Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-52V4100 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 32.8 x 49.8 x 4.8 inches ; 71 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 99 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.
• ASIN: B0018YNZ68
• Item model number: KDL-52V4100
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #43,638 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-52V4100 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

75 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great value, super sharp image, good sound. Miss 120hz tho..., August 19, 2008

By 

Neil Rosenberg "The real Neil" (Weaverville, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-52V4100 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV (Electronics)

I used to think of a TV purchase as a VERY long term commitment, like marriage. And at $2k and up there's a lot of truth to this. However in this case I was faced with a difficult decision, one that I would probably repeat given the opportunity.

First let me say that I love just about everything about this set. The picture quality (as long as the scene or people aren't moving) is super, the audio is really good out of the bottom-front speakers (although an add-on stereo makes it even better), and the flexibility from an input/output point of view is outstanding.

All that being said, there are some compromises, and thus my quandary. I bought this TV fully knowing that for a *mere* $500 more I could have the 120hz scan mode. It just wasn't worth it to me...I think. I would have been better off if the 120hz model didn't exist, then I'd look at the set and be amazed. Maybe I'm nuts, but now I find myself looking critically at scenes where there's fast motion and wondering whether the "better" model would be noticeably smoother.

The fact of the matter is that over time I will just accept how it looks and allow myself to enjoy the many fine aspects to this set. Moving on, you probably want to know some of the other things that are also not so wonderful. Here goes.

1. Unlike some sets that have a base that allows rotation, this one just sits. No pivot at all, and very hard to move. I ended up making my own pivoting base out of a couple pieces of (nice) wood and a $10 rotary table. Wonderful, but took some effort.

2. Even though this set has the ability to have the screen turned off with the audio still on (nice!) it's buried down really deep in the menus (not nice!). I don't want to always burn 300 watts to listen to the music channel on our cable box, I wish it was easier. Yes, a very minor point, until you have to do it once or twice every day.

3. I'm not a fan of shiny ANYTHING on the front surface of TVs. At least the screen has a decent anti-glare finish, but the edge is the now-mandatory patent leather black shine. Why oh why!!!

4. The remote is a TV remote. Period. Which means either you have to use some other remote for your other stuff or buy and program a multi-function. Cheat, really cheap.

5. When switching between modes (1080i, 480p, 4:3, 16:11 or whatever) the tv and sound go dead. Seems like an eternity, but it's probably only a second or two. Should be faster.

I could probably come up with a few more, but those are the biggest ones for me. Not very big really. Nice set, now if they could only give me a way to upgrade it to 120hz without buying a new one...

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent picture, good sound and great value, December 9, 2008

By 

Michele S. Roda (Nevada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-52V4100 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV (Electronics)

I have waited a bit before writing a review on this television. I wanted the honeymoon period to phase out a bit before I made any comments on it. Also, I thought I give it some time to notice any downsides to having purchase this t.v.

First things first, I have read some reviews (regardless of brand) that complain about regular televisions (CRT's) looking better when watching shows transmitted without HD or analog.

This has nothing to do with the television, it has to do with the signal it receives. It is a television, not a magician.

I changed my account with dish network to receive HD as well as whatever else is digital and be able to stablish a comparison betweeen the two.

HD looks amazing. Period.

There is a firmware through Sony that would address the "sparkle" issue that has been addressed in other posts for Sony tv's.

Let me tell you that we have not had to download the firmware, there is no sparkle. I even called Sony to have them send me a usb adaptor with the firmware and they told me that if I did not have the issue, it would actually harm the tv to use the firmware. I'll take their work for it, because I believe that if something is not broken, there is no need to fix it.

Colors: Vivid setting is almost ridiculous in term of vibrancy. Nice feature to have and very appropriate for a lot of movies, shows, etc and maybe too much for other things.

Standard: Less bright but still sharp and well defined picture.

Cinema: Personally, I don't care for this feature. It recreates the "feel" of watching a movie in the theater, but theater colors and shapness are not much to talk about, so we don't use it.

Custom: Exactly what it means. You create it to your liking and change it as you want it.

Controls: Extremely easy to use.

Remote control: Nothing to brag about. It does what it is supposed to do and it is not a universal remote.

Sound: without hooking it up to external speakers, the sound is very good. There is no distortion and we have noticed that we can keep the volume low because everything is clearly understood. The front speakers do have a "surround sound" type of effect where you can actually hear things happening behind you as well as in front and sides while you are watching. It is not for audiophiles who like to hear every single thing that is going on, but it far surpasses the built in speakers on most t.v.s

HDMI and Analog inputs galore. Surround sound systems and consoles can be hooked up without having to purchase extensions and connectors.

Video play: Probably the worst game console in terms of graphics is the Wii console, it certainly cannot compete with the playstation .... or so I thought... After having played the wii for a year on a CRT, the same games are fantastic when hooked up to this t.v. I did not think it would make a difference, but even simple games like tombraider are sharper and clearer. Colorful ones like Mario are, in my opinion, seizure inducing but the kids love it.

60hz vs. 120hz. Honestly, we have watched Hockey and football and we see no blurring of motion. I honestly thought we'd have buyers remorse for not going for the W series, but the fact is, we don't. We are extremely pleased with this set and the price from Amazon at the time came under 1500k and feel that we got a very good price on a very large set.

My only complain now is that we need a second television and I can't see us going with anything smaller or lesser quality after having been spoiled rotten by this set.:)

PEACE

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great TV, July 31, 2008

By 

V. Kuznetsov - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-52V4100 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV (Electronics)

Bought it from Amazon. Delivery was flawless.
First I got a Samsung A650, but I really did not like it, so I exchanged it for Sony 52V4100, and it was love at first sight. Great looks, easy menu, good remote, amazing PQ. To be fair - Samsung's PQ was VERY good, but the TV itself had way too many annoying little things for me to ignore.
I have my PS3 hooked up via HDMI, and also an over-the-air hi-def antenna. Like I said - the PQ is excellent, and I really like this TV.