Showing posts with label sony. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sony. Show all posts

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Sony Micro Vault Tiny 1 GB USB Flash Drive (USM1GH/T2) Review

Sony Micro Vault Tiny 1 GB USB Flash Drive (USM1GH/T2)
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I recently purchased this item, and I'm quite surprised that a drive that is so physically small can have a large storage capacity. After seeing the 256MB and 512MB models at my local Target, I went here to see if there were any larger capacity models.
And so, I found this model.
The drive is physically very small and thin, essentially being a USB connection with a small chip of flash memory. The file transfer speed of the device is relatively fast over USB 2.0. The included case is a plus, securing the drive itself in a silicone pocket, protecting the exposed connection and allowing relatively safe transport of the drive where needed.
However, the physical size of the drive is also it's main drawback. With a drive this small, I see the potential for the drive to easily become lost. However if you're careful, this should be a non-issue.
Albeit there are many other less-expensive options for a 1GB flash drive, but if you're looking for a very compact and stylish model, then this item should be the choice for you.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Micro Vault Tiny 1 GB USB Flash Drive (USM1GH/T2)

USB Micro Vault Tiny Drive plugs directly into USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. Preloaded with Virtual Expander to store three times as much data. Files are automatically compressed and decompressed when dragged to and from the device. Compatible with Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP and MAC OS 9 and higher.

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Click here for more information about Sony Micro Vault Tiny 1 GB USB Flash Drive (USM1GH/T2)

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-40XBR9 40-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV, Black Review

Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-40XBR9 40-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV, Black
Average Reviews:

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I will admit up front that I am a complete HDTV newbie. I hung on to a 20 year old, 22 inch CRT color "monitor television" for far too long, in part because I do not watch much television programming (a bit of baseball, PBS, occaisional Law & Order reruns, that sort of thing) and in part because the whole HDTV techno nerd thing was too intimidating. After much online research and a few surreptitious visits to Big Box electronics stores, I finally settled on the 40XBR9 and bought it from an Amazon seller -- and could not be more pleased with my selection. The picture quality is simply riveting. The menus are reasonably user friendly and I have not found it all that difficult to calibrate for optimum results in a softly lighted room. With minor tweaking, the factory defaults work well for most cable television programming. I used the CNET suggested calibration for movies on the 52XBR9, and it works very well on this 40 inch unit.
This is a beautiful television. The bezel is as slim as they come and is an unadorned, moderately glossy black. While it is not a small television, it is not too overbearing for a medium sized bedroom or office. Considering its slender bezel, and the fact that there are no visible speakers, the sound is more than adequate for watching most TV programming. I purchased a ZVOX 525 sound base and an OPPO blu ray player to go with it. I have yet to watch a blu ray disc, but upscaled DVDs like Ratatouille and Wall-E are incredibly crisp, vivid and detailed, with wonderfully natural color, deep, pure blacks and brilliant whites and grey tones. With sound from the ZVOX, this is a wonderful way to enjoy movies in a moderate sized room without an enormous investment of time and money and without a lot of wiring and equipment monopolizing the space.
The one down side is that the XBR9 is not very forgiving of poor quality source material. My local cable provider still offers a limited selection of true HD content. SD television does not fare well on this set, although with some tweaks you can get acceptable picture quality -- ratchet down the sharpness so the poor resolution is not obvious, use a 4:3 aspect ratio rather than 'stretch' the image to fill the screen, so the perspective is not distorted, turn down the brightness and restrict the color range to avoid the exaggerated and artificial hues that seem to be part and parcel of SD TV, and you get a reasonable picture on par with a decent CRT. But once you've seen good quality 16:9 HDTV content, you will be somewhat disappointed with SD sources.
This competes head to head with the high end LCD and "LED" TVs from Samsung. I think it beats them for at least two reasons. First, the Samsung models have a very glossy, "wet look" screen, which is really a distraction. Under some conditions, it gives the picture more "pop," but except in a darkened room, the glare problem is insurmountable. Second, the comparable Samsung televisions have wider and more obtrusive bezels with a brilliant piano black finish, which is made even more garish by Samsung's somewhat ludicrous red "Touch of Color" gimmickry. The Samsung design is like over the top prom wear. The 40XBR9 is the electronics version of the perfect, simple and refined little black dress.
Prices seem to fluctuate wildly -- the prices quoted on the date of this review are about 15% higher than they were when I made my purchase ten days ago. You may want to keep an eye on the market and catch the next wave of "sales." But you won't buy this TV because it is an inexpensive "bargain" -- you may buy it because dollar for dollar, it will give you the most pleasure during the years it will be in service.
TWO MONTHS LATER: Having now had the opportunity to use my Sony 40XBR9 to watch post-season baseball in HD, as well as a number of blu-ray discs, I remain as pleased with my purchase as ever. This has transformed the way we watch movies and cable programming at home. I added a Harmony One remote to the system to avoid the remote control shuffle required to operate the blu-ray player, Zvox, cable box and Sony in tandem. It all works nicely and with a minimum of effort.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-40XBR9 40-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV, Black

