Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(17)

 

 

I AM UNABLE TO EDIT MY STAR RATING OR I WOULD DOWNGRADE IT TO TWO, MAYBE THREE STARS!!!

I bought this for my bedroom last week and am pretty happy with it. I have a 40" XBR2 in the family room and this model's picture is surprisingly comparable. I bought it through Amazon for MUCH less than BB or Sears. I do have a couple issues that prevent me from giving it five stars: first, it takes quite a long time for the picture to appear when you turn it on and switching inputs takes even longer than my XBR2. The other peave I have is setting the sleep timer; on most TV's there's a dedicated 'Sleep' button on the remote. On the S5100 you have to hit the 'Tools' button on the remote, select 'Clock/Timers', select your sleep time, then press the 'Menu' button to clear the on-screen menu. Wow! All-in-all, neither of those are that big of a deal, but the next issue is the one that's provoking me to call Sony Customer Service. There is a significant amount of noise in the TV's audio output -- especially at low volume. It sounds like the signal is over-modulated, but at higher volume levels it's not as noticable. I haven't tried a set of external speakers to see if the noise is still there, but I have tried component, composite, and HDMI inputs all with the same results. Perhaps I'll update this review with the results of my call to Sony.

UPDATE 5/1: I called Sony about the audio issue; they wanted to send out a technician. I opted to have J&R swap out the TV but the same exact problem exists on the replacement. I guess I'm going to take Sony up on their offer to send someone out. I can't tolerate this problem considering it is our bedroom TV and is often used at low volume levels.

UPDATE 5/19: I just finished packing up the unit to return to J&R, who have been great BTW! The Sony tech acknowledged the problem and said that Sony tech support would probably tell him to replace the digital audio board, but unless the board has been redesigned he didn't think it would resolve the problem. Sony Customer Service refused to help in any way; I asked for a refurbished XBR6 (last year's only 32" 1080p model) to replace this unit, and they said no. I asked for a discount on a new XBR9, and they said no. As the owner of several Sony products, including a 40" XBR2 and a 36" Wega, I am really quite surprised by Sony's unwillingness to help resolve this issue. My brand loyalty has been shaken, and I will think twice before I buy another Sony product. BTW, I'm looking at the Panasonic and Samsung 1080 32" models as a replacement.

I had the exact same problem as Vinnie A. I had the KDL-32S5100 in my bedroom and the sound at low levels on this TV is horrible. Multiple inputs HDMI, DVD player and Fios all sounded great on other TVs but this set made low level sound full of static. I replaced my TV with Sony support and the same exact problem! I now have 2 TVs to return that has become a major pain because sony doesn't want return TVs they want to exchange for refurbished TVs. I have spent 8-10 hours on this problem and now I am very frustrated with the set and customer service. Bottom line is if you don't use the speakers on this set then it is great 4 stars for picture (would be 5 but the DVD player only looks good if the total size of the picture is made to fit a 4:3 aspect ratio otherwise the TV stretches or zooms the image and distorts the picture). HDMI picture is great off a PS3 blue ray. Remember the sound is the problem for this set: You have been warned by 2 reviews that say this is a problem at low levels. FYI I am trying to return the sets and look into other brands because Sony has lost their touch, which is sad because my house looks like a sony store.

Picture wise, this TV has been good/great. I've had it now for a week and the picture is superbly better than the two year old Samsung 32" LCD it replaced. I did update the firmware but I still notice the contrast shift at times. However, the one glaring issue with this TV (and all Sony KDL-xxS5100 sets as I've found) is the lack of Dolby Digital 5.1 audio output.

Yes, the TV has an Optical Digital output that the manual states will output PCM audio. However, it does not list that it is limited to only 2 channel linear PCM audio (which I later found listed under the HDMI input specs on the unit). A call to Sony confirmed the flaw, and that it is intentionally done (though I am waiting to hear from a Sony engineer as to why this is). Frankly, I never considered that an ATSC/QAM tuner would not output 5.1 digital audio since it is part of the signal. And isn't HDTV all about high definition video and audio?

This probably isn't a problem for most people unless they don't have a digital cable box and have surround sound, but either way, I'm not sure this can be legal. And like I didn't have enough criteria when I was buying a TV before, but now I have to ask whether it outputs Dolby Digital 5.1??

I'll update if/when I hear back from Sony. In the mean time, I am returning the TV and getting the Panasonic 37" 1080p (which outputs 5.1 and fits in my entertainment cabinet).

(I urge you to read this review before making a purchase, I know I wrote a lot, but they outline some very critical deal-breaking issues.)

My first HDtv, a Sylvania broke about after 2 years, and I decided to get this Sony after doing a bunch of HDtv research. I'm using the HD capabilities for gaming (Playstation 3 at 1080p, Wii at 480p) and just getting a regular coaxial cable signal for my TV shows.

