordable solution, and comes fully-loaded with 24p compatability for smooth playback of filmed content, and a wide variety of HD inputs (3 HDMI™, 2 component inputs, and a PC input) so you can connect it to a Sony Playstation, Blu-ray Disc™ player, and up to four more HD-enabled devices. Now you'll be able to watch all your favorite movies, sports, and games with the pristine picture and vibrant sound that you would expect from a Sony, at a price point that is as surprising as the quality.

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Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-32S3000 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV Review

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(More customer reviews)No stupid "Dynamic contrast ratio: 8000:1" gimmicks that merely flicker the backlight when the set's AI decides it ought to be, which is disconcerting and not to mention misleading in terms of real display quality...
Just a true, real contrast ratio that allows numerous shadow and hue detail that you're not going to see so clearly in any competitor's 32" set.
No washed out or dull colors, either - this Sony is a worthy replacement for dead-end, electricity guzzling, heat generating CRT technology.
And I looked at 6 brands, looking at every nuance, black level, color saturation, sharpness, detail, features, menu functions, et cetera, noting all TVs were at out-of-box conditions. I'd love to namedrop the worst ones, but that's a no-no... Here's a hint - those models are "inexpensive for their size". :)
Sony costs more, yes, but the difference in visual quality is formidable - worth every penny. Detail is exceptional, and sharp. Other models may not be as bright, may give edges jagged lines, colors may be flat, and so on...
If you are a videophile, this is THE set to get. Every setting under the sun can be changed (brightness, 'picture' (contrast), tint, et cetera). And this monitor also, much to my surprise and delight, includes filters to make DVDs (MPEG2) and broadcast signals look less grainy/noisy and sharper. You bet I'm a happy couch potato.
Casual viewers would probably be satisfied with any competing model, but why? As with lower quality screen technology, the hardware quality is bound to be lower as well. You do get what you pay for. If you read up on competing models where people say "it broke after 1.5 years", you'll see a pattern forming...
And if you looked at the competing model next to the Sony, you'd be tempted to buy the Sony anyway. Even if the cost difference was a mere $150.
I also apologizing for sounding like a shill for Sony. I'm not.
One small addendum (06/30/07): The stores' labels say it's 1600:1, the sticker on the left side of the monitor claims 8000:1. This TV set does alter the backlight's brightness - solely on the level of ambient light in the room, not the incoming signal. Either way, I've still had no negative issues with visual quality on DVD playback, NTSC TV, HD broadcast, or PC display (if your computer cannot handle 1366x768, try 1280x720 if possible.)


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BRAVIA Engine¿ Full Digital Video Processor --- BRAVIA¿ S-Series LCD televisions use Sony's BRAVIA Engine¿ full digital video processor for crisp and clear images. Several special picture enhancement technologies are integrated into the processor to create better gradations and details, enhance contrast, and dynamically improve color. HDMI¿ and PC Connectivity --- Designed for maximum versatility, Sony's BRAVIA S-Series Digital LCD TV line is equipped with a comprehensive range of input interfaces. The HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI technology supports enhanced or High Definition video, together with multi-channel digital audio to provide matchless image and sound reproduction. The PC input (HD-15-pin) offers easy connection to your PC, allowing you to use your high resolution BRAVIA S-Series Digital TV as a computer monitor.

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Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-26S3000 26-Inch 720p LCD HDTV Review

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(More customer reviews)Never really concentrated to much on the sony products because of the prices of them. For the money, you can get a larger sized samsung like a 32", or for the same size TV you can save big bucks by going with a westinghouse or other bargain priced TV's sized at 26" which is ideal for a bedroom. After purchasing a 26" westinghouse and not being extremely happy I bought a 32" Vizio. Still not satisfied, I left the bargain TV basement and took the plunge and bought this TV. Wow, what a difference. At $300-$400 dollars more than the westy, I'm not sure if it's that much better if tied to a budget, but if you've got it (cash), get it (sony). As far as specs go, read the description, but rest assured this TV is really nice. Sound is better than expected for a 26", menus are nice, picture is B.A. On XBOX 360, the best and most graphically demanding game is by far Gears of War. This TV makes it look incredible. The darks are dark enough in the spooky parts unlike other TVs I've tried out which looked washed out and lame. This set really makes the whole thing look alot better. I have been switching between the 3 presets (vivid, cinema, standard) and haven't made any tweaks yet exept for turning on the dynamic lighting. I'm sure you could make the picture even better with some adjustments but it's unnecessary.

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BRAVIA Engine� Full Digital Video Processor --- BRAVIA� S-Series LCD televisions use Sony's BRAVIA Engine� full digital video processor for crisp and clear images. Several special picture enhancement technologies are integrated into the processor to create better gradations and details, enhance contrast, and dynamically improve color. HDMI� and PC Connectivity --- Designed for maximum versatility, Sony's BRAVIA S-Series Digital LCD TV line is equipped with a comprehensive range of input interfaces. The HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI technology supports enhanced or High Definition video, together with multi-channel digital audio to provide matchless image and sound reproduction. The PC input (HD-15-pin) offers easy connection to your PC, allowing you to use your high resolution BRAVIA S-Series Digital TV as a computer monitor.

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Sony BRAVIA W-Series KDL-40W5100 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been waiting for quite some time to buy a new tv. Originally I planned on getting the 40" Z series last year. But when the new models came out this year, the 40" W series offered everything I was looking for a little bit cheaper price. It has a good looking profile and was a snap to set-up. I used the Cheetah tilting mount that I also purchased from amazon. Don't let anyone fool you. The Cheetah mount is just as good or better than the expensive mounts. I already had a ps3 so the XMB menu system was very familiar. This is a great tv for the money.
The only con I can think of is that the remote doesn't have a 1 button sleep timer. You have to go through the menus.
BTW: Amazon did a great job. I order TV on a Thursday and the following Wednesday the tv was hanging on my wall. Nice Service.

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Enjoy the latest in HDTV performance with the 40-Inch Sony BRAVIA KDL-40W5100. Experience Sony's motion detail and clarity with Motionflow 120Hz technology. Features built-in BRAVIA Internet Video capabilities so you can access and stream on-demand movies, TV shows. You can also personalize your viewing experience with widgets containing the latest news, weather, and stock information.