Experience powerful performance and superior design with the Sony BRAVIA XBR9 HDTV, featuring Motionflow 240Hz technology for maximum motion detail and clarity, plus broadband internet connectivity with built-in BRAVIA Internet Video1 capabilities that let you view select on-demand movies, TV shows, music and more, and even lets you personalize your entertainment experience by selecting and positioning widgets containing the latest news, weather, sports and more directly on your TV screen. Buy This Product and Related Items

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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

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

Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-32S5100 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black
Average Reviews:

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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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-32S5100 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black

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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Click here for more information about Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-32S5100 32-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black

Monday, October 22, 2012

Sony BRAVIA V-Series KDL-52V5100 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Black Review

Sony BRAVIA V-Series KDL-52V5100 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Black
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
WHO TO BUY FROM: Amazon did not have this item in stock, so I waited for Amazon to have it in stock before buying - turned out to be the right decision. I bought another LCD tv last year from "ButterflyPhoto", a seller on Amazon's website, and it was a horrible experience. So I vowed never to buy a big ticket item from any other seller than Amazon on its site. Those sellers have such great reviews b/c if you get screwed like I did and the sale never goes through, you can never rate them. So only happy customers get to rate those sellers, hence the above-avg reviews.
DELIVERY AND DEFECTIVE TV: I ordered the TV on a Thurs and it was delivered to my house on Tues. Pilot (carrier) called to schedule and appt, brought it into my house, took it out of the box and placed it on my tv stand, then made sure it worked before asking me to sign. But by Friday, a 1/2 cm black line appeared in the screen (yikes!). On Sat. I called Amazon and they were great in shipping out a replacement TV immediately at no extra cost to me (they even gave me the option to replace with another make/model). The new TV arrived the next Fri and Pilot packaged and removed the defective TV. The new TV works fine (so far, fingers crossed). After mentioning my ordeal to several friends, a few mentioned they had defective LCD TVs also - so I guess its not so uncommon.
Dealing with Amazon is great. If I bought from those other sellers, I would have been left to deal with Sony via the warranty - No Thanks! Its worth the extra hundred dollars or so to go with Amazon.
PICTURE QUALITY: The HD picture is amazing. I had a 2004 42' Sony WEGA that produced 1080i, but the Bravia is a much, much better HD picture (however, it seems Comcast broadcasts in 1080i, not 1080p). When watching sports on my WEGA, the picture could not handle fast action so well. The Bravia corrects this pretty well (via the 120hz) and there is definitely a noticable difference/improvement versus my old WEGA. The 120hz is well worth the money.
BOTTOM LINE, at $1,823, I am happy with the TV even after the first one was defective. I found the Samsung to be too glossy a picture and didn't like the touch of red, so the 52v5100 was the perfect TV for me at that price. Buy from Amazon, not those other tricksters.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony BRAVIA V-Series KDL-52V5100 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Black

For consumers who want an HDTV that keeps pace with fast-action movies, sports, and game play, Sony BRAVIA V-Series Flat Panel HDTVs combine Full HD 1080p performance and Motionflow 120Hz technology for an amazing viewing experience. 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 V-Series HDTVs use proprietary Image Blur Reduction technology to further enhance the picture for even better performance. The HDTVs also feature BRAVIA Engine 2 technology, 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 V-Series HDTVs are compatible with BRAVIA Link Modules -- including the BRAVIA Wireless Link, BRAVIA DVD Link, and BRAVIA Input Link Modules (all sold separately). The HDTVs also support BRAVIA SyncTM technology 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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Click here for more information about Sony BRAVIA V-Series KDL-52V5100 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Black

Thursday, October 18, 2012

SONY DAV-C770 DVD Dream(TM) System Review

SONY DAV-C770 DVD Dream(TM) System
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I bought and took back this system 3 times. When it worked it was absoulutely incredible. In all three, the subtitles kept coming on in the middle of movies. Drove me nuts. The progressive scan and sound was superb. The first one: on occasion the video would go out while watching a dvd, just turning it off and on again made it work again but it was a pain. The subtitles always came on, after turning them off, over and over again so we exchanged it. The second one: was better with the subtitles. They would only come on once or twice during the movies. The problem with the second one was it would reset itself from component output/progressive scan to interlace. We had to hook it up differently to reset it back to progressive scan. We took it back and tried it one more time. The third one only worked for 4.5 hours before it died alltogether. No power, just went completely dead. It worked great for the 4.5 hours but again the subtitles did come on during the movies. Just too many bugs in this model. It was great when it was working. I'm even tempted to buy it again just to see if I can find one with no flaws! We even bought all the recommended surge protectors and cables but it did no good.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SONY DAV-C770 DVD Dream(TM) System

