Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-42V4100 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 40.8 x 4.4 x 26.8 inches ; 63 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 70 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: B0019GWYRQ
• Item model number: KDL-42V4100
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,212 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

Manufacturer's Description

The BRAVIA V-Series HDTVs add an easy-to-use graphic interface and digital expandable to premium Full HD 1080p performance with Sony's Xross Media bar interface.

Thanks to some great new features V-Series HDTVs make the user experience more fun. Sony’s rich graphics make accessing video content and digital
images colorful, fun and easy to do. TV channels, inputs, and digital images can be quickly accessed and enjoyed by the entire family. When the family wants to find out what’s on TV and to quickly access it things get a whole easier with the integration of TV Guide’s Interactive Program Guide (IPG) into Sony’s exclusive Xross Media Bar (XMB) user interface. TV Guide On Screen delivers updated program listings to users. BRAVIA Sync includes BRAVIA Theatre Sync HDMI-CEC functions along with the added functionality of controlling BRAVIA Syncenabled camcorders right on the TV screen using the BRAVIA HDTV’s remote control. No more getting up and down from the comfort of your easy chair to fast forward through those forgettable moments or rewind back to those magic memories. Sit back. Relax. Enjoy life with BRAVIA V-Series HDTVs.

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
• 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
• 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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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 HD done the Sony way? Sony's KDL-42V4100 brings 1080p picture quality home with amazing, Sony-exclusive features like the XMB (Xross Media Bar®) with 3D graphics, DMex capability so you can add functionality to your TV, and picture quality technologies like ACE (Advanced Contrast Enhancer) and BRAVIA Engine 2¿. Add to that a sophisticated, piano black design, 24p capability so you can get the most out of the movies you watch on Blu-ray and DVD, 4 HDMI¿ inputs along with three other HD-capable connections, and what you have is a television that can bring dreams to life.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Size, Good Price, Good Features, Great Value, September 16, 2008

By 

Gregory Nichols "A2-Gamer" (Ann Arbor, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-42V4100 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV (Electronics)

We've had one now for about two weeks and the shakedown period is close to over with it and we've been very happy with this choice. It took quite a while to finally make a decision to dump our 27" Sony Trinitron for a new fangled LCD TV as the thing still sounds and looks good after 17 years!

But that was two weeks ago and now that I'm use to seeing everything (especially good is text) on 42 inches of LCD, I'd never go back. The term "Wow" is an understatement. Yeah, I've seen big LCD TV's in bars and restaurants but until you've got one in the quiet of your own home, you just don't know the difference.

Here's the Pro's and Con's of this 42" Sony V-series TV:

Pros:
* Exterior design is very attractive. I like the piano black frame and front part of the stand. Very classy. The gray sound bar on the front and the gray on the back part of the stand are nice accents but don't detract from the main color.
* Setup was very easy. I pulled the TV out of the box (we bought ours from a Big Box Store) and put the stand on the TV cabinet. My wife and I picked up the TV and set it into the neck of the stand. 4 phillips screws attach the TV to the stand. Just have your electric screwdriver charged and ready for duty.
* The flat, no-gloss LCD screen is the way to go. I looked at some TV's that had a very pretty glossy screens but it doesn't take much additional light to grab reflections.
* Sony's TV menu system is really good. I find it very easy to navigate to the feature I want to change. If you're use to the Sony PS3 or PSP, it's the same thing. Also, Sony gives you a free connection to an interactive TV Guide station. Very nice to navigate and read but it's only available if you watch the TV through cable without the company's cable box attached.
* Really good remote. It's long and slim and feels very good in your hand. Nice button distinctions. I'm sad that I don't use it more because my cable company has it's own huge, gray monster that I must use in order to navigate their cable box.
* The various external connections are plentiful and easy to reach. With 4 HDMI connections, you won't be needing more anytime soon. I've got a cable box, VCR player, DVD player, Stereo receiver, and a game system plugged into the TV and still, I've got many more connections.
* HDTV cable programs in 1080i looks great on this set (BTW, you can't get 1080p through the cable company). I haven't fiddled with the custom color settings because the standard one is perfect for viewing TV. A press on the remote "picture" button offers you "cinema" and "Vivid" (great for game machines) settings as well as a custom setting option. The standard 480i picture is acceptable on this TV. I have the TV set to wide-zoom any 480i picture which fills the 16:9 screen but cuts off a little on the top and bottom of the picture. You can set the TV to put it into the 4:3 shape if you must but my wife said "we paid for 42 inches and I want to see everything in 42 inches." Wife wins.
* The sound is very good on this TV. It was one of the top (3) reasons we bought this TV. We don't have any fancy Dolby 5.1 or 7.1 setup. And we watch plenty of "regular" TV that really doesn't need the additional speakers. The sound is crisp and clear coming from the small front facing speakers. Other TV's (won't mention brands) have back mounted speakers that either fire backwards or downwards. You can't get quality sound that way no matter what the manufacturer tells you.

Cons:
* We wish it had an earphone jack. Like me, you can optionally port the sound (either digital optical or RCA jacks) to a receiver and use the receiver's headphone jack when needed.

And that's it. I honestly can't think of another con for this TV. I won't count it being a 60 instead of 120hz TV because that's not what I bought and I don't think it matters that much and I do watch plenty of sports.

It's early in the life of this TV but I'm impressed so far. I did buy an additional 4 year warranty so I'm covered. This technology is too new and complicated not to get an additional warranty unless you're a penny-foolish gambler or wealthy.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine television set, August 30, 2008

By 

Eastburg "Art S." - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-42V4100 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV (Electronics)

A great set for the living room, well worth the money. The Sony "V" series of LCD sets have all the same features as the more expensive "W" series sets, with the exception that the "V" series sets don't have the 120hz motion enhancer feature or the logo illumination feature. I think the average viewer won't notice the difference.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great TV from Sony, September 3, 2008

By 

A. Conforti "CON40" (Purdue, IN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-42V4100 42-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV (Electronics)

Pros:
Sony reliability (ignore angry reviewer)
No reflections on screen
4 HDMI ports
Nice looking package, neat see through glass
Excellant picture from any HDMI source
Great menu's

Cons:
No 120Hz
Stand is difficult to get perfectly straight
No Surround pass-thru over optical in/out

Comments:
Don't worry about the 120Hz/24p stuff for blu-ray, they look great without it. I would consider the 120Hz if you happen do read a lot of scrolling text. Buy a blu-ray player, and buy all your cables online at a tenth the price.