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Sony BRAVIA XBR KDL-32XBR9 32-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great HDTV. Hands down is one of the most beautiful displays in this size. You can buy a fancier ultra-thin 32" TV from Samsung right now but it's almost twice the price!
Pros: The blacks are black! When you start it up, the Bravia logo appears on a black background and it's as black as when the TV is off! People say that edge LED lighting will make the blacks truer with less backlight bleeding but this TV is already great in this aspect. The colors and settings are very good out of the box for a few of the styles but need adjustment like any TV. The nice thing is that when you change your input, the TV remembers all the settings for that input! So it's like you never have to re-adjust your settings unless you plug your stuff in differently.
The motionflow frame interpolation technology is astounding! 120HZ with the motionflow is worth every penny for bluray and other high-def sources. That's why I waited for this over the XBR6. I however prefer the lifelike "soap-opera" look, but that's me (I have to say PE or the Pirates movies look stunning with it on!). You can turn it off or have this appear more more subtle (the default). The motionflow is basically a side-effect of the necessity to combat blurriness and the staggering "judder" effect inherent to LCDs. It adds one or more frames in between each frame of your source by interpolating entirely NEW frames that were never there by the TV's processor. technology is amazing, isn't it? You have to see it in person to get exactly what this looks like. Other companies are following suit but I find others like the 32 TOC Samsung have more motion artifacts (basically errors ie grabbing parts of the audience behind a fast-moving player in a sports event and dragging them along for the ride). Sony's Bravia processor is second to none. For upconverted sources not originally in 1080 and compressed 1080 cable, the motion technology is less noticeable. So the overall effectiveness depends on how clear the material is.
This is important--with the game mode on, which turns off most processing, there is almost NO LAG. I am one of those demanding gamers who is very sensitive and complains about miniscule things like how much play there is in a joystick. So I can tell you that there is still a little lag but the game mode makes fast games like Smash Bros and shooters play like my CRT. So losing the motionflow in the game mode might seem bad, but it's only a small difference especially on something like the 480p Wii. And Wii games with anti-aliasing like Metroid Prime 3 still look AWESOME in contrast to what most say. The PS3 does look AMAZING either with or without motionflow anyway!
Cons: Not many but the sound is tinny. What do you expect from such small speakers? If you spent this much on a 32 TV and don't have speakers then you should not complain.
There is no headphone jack. I use a mixer with a control-room out to get around this and it works fine.
The autodim is annoying but mainly happens for me when the room is VERY dark. In normal light I do not see it. And you cannot turn it off but with as many people as are complaining about it, all Sony has to do is release a firmware update to allow the switching on and off of it (Sony, are you reading this?)...
CLARIFICATIONS-----
Here are some points that I thought were incorrect in some other reviews so I felt compelled to make this clear to potential buyers.
Okay some people just don't do their research in TVs. Sony's top line of HDTVs is the XBR line. The XBRs are split into the standard and then two higher end levels. Last year we had the XBR6s (standard XBR), XBR7s (larger fancier models) and XBR8 (larger still fancier models). This XBR9 IS NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR XBR8!! It replaces the XBR6 and the XBR8 was WAY more money and there was not even a 32" one available! The reviewer who complained about there being no LED backlighting is wrong in getting upset because the XBR6 never had LED lighting and the XBR8 is a higher end unit which is different that the XBR9s. Sony will undoubtedly release an XBR10 and XBR11 or something to replace those two higher lines. Maybe in the next few years Sony will add edge LED lighting to the standard XBR line unless something like OLED takes off...
Next the TV takes about as long to start up as my over 10-year-old Sony Trinitron 32" XBR CRT does. Some models take longer some don't but it certainly is not 30 seconds! That reviewer must have gotten a problem unit or need a firmware update or something. Also, to change input, all you have to do is push "Input" then push that arrows up or down and that's it. Wow if that is too much for you, then technology is not your thing. Maybe you should hire someone to push the buttons for you so you don't have to. Come on.
The thing has many inputs and, yes, some are on the side. On bigger TVs this would probably get covered up so on this one you can see some cabling if you have a thick cable that cannot bend easily. If you are clever you can use the cord-management strap to clean this up but my thick Monstercable does not bend that easily so I do see it. Oh well. So with thinner types of cables that bend back easily you should be fine. It's common knowledge that you get the same quality in a $5 HDMI cable as a $200 one because it is digital; getting a cheap thin one should solve the side cable-view problem. I wanted a more durable cable though.
This is a relatively high-end HDTV that means it's designed to be used primarily to view HD content over a HDMI cables. That's why over half it's inputs are HDMI. So if you have a ton of stuff in composite or component, sorry, but Sony is trying to cater to the people who utilize the TV primarily for what it was designed for. Get a splitter/switcher or upgrade your cables to HDMI because, again, no matter how crappy your HDMI cables are, there is NO signal loss. There's an advantage to update anyway.
Also contrary to popular belief numbers across different manufacturers ARE NOT EQUIVALENT. So comparing Lg to Sony to Samsung is not at all accurate. Think of comparing HP numbers in cars--measuring at the flywheel or tire gets you VERY different results and this often misleads consumers. Trust your eyes on a calibrated set with the same source. I can tell you this TV has more than enough contrast and is improved over last years model.
----
So far I have not had any problems with the TV and it looks amazing. I would recommend this to anyone and if you are internet savvy and find a good company to work with, you can find it for only slightly more than the closeout or last-year's KDL32XBR6 model--about $850 (or less, as in my case) :D
EDIT: Thanks to other posters for mentioning this--Sony has released a firmware update that apparently makes the menus easier to navigate (faster?) and FIXES THE AUTODIM PROBLEM! I am trying to figure out how to install it now...

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For consumers who want an HDTV that keeps pace with fast-action movies, sports, and game play in a great size comes the Sony BRAVIA 32XBR9 Flat Panel HDTV. This great TV combines Full HD 1080p performance and Motionflow\' 120Hz technology in a compact size, great for a dorm room, bedroom, or even a kitchen. Motionflow 120Hz takes both high-definition and standard programming a step further by increasing sharpness and detail in fast-moving images for more fluid, natural motion. In addition, BRAVIA 32XBR9 HDTVs use proprietary Image Blur Reduction technology to further enhance the picture for even better performance. The HDTVs also feature BRAVIA Engine\' 2, which uses exclusive Sony algorithms to reduce visual noise and sharpen and enhance an already-striking dynamic contrast ratio. Additionally, they include seven versatile HD connections to ensure you get impressive image quality from all your HD components. Take advantage of four HDMI\' inputs, component and composite inputs, and a PC input, as well as a USB input that lets you play audio files from USB storage devices, or connect a compatible camera to your HDTV for a quick and easy slide show. Sony knows your home theater set-up doesn't stop with your HDTV, which is why the BRAVIA 32XBR9 HDTVs are compatible with BRAVIA Link Modules -- including the BRAVIA Wireless Link, BRAVIA DVD Link, and BRAVIA Input Link Modules. The HDTVs also support BRAVIA Sync, so you can control all of your compatible devices with a single remote. And all BRAVIA HDTVs exceed ENERGY STAR 3.0 requirements for in-use and stand-by power consumption, meaning you don't need a lot of power to get a lot of performance.

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SONY KV-30XBR910 30-Inch XBR(R) FD Trinitron(R) WEGA Television Review

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(More customer reviews)I have the 30 inch CRT HDTV which is apparently no longer available. Sony still makes a 34 inch CRT HDTV in the XBR line. The TVs are heavy. The picture is amazing. The gold standard for HDTV. Its a great TV.