ItM-^Rs time to chill out on the sofa with SonyM-^Rs DVD Dream System. Featuring a 5-disc DVD/SACD/CD changer with progressive scan output, 5 satellite speakers, and a subwoofer, this system boasts 550 watts of total system power! Enjoy Digital Cinema Sound, Dolby Digital, DTS« and Dolby Pro-Logic II decoding, and get immersed in your movies and music.

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Click here for more information about SONY DAV-C770 DVD Dream(TM) System

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Sony Bravia XBR-Series KDL-40XBR4 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

Sony Bravia XBR-Series KDL-40XBR4 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I've been living with a Panasonic PT40LC12 LCD projection TV since early 2002. Originally, it had a great picture...but, over the years (and 2 bulbs later) the quality of the image has deteriorated significantly. In all fairness, this set is used , on average, about 6-7 hours each day...so, it really owed me nothing. Also, it maxed out at 480P, and didn't have HDMI. So, I went out in search of a replacement. I've been looking at current models for about a year and finally decided to get this Sony.
I've had it about one week, and after spending some time tweaking the picture settings (there are a ton of user adjustments available) I finally sat down and watched a few DVDs.
I've got 2 DVD players and the first film that I watched was viewed at 480P using the component inputs. I had seen the same film before and wanted to compare....the image was absolutely fantastic. Although the DVD was a movie, the image looked more like live video. The depth of the image blew me away...the color was perfect...it looked almost like a live network feed.
The next DVD was viewed at 1080I using the HDMI inputs. Again, the image was outstanding.
Adjusting the set is not for the faint of heart. The Vivid and Normal settings are, in my opinion, way too bright...too much contrast and color intensity. Although it appears that they can be adjusted...why bother. They might work if the set were being used in a sports bar, or other venue...but, not in the home.
I concentrated on the Cinema and Custom settings. There are several blogs, technical sites, etc. on the web that discuss adjustments for this set. It's really worth the time to hunt them down. One thing I read was that the 120hz scan feature only works in the Cinema or Custom settings...and Sony's "out of the box" default is to have that feature turned off. So, make sure to check the settings for the inputs you're using.
I concentrated on getting the best image in the Custom mode for each of my attached inputs. I found that "WARM 1" was the setting that provided the best "live looking" image. WARM 2 (the default for Cinema mode) gave the image a look that most closely mirrored a movie theater experience. If you tweak the Custom settings to give you the most "live looking" image...you can use the THEATER button on the remote to switch into a more Cinema looking image.
Also, it appears that you can adjust the levels for each input...so, you can tweak the picture for each device that you connect without changing any of the others. Although I have an outstanding AV receiver which does 1080P video and audio switching (to which most of my components are attached), I found that where multiple device outputs are available, attaching any device directly to the TV allows the picture to be customized specifically for that device....you can still use your surround sound receiver for the audio.
The remote control is somewhat complex (including a hidden compartment at the bottom with a sliding door). It also took a while to learn to navigate through the various setup and adjustment screens...but, in a short time, it really all made sense.
Viewing my standard definition DirecTV channels was OK....I haven't gone to HDTV as I need to chop some trees to get the proper angle and elevation for the 5 LNB HD dish. However, if the HD channels come in as great as the DVD images, life will be beautiful.
I don't, as yet, have either a BluRay or HD DVD player....as soon as the industry decided which will be king, then I'll decide which to buy......and, the prices can only go lower with each passing day. I've seen BluRay DVDs played over this TV and all I can say is...I can't wait to get mine.
All in all...I think I made the correct choice. It was probably the most expensive set that I considered...but, if it stands up over the years, I think it was worth the price. Also, I'm glad that I waited for the XBR4. The previous XBR model wasn't nearly as attractive (e.g., that ugly silver surround). Also, Sony added many improvements (if you can believe them) to this newer model. If you decide to get one of these...please take the time to study the owners manual. Although there are some unexplained and confusing descriptions, it will at least give you a place to start.
UPDATE...I've had this set for about 2 months now...It only gets better. I purchased a blu-ray player and now watch all my DVDs upconverted to 1080P. Watching blu-ray DVDs at 1080P/24 is the best I've ever seen (even in the stores on their demo sets). The "clouding" issue reported on the previous XBR2/3 doesn't exist...so it appears that Sony did solve that problem.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Bravia XBR-Series KDL-40XBR4 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

