Sony Bravia Z-Series KDL-46Z4100/S 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Silver

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 42.5 x 3 x 27.1 inches ; 58 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 65 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: B0019HXEEW
• Item model number: KDL-46Z4100/S
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (155 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #55,157 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

Color: Silver

Manufacturer's Description

When you think about slim LCD HDTVs, think BRAVIA Z-Series. Slim blackor silver bezels and thin profiles accent the elegant yet functional design, with performance that's all Sony. 10-bit processing and 10-bit displays, x.v.Color technology and Deep Color render a wide color gamut and smooth color transitions. Motionflow 120Hz and 24p True Cinema provide smoother picture performance with unprocessed 24p film reproduction. Z-Series HDTVs include Sony's innovative DMex technology which offers an expandable platform that "future-proofs" Sony HDTVs, ensuring they connect seamlessly not only with current Sony camcorders, computers, and digital cameras, but also to devices that haven't even been invented yet. HDMI-CEC compatibility means you can control everything from one remote. They are even DLNA compliant and offer Sony’s unique PhotoTV HD.

Key Features

• New: TV Guide IPG (Learn more)
• New: Enhanced (XMB) User Interface with Rich 3D Graphics (Learn more)
• New: DLNA Compliant (Learn more)
• Slim black or silver bezel
• 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)
• Remote: RM-YD023

Step-Up Features

• XBR6: live color creation featuring WCG-CCFL backlight, x.v.color, optimized theater mode, floating glass panel
  
• XBR7: 70-inch (diagonally) screen size, RS-232C Control
• XBR8: New: TRILUMINOS RGB LED backlight, New: Advanced Contrast Enhancer PRO (ACE PRO) local dimming technology, New: BRAVIA Engine 2 PRO with 1080p HD Video Processor

Which Bravia HDTV is Right for You?

• Comparison char 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 existingframes 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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10-bit Processor and 10-bit Panel

While it’s great to state that a TV is capable of creating billions of colors it’s a whole lot better when you have a true 10-bit display that can actually display them. Sony combines 10-bit processing with a 10-bit panel, allowing 64 times the levels of color expression. What that translates to is smoother transitions from color to color and subtle color changes faithfully reproduced without a paint-by-numbers look. So, where x.v. color expands the available range of colors your HDTV can display, Deep Color increases the number of colors your HDTV can display within that range, for smoother transitions from color to color. Lets HDTVs and other displays go from millions of colors to billions of colors Eliminates on-screen color banding, for smooth tonal transitions and subtle gradations between colors Enables increased contrast ratio Can represent many times more shades of gray between black and white.  (Found in all Z and XBR Series HDTVs) 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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Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA)

All 2008 XBR and Z-Series BRAVIA HDTVs are DLNA-compliant. You already know something about digital living. There’s the TV and digital video recorder in your family room. (And another set in your bedroom.) You have a PC and digital printer in your office, along with a network attached storage device. And you’ve copied all your music onto your portable music player and haven’t had to open a CD case for years. But getting them to talk to each other can be pretty tough. Why is it still so difficult to send digital content from one device to another? Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a collaboration of the world’s leading consumer electronics, PC and mobile companies that has created design guidelines for a new generation of products that can work together — no matter the brand. Think for a moment about all of the photos "locked away" on your home PC that you wish you could access while entertaining your friends and family. Now, thanks to DLNA enabled devices, a DLNA-enabled PC can be accessed from the comfort of your living room or family room via a DLNA-enabled HDTV, where you can enjoy your memories with friends and family, without having to deal with the hassle and non-intuitive "PCexperience". Or, say you recently downloaded your daughter’s birthday party video from your digital camcorder to your PC. Now you want to share it with your parents who are visiting. Without DLNA, you probably have to burn a DVD of the video or hook up the camcorder to the TV. With DLNA, you can just use your TV’s remote to call up the video on your TV. That’s it. Go back to list of all features.