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Take your home theater experience to the next level with the 30-inch Sony KV-30XBR910 FD Trinitron HDTV monitor. This Sony WEGA set is capable of displaying amazingly clear 1080i high-definition broadcasts (when connected to a separate HDTV tuner). The Super Fine Pitch CRT, along with an electron gun and high intensity luminescent phosphor, improves image resolution, providing the highest picture quality reproduction from corner to corner. Other features includes a DVI-HDTV input, an antireflective coating that helps diminish ambient light, and a built-in Memory Stick slot the enables you to view a photo slideshow without having to hook up the camera with cumbersome cords.
The KV-30XBR910's Multi-Image Driver enables you to watch two programs side-by-side from two different sources (1080i, 720p, 480p, or 480i) simultaneously. It has four widescreen modes, including wide zoom (enlarges 4:3 aspect ratio while the upper and lower parts of the picture are condensed to fit 16:9 aspect ratio), normal (4:3 aspect ratio), full (enlarges the 4:3 picture horizontally only to fill the wide screen), and zoom (enlarges the 4:3 picture horizontally and vertically to an equal aspect ratio that fills the 16:9 screen).
It has a built-in 181-chanel NTSC tuner, and Sony's Digital Reality Creation (DRC) mode, which doubles vertical and horizontal lines, resulting in four times the density for such high-quality video sources as DVDs, satellite broadcast, and digital camcorders. You do need a separate HDTV tuner to receive high-definition broadcasts.
The KV-30XBR910 offers a good range of Sony video technology. The Cinemotion 3:2 pulldown cinema video processing detects and compensates film--which is shot at 24 frames per second (fps) compared with video's 30 fps rate--to video for a smooth, theaterlike experience at home. The 3D digital comb filter offers 10-bit signal processing that renders superb gradation of grays, resulting in superior picture detail.
This set features two 7.5-watt speakers that produce TruSurround SRS 3D audio and simulated surround sound. Two component-video inputs (both at the rear) allow you to connect an optional HDTV receiver or a source with component-video outputs. It also has 4 A/V inputs (1 front, 3 rear), 3 S-video inputs (1 front, 2 rear), 1 audio out (rear), 1 monitor (rear), and 1 DVI-HDTV interface (rear).
Tech Talk Aspect ratio: The aspect ratio refers to the shape of the video image. Standard television has a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is almost square in appearance. Digital television will have either a 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio, which is widescreen and appears rectangular, looking more like a movie screen and filling more of the viewer's field of vision for a more lifelike viewing experience.
Scanning method: Frames of video are made up of many lines of video that are scanned onto a television screen so closely they appear to be a solid picture. The scanning method can be either interlaced or progressive. Interlaced scanning (also used in today's analog TV), indicated by an "i" in the video format, fills in the odd number lines (1,3,5,7...) and then fills in the even number lines (2,4,6,8...) until the frame is complete. Progressive scanning, "p," fills in each line consecutively until the frame is complete, like a computer display.
What's in the Box Sony KV-30XBR910 30-inch TV, remote control (RM-Y188), 2 AA batteries, and printed operating instructions.

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Sony Bravia KDF-37H1000 37-Inch 720p 3LCD Rear Projection HDTV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)There is only one reason to pay $900 for a 37" LCD Projection HDTV...space. My 32" 4:3 TV died and it sat in a beautiful Oak entertainment center. I'm not ready to part with that furniture yet. The opening for the TV is made for an up to 35" standard TV. Sony was on the ball creating this HDTV for people like me.
Flat panel LCD's in this size range don't measure up to the brightness, contrast and color of the Sony Bravia. Read the specs and compare. Luckily when I was shopping around I was able to view this set next to several other LCD's and it easily showed them up.
When you get this thing hooked up, tune it to the National Geographic HD channel for eye popping results. I did find that I had to mess around with the picture settings quite a lot before I could find what worked for me. There are lots of options. Take your time with them.
The things that I didn't like about this set that took away the fifth star are:
1) Screen door effect. If you have been reading up on RP-LCD, you already have heard about it. Yep, its there. Although I haven't really seen it with the HD content. You really notice it on the low def stuff. It bugged me real bad the first week, but I hardly notice it much a week later.
2) Side mounted buttons. Here's a HDTV marketed directly to consumers that will be placing it in a cabinet. Move them to the front for this set.
3) Long, long, long warm-up time on the projector lamp. OMG, I'm back in the 60's waiting for my TV to warm up. We're talking 30+ seconds before the picture comes on. I got spoiled with the near instant on with my last 32" TV.
4) $200 to replace the projector lamp! Yikes, I hope I get all of my 8000 hours.
5) Trouble getting a learning remote to learn the special keys for Screen Zooming, Picture control, etc... Tried three different learning remotes and none of them could reproduce the signal. I hate juggling remotes.
Don't take any of the above as deal breakers. The screen door effect is minimal, buttons are hardly accessed, I've learned to have patience, 8000 hours is about 2.5-3 years at 8 hours a day and tomorrows remotes will probably work fine with it.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS -
Its now been two weeks with the Sony and I'm starting to notice something that is really bugging me. So you understand how bad, I'm considering returning the set over it. When watching anything, HDTV, SDTV, DVD, etc... I can see an interleave effect when the scene changes. I notice this about 70% of the time. My family swears they can't see it, but it is bugging me to death. If anyone else has this set and you see it too, please write a review and identify such.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Bravia KDF-37H1000 37-Inch 720p 3LCD Rear Projection HDTV

3LCD Chips --- The 3LCD technology at the heart of Sony's BRAVIA¿ televisions provide a bright picture, with high detail and natural color. These three key benefits are immediately apparent when viewing a BRAVIA¿ TV. You can expect to see an incredibly detailed picture with eye-popping colors. Sony uses three tiny LCD chips (0.73) with a combined resolution of over 2.76 million pixels. The light from a high output UHP lamp shines into a filtering system that splits the beam into red, green, and blue light streams. Each color goes through its own LCD chip, which passes or blocks the light. The three beams are then instantaneously recombined and sent to the projection lens. BRAVIA Engine¿ EX System --- The BRAVIA Engine¿ EX video processing system came about as a result of Sony's expertise and long heritage in bringing cutting-edge picture quality to consumer televisions. It contains intelligent picture enhancement technology that reduces unwanted digital artifacts and delivers superb clarity and detail along with vivid colors. Sony's own Digital Reality Creation Multi-function v1.0 (DRC-MFv1) processor replaces the original SD signal with its HD equivalent. The result of BRAVIA Engine EX processing? Picture quality has texture and detail, deep and vibrant colors, along with excellent depth and contrast.