The Sony BRAVIA XBR KDL-40XBR4 40-inch 1080p LCD Flat Panel HDTV continues Sony's tradition of making outstanding televisions. The 40-inch screen is ideal for medium-size rooms. Sony does not hold back with any technologies, and the XBR series is its flagship line--so with the XBR, you know you'll get the best quality home theater experience available.
Top-Notch Video Performance The XBR KDL-40XBR4 is a 1080p television with a full 1920 x 1080 resolution, the highest resolution available for the sharpest, clearest picture. The KDL-40XBR uses the most recent HDMI 1.3 interface, which houses both audio and video signals in one connector and has the bandwidth to support the data needed for the high resolution. Sony's Bravia Engine Pro Full Digital Video Processor upconverts all video signals to 1080p so you can watch all your old DVDs on this glorious display.
Sony complements the high resolution with the latest technology in color reproduction. The KDL-40XBR is a 10-bit display with 10-bit processing. Most panels are only 8-bit. The added bit depth here means a larger color palette for more faithful color reproduction and smoother transitions from one color to the next. Additionally, the display also supports the new x.v.Color standard, which dramatically increases the available color space. The end result is a picture that is so detailed, colorful, and vibrant, you'd have a hard time distinguishing it from real life.
The KDL-40XBR4 features Sony's Motionflow technology, which automatically adjusts for and applies the proper processing for optimal motion reproduction depending on the video input. This includes support for 24 frames per second (24p) video, which displays video content at the 24-frames-per-second rate at which it was originally filmed or recorded. With 24p, you get the most faithful possible reproduction of the original.
A Wide Variety of Inputs This Sony television's wide variety of inputs ensures compatibility with your other home theater components. There are three HDMI connections for Blu-Ray, HD DVD, and other technologies requiring the high bandwidth, and two component video inputs, three composite video inputs, one S-Video input, one PC Audio and Video input, and five analog audio inputs. Even with a collection of legacy components, you shouldn't have a problem connecting to the KDL-40XBR4.
Stunning Looks The KDL-40XBR4 not only displays stunning video but is itself a head-turner. It features Sony's unique floating glass frame along with a black bezel that can be interchanged with optional color bezels to match the display to your decor.
Outstanding Ergonomics and Simplicity of Control Sony's Xross Media Bar interface is an award-winning, intuitive on-screen display that makes setup a breeze, with menus and controls logically laid out for quick access. The KDL-40XBR4 also features Theatre Sync technology, based on the HDMI-CEC standard, which means you can easily connect to and control compatible devices. For example, when the KDL-40XBR4 is connected to a compatible DVD player, you can turn on both the DVD player and the television and start playing a DVD with a single push of a button on the remote. When you're done, another push of a button powers everything down. With Theatre Sync, you can spend time enjoying the movie rather than waste time setting everything up.
More Than Just a Television Because more and more people expect to view photos on their HDTVs, Sony developed a Photo TV HD mode that optimally sets the sharpness, gradation, and color to make digital photos look like printed photography.
The KDL-40XBR4 is backed by a 1-year limited warranty for parts and labor.
What's in the Box KDL-40XBR4 40-inch LCD flat panel HDTV, remote control, 2 AA batteries, AC power cord, operating instructions, quick setup guide, warranty card, table top stand, and support strap.

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Click here for more information about Sony Bravia XBR-Series KDL-40XBR4 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

Saturday, October 13, 2012

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

Sony BRAVIA S-Series KDL-46S5100 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black
Average Reviews:

(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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony BRAVIA S-Series KDL-46S5100 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black

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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Click here for more information about Sony BRAVIA S-Series KDL-46S5100 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black

Friday, October 12, 2012

Sony BRAVIA W-Series KDL-52W5100 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV Review

