Sony BRAVIA W-Series KDL-46W4100 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 29.3 x 44.1 x 4.6 inches ; 58 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 76 pounds
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0017Q6DFC
• Item model number: KDL-46W4100
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (64 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,854 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

Manufacturer's Description

The BRAVIA W-Series is Sony's entry-point line of 120Hz HDTVs. Fast moving sports and action scenes beg for smooth motion virtually free of visual artifacts and that’s just what BRAVIA W-Series HDTVs deliver with Sony’s exclusive Motionflow 120Hz technology. The W-Series doesn't have the 10-bit processor, x.v Color, or DLNA compliance of the Z- and XBR-Series HDTVs, beneath the sleek, piano gloss black exterior lies a host of Sony video enhancement functions delivering world-famous Sony picture quality to go along with excellent motion enhancement.

BRAVIA Engine works with Sony’s Advanced Contrast Enhancer circuit to dynamically deliver deep black levels that have the detail and highlights some other dynamic backlight systems mask. 24p True Cinema provides a direct connection to 24p video sources avoiding conversions while providing 24p cinematic picture quality. Sound enhancements such as Sony’s S-Force Front Surround technology paint the viewing area with sound and Voice Zoom lets you determine how much voice you want to hear versus the crowd noise. A generous set of inputs allows connection to a variety of video sources. And a well laid-out backlit remote control is included.

Key Features

• New: TV Guide IPG (Learn more)
• New: Enhanced (XMB) User Interface with Rich 3D Graphics (Learn more)
• 16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution Panel (1920 x 1080p) (Learn more)
  
• BRAVIA Engine fully digital video processor (Learn more)
  
• Advanced Contrast Enhancer circuit (ACE) (Learn more)
  
• 24p True Cinema capable (Learn more)
• DMeX capable (Learn more)
• BRAVIA Sync capable (Learn more)
  
• S-Force Front Surround Voice Zoom (Learn more)
• Robust Connectivity with 4 HDMI inputs, 2 HD Component inputs, and a PC Input (Learn more)
• Piano Gloss Black color
  
• Remote: RM-YD023
• Motionflow 120Hz technology
• Voice Zoom
  

Which Bravia HDTV is Right for You?

• Comparison chart of features for all Sony Bravia HDTV Series
• What size TV should I get?
  

Learn More

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Full HD 1080p

Full HD 1080p means our connections accept 1080p signals and the display will render that signal in Full HD 1080p. The flexibility of native 1920 x 1080 displays allows any high definition content to be viewed without the need to downconvert images to the native resolution of the display. Take full advantage of Blu-ray Disc players and PlayStation 3 systems that can deliver 1080p content. (Found in S, V, W, Z, and XBR Series HDTVs) Go back to list of all features.

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Digital Media Extender (DMe^x)

Sony's Digital Media Extender (DMex) offers a digital connection path for optional modules like the BRAVIA Internet Video Link, as well as other modules you can add in the future. Innovative DMex expansion capabilities integrate into the award-winning XMB user interface making HDTVs a powerful entertainment platform that not only meets current needs, but expands to meet tomorrow’s needs as well. Go back to list of all features.

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BRAVIA Engine Technology

The latest version of Sony’s respected BRAVIA Engine fully digital video processor uses a collection of unique SONY algorithms to significantly reduce noise and produce sharp, vibrant, life-like images. Dynamic Noise Reduction: Intelligently identifies and dramatically reduces noise in the signal according to the motion and brightness of each scene for clearer, crisper images. Detail Enhancement: Improved image enhancement algorithms render greater overall detail. Contrast Enhancement: Works with the Advanced Contrast Enhancer circuit to optimize the contrast for every scene to create better depth and reality. BRAVIA Engine technology optimizes the color, contrast, detail and clarity of every scene for the exceptional performance that BRAVIA HDTVs are known for. Go back to list of all features.