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Sony Bravia KLV-40U100M 40-Inch HDTV Tunerless LCD Monitor Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)One of my big criteria for choosing this was that it had to display standard-definition (SD) TV well. I am feeding it from a Dish Network 322 standard def tuner. I looked at a lot of TVs and settled on this as the one that did the best on standard TV. Frankly, lots of good-brand
TVs look great on hi-def signals, and nobody will ever complain. It's on standard-def where they really fall apart. And like it or not, a LOT of the TV you watch is still going to be standard-def for a while, so don't take this weakness lightly.
Before I go any further, let me say that in my opinion, "best on standard TV" means this one was the least horrible. No flat-panel, even the most expensive Bravia XBR blah blah blah that you can buy, displays a picture as clear and well-defined as a conventional CRT tube TV. Nothing. No LCD, no Plasma. And no LCD or Plasma TV does as good a job with hi-def as a hi-def CRT TV, either.
This TV has excellent color and brightness. It's not that.
But there will always be those little washy blurry artifacts in the image compared to a CRT TV. I have yet to see any flat panel, LCD or Plasma, that does not suffer from this. Go look critically at every darn one in Best Buy or Circuit City, and you'll see what I mean. Look especially around displayed lettering. Watch when credits roll against a light background. Then watch that on a CRT TV.
LCD and Plasma have big screens, they are lightweight, and there is a lot of hype behind them. But if you ever sit a hi-def CRT TV next to any flat-panel in the store and watch them, you'll see what a crock the whole flat-panel "spin" is.
My main reason for going flat panel was size. You simply can't go much above about 34" in a CRT. But if that's big enough, check on the Sony Bravia 34" XBR CRT HDTV. It's hi-def, CRT, and only costs $950. It's 200 lbs, but there is no better TV in the world, for hi or standard def. That's what I would have bought if it were up to me, but alas, I am not the only one in the house using the TV, and I'm not a TV "nut" so ....
Now, back to the review...
We have an XBox 360 hooked up via the 3-cable component inputs. The other reviewer was mistaken here. You absolutely DO get hi-definition 720p or 1080i out of an XBox 360 with the already-supplied component cables. You do not need to buy the VGA cable for it. You have to dig through some menus on the Xbox to explicitly set its output mode to 1080i or 720p, or it will continue to put out 480i, even though you hooked up the component cables.
The hi-def game play is amazing on this TV. I am not a gamer. My son is. But Gears of War and Call of Duty 3 look unbelievably crisp and quick.
Even Halo 2, which is NOT a hi-def game (but is 480p), is far better on this TV than on a standard-def TV (but not better than on a hi-def CRT). It is not laggy or smeary, which are important for game play.
Hi-def movies and TV signals are superb (just judging from watching and comparing this TV on those signals in stores... I don't have a hi-def TV signal) This TV is very quick. There is minimal lag, smear, etc. The blacks are very good, and the contrast is good. In a darkened room with the lights off, the black areas of the picture look pretty darn black. You don't see fuzzy "gray".
(Remember, this is all in the "flat-screen" comparison world. Compared to a CRT, the speed is so-so, the blacks are so-so, the sharpness is "okay").
Okay, so what about regular TV?
Well... it's like regular TV on all flat-panel hi-def sets. If you had a regular Sony Trinitron tube set, it would blow the doors off this thing, and any other flat-panel. But it is definitely tolerable.
It has a good selection of zoom/wide/scale modes so you can display 4:3 standard TV channels comfortably on the screen without silly wide stretching distortions. I prefer to leave it "standard" which fills the right and left with black zones, but the "zoom" works well, and fills the screen by blowing up the 4:3 image and cropping it, which usualy doesn't hurt. You can use this mode if you hate the black bars.
The remote is VERY nice. By far the best flat-panel remote I tried. And I tried a LOT of them. I compared TVs for about 6 weeks before buying this one. This remote is very simple and intuitive. Most of what you ever need to do like select an input or switch the wide/normal/stretch modes is available directly from a button touch. You don't have to wade through levels of annoying menus.
Standard definition on a composite cable from a Nintendo Wii system looks very good, much better than I would have thought. We will eventually get the 3-wire component cable for it so it can display 480p instead of 480i, and that will only make it better.
Inputs:
There are only 5 inputs on this TV. The literature is very misleading.
There is 1 HDMI, 1 VGA and 1 component input. There are two more that each can be used for Composite OR S-Video. But the documentation makes it sound like the TV has 2 composite and 2 S-Video inputs, and that simply isn't true. If you try to use BOTH the composite and S-Video jacks on a single input, the TV switches to S-Video EVEN IF THE S-Video DEVICE IS TURNED OFF, as long as the cable is connected, which is a real drag. It would have been nice to be able to hook a DVD to the S-Video jack and the VCR to the composite jack on the same input, and have the TV show one or the other based on which one is turned on.
Curiously, the composite (yellow cable, NOT "component") from my Dish receiver looks BETTER than the S-Video, and just the opposite should be true. However, I will try a better S-Video cable to see if that matters. Frankly, I doubt it. My guess is that the Dish receiver comb-filters its composite signal to make a somewhat bogus S-Video output. If that's true, then you are better off sending the composite signal to the Sony TV, and letting IT comb-filter the signal. It probably has a much better filter than the Dish receiver.
EDIT ON 1/6/06: Well I bought a mid-priced better S-Video cable with gold-plated connectors ("Manhattan Cable", bought it from Radio Shack for about $20). Lo and behold, it does indeed improve the S-Video picture from the Dish receiver. The S-Video picture is now slightly better than the composite - a bit shaper, clearer, brighter, with better variation between colors and dark/light (better contrast and color definition).Prepare to buy cables. This thing comes with NONE except a VGA cable which is quite useless unless you plan to hook a computer up to this monitor.
If you have multiple devices, expect to have to invest in a selector box. We have:
Dish receiver for TV
DVD player
VCR
Two game systems
The DVD, Wii, and Xbox 360 will have to share the one component input, so I need a 3-way selector box for that.
----------
Summary:
This TV is excellent for what it is: an LCD flat panel. But I knock it for the misleading input info, and complete lack of included cables. Also,
beware of all the hi-def flat-panel hype, and check whatever you buy on STANDARD DEF TV before you buy. If the guy in the store won't show you the TV on a standard cable or satellite signal, walk out the door.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Bravia KLV-40U100M 40-Inch HDTV Tunerless LCD Monitor

The sleekly styled, silver 40-inch Sony Bravia KLV40U100M is packed with the latest high-performance video features, including a wide viewing angle, and a fast response time (great for sports and action movies). Designed to receive HD and standard TV signals via set top boxes (cable or satellite), the KLV40U100M is a tunerless model providing exceptional value and performance for those who have a set-top HD-tuner or do not intend to receive over-th-air broadcasts. It also offers digital HDMI video connectivity and a bottom speaker design that helps save space. The thin profile of this Bravia TV accommodates VESA compliant mounting systems (separately available). The removable pedestal swivels 30 degrees left and right and also tilts forward 3 degrees and backward 8 degrees for additional placement flexibility.