Sony BRAVIA W-Series KDL-52W5100 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV
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I received the KDL-52W5100 about 2 weeks ago. It replaced a KDL-52V5100 that I got in March, which replaced an older Sony Hi-Def LCD rear projection 1080i model (KDF-60XS955). The KDL-52V5100 was great at first, but it had a very annoying dimming problem that Sony eventually fixed with a firmware update. The problem was that the firmware update then broke the audio for me. The audio would cut out a few times a night on all HDMI inputs. Tried new cables, new Dish receiver, everything. They finally, after weeks of fighting with them, sent me another KDL-52V5100 which then had the same problem. Sony was very good about taking care of me with these issues, once I got a hold of the right person. Before that, they give you the run around and are willing to let your brand new TV sit in a repair shop for weeks while you wait for it. I will be keeping the contact names/numbers/email addresses for future reference. It's amazing how fast your problems get addressed when you email the Vice President of customer service for North America directly at his actual personal email address! :-) They finally, just 2 weeks ago replaced it with this TV. The KDL-52V5100 had a great picture (when I wasn't having problems with it) but this TV performs very noticeably better! I have used it with an XBOX360, a PS3 and with Dish Network Hi-Def receiver/DVR. The standard def is better than most of the other LCD's I looked at but as with all you can see the flaws of the SD picture. This one looks better than most for SD though. It also doesn't have the HDMI color space issue that the KDL-52V5100 had with my XBOX360. I have it set to Y'CbCr and it looks AMAZING! The PS3 also looks INCREDIBLE! This TV had all the features I wanted and has delivered higher performance and picture than expected. This TV does have noticeably better picture quality than the V series. The contrast is better (possible due to the Bravia 3 engine as opposed to the Bravia 2 engine in the V series) and there are more advanced features for scene selection and other video options. Plus the Xross media bar menu system is WAY better than the plain generic menu in the V series. It looks to be more customizable. The internet connection, DLNA and widgets are just a bonus for me. When I received it, it already needed a firmware upgrade which very conveniently upgraded right over the internet rather than having to use a flash drive. Because of that I can't comment on issues with the old firmware. The stand is average size but I wish it swiveled. The TV is not too heavy. The appearance is very sleek, it appears less clunky than the heavier V series and I like the option to have the Sony logo glow. It's pretty cool. The one thing I was worried about was the fact that it has an 8-bit LCD panel, rather than a 10-bit panel. I was really worried it would have banding or "paint by number" effects. I picked up a copy of Digital Video Essentials (DVE) HD Basics on Blu-Ray to calibrate the TV and to my surprise it included a test for checking for slow processing and for color banding "paint by number" effects. This TV was able to reproduce a perfect gradation in both color and gray scale with ABSOLUTELY no banding or "paint by number" effects whatsoever! I was really impressed. According to DVE an 8-bit panel should be able to do this as long as the processing board is fast enough and good enough quality. These problems are more due to the processing than an 8-bit panel according to DVE. The 10-bit is not necessary if you have adequate processing. After more research I have found that, that is why most higher end manufacturers, like Sony have started using 8-bit panels again in most but their very high end models. After calibrating this TV with DVE the picture is far better than I had ever hoped for, with great black levels and extremely vibrant, true to life color. The off angle viewing is exceptional. The picture morphs a little from extreme side view due to the flat screen, but the contrast and brightness even from almost sideways is awesome! On the last note, the Dish Network receiver/DVR looks great as well. Any problems with the picture was due to the signal from the satellite and not the TV itself. All the HD channels have some compression and it shows, but wouldn't matter how good the TV is for that. DVD, Blu-Ray, XBOX350 and PS3 have absolutely the best picture I have seen on any other LCD. They only thing that could be as good or better is Plasma, but I really wanted a Sony and they only make LCD's now. I am very pleased with my purchase and would highly recommend this TV for anyone. The matte finish is great as I have a lot of ambient lights and side windows in my living room. The only other TV I was considering was the Samsung and the highly reflective, glossy screen just would not work for me. Other than that, the Samsung has a great picture too. I mean Sony uses Samsung panels in most of their TV's, so...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony BRAVIA W-Series KDL-52W5100 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

Enjoy the latest in HDTV performance with the Sony BRAVIA W-Series. 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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Thursday, October 4, 2012

Sony KV-32XBR450 32" XBR Wega Flat-Screen HDTV Monitor with PIP Review

Sony KV-32XBR450 32 XBR Wega Flat-Screen HDTV Monitor with PIP
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This set is surprisingly good in the following ways:
After owning this set for four months, I am astonished at how BAD other televisions look. When my friend bought a 32 inch WEGA (non XBR) and had us over to take a look, I was appalled by the overdriven picture, extensive red push and large gap between scan lines. It was like watching television through a set of venetian blinds. The same with another friend's Toshiba flat tube set.
Further, if you're a gadget-type person. you'll appreciate the fantastically in-depth service menu. Every conceivable internal setting of the television can be accessed through the remote. We have dropped the red push altogether and the picture is considerably more pleasing than when the set was new.
Finally, the resolution of the picture tube is so much better than standard televisions that flaws, edits, and manipulations in NTSC sources can easily be detected with the naked eye. This could be a turn-off for some casual owners; other television sets are too blurry and inaccurate to reveal the flaws in a broadcast. Not the XBR! With this set, the difference between high quality and inferior broadcasts is as plain as day.
To sum up, this television is superior in every way. In fact, its superiority makes some common NTSC programming look pretty bad. Some owners won't like it, preferring to hide the flaws in the signal by watching through an inferior set.