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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

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

97 of 98 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best in it's class, October 12, 2008

By 

HookEmHorns (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony Bravia Z-Series KDL-46Z4100/S 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Silver (Electronics)

I have had a Westinghouse 1080p 42inch monitor for a few years and have really been pleased with it. However, with the new features on the market (120hz, 24p, etc) I was ready to upgrade. I initially ordered a Samsung LN46A550 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV. The picture was actually really good on this set, but the glare on the case was VERY annoying. It also lacked the features I was looking for in a new set, but I tried it out because the price was so good. The glare was too much to put up with, so I sent it back and started to research Sony's since they are one of the few sets on the market that you can still get without a glossy case.

I sure am glad that I found Bravia Z series! WIthout going up to an XBR, the Z series is the way to go. If you look at the specs - most of the high end features offered by the XBR are already in the Z series, so it is a really good value when viewed that way. It makes sense why the Z is not offered in a 52 inch size - it would probably really impact sales of the XBR. What a great looking TV (both the picture and the case). I have been extremely impressed with both the blacks on this LCD as well as the vivid colors it produces. The amount of picture calibration offered on this setup is remarkable - especially compared to my old Westinghouse. I find the 24p mode on Blue Ray disk to be quite impressive - it really adds a whole new level of enjoyment to watching Blue Ray movies. The 120hz mode is also wonderful when watching football. I really cannot say enough good things about this TV - spend the extra money that the Sony brand demands, and you get what you pay for.

Although I did not have the issue with this TV, there is a lot of discussion around the Internet about a sparkle issue that this TV has. Be advised that this was an issue, but Sony has released a firmware update that resolves the problem. I have done the update and everything is running great.

If you are on the fence between this and the Samsung LN46A650 (which is in the same feature class as the Sony), be aware that the Samsung has a very glossy screen - not to mention a sure to be dated red outline on the case. This really kills one of the great features of LCD's! The only Samsung I would even consider against this Sony is the Samsung LN46A550 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, but it lacks 120hz, 24p, and has that hideous glossy case. It seems to me that there is no viable competitor to the Sony Bravia Z-Series KDL-46Z4100!

Another side note... When my TV was delivered they also picked up the Samsung for return. The delivery guys were telling me that they have to pickup Samsungs EVERY day because people are returning them. He said they have never had to pickup a Sony. This is proved if you look at the used/new link under the Samsung and Sony's - you will see tons of open box Amazon Warehouse Deals on the Samsungs - but none on the Sony's!

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome! Five stars, for sure., December 1, 2008

By 

forhakim - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony Bravia Z-Series KDL-46Z4100/B 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Black (Electronics)

I had been researching TV's for about a month or so. I knew I wanted an LCD in the 42"-50" range, backed by a trusted brand name, with if not cutting edge technology then at least most of the latest and greatest features on current high-end models. This because a TV is something I buy and use for many years, and I don't want my set to become obsolete two years from purchase date. So after reading many product specifications, manufacturers' descriptions, reviews from other users and professional reviewers, and spending many hours walking through electronics stores and looking at displays, I picked the Sony Bravia KDL-46Z4100. The next closest contender was the KDL-46W4100. However, the Z series won out, although it was a couple of hundred dollars more expensive, for these reasons:

- Much better looking set (I'm talking about the physical TV here) with a very slim bezel and all-black design, as opposed to the two-tone black and silver of the W.
- 10 bit color processor, which gives far more on-screen colors. I didn't think this was a big deal, until I saw a W and Z series side by side in a store, and the display happened to show a sunset. The W had distinct bands of color, while the Z had a gradual change of color.
- DLNA. I don't use this option yet, but it's nice to know that I can if I want to. I have a PS3, which also has DLNA, and I use that to beam images/music/video from my computer to my TV. The reason I use the PS3 is because its DLNA capability is wireless, while the TV's is not. This is an important caveat for those to whom the TV's DLNA capability is important. There are ways to make it work wirelessly, like hooking up a bridge, but I have not tried that. However, just know that out of the box, the TV can't do wireless DLNA.