The KLV40U100M has a 1366 x 768-pixel resolution, 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, 178-degree viewing angle, and 1300:1 contrast ratio. (The higher the contrast ratio, the greater a TV's ability to display subtle color details and not get washed out by ambient room light.) The Cinemotion 3:2 pulldown cinema video processing detects and compensates film--which is shot at 24 frames per second (fps) compared with video's 30 fps rate--to video for a smooth theaterlike experience at home.
THis set includes the following connections:
Composite (RCA audio/video): 2 inputs (rear)
S-Video: 2 input (rear) with input detection
Component (Y/Pb/Pr): 2 inputs (with left/right audio jacks)
HDMI: 1 input (with L/R RCA audio connections)
PC: 1 D-Sub15 input (with L/R stereo mini plug connection)
Total audio inputs: 3 (rear)
Headphone: 1

Tech Talk HDMI is a lossless, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface to link any audio/video source (such as a set-top box, DVD player, or AV receiver) with your TV--all over a single cable. HDMI supports standard, enhanced or high definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. It supports all ATSC formats--standard (SDTV), enhanced (EDTV), and high (HDTV).
Component video (also called Y/Pb/Pr) features a three-jack video input, which provides separate connections for luminance (Y), blue color difference (PB) and red color difference (PR). This results in increased bandwidth for color information, resulting in a more accurate picture with clearer color reproduction and less bleeding than you would get with S-Video or composite (RCA yellow video plug) connections. You will need a separate RCA left/right audio cable for sound.
The SRS WOW feature widens the soundstage by processing standard two-channel stereo material as well as multi-channel encoded material for a dramatic improvement in the playback of any stereo audio over a two-speaker system. And in case you were wondering, BRAVIA is short for "Best Resolution Audio Visual Integrated Architecture."
What's in the Box 40-inch Bravia Tunerless LCD HD monitor, tabletop stand, remote control (with batteries), coaxial cable, HD15-to-HD15 cable, printed operating instructions
Warranty 1 year for parts and labor; in-home diagnostic warranty service for one year (for LCD TVs from the Bravia U-Series and S-Series measuring over 30 inches)

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Sony BRAVIA Theater System (DAVHDX576WF) - Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Sony DAV-HDX576WF Home Theater System
Overview:
Another "Home Theater in a Box" design (HTIB), the Sony DAV-HDX576WF tries to be all things to all people and does satisfactorily in some areas and poorly in others, so a mixed bag. The basic components are the following:
(1) Receiver (Main Unit). You get a basic 5.1 surround sound receiver facilitating six sources or inputs: DVD, TUNER, AUX, SAT/CABLE, TV, and DMPORT. The DVD player and AM/FM tuner are built in to the receiver. These internal sources in more detail are configured as follows:
* DVD: The internal DVD has five trays to hold five DVDs or CDs. The DVD outputs 5.1 surround sound through the 576 wireless surround sound speaker system, and outputs video three ways: HDMI, component, or composite. You can use the DVD/CD player to play Data-CD or Data-DVD disks that have MP3 song files or JPEG image files.
* TUNER: The internal FM tuner stores 20 stations, and the AM tuner stores 10. Reception is strong and clear if the antennas are positioned well.
The other four sources facilitated by the receiver are external (AUX, SAT/CABLE, TV, DMPORT). Three of the four external sources are audio only (AUX, SAT/CABLE, TV). One is both audio and video (DMPORT), but the video is composite quality only. Of these four external sources, one is accessed on the front panel (AUX) and the remaining three on the back. The types of external source inputs are as follows:
* AUX: front input, miniature stereo phono (audio only)
* SAT/CABLE: RCA stereo (audio only)
* TV: RCA stereo, or digital coaxial, or digital optical (audio only)
* DMPORT: proprietary connection for MP3 player dock (audio and video)
Note that the three output ports on the back of the 576 are: (1) video only, and (2) hardwired internally to just the DVD player = are not configurable to output any other sources (except the composite also can output from the MP3 player). To repeat for clarity and emphasis on the three video outputs:
* Digital HDMI Out (internal DVD only, video only)
* Component Y-Pb/Cb-Pr/Cr Out (internal DVD only)
* Composite RCA Out (internal DVD or MP3 player only)
Finally, you do have one other out port, the miniature stereo phono headphones connection on the front of the 576. Using this connection mutes all the external speakers, naturally.
(2) Speakers. You get a 5.1 surround sound speaker set, the front stereo pair on stands, a ported, passive subwoofer, and two smaller surround speakers that are wired to a small amp that communicates with the main amp wirelessly. Thus, be aware that you need an AC outlet near where you want to put the surround speakers for the surround amp. Connections are bare wires into all speakers, marked for polarity, but color-coded plugs into the main unit that fit only one way to insure proper polarity. The front stereo speaker stands have to be assembled, which takes a little time, with one part about threading the wire into the stand not quite so obvious. Once all connections are made, setup goes fairly well. The autocalibration mic has plenty of cord (perhaps 13-14 feet) to work even a large den. The mic at least gets the estimated distances pretty good, but the individual speaker level settings were way off. I had to go back and redo all levels manually. I did this autocalibration several times just to make sure I had not missed anything, and every time I still had to adjust the levels of the speakers manually. You might have to do this as well.
(3) Wireless Surround. Surround sound to the rear speakers is wireless. The main unit comes with a wireless transceiver that broadcasts surround audio on the 2.4 GHz band to the surround amp wireless receiver. The surround amp is quite oddly shaped, to be honest (over a foot long! 13.5" x 3.5" x 4" LxWxH). The surround speakers, in fact, are wired. That is, these speakers are hooked into this oddly shaped surround amp by running speaker wires from wherever the surround amp is to each speaker's terminals. Hence, the surround sound is only "partially" wireless. Also, seems that Sony has not provided enough wire really to run the speakers, especially not if you have to do something like go up and over a door frame. I had to add a length of my own speaker wire to get to a corner just 12 feet away as the crow flies. Setting up the wireless system is straightforward, and, following instructions carefully, goes without a hitch. You have three ID switches (A, B, C) to choose from to match up among your wireless units (to distinguish from other possible S-AIR units in the neighborhood, but the conflict could hardly occur given limitations of range, unless in a small apartment).
(4) Digital Media Port Adaptor. This is a fancy name for an MP3 dock. The dock is connected to the main unit via a proprietary cable that carries audio and video (composite quality only). Though advertised for Apple iPod, the unit basically really is for Sony products. The main unit's remote controls many elements of the MP3 transport (Play, Stop, Pause, Track Forward, Track Back) and menu (Previous Menu, Next Menu, Up Folder/Item, Down Folder/Item).
(5) S-AIR Receiver. This wireless unit looks like a table radio, and that basically is its function. You have a small, self-amplified stereo speaker system that receives its sound from the 576 main unit. You can set up the S-AIR unit in two modes:
* "Party Mode." The S-AIR joins in with the main unit and tunes in whatever the main unit is doing.
* "Separate Mode." The S-AIR operates independently of the main unit.
Buttons on the top of the S-AIR unit control transport functions of the source dialed in on the S-AIR when in "Separate Mode." For example, if someone is watching a DVD movie on the main unit in the den, someone else in a different room with the S-AIR receiver theoretically could be listening to the main unit's FM tuner and changing stations, or can be listening to a playlist on the MP3 player in the main unit's MP3 dock and controlling transport, such as play, pause, stop, previous and next track. Finally, the S-AIR even can function when the main unit is off (in "Standby" mode). This option is set in the main unit's system menu.
Evaluation:
(1) Audio. The sound is generally satisfactory, being smooth and fairly accurate if the bass is not pushed. Good, flat sound overall probably is the chief factor that sets this HTIB apart from others in the class. Two caveats apply, one minor, the other more serious.
* Subwoofer. First, on the minor side, the passive subwoofer is decent for musical frequencies, even though still a little soft and muddled for my tastes (not quite punchy enough). This subwoofer, however, is at a distinct disadvantage with handling the boom, thunder, and roar of low frequency movie sound effects. Fortunately, I just happened to have a Velodyne CT-100 active subwoofer lying around that has sophisticated circuitry allowing speaker level inputs with audio pass through. So I took the speaker level subwoofer out from the Sony 576 straight into the Velodyne, then passed through the same signal on out to the Sony passive subwoofer. (In this way the Sony amp sees no extra impedence load at all, so is completely unaware of the Velodyne's existence in the circuitry.) I have the Velodyne set to kick in only at those lower frequencies for movie sound effects, and the Sony subwoofer handling just the higher musical frequencies. With this adaptation, I am more satisfied with the audio performance, especially action movies. Your requirements and tastes may be different.
* Equalization. Though the 576's sound is generally OK, just a little dash of EQ would have gone a long way to really making her shine. One distinct downside to the 576 is that the audio allows no EQ settings of any kind anywhere--not even those cheap presets found on many HTIB (such as "Rock," "Classical," "Easy Listening," "Stadium," "Theater"). The user has no option to adjust any EQ. This inability is quite significant given that any room anywhere of any size and configuration will have its own "sound print" (frequency difficiencies) de facto that need to be compensated for to have accurate, clean sound.
(2) Wireless. The S-AIR wireless system broadcasts on the 2.4 GHz band. When some 576 users reported no conflict with their 2.4 GHz wireless computer networks, I thought I was free and clear. Not so. The S-AIR circuitry is supposed to search out a clearer signal in its frequency range to avoid such conflicts, but mine just did not work. I definitely had wireless conflicts with my computer network, and the S-AIR never did get happy until I completely relocated my computer wireless setup. Therefore, I would advise caution about consideration of this HTIB with its wireless surround if you are running anything wireless at 2.4 GHz in the same room or nearby (including phones).
(3) S-AIR Receiver. All sounds very promising with this S-AIR receiver, which is sort of like a remote radio, but reality bites. I found the S-AIR unit in the end a poor system and rather useless. I will mention several critical items that seemed to doom the unit for my use anyway:
* Performance. The S-AIR unit really does not work well. The maximum reception distance is 25-27 feet, and that is line of sight. Somewhere between 27-30 feet, the unit no longer can lock in the signal. I can lock in from my den to my dinette wetbar, which is about 27 feet and line of sight. If I move just a few feet more to the AC socket on the far dinette wall, about 30 feet, the unit simply refuses to lock in. My two cordless phones in the den and dinette are 900 MHz, so not in conflict. To facilitate the wireless of the 576, I moved my 2.4 GHz computer wireless network out of the den due to conflicts between the computer wireless and the...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony BRAVIA Theater System (DAVHDX576WF) - Black

