Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-32S5100 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)I AM UNABLE TO EDIT MY STAR RATING OR I WOULD DOWNGRADE IT TO TWO, MAYBE THREE STARS!!!
I bought this for my bedroom last week and am pretty happy with it. I have a 40" XBR2 in the family room and this model's picture is surprisingly comparable. I bought it through Amazon for MUCH less than BB or Sears. I do have a couple issues that prevent me from giving it five stars: first, it takes quite a long time for the picture to appear when you turn it on and switching inputs takes even longer than my XBR2. The other peave I have is setting the sleep timer; on most TV's there's a dedicated 'Sleep' button on the remote. On the S5100 you have to hit the 'Tools' button on the remote, select 'Clock/Timers', select your sleep time, then press the 'Menu' button to clear the on-screen menu. Wow! All-in-all, neither of those are that big of a deal, but the next issue is the one that's provoking me to call Sony Customer Service. There is a significant amount of noise in the TV's audio output -- especially at low volume. It sounds like the signal is over-modulated, but at higher volume levels it's not as noticable. I haven't tried a set of external speakers to see if the noise is still there, but I have tried component, composite, and HDMI inputs all with the same results. Perhaps I'll update this review with the results of my call to Sony.
UPDATE 5/1: I called Sony about the audio issue; they wanted to send out a technician. I opted to have J&R swap out the TV but the same exact problem exists on the replacement. I guess I'm going to take Sony up on their offer to send someone out. I can't tolerate this problem considering it is our bedroom TV and is often used at low volume levels.
UPDATE 5/19: I just finished packing up the unit to return to J&R, who have been great BTW! The Sony tech acknowledged the problem and said that Sony tech support would probably tell him to replace the digital audio board, but unless the board has been redesigned he didn't think it would resolve the problem. Sony Customer Service refused to help in any way; I asked for a refurbished XBR6 (last year's only 32" 1080p model) to replace this unit, and they said no. I asked for a discount on a new XBR9, and they said no. As the owner of several Sony products, including a 40" XBR2 and a 36" Wega, I am really quite surprised by Sony's unwillingness to help resolve this issue. My brand loyalty has been shaken, and I will think twice before I buy another Sony product. BTW, I'm looking at the Panasonic and Samsung 1080 32" models as a replacement.

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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 theater 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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Sharp LC 42SB45U - 42" LCD TV - widescreen - 1080p (FullHD) - HDTV - black Review

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(More customer reviews)Before I start, let me point out that this Sharp 1080p HDTV, LC-42SB45U, is *not* a model from their state-of-the-art Aquos line, which costs much more. I bought mine from Dell at a great price, and then realized this was not an Aquos. This is from what Sharp marketing geniuses call their "traditional LCD" line. (The Japanese are really great at marketing, aren't they?) This TV is made in China, underlining its value branding.
I struggled between giving this a 4-star vs. a 5-star rating. I'll explain. Picture quality-wise, it's excellent at 1080p -- I use it with my 60GB PS3 (which upconverts DVDs) -- with great contrast, smooth graphics and vibrant color (Sharp is best at color reproduction on LCD panels). The response time is 6 ms, and the viewing angle is an astonishing 176 degrees, both horizontally and vertidcally. (A flat surface has 180 degrees.) The maximum brightness is sufficient to allow you to use this set outdoors, on a patio, for example. (My old LCD TVs could not do this.)
I'm a movie buff so I watch a lot of Blu-rays and DVDs and have been very happy. (Tip: when using PS3's upscaling, set it to Normal, not Double Scale.) The built-in speakers (non-detachable) are passable for a small living room; you might want to use a home theater for hi-fi sound anyway.
When playing non-HDMI input materials -- e.g., from a traditional non-upconverting DVD player, an old VCR or non-HD cable content -- the picture quality is only average, hence my originally hesitation at giving this set a full 5-star endorsement. My guess is for this "traditional" (i.e., value) line, Sharp does not have a good non-HD upscaling engine that can improve the quality of non-HD images, or maybe it doesn't have one such engine at all. You'll notice aliasing artifacts that are absent from upconverted and native 1080 materials. (The Aquos models, on the other hand, excel at non-HD images as well.)
In the end, given the price I paid and given the solid build of the set, I feel I got a really good value, and when used with a PS3, this inexpensive 42" (actually 42 1/64" diagonally) 1080p LCD HDTV is terrific. Since I use it pretty much exclusively with my PS3, I'm very happy. Of course, you should be aware of its middling performance with non-HD content.