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Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE)

Part of the cinematic drama in film-making comes from details found in shadows and dark areas of the picture. Sony’s Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE)n uses real-time image processing to dynamically adjust backlight levels for improved contrast without masking details the filmmaker intended you to see. ACE delivers deep blacks in darker scenes, as well as fine details in shadows and other dark areas of the picture for a difference you can truly see. Go back to list of all features.

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Motionflow™ 120Hz Technology

No Motion Flow

With Motion Flow

Motionflow 120Hz technology doubles the number of existing frames by calculating in real time and inserting 60 entirely new frames between the original 60 frames. It uses a special Sony-developed algorithm that detects specific objects, as well as the movement of the overall scene and intelligently applies the right amount of enhancement. There’s more to the story. Unlike some other high frame rate technologies, Motionflow also includes Sony’s unique Image Blur Reduction algorithm, which reduces blur from the original source image captured by a camera before applying motion enhancement technology. Judder is a visual artifact that shows up in video content that has been converted from film-based content. A visible jerking or stuttering effect can sometimes be seen during motion sequences on converted film-based content that may be noticeable on scenes that include panning. There are many forms of high frame rate technology in the market today, but only Motionflow 120Hz technology uses special Sony algorithms designed to intelligently detect and apply the right amount of enhancement to reduce judder and deliver a smoother, sharper picture with more natural motion of the original film. Go back to list of all features.

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24p True Cinema

Movies and many prime time TV programs are shot at 24 frames per second. This means that TVs operating at any refresh rate that is not an even multiple of 24 will have to do some interpolation to present the content. TVs operating at at 30Hz or 60Hz traditionally solved this via a method called "2:3 pulldown". The television repeats the first film frame over the first two fields of video, and the second film frame over the next three fields of video (1, 1, 2, 2, 2), and continues to do this with the 3rd and 4th frames, the 5th and 6th framer (1,1,2,2,2 - 3,3,4,4,4 - 5,5,6,6,6), and so on until 24 frames are displayed over 60 refresh cycles. This discrepancy in the number of times frames are displayed can lead to a jerky motion in filmed material which some viewers notice  for example, especially with scenes that pan. 120, on the other hand, is an even multiple of 24. Ttelevisions with 24p capability, operating at 120Hz, can display an equal number of frames for every refresh cycle. The benefit— You can watch movies in natural, cinematic motion, the way they are seen at the cinema. Every single frame of the movie can now be seen without using additional video processing that converts film-based images to video reproduction. Additionally, 24p True Cinema input capability can be used along with Motionflow™ 120Hz technology for outstanding fluid motion beyond what you would typically see at the cinema. Once you experience 24p video it will be hard to view video without it. (Found in S, V, W, Z, and XBR Series HDTVs). Sony's Blu-ray disc players wisely take advantage of this by including 24p output capability. Go back to list of all features.

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Rich Graphic On-Screen Control Interface

Delivering a fun user experience is what the new rich graphics are designed to do. Accessing video content and sharing digital photos with your family and friends on an HDTV is now fast, easy and fun. Colorful thumbnails cascade before your eyes allowing you to visually choose what you want to see. Viewing digital images through Sony’s photo viewer is now more organized and can be quickly accessed. Go back to list of all features.

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TV Guide On-Screen Interactive Program Guide

The TV Guide On-screen IPG delivers continually updated program listings to users. The guide requires no subscription fees or phone connection and is available at no extra cost to the consumer. Sony is the first company to integrate the TV Guide On-Screen User Interface into a custom interface — Sony’s exclusive Xross Media Bar user interface. (Found in all V, W, Z, and XBR Series HDTVs) Go back to list of all features.

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Connectivity

In 2007 Sony included HDMI CEC capability in select HDTV and BRAVIA Theatre Home Audio products, which led to a one-touch function Sony feature called BRAVIA Theatre Sync This feature allows the access and control multiple tasks and system operations with one button ease. BRAVIA Sync is now being introduced as the name for a new family of control features that not only includes BRAVIA Theatre Sync, but will now include BRAVIA Sync. This feature allows the user to control a CEC-enabled camcorder connected to a BRAVIA HDTV via an HDMI cable by using the HDTV’s remote control and an on-screen display that shows camcorder transport functions. (Found in all V, W, Z, and XBR Series HDTVs) All Connections 4 HDMI — High Definition Multimedia 2 component video inputs PC Input: Limited to resolutions supported by both the PC and the Sony TV. See Sony TV users manual and PC documentation for supported resolutions. Go back to list of all features.