I also compared this TV with the XBR series, and found that it has almost all the features XBR has but for many hundreds of dollars less. I just didn't see any huge benefit in going for the XBR versus this model.

As for comparison with other brands: I did consider Samsung, LG, Sharp, and others, but only Samsung seemed to have products that could take on Sony's Bravias in terms of picture quality and features. However, in my humble opinion, Samsung shot themselves in the foot by putting glossy screens on their LCD's, thus defeating one of the primary purposes people are moving from plasma to LCD. This is something I read about and didn't think was a huge difference until I did a side-by-side comparison in the store. The Samsung ToC models reflected the image from the TV displays across the room. The Bravias did not. I have a living room with many windows, so this instantly killed the Samsung's chances.

As for this TV: I can't say enough good things about it. If you are a techno geek, there are enough settings and features to keep you busy playing with them and setting them for days. If you are not, and just want to take it out of the box and use it, then it works too because setup couldn't be simpler. Just set it where you want it, hook up the power, connect your DVD/STB/receiver/box etc, and it's good to go. You can tweak settings to your heart's content, but don't have to. I was amazed by the picture right out of the box. The first movie we watched was Wall-E on Blu Ray, and the picture just blew my mind. We also watched a few episodes of Lost, and there were various scenes where the picture almost looked 3-dimensional, like looking out a window. Just amazing colors. We actually paused the show a few times to admire the picture. :) Oh, and the surround sound speakers are pretty good too. I hooked up my USB flash drive directly into the TV, and played a few songs from there via the TV's speakers, and it sounded very crisp. I'm not an audiophile, but to my ears it sounded more than satisfactory.

Is the 120Hz a big deal? Here's something anecdotal (and the sample size is only one), but for what it's worth: I was standing in the store and looking at the display on this TV for a few minutes. Then I turned around and looked at another TV that was showing the same display but had a refresh rate of 60Hz. I instantly started getting a headache. This is not a definitive scientific test, but I thought I'd mention it.

Nice little touch: the TV stand has a screw-hole in the back to fix it to the unit it is sitting on, to prevent the TV from toppling over if pulled too hard. You don't have to use this, because the stand is sufficiently wide and deep to take the weight, but just good to have. I don't know if all such TV's come with stands that have this. I appreciated this because I have a 2-year old child at home. It will take two people to lift the TV and set it up, either on its stand or wall mount. The TV is light enough that I can lift it on my own, but I'd rather be cautious with an expensive electronic device. I'm also happy that the box fit on the back seat of my Maxima, otherwise I would have to hire a truck to bring it home.

Complaints: The remote is too large, and is a basic universal remote. It works just fine for this TV, and will also probably work fine with most other standard devices, but lacks the very important learning feature. I actually like the layout of buttons and the ergonomic design, just not the size and the lacking feature set. Also, the slim bezel around the TV is high-gloss, so it reflects light from other sources. Nitpicking here, but I wish it were matt.

61 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome PQ and no glare!, June 23, 2008

By 

John (Long Island) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony Bravia Z-Series KDL-46Z4100/S 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Silver (Electronics)

I decide on the 46z4100S for the following reasons;

a) No glossy screen glare or bezel glare!
b) small bezel, allowing larger screen on wall space
c) 3" depth on "in-wall mount"
d) 1080P/120HZ/motion control

The Picture Quality is so crystal clear......... just great! Bright, vivid colors are awesome! There are so many features and very easy to set-up.

My wife loves the brushed metal and says, "it doesn't have glare, doesn't look like those 'black plastic' frames". She's candid(LOL) and loves the amazing PQ, when watching her baseball games.

I'm using an in-wall mount and the 3" depth makes it look like a picture on the wall. The "46Z" is perfect from a viewing distance of 9-11 ft. Friends all love it!

I'm still making the viewing adjustment from a 27"CRT floor console. My eyes do more tracking on this larger screen.

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