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The 42" Class (42-1/64" Diagonal) LC-42SB45UT, with full HD Spec 1080p resolution and an elegant new glossy black design, produces superb picture quality. The LC-42SB45UT features high contrast, fast response time and wide viewing angles. The LC-42SB45UT includes built-in ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners, three HDMITM inputs, is compatible with 1080p signals and has 2 HD component video inputs. The LC-42SB45UT features a sleek piano black cabinet with subtle, recessed bottom-mounted speakers, and the included table stand easily removes for wall mounting applications.

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Sony BRAVIA EX 400 Series 32-Inch LCD TV, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)Here's my simple review of this Sony TV.
General outline of features:
1080p resolution
Picture adjustments
Audio adjustments (synthetic surround sound, bass, treble)
USB device support
HDMI x4
ECO-friendly options (power save level I and II)
Ambient sensor
The picture quality is outstanding, there are numerous adjustments to make the picture look the way you want. Other adjustments include audio and settings for features. Full HD 1080p only makes it look even better. Sony advertises this TV with the "ambient" sensor that detects the lighting situation in your room so that it adjusts the backlight of the TV to compensate. I did some tests with the sensor on or off and it didn't make that much of a difference but the ambient sensor does work, it will decrease the backlight of the TV if you're in a dark room (or at night) and increase it if the room is lit up. Features also included with this TV is the ability to play music, photos and videos from a USB device which is great but I don't see myself using it. The thing that stands out with this TV set is its design. It looks like a piece of art once you remove the packaging materials. There are an influx of ports and connections on the rear and side. Component, composite, HDMI, Audio, VGA, you name it, it will have most likely have it.
My only two minor gripes about this TV is that the tuning is responsiveness of the TV's menu and tuning is fairly slow. It's not slow to the point where it bothers you but I'd say from the moment you push the channel up button on the remote until the time it actually displays the picture is around 2-3 seconds. It's not bad but its a minor gripe of mines. Another gripe I have about this TV is the price. It's certainly on the costly side for this class of TV but I believe it makes up for it in the design aspect. So if you're willing to spend a little more money to get a TV that actually looks great, this TV is a good choice.
Overall, this TV is great for the person who is willing to spend a little more money to get something that looks great without sacrificing picture quality.

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Experience Full HD 1080p, incredible contrast and sharp, vibrant images with this 32-inch Sony BRAVIA EX400 Series HDTV (model KDL-32EX400). It features Ambient Sensor and LightSensor Technology that automatically adjust the color and backlight based on a room's lighting. And you can connect a USB drive and share your favorite photos and music with family and friends.
The Sony BRAVIA EX400 Series HDTV (see larger image).

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Sony BRAVIA EX 400 Series 40-Inch LCD TV, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)I have to say, I really like this TV. My previous LCD was a Samsung 32" 720p - and this set blows it away in almost every aspect. I think I paid around $550 for the Samsung a little over a year ago, so I jumped at the chance to upgrade to the EX400.
Pros: The ambient light sensor works terrific.
- 4 HDMI inputs! Plug away my friends.
- Bravia Sync feature works great with my Sony home theater system.
- PS3 games have never looked better. I played Killzone 2 right after I setup the TV and my jaw was open for about 10 minutes straight.
- It only has a 60Hz refresh rate, but I've yet to see any blur while watching sports.
- DVD's look fairly crisp as well, considering I have a cheap DVD up-converter.
- It's a Sony! I'm sure some ppl have had bad experiences with Sony, but I've had nothing but luck. To each his own I guess.
Cons: The remote is junk. It looks cheap and it isn't very functional.
- The grey panel on the front. I had a bigger problem with the online picture of the set than I do in person. It doesn't look THAT bad - but it still throws off the continuity of the black perimeter. Strange call by Sony.
- Calibration is frustrating. There are so many different picture settings you'll probably struggle to find the perfect setup. I used the DVD THX Optimizer (found it on one of my Star Wars movies) and it helped a lot. (I posted them on [...])
- If you're using an antenna instead of cable/satellite you'll find that channel surfing is a bit slow. This is kind of a nitpick, but the channels take a little longer to load on this set.
- No swivel? I knew this set didn't have it before I bought it - but it would still be nice.
For around $600 you can have full 1080p AND a 40" screen. Great TV - great deal.