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Sony's high-definition-ready KV-32XBR450 32-inch WEGA television offersa lot of screen, a ton of features, and the bright, detailed picturequality for which Trinitron WEGA sets are known. The KV-32XBR450's flat,FD Trinitron picture tube cuts down on glare and minimizes imagedistortion, and its wealth of video technologies ensures that you'llenjoy sharp, vivid pictures, whatever your source components.The TV produces stereo audio with 15 biamplified watts per channelthrough built-in two-way speakers that border the screen. One of theKV-32XBR450's coolest features is its 16:9 enhanced mode,which--together with a feature called Hi-Scan 1080i--delivers maximumpicture quality by concentrating all viewable scan lines within aletterboxed image, wasting none of its horizontal resolution onrendering the black bars that border a widescreen image.Velocity modulation (selectable: off, high, low) improves the definitionat picture edges, creating sharper images by slowing the CRT(cathode-ray tube) beam's horizontal scanning during demandingwork--say, when rendering transitions from light to dark parts of animage--and speeding it up when scanning easily rendered sections, likebroad dark areas. The set's three-line digital comb filter furtherenhances resolution by removing blurred edges between colors andreducing dot crawl (tiny, moving dots of color along a sharp colorseparation in a vertical line, as in a depiction of a character'sstriped T-shirt).Top-of-the-line high-definition-capable component-video inputs minimizedigital and line-scan artifacts from compatible video sources (480i,480p, 1080i), while standard composite- and S-video inputs accommodateall DVD players. You can choose between multiple sets of rear A/V inputsand a set of front A/V inputs for extra convenience when hooking up acamcorder or gaming console. A rear AV output offers both fixed andvariable-level analog audio outputs for hookup with, for instance, botha VCR and a surround receiver. You can label the set's video inputs andchannels for easy selection.The KV-32XBR450 offers Sony's CineMotion reverse 3:2 pulldowntechnology, a handy feature for watching progressive-scan movie programsin their native 24-frame format. Digital video mastering introduces acommon distortion when adjusting 24-frames-per-second movies to 30 fpsvideo; 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this distortion, removing theredundant information to display a film-frame-accurate picture.Freeze Memo lets you freeze what's on screen and view it in a PIP windowwhile programming continues on the main screen. This is ideal for notingWeb site addresses, phone numbers, and contact information on the screen.Channel Fix automatically sets TV to a specific channel (such as 3) forcable box control, letting you switch channels on the cable box via theTV's universal remote control without altering your TV setting. TheControl S feature (input/output) lets you use the set with other Sonycomponents, controlling all with a single remote control, and only everpointing the remote at the TV--not each piece of gear.Other video technologies include Magnetic Quadra Pole (reduces beam spotdistortion and improves corner-to-corner focus, as well as picturesharpness), auto white balance, Dynamic Picture Processor and DynamicFocus circuitry, color temperature control, and vertical aperturecompensation. S-video detection automatically senses and switches theset's input to match an S-video source signal.What's in the Box TV, remote control (RM-Y184), remote batteries, a user's manual, andwarranty information.

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Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Sony DAV-FX900W 5-Disc DVD Dream System (5.1 Channel) Review

Sony DAV-FX900W 5-Disc DVD Dream System (5.1 Channel)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I had just purchased the Samsung HL-S4666W 46" DLP HDTV and I felt I needed a surround sound system to go with it. However, I didn' have thousands to spend, and I needed to get a progressive scan DVD player too. This system answered all my problems at once.
The set-up took about 1-2 hours (mostly just putting the speaker stands together, which are made of metal not cheap plastic). It was probably just as long to actually figure out how everything works. The manual has everything in it; however, it isn't in any logical order.
PROS:
-over 1000W of power
-"wireless" rear speakers w/separate amp (If you step in the way the connection is broken, but it goes back on within a second of walking out of the way)
-HDMI output & optical audio input (plus component, RCA, etc, etc)
-Auto-Calibration mic (I thought it worked pretty accurately, it tells you the distances that it thinks the speakers are from the mic, and they were dead-on in my case)
CONS:
-DVD turntable EXTREMELY slow (I was aware of this before I bought it, and I think most people can deal with it)
-DVD insertion is sort of sketchy (It doesn't tell you when to push the DVD into the slot, you just have to hold it there and hope it sucks it in. I find the easiest way is to "eject" the empty slot and then push the disc in right after the word "eject" comes off the lcd, I've looked all over the manual and haven't found a clear explanation of what I'm doing wrong)
-DVD FF/RW only has 2 speeds (really stupid)
Overall I love this system. I hooked up my PS2 with RCA audio to the receiver and started playing "Guitar Hero", and the sound was great. I've also thoroughly enjoyed watching concerts I have on DVD (Audioslave, Offspring, The Police, Depeche Mode, etc.). They all sound excellent. I have a DirecTV receiver, with the optical connection. It's great watching sporting events and such with this system.
I'm not a professional speaker guy by any means, but for what I use this system for, it sounds great. The DVD player is excellent barring its minor setbacks. On my TV the movies look great through the HDMI cable.
All in all, great starter system with everything included.
EDIT: Now that I've had this thing for a few months, I have a bit more to add. I think there should have been more inputs included with this item. I have a DirecTV box, a PS2, and a record player, and I can't hook up all 3 at the same time. There are a plethora of input types on the back, which is really nice so you can practically hook anything up, but only two things at the same time. Other than that its a great system. It has plenty of power, and I love cranking it up and listening whether it is NFL football or music CDs.