The Sony DAV-HDX576WF BRAVIA Theatre System has an integrated 5 disc DVD/CD changer with the capability to upscale your DVD\'s to a Full 1080p output using the HDMI connection to your BRAVIA TV set. Adding to the incredible functionality is great styling with Floor Standing speakers and with the included S-AIR wireless surround receiver you get simple wireless capability for the rear surround speakers or multi-room listening with the S-AIR wireless receiver/speaker system.

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Sony Bravia XBR KDL-52XBR6 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am simply thrilled with this TV! I did a lot of research over a period of many months before making this purchase and it really paid off. I got a great price from Amazon and the product itself is wonderful! Great picture, terrific color, easy to set up and use, great features, very attractive sleek design. It allows you to either go with the standard settings or make all kinds of adjustments to the sound and picture from the easy-to-use menu options. You can customize your settings (and save them) for the various HDMI and other inputs. I ordered it late on a Sunday evening and it was already out for delivery to my home on Wednesday morning. Pilot Air Freight called ahead to make arrangements for whatever delivery time was convenient for me. You choose your own time right down to the half hour, in fact, my deliver person was actually early! They gave me free white gloves delivery with a very friendly, prompt, and careful delivery person. They bring it into the house, unpack it and put it on your TV stand, all in just a few minutes--and in perfect condition! Non-HD over the air broadcasts look fairly decent on it. Ordinary DVDs look excellent--even from an ordinary DVD player. It has a USB port so you can look at your digital photos on the big 52" screen, and believe me it makes them look fantastic--and huge! It's at its best when you watch Blu-Ray movies on it. They just look incredibly beautiful and the sound is gorgeous, even with just the onboard speakers. I can't wait to hear how it sounds with my new receiver and surround speakers! And it can play Master Audio disks. You can't go wrong with this TV. The price is right and it's worth every penny and then some. I love it! Thanks again to Amazon for a great product at a great price with super fast high quality free delivery!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Bravia XBR KDL-52XBR6 52-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV

Looking for XBR performance and design in a small screen TV --- Experience Sony unique features like an enhanced Xross Media Bar with 3D graphics and integrated TV Guide program information, DMex functionality that allows you to add capabilities to your TV, and BRAVIA Engine 2 for an even better picture. Add to that the sophisticated design you've come to expect from the XBR line and 1080p capability, and you can see why we say that the KDL-52XBR6 packs a lot of punch.

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Sony Bravia L-Series KDL-32L4000 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV Review

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(More customer reviews)This is my first venture in the HDTV era. I patiently waited for years waiting for price drops. LCD HDTV's have finally become affordable and something rare... Sony has come out with an affortable decent size HDTV. This tv is sharp both aesthetically and the picture. I never saw this tv in person so I had no idea the bottom was clear plastic. It looks like solid silver in the pictures but it is clear in fact. It makes it look that much better. The sound is not great but HDTV's are meant to be paired with entertainment speakers. There are two HDMI slots and tons of component slots. The TV is solid in short. I paired the TV with a sony upconverter (Which I will review as well), and that did wonders to my DVD collection. The picture was not near HD quality but it was without a doubt better than ever before. It did improve the picture and the colors are vivid and bright. I have standard expanded cable service and plugged the cable in before turning on the tv for the first time. When I turned on the tv it automatically searched for chanels and to my astonishment, found 30 digital channels and all local chanels in HD! Straight out of the cable! No box necessary! This made me think cable companies are ripping people off renting out HD boxes. My cable company (Cox) has told me and advertised the HD channels can only be accessed through their special HD box. This is true if you want MTV and 12 other cable channels in HD but not local channels. Needless to say, It was a very pleasant surprise as I don't have to pay 17 bucks a month extra to see HD content.
The second HDMI cable was used by my PS3. I don't need to say anything else but I'm in heaven. Here is the best part, this tv is one of the cheapest on the market and it's a Sony! Morevoer, the shipping was free and no taxes! I checked the best buy website and found I would be paying 70 bucks more at my local store! Highly recommended.