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Experience Full HD 1080p, incredible contrast and sharp, vibrant images with this 40-inch Sony BRAVIA EX400 Series HDTV (model KDL-40EX400). It features Ambient Sensor and LightSensor Technology that automatically adjust the color and backlight based on a room's lighting. And you can connect a USB drive and share your favorite photos and music with family and friends.
The Sony BRAVIA EX400 Series HDTV (see larger image).

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Sony BRAVIA KDL40EX40B 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with Built-In Blu-ray Disc Player Review

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(More customer reviews)I couldn't be happier. Everything has worked as advertised and the quality of the unit is above average for all the junk I see these days. I wanted it for my master bedroom to mount on the wall and have as few wires and devices hanging off of it as possible. The Bluray/Dvd player works well and connecting to a network was a snap. I even streamed a video from one of my computers to it, but the streaming quality leaves a little bit to be desired. I believe that is mostly due to the infancy of the technology. The internet functions work great for what I want Youtube and netflix operate just fine.

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Experience Full HD 1080p, incredible contrast and sharp, vibrant images with this 40-inch Sony BRAVIA EX40B Series HDTV (model KDL-40EX40B). It features Ambient Sensor and LightSensor Technology that automatically adjust the color and backlight based on a room's lighting. And it includes a built-in Blu-ray Disc player--helping you save space in your entertainment center while allowing you to enjoy today's highest resolution movies.
The Sony BRAVIA EX40B Series HDTV with integrated Blu-ray Disc Player.

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Sony BRAVIA KDL32EX40B 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV with Built-In Blu-ray Disc Player Review

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(More customer reviews)I was looking to buy an LCD TV for past 1 year and specifically want Internet content. It paid off with SONY KDL32EX40B. It has internet content, it has Blu Ray player, excellent menu design, easy to operate, all in one functionalities.I ordered immediately and I got TV 3 days ago. It has easy quick setup guide. The remote control is easy to type for internet use and the manual is very user friendly to look for specific information. With this TV, there is no need for seperate box of DVD/BD players and couple of remotes to operate.
The TV switched on perfectly and blu ray was able to play DVD's, CD and of course Blu Ray Discs. Now its time to connect LAN cable to TV. Here started the trouble. The TV just got hanged when I turn it OFF and turn it ON back again because of Internet connectivity. when i disconnected the LAN cable, it works fine, but freezes when connected to Internet.I called Sony Customer Care and they asked to reset the TV to Factory settings. But still no use. so they sent a new replacement TV. To my frustation, this TV also came up with same issue. When i called customer care, they escalated to Product support specialist and they assisted to DOWNLOAD new FIRMWARE and installed it to TV. Awesome, it works now !!

TV's which are manufactured before June 18th (Sony released new firmware for this TV - [...]) have this problem of freeze and reboot by itself.
I am bit disappointed with Sony, if it has released firmware for particular model then why it hasn't updated at the time of shipping or atleast it should advised when i called for Sony customer care for first time rather than sending replacement TV.
I am enjoying this TV with all internet content fully loaded and its an amazing piece if you have home theatre system too.at Glance:
PROS : Integrated Blu Ray Player, Internet Content (youtube, netflix, quirocity etc..,)
CONS : Software initialization (internet content & Home menu) takes some time (15-30 seconds to load) when Turn it ON..but its not an issue anyway.

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Experience Full HD 1080p, incredible contrast and sharp, vibrant images with this 32-inch Sony BRAVIA EX40B Series HDTV (model KDL-32EX40B). It features Ambient Sensor and LightSensor Technology that automatically adjust the color and backlight based on a room's lighting. And it includes a built-in Blu-ray Disc player--helping you save space in your entertainment center while allowing you to enjoy today's highest resolution movies.
The Sony BRAVIA EX40B Series HDTV with integrated Blu-ray Disc Player.

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