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Optimized Theater Mode

Developed in consultation with the Sony Pictures Entertainment movie studio, most 2008 Sony BRAVIA LCD HDTVs feature our optimized Theater Mode. Selecting the THEATER mode on the BRAVIA HDTV remote automatically adjusts a number of key elements that have an important impact on reproducing movies better. Skin tones and lighting are seen as natural without over-enhancing color and contrast. The picture is fine-tuned for a dark viewing environment just like the cinema and optimized for LCD display technology. Even the right amount of film grain is included. All of this helps preserve the mood and detail so you enjoy the cinema experience that you go to the theater to see, right in the comfort of your home. Optimized Theater Mode is another great example of Sony HDNA in action. We not only create the exciting movies that you see at the cinema but also enhance the home viewing experience to recreate it as only Sony can. (Found on most Sony BRAVIA LCD HDTVs.) Note: Optimized "Theater Mode" was developed in consultation Columbia Pictures, a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. Go back to list of all features.

Audio Features

S-Force Front Surround
Built around a sophisticated set of Sony algorithms, the S-Force Front Surround enhancement function generates realistic surround sound from the two speakers in the TV. Unlike some other "virtual surround" technologies, S-Force Front Surround sound does not need to be bounced off of side walls or other surfaces to hear three-dimensional sound. No matter what the size or shape of the room it's possible to hear sounds from behind you.

SRS TruSurround XT
TruSurround is a patented SRS technology that solves the problem of playing 5.1 multichannel content over two speakers. TruSurround delivers a compelling, virtual surround sound experience through any two-speaker playback system, including internal television speakers and headphones. It is fully compatible with all multichannel formats up to 5.1 channels. High-quality virtual surround sound can be experienced with just the two hidden, downward-firing side-mounted 2.2-channel dome speakers built into the TV.

SRS TruSurround XT technology delivers an amazing, simulated 3D effect with clear dialog and powerful bass.

TruSurround XT audio also adds three audio enhancement technologies to produce an amazingly immersive sound experience.

• Dialog Clarity brings movie dialog into Focus during the playback of any surround-encoded material to make speech much clearer and crisper.
• TruBass creates incredible deep rich bass allowing a person to perceive significantly deeper, richer low bass tones that are far beyond the physical low frequency capabilities of the speaker itself.
• 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.

Stereo broadcast reception is offered for MTS and SAP with 181-channel capacity. A sound leveler keeps audio volume consistent during channel changing.

Go back to list of all features.

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Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?

With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience. If you know the size of the room you have already, where you want to sit, and where your new HDTV should go once you get it, you can figure out the size HDTV you should get. Minimum size= Viewing distance/3 Maximum size=Viewing distance/1.5 Go back to list of all features.

Which Sony Bravia Series is Right For You?

Size Range

Resolution

Bravia Engine

ACE

True 24p

DMex

TV Guide IPG

3D Graphic Onscreen Controls

120 Hz

10-Bit

Deep Color

x.v. Color

DLNA

Backlight

Dynamic Contrast

Multi Device Control

Inputs

Speakers

Standard Features

L-Series

32",37"

720p (1366x768)

8,000:1

1 Comp, 2 HDMI

2 x 10W

1 PC Input 178 degree viewing angle VESA mounting compatible 8 ms panel response ATSC/NTSC tuner with QAM

M-Series (19-inch)

19"

720p (1440x900)

9,000:1

1 Comp, 1 HDMI

2 x 5W

M-Series

26",32", 37"

720p (1366x768)