1) First, as can be seen in various reviews for this TV, there are some sound issues. The one I experienced was that, sometimes, the speakers would get very pop/crackling sounding and also have an echo on top of that. This issue happened when you changed channels. You'd land on a channel, and the issue would begin and would not go away unless you changed channels (I left it on for a couple hours just for testing purposes). However, this TV has a new firmware on Sony's support site which apparently directly addresses this issue. The first iteration of this model had the sound issue, but I got it before the new firmware came out, so I sent the first model back, and received the second one. The second one came with the new firmware and there was no more sound issue as far as I could tell.

2) This one bothered me more than the sound issue, as the sound issue only happened about once every 20-50 channel changes, and you could simply remove the echo sound just by changing channels. It's a visual issue that was not fixed between my first set and the replacement one. It's hard to describe; when a color would transition from a light color to a dark color in an image, you could see the actual separation lines of each gradient change, rather than just seeing a smooth transition of, for example, light blue to dark blue. It looked sort of like when you throw a stone into a pond, and the water ripples out in a circle from where the stone landed in the water--so the outer ripple would be dark blue, the next inner ripple would be a lighter blue, the inner ripple after that would be an even lighter blue, and so on. I thought maybe it was my PS3, my Wii, or possibly the HDMI/component cables I use for them, so I brought all of my equipment over to a couple friends' houses and tested my stuff on their Sharp HDtv and a different model Sony Bravia--the issue was not present on my friends' TVs. However, the issue is present on both KDL-32S5100 sets I had. This issue became very obnoxious when gaming, because it was very noticeable and pretty abundant. It would appear in skies (drastically in skies for some reason), smoke, floors, walls, etc--anything that's mostly comprised of a solid color that has gradient changes--however, it does not appear on a static image (such as a wallpaper), only something animated. It also appeared when using composite cables, and appeared on every display signal (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p).
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If you have a PS3 and this model TV, change your system theme to "Original" then change the color to blue--this is a pretty easy way to notice the gradient issue. Generally on the blue color, the bottom left hand corner starts out dark blue, then going to the top right, it changes to a light blue. Around the bottom left hand corner when everything is dark blue, the gradient issue is very noticeable. I asked my friends and family to see if they noticed anything, without telling them what the problem was, and every single one of them (even non-gamers who have no idea what the PS3's original theme or games' skies should look like) noticed the issue right away. On any other HDtv I've ever seen, this issue is not present. It may not be a big issue for some, but if you're getting an HDtv, it's probably because you care about the quality of your display, and you won't be getting decent quality with this issue present.
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I had a Sony tech guy come out to look at the issue, and he said he's never seen the issue before (what a Sony rep would say anyway, whether or not he has seen this issue before :P) but said he wasn't sure what was causing it, or even how to fix it. He did confirm, almost immediately, that this is a problem and shouldn't be happening. Considering this happened on both sets of this model I received, it's either a) a problem inherent in this model, b) a problem inherent in a certain batch of this model, or c) I'm ridiculously unlucky to get two brand new sets of this model and have the same issue in a row, which is unlikely.

3) After all of this, last night the TV stopped being able to receive signals from all 3 of its HDMI ports. It was very, very odd. My friend and I were playing around on the PS3 and everything was fine (not counting issue 2 described above). We finished, shut the PS3/TV off normally and went to get some coffee. Twenty minutes later we came back and turned on the PS3/TV, except the TV said it wasn't getting a signal. So, everything was fine->we leave->we come back 20 minutes later->all 3 HDMI ports stopped working. The composite ports work fine as do the component ports. We had 2 different PS3s with 3 different HDMI cables to test out, and none of them worked on this TV, but they both worked on a friend's Sharp directly after. Totally ridiculous.

I'll update if I decide to give this model one last try and get yet another replacement, but right now, I'm looking into other brands.

I love Sony TV's. They have always had a superior product but this time, this set is highly flawed and Sony is doing its best to still sell the inventory left at lower prices leaving you with an item to return or to tolerate.

The audio is DEFECTIVE on units dated thru AUG 2009. The sound bar on the screen will reflect this distortion on level 1-3. Beyond 3 and up, the louder audio mixes in with the distoration so that you hear less of it. It's ultra annoying at lower sound settings.

I went into the menu trying various sound settings but was not unable to correct. I then called Sony who said they would make a case number and that a Sony repair agent would have to insert a USB correction device. Wait time was 2 months!

I took mine back to Best Buy and the manager at the store said he could give me another set but that all of them were being returned with sound issues. He said that Sony was almost ignoring the issue trying to avoid a recall.

Another feature missing was a zero 5.1 set up and only 1 HDMI on the rear JACKPACK. One terminal for HDMI is insane in design but Sony does add two more HDMI inputs on the side of the TV for camera or camcorder connections. You could use those if you didn't mind the wires.

Avoid this Sony.

"I will rate this product on three parameters:

1. How you use the product: From the outer looks at a first glance you may not like that much. As compared to other makers and even other lower model from Sony, this one looks much dull. I like the grill design of even the lower model 32L4000. Glossy touch on the outer frame adds a little shine to the frame, other wise it would have been the worst look-feel compared to the latest models of Sony LCD.
I like the remote a lot. Allways feel like holding it, its so light and sleak, it works a little slower though, but thats not any problem.