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How about a Sony BRAVIA HDTV that has legendary Sony quality at a price just about anyone can afford?That’s what the KDL-32L4000 HDTV represents. Two HDMI™ connections mean this HDTV can connect to the latest HDMI™-enabled sources. Add to that two more component inputs, and a PC input, and you have five ways to get HD quality entertainment to your TV. With wide viewing angles and a fast panel response time, and a beautiful gloss black color with chrome accents, now everyone can enjoy video entertainment no matter where they’re sitting and what they’re watching.

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Sony Bravia Z-Series KDL-46Z4100/B 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)I have had a Westinghouse 1080p 42inch monitor for a few years and have really been pleased with it. However, with the new features on the market (120hz, 24p, etc) I was ready to upgrade. I initially ordered a Samsung LN46A550 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV. The picture was actually really good on this set, but the glare on the case was VERY annoying. It also lacked the features I was looking for in a new set, but I tried it out because the price was so good. The glare was too much to put up with, so I sent it back and started to research Sony's since they are one of the few sets on the market that you can still get without a glossy case.
I sure am glad that I found Bravia Z series! WIthout going up to an XBR, the Z series is the way to go. If you look at the specs - most of the high end features offered by the XBR are already in the Z series, so it is a really good value when viewed that way. It makes sense why the Z is not offered in a 52 inch size - it would probably really impact sales of the XBR. What a great looking TV (both the picture and the case). I have been extremely impressed with both the blacks on this LCD as well as the vivid colors it produces. The amount of picture calibration offered on this setup is remarkable - especially compared to my old Westinghouse. I find the 24p mode on Blue Ray disk to be quite impressive - it really adds a whole new level of enjoyment to watching Blue Ray movies. The 120hz mode is also wonderful when watching football. I really cannot say enough good things about this TV - spend the extra money that the Sony brand demands, and you get what you pay for.
Although I did not have the issue with this TV, there is a lot of discussion around the Internet about a sparkle issue that this TV has. Be advised that this was an issue, but Sony has released a firmware update that resolves the problem. I have done the update and everything is running great.
If you are on the fence between this and the Samsung LN46A650 (which is in the same feature class as the Sony), be aware that the Samsung has a very glossy screen - not to mention a sure to be dated red outline on the case. This really kills one of the great features of LCD's! The only Samsung I would even consider against this Sony is the Samsung LN46A550 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, but it lacks 120hz, 24p, and has that hideous glossy case. It seems to me that there is no viable competitor to the Sony Bravia Z-Series KDL-46Z4100!
Another side note... When my TV was delivered they also picked up the Samsung for return. The delivery guys were telling me that they have to pickup Samsungs EVERY day because people are returning them. He said they have never had to pickup a Sony. This is proved if you look at the used/new link under the Samsung and Sony's - you will see tons of open box Amazon Warehouse Deals on the Samsungs - but none on the Sony's!

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LCD still not thin enough for you?Then look no further than the KDL-Z4100. With a striking slim bezel design, Motionflow\' 120Hz for the reproduction of smooth, lifelike images, BRAVIA Engine 2\' and ACE for a deeper blacks and better shadow detail, now your TV design matches the picture. Ready for the latest technology to go along with the design and picture— The KDL-Z4100 also include DLNA\' compatability so you can access your digital photo collection over your home network (additional DLNA\' components required; sold separately), and Sony's unique DMex and Digital Media Port technology.

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Sony XBR52LX900 52" BRAVIA 3D LED TV Review