BE2

ACE

9,000:1

Bravia Theatre Sync

2 Comp, 2 HDMI

2 x 10W

N-Series

26",32", 37"

720p (1366x768)

BE2

ACE

9,000:1

Bravia Theatre Sync

2 Comp, 2 HDMI

6 (2x7W + 20W internal subwoofer + 2x7W external)

S-Series

40",46"

1080p (1920x1080)

ACE

25,000:1

2 Comp, 3 HDMI

2 x 10W

V-Series

40",42", 46",52"

1080p (1920x1080)

BE2

ACE

25,000:1

Bravia Sync

2 Comp, 4 HDMI

2 x 10W

W-Series

40",46", 52"

1080p (1920x1080

BE2

ACE

30,000:1

Bravia Sync

2 Comp, 4 HDMI

2 x 10W

Z-Series

40",46"

1080p (1920x1080

BE2

ACE

30,000:1

Bravia Sync

2 Comp, 4 HDMI

2 x 10W

XBR6-Series (37-inch or smaller)

32",37"

1080p (1920x1080)

BE2

ACE

25,000:1

Bravia Sync

2 Comp, 4 HDMI

2 x 10W

XBR6-Series (40-inch or larger)

40",46", 52"

1080p (1920x1080

BE2

ACE

WCG-CCFL

TBD

Bravia Sync

2 Comp, 4 HDMI

2 x 10W

XBR7-Series

40",70"

1080p (1920x1080

BE2

ACE

WCG-CCFL

TBD

Bravia Sync

2 Comp, 4 HDMI

TBD

XBR8-Series

46",55"

1080p (1920x1080

BE2 Pro

ACE Pro

TRILUMINOS RGB LED

TBD

Bravia Sync

2 Comp, 4 HDMI

TBD

Product Description

Ready for a TV and a technology that will change the way you see TV and movies? Sony's 1080p KDL-46W4100 with Motionflow™ 120Hz technology creates a new standard for picture performance, with smooth, lifelike image quality that responds to the demands of even the fastest moving images with ease. Add to that unique features like the enhanced Xross Media Bar® with 3D graphics and integrated TV Guide program information, built-in DMex functionality, and other picture quality technologies like BRAVIA Engine 2™ and ACE contrast enhancement, and you can see why we call the W-series the new standard in 120Hz performance.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great LCD TV, July 6, 2008

By 

Marc (La Jolla, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony BRAVIA W-Series KDL-46W4100 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV (Electronics)

This TV is awesome. I've been using it for a few weeks now, and everything works just like expected. I'm not going to give a technical review of the TV, as you can find those on the web. I do want to say that you can't go wrong with it. I spent a long (very long!) time debating between this one and the Samsung A650. They are very similar TVs. While the specs of the A650 are better, I looked at the two in the store and found it very difficult to tell a difference. However, there were multiple areas where the Sony was better for my personal taste. First, I am not a fan of glossy screens. While the W4100 is more glossy than its predecessor, it is significantly less glossy than the A650. This is a big plus if you have any lights or windows in the same room as the TV. Second, the speakers on the Sony are quite good for TV speakers. It won't match a separate sound system, but it is good enough to use. In contrast, the speakers on the A650 are useless. Also, while the menu driven system takes some getting used to, at least the remote control is a pleasure to use - again in contrast to the A650. Of course, the TV comes with all the delights of a Sony Bravia TV, but I leave that to a more in depth review.

In summary:

I love this TV. I would buy it again.

In comparison to the A650 - take a look at the two TVs side by side in a store. Pick the one you think is better. That is what it comes down to in the end - personal opinion. What matters to you in a TV? They are both excellent TVs.