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Sony DAV-FX900W DVD Dream System

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Monday, October 1, 2012

Sony Micro Vault Click 2 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive with Virtual Expander USM2GL Review

Sony Micro Vault Click 2 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive with Virtual Expander USM2GL
Average Reviews:

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I found a great deal on this drive for $9.99 at Target. I like the click design, where the usb end retracts inside of the device like an ink pen. The flash drive comes with VirtualExpander... which can expand capacity of the device up to three times. Kudos. Also the LED Indicator is bright lime green and quite attractive. On the downside is the size and speed. 2GB doesn't go far anymore. Double the price and you can find 8GB or more. Then there is the speed. This Sony is not promoted as Hi-Speed, but, I wanted to use it in Readyboost mode and wanted over 20MB per sec. read and 6MB write. I used Checkflash to test the drive and only got a read of 16MB per sec.and a write speed of 5MB per sec. Not what I hoped for, for the price this is a great buy and a recommended USB Flash
Drive for storage space.

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2GB MICRO VAULT CLICK USB

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Thursday, September 27, 2012

Sony AIRSA10 S-AIR Speaker System - Black Review

Sony AIRSA10 S-AIR Speaker System - Black
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This has to be one of our best gifts to us from Santa ever! It comes with 2 speakers - we bought an extra one and liked it so much, we just ordered an other one. You can change the song from any speaker, each speaker has volume control and on/off switch. When not in use, it displays the time. It looks sharp and the sound is unbelievable. The best part is you can move a speaker outside or basement or garage anywhere....

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Just plug in the S-AIR speaker system and you are ready to stream audio to another room from your compatible Sony home theater system. The S-AIR speaker system features a one line LCD Display, a clock function, and is equipped with controls for volume and the audio source you are listening to.

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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Sony HTCT500 3.1 Speaker System with Complete Built-In A/V Receiver (Black) Review

Sony HTCT500 3.1 Speaker System with Complete Built-In A/V Receiver (Black)
Average Reviews:

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This is one slick little soundbar/subwoofer combination. A significant improvement over the previous offering, the CT100. The sound bar is bigger than that model and feels like it is better constructed. The subwoofer is a solid piece of work as well.
Now for the important part, sound quality. The sound quality is much better than the old model and I would say it approaches the quality of the more expensive Yamaha YSP sound bars. You will probably have to do a little tweaking with it to get it set up properly but once you do this baby will shine. Sound is strong from both the soundbar and the subwoofer. The subwoofer is where your connections are located. You can run your dvd/blu ray player and your cable box (among others) to the sub and then the sub will run an HDMI cable to the tv. You can pretty much plug anything into the back of the sub as there are three HDMI inputs, two component inputs and a composite input along with the normal cable tv coax.
One thing to keep in mind. This will not surpass the surround quality of a good quality seperate sound system with multiple speakers. But then again most buyers should know that from the start. This is an option for people who don't want speakers all over the place or who have space issues which make a soundbar solution the best option. I rated this item 5 stars in comparison to other soundbar solutions, not compared to a surround system with multiple speakers. While there are some better sounding soundbars they are at least twice as much if not more expensive. For the quality and price this is an excellent soundbar option.

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Experience surround sound with fewer speakers and wires. Add in the full functionality and connections of an A/V receiver and bring excitement to movies and video games. Featuring five HD inputs, three of those HDMI connections with Active Intelligence, S-AIR multi-room audio capability, on-screen user interface, set-up, control and connectivity of the home theater has never been easier. Its flat TV centric design allows the sound bar to blend in.