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(More customer reviews)I first want to say that I based much of my decision to buy the XBR-52LX900 on my past experience with Sony HDTV's and the research I did on the internet (especially from the tests done by [...]). I've paced the big electronic stores and compared many brands and technologies firsthand in the past 5 years and try to make the best decisions I can for what's right for me. Do all the research you can before you buy any TV and try to see TV's in person before you make any decision.
I've had my LX900 now for 4 days and I can say that it is a mammoth of technology. With so many features, you can get lost and even side tracked with all the settings and features you can meddle with. I can't count how much personal time I've personally lost to this glowing marvel. I got my LX900 to replace my XBR4, which I thought was pretty good at the time when I purchased it 3 years ago and should be better than my XBR9 that I bought earlier this year. First impressions were the size and design. It's huge, but very thin and quite an elegant, angled creature. I had contemplated the HX909 with the full LED and even the 8000 series Samsung, but decided to go with the LX900 since it's slimmer and comes with the 3D glasses as well as a built-in 3D emitter and WiFi. The HX909 does have a slightly better picture since it achieves deeper blacks due to full LED lighting, but the LX900 touches off an explosion of LEDs's to achieve a brighter picture, so I think the LX900 is just a step behind the HX909 visually in terms of contrast ratio. Right out of the box I wasn't that satisfied with the picture and kept playing with the settings (especially the motion flow). I finally went to [...] and used their "calibrated" settings which really optimized the picture and cleared it up significantly. You really have to come to terms with the fact that source video is everything when it comes to the picture on HDTV's no matter what settings you choose. The colors on the LX900 are really good and it nearly blinds you with the whites that it can display. However, the screen does glow too much in the deepest blacks with splotches of light on the sides of the screen due to it being an edge-lit LED screen and not full LED with localized dimming which lets a tiny bit of light bleed through. However, my blu-ray 1080P source from the PS3 looks impeccable on this behemoth! HD cable channels are pretty sharp, but anything below that is a bit too cluttered. Sadly, I do get excessive judder on fast motion and I'm trying to hold off on tweaking the motion flow since it seemed to degrade the brightness of the screen and have an overall negative impact on the image (something that an elite HDTV shouldn't be doing). There's a "theater mode" on the remote that can benefit the picture of some video sources more than others when you engage it. Some of the signals would get very washed out and grainy, the theater mode helped settle the picture back into a nice soft texture and clear the image up in many cases. Then there's that little 3D button at the top of the remote. Here's where things really heated up! You power up the glasses with a single button, hit the "3D" button on the remote, and poof, any image on the screen is converted to 3D! My first experience was "humph", but that was until I found the 3D settings. The TV default to a "medium" setting in the 3D effect. When I punched it up to high and set the glasses to auto darkness, you really got the feeling that you were looking through a window to the world (something much like looking through an old viewmaster). I unconverted some football, racing, tennis, and golf - which is pretty neat. When I put in "Planet Earth" or any Blu-Ray 1080P source, it really got deep, clear, and started popping out inside the TV! I figured only 3D on a Blu-ray could perform a decent 3D effect, but the LX900 proved me wrong! Since then, I've been re-watching all of my Blu-ray media again in 3D - it really is completely different in 3D. The 3D is really good on the LX900, but I know that it wouldn't look that great without the crisp details and color that it serves up even before you convert it to 3D. I was truly floored when it converted my personal photos into 3D from my PS3! I can't wait to get the update to my PS3 to play 3D Blu-ray in September. The remote really is a stand out also. I know that sounds ridiculous, I thought the same thing reading other reviews that went on about the remote. I fully understood what they were talking about when I actually got to play with this thing first hand. There's no battery door to break or lose when you pop it off. Instead, the whole bottom of the remote is a sliding sleeve that moves forward to expose the battery compartment (pretty slick). You can engage widgets and the streaming video over the internet with the press of dedicated buttons (there are plenty of buttons dedicated to one function) as well as navigate the xcross media bar and pull up any settings. The streaming video channels like YouTube and How To TV are pretty neat, but most of the videos are really all sub-par standard definition which looks badly muddled as you could expect. Amazon HD video and Netflix look very good and I have had no buffering problems at all with my WiFi streaming that content. What I can't understand is why there are so many movie services that do pretty much the same thing as the other. Netflix or Amazon should be all you need for movie service. Same with Slacker radio and Pandora, they do pretty much the same thing, no? The widgets are okay, but they really function way too slow and have a clunky feel to them. There's not a lot of variety except for the typical Yahoo and Facebook widgets and I can't stress here how long they take to load. My computer pulls these up quicker and they function much better with a computer and a keyboard. I hope the future holds the integration of app support like the apple store and the android marketplace - are you listening Sony? I am very dismayed by the built-in speakers on this TV, they really sound "tinny" and cheap. I have played with the sound settings trying to get something decent out of them, but for now I have had no success in improving this at all. The i-manual doesn't really give me any help on this either, but I hope to be able to correct this in the future. Since I have it hooked up to my theater system (which sounds outstanding), this is not a problem yet. That's another thing that I don't like about the LX900. It comes with no physical manual. You have to press the button on the remote that's dedicated for the "i-manual" so that it can pull it up off the net. Navigating the manual is again slow and clumsy. They could have used one branch of tree pulp to manufacture and include a printed manual which would be a big improvement over the i-manual.
So, was this TV worth the price that Sony wants for it? I'd say no. This is why I only gave 4 stars for it. It's pretty nice to have built in WiFi, 3D emitter, and include 2 pairs of glasses, but for the price it should be a full LED design and really "wow" you with a flawless picture. Then again, the slim monolithic design of the LX900 is the trade-off where you have to make the call. It's a decision between full LED and edge-lit LED or thicker versus thinner. Since my picture is still one of the best looking pictures I've seen (along with the eye popping 3D effects), I am pretty happy with my monster. The widgets and streaming media really weren't very impressive. I would have to say that it's a toss-up between the LX900 and the HX909 (might have got the HX909 if they threw in their 3D package and a WiFi dongle), but since the LX900 is supposed to be their flagship model I chose the LX900. You might even consider the Samsung 8000 series, since they're cheaper. But, I've found that there's something about the Sony (must be the processor) that makes them just a hint more clear to me when they're side by side with the Samsungs and an identical 1080P source. At any rate, I'd let prices settle at least $900 dollars less before buying one a Sony or wait for the next generation in a year or so.
Update: I installed the newest PS3 update version 3.50 that enables 3D capability, and yes, 3D Blu-Rays are absolutely incredible on my LX900! I've already pre-ordered more 3D Blu-Ray movies on Amazon. The downside is that for the PS3 to output the 3D signal, they sacrificed the lossless audio through its HDMI output. I didn't think this would be a big deal, but it turned out to really stink. You can tell a big difference when running the sound through an optical cable from the TV to the audio receiver. I'm going to have to buy a standalone 3D player and a new home theater receiver with the necessary HDMI 1.4 input/outputs to satisfy my appetite for this new media.


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The future of home entertainment is here. Switch on the BRAVIA LX900 series Full HD 3D TV and you no longer simply watch TV: you're drawn into an exciting world of Full HD 3D entertainment. With a beautiful, minimalist monolithic design, access to online content and intelligent features, the LX900 will redefine your viewing experience. Forget memories of cut-out cardboard glasses; this model has the advanced fully integrated Full HD 3D picture technology. Just put on the advanced active shutter glasses supplied with your TV and you'll be taken into incredibly life-like scenes which literally jump out of the screen at you. With integrated Wi-Fi, this model is instantly online without the clutter of wires and clumsy connections. Sit back and catch up on the TV programs you missed, stream full-screen videos from websites such as YouTube or Dailymotion and get the latest Facebook updates from your friends on the TV. This model has a range of smart features to make your life easier and greener. The intelligent presence sensor can dim the picture or turn it off if no-one is looking, adjust the picture and audio settings depending on where you are in the room and even tell your kids if they're sitting too close. This model features a stunning monolithic design. It has a unique minimalist style to fit in perfectly with your living space and a flush screen surface which looks spectacular whether your TV is on or off.

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Sony BRAVIA EX308-Series KDL-32EX308 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been using this TV for 2-3 weeks now and can review it simply: great performance, terrific value.
I do wish it was 1080p but that's only for the relatively remote possibility that I want to hook up a computer and have a lot of resolution; otherwise the picture @ 720p is clean, sharp, and crisp with vibrant colors regardless of the input. Needless to say, if your source is low quality, no TV will make it high quality.
The Internet and local network features work seamlessly and personally I love being able to watch streaming movies from Netflix and selected content from YouTube; the audio selections from Pandora and Slacker are good as well. Setting up a DLNA server on your PC to view photos, listen to your own song collection, etc is very easy with Windows Media Player but you might have to dig around a little bit for documentation if this is not familiar turf for you. So far I have not had any luck with viewing my own videos but have not explored solutions carefully since it doesn't matter much to me. Sony could enhance the media server interface a bit to provide better navigation in your personal media collection but what's there gets the job done.
The WiFi connectivity works (almost) perfectly; the single problem I have is streaming HD movies from Netflix, which will pause from time to time. However, this is not Sony's issue; if you live in a large home or one with other RF interference issues you might have some problems with content needing a ton of bandwidth. The best thing to do is run an Ethernet cable from your router directly into the TV; second best is to use some kind of signal booster, repeater, expander. Most people will not experience this problem if they have a strong broadband connection and live in a typically sized home.
The sound quality of the built-in speakers is ok but I recommend using externals like the Bose Companion II speakers for high-quality sound. Obviously there are a lot of options on this but for typical 32" placement I find the Bose speakers at $100 to be more than adequate for any source material.
Bottom line: if you want a 32" television with internet connectivity this one is hard to beat on price/performance and ease of setup and use. If you don't care about 'net connectivity or are going to go with Google TV or Apple TV AND 1080p really matters to you then you might want to look at another unit.

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Experience HD picture quality, incredible contrast and a sharp, vibrant, life-like picture in a compact design with the Sony BRAVIA EX308-Series HDTV. Connect to the internet and instantly stream a wide variety of movies, TV shows, videos and music from Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Slacker and more. Conveniently access your favorite online entertainment wirelessly by attaching the included Wi-Fi adapter.

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