52 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TV Rocks, other issues aside., July 22, 2008

By 

A. Parks (Alexandria, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony BRAVIA W-Series KDL-46W4100 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV (Electronics)

Well it's been nearly one week since having this TV in-home and here are my first impressions:

1) Do not expect that Amazon customer service will be a quick way to resolve issues with your order. I spent the better part of 8 hours on the phone in relation to this order because of a bunch of weird circumstances. I finally got everything straightened out, but there were quite a few MAJOR frustrations. D
2) Amazon ordering issues aside, CEVA did a fantastic job with the delivery. They were on time, the delivery person carried the huge box into my house, unboxed it, set it up and tested that everything was working properly. He even took off his shoes when he got in the front door! A+
3) Set-up was a breeze. Before it arrived, I had already acquired all the external hook-ups (HD cable box, Blu-Ray player) and HDMI cables needed, so all CEVA had to do was plug in the power and a couple HDMI cables and we were set. Note on HDMI cables- do NOT overpay for Monster or some other brand. I got three 6 foot HDMI 1.3 Cables from monoprice.com for $15, including shipping. A-
4) The TV itself is gorgeous. Picture quality from the HD cable and from the Blu-ray player look almost three dimensional. Some of the features of the TV are gimmicky in my opinion, such as the TV Guide feature, and I do NOT like the look of the MotionFlow... it seems like everyone is gliding around, at least on High. Standard is tolerable, but at this point, I prefer it Off. A-
5) There's obviously a learning curve associated with all new electronics, but I found the set-up options to be quite intuitive. After playing around for a few hours, I was confident in making adjustments and changing inputs, etc. B+

Now for a note that is intended for anyone who's considering this TV as their first HDTV, as I was:

Expect to have to get some new peripheral gear. You probably know you'll at least need an HD Cable box or antenna, perhaps a Blu-ray player, and HDMI cables to get the best picture this TV is capable of, but what you might not realize is the potential dilemma in audio quality. For years I've had good quality red/white audio cables running out of both my cable box and DVD player and into an old stereo receiver with just two floor-standing speakers hooked up and never once had an issue with the sound. However, when trying to use this configuration with the new HDTV and HD Cable Box/Blu-ray player, I immediately noticed a problem with the synchronization of the video and audio. There was a delay between what I saw and heard that was entirely unacceptable. I feared the TV had problems, but after researching up on it, I found that the issue was caused by the fact that I had a digital video output to the TV (HDMI) and an analog audio output to the receiver (Red/White) that were not matching each other. I went to BB and talked to one of the Home Theater experts there and he confirmed this problem. So in addition to getting the new TV, Blu-Ray player and HD Cable box, I had to buy a new receiver capable of handling a digital audio signal, be it HDMI or Optical Digital Audio (I went with the later, since I wanted to maintain my video inputs directly into the TV). Obviously, if you have newer equipment or just use the TV for audio, you won't have this issue, but it was very frustrating for me.

Overall, I'm EXTREMELY happy with the TV now that everything is properly set-up and I can't wait to enjoy it for years to come!

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful picture, elegant design., November 28, 2008

By 

Kind Ion (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony BRAVIA W-Series KDL-46W4100 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV (Electronics)

I researched LCD's till my mind felt like scrambled eggs. I assume, like most other people, the decision came down to Sony or Samsung. I wanted to spend around $1500 for a 46 inch. After much deliberation and physically checking out the TV's at Best Buy, i went with the Sony for the following reasons:

Picture: The Sony screen is less reflective than the Samsung, providing a picture that i feel is easier on the eyes. The Sony also has very deep blacks, which makes the image look fantastic. I have to say that i also think the Samsung has a great picture, i just prefer Sony's.

Sound: The Samsung down firing speakers sound terrible and muffled, and although many people will hook their TV's up to a sound system, this bugged me. The Sony built in speakers sound great.

Design: To me, Samsung TV's look cheap and plastic. And i don't like "The Touch of Red." I think it looks cheesy and eighties. Although there is plastic border around the Sony, its industrial design is clean and elegant, and doesn't stand out.

Remote: The Samsung remote is an eyesore, and not easy to use. The Sony remote on the other hand looks slick, is simple to use, and fits properly in my hand.

Both companies make great products, it's really just a matter of personal taste. Mine happened to lean toward Sony.

Hope this helps you :)