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Sunday, September 23, 2012

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

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

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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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Monday, September 17, 2012

Sony BRAVIA V-Series KDL-46V5100 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Black Review

Sony BRAVIA V-Series KDL-46V5100 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Black
Average Reviews:

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I just received this television. My first impression is great. I've been investigating diffrent brands and different models of LCD TV's for a while. Here is the conclusion I reached and the reasons for purchasing this TV:
* Sony has great models for over $2500. They have great picture but not great enough to compensate for the couple of thousand extra dollars paid. I saw 46XBR6 and 46V5100 next to each other in BB and did not see a significant difference except the price.
* Samsungs have great LCD TVs. But glossy screen would not work for me at all. I have a bright living room where my TV is located. So, if you will have your TV in a bright room, you probably would like to avoid glossy screens like Samsung has. It really reflects a lot almost like a mirror. This was a big deal for me.
Now, my experice with KDL46V5100 is as follows:
It has great picture quality. I did not expect it to be so good at even SD. It is very easy to use. We plugged the TV and started to use it right away. Even user's manual is just a few pages. Before buying the TV I paid extra attention to the wide angle performance. This TV has about the same view from front and from sides: no changes in color or image quality with angle that I recognized.
I am extremely satisfied with the Amazon delivery. They brought the TV, unpacked it and installed the TV on the stand.
Good TV for good price and good service from Amazon...

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For consumers who want an HDTV that keeps pace with fast-action movies, sports, and game play, Sony BRAVIA V-Series Flat Panel HDTVs combine Full HD 1080p performance and Motionflow 120Hz technology for an amazing viewing experience. 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 V-Series HDTVs use proprietary Image Blur Reduction technology to further enhance the picture for even better performance. The HDTVs also feature BRAVIA Engine 2 technology, 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 V-Series HDTVs are compatible with BRAVIA Link Modules -- including the BRAVIA Wireless Link, BRAVIA DVD Link, and BRAVIA Input Link Modules (all sold separately). The HDTVs also support BRAVIA SyncTM technology 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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Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Sony STR-DH500 5.1-Channel A/V Receiver (Black) Review

Sony STR-DH500 5.1-Channel A/V Receiver (Black)
Average Reviews:

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Overall, this receiver is a good value for the money, but don't assume anything. Many of the features you'd expect from an A/V receiver are cobbled together in this unit. For example - the HDMI inputs only support pass-through, meaning that they'll pass the signal on to your TV or projector, but if you want audio through your 5.1 speakers, you'll have to connect the audio to the receiver separately. The receiver WILL NOT pull the audio signal from the HDMI feed, even though the cable carries it. Similarly, if you connect analog sources (component or RCA) to the receiver, the receiver WILL NOT output them through the HDMI out. You'll have to run an analog output from your receiver to your TV or projector to carry signal from those sources. I'm still happy with this unit; it's just not as seamless a solution as I expect from a home theater receiver, and many of the features I took for granted when I looked at all the inputs turned out to be false assumptions.

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The STR-DH500 5.1-channel A/V receiver delivers an HD experience. This new 1080p A/V receiver features HDMI pass-through and 1080/24p capability thus making it compatible with the latest HD sources (i.e. Blu-ray Disc Players, and the PlayStation 3). The STR-DH500 HD connectivity doesn't stop there. It features 5 HD inputs thus providing ample connection options at an inexpensive price. Finally, the STR-DH500 has a digital media port input which expands the flexibility to playback music from various audio sources (i.e. iPod, Walkman digital player, Bluetooth device or PC) with one of the various accessories (sold separately).

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Sony DMXNV1 Bravia Internet Video Link Review

Sony DMXNV1 Bravia Internet Video Link
Average Reviews:

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Unless you are prepared to watch video clips, from 1-5 minutes, with poor video (Not HDTV quailty), poor sound (Not Digital quality). I was lead to believe I would be able to watch full length movies and TV shows, not trailers. What a laugh!!! Don't bite!! Don't waste your money!! Spend it on a Blu-ray player instead.

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The BRAVIA Internet Video Link is an optional module that connects to DMeX–ready BRAVIA televisions. It allows access to streaming Internet video entertainment from popular sites with which Sony has partnered with. Navigation is fun and easy. The Xross Media Bar™ on-screen interface gives you access to a rich amount of content at no additional charge with your existing broadband connection. With the push of a button, a customized page based on your zip code automatically delivers the latest news, weather, and traffic straight to your BRAVIA TV.Would you rather huddle around a PC display to watch streaming online videos and content from popular Internet video sites or view it on your large screen BRAVIA HDTV while sitting comfortably in the family room? The choice is now easy thanks to the BRAVIA Internet Video Link module.

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