2. Things that are great about it: Good clear and sharp image. Good 1080P LCD for a decent price.

First attahed this tv to my upconvertible dvd player with component cable. This setting gave good image quality, but nothing that i was expecting from a LCD. Then i replaced component with HDMI. This gave 1080i and i could see good improvement in the picture quality. I believe with blu ray player and blue ray disk with HDMI cable, the pictures should be excellent.

3. Things that aren't so great about it: Poor looks. Brightness decreases when dark scene comes. It looks like you are watching a scene, and some one came and reduced the brightness for no reason and then in 2 to 3 seconds, again increased the brightness. Its really annoying. Many a times i have seen ghost images too. I complained Sony and it looks like these 2 problems are with most of the S5100 series of any size. They have a software upgrade released on 04/28, one can download it too, and they are sending that via mail. I have to see once it comes and that corrects these issues or not.

Over all I would suggest you to buy from Sony but not at least this 32S5100 series.

Accessories I Recommend: Blu ray player, HDMI cable"

The previously reported audio issues are easily solved by simply installing a firmware update using a standard USB stick. Just google for "KDL-32S5100 firmware update" and go to the [...] site listed to download the update.

After carefully scouring review upon review and then spending hours at various shops staring at the comparable 32" models from Samsung, LG, and Vizio, we decided upon the Sony. The Sony had all the right features at the right price. We've since streamed both Netflix and Hulu (have to use a PC and its VGA connection, along with a standard stereo jack - more on this in a moment), and Blu-Ray looks fantastic. Others have complained about the picture quality of this model, that it was somehow duller than others. Before I purchased this model, I compared a Samsung right next to this one in the shop. The picture was nearly identical. Each had its own unique saturation levels (adjustable on the Sony), and I would have been satisfied with the picture quality of either. The Sony won because of the red accents on the Samsung, which would have driven me up the wall. Not to mention it was cheaper.

The only thing I could complain about with this TV is the sound quality. The speakers produce quite a bit of high end and low end, without much in the middle. Of course, once it's hooked through our stereo system, that problem goes away, but for everyday TV watching, the sound is not as good as the last CRT flat panel we had. Further, streaming Hulu or Netflix sounds especially muddy with low end extremes and not much in the middle. Even after adjustments. Anyway, best to hook this puppy through a surround system.

I gave it mediocre marks for channel surfing (which frankly I don't do too much) because it is slow to change channels.

Overall I am very satisfied with this TV. I would recommend this to anyone purchasing their first high def set. It's a good bargain with fantastic picture quality and plenty of new fangled and old school hook ups. It does everything we expected and wanted it to do, plus a bit extra.

I bought this product without first checking the reviews at Amazon.com (big mistake). Installed it at home in bedroom, mounted it on the wall, etc. Seemed OK. Then, I used it late at night when others at my home were sleeping. I used it at low volume levels (1,2,3,4,5). At these low volume levels, the TV sounds terrible. It sounds like you're tuning into a radio station with poor reception: staticy, crackly, etc. Not just "bad" but "terrible." As a result, I can't use this TV at night unless its on MUTE. Not a joke.

So, I go online to see if others have experienced this. Well, what do you know? A handful of people report here on Amazon that they've had the same problem. They explain that Sony ships them a replacement unit that exhibits the same problem. Some say they have tried MULTIPLE replacement units. Some have had a technician come to their home, verify the problem, but offer no acceptable solution.

So, repeating history, I call Sony, have a replacement unit sent to me, and guess what? It exhibits the same problem. I update the firmware, same problem.

So, I call Sony back and politely explain the situation. Their response? They can send me ANOTHER replacement unit (the propose the same "solution" and they expect different results!?!?) or have a technician come out to investigate.

I am on hold and on the phone with their reps for HOURS. I tell them I just want a TV that works. I tell them to give me a different TV model as a replacement unit (even a lesser quality unit). I don't care if it is new or refurbished. They say NO.

I tell them that what will likely happen (based on my experience reading customer reviews at Amazon.com) is that they will send me another replacement unit and it will exhibit the same problem. I ask them: "what will you do if I order and return replacement units each week for the next 5 weeks?" No answer.

They tell me that they are not aware of this audio issue. They say that they don't have any service bulletins on the subject. I tell them that there are about 10 reviews on Amazon.com that specifically discuss this exact audio issue. They explain that they do not have access to Amazon.com. I realize that I have more information about the quality and problems of Sony products than the most senior customer service reps at Sony. SONY SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES. Here is a well-documented problem, and they have no process (or maybe willingness) to recognize the problem internally.

So here I go. They will be sending out a technician. I don't have to predict what happens because IT IS ALREADY DOCUMENTED VIA OTHER CONSUMER REVIEWS AT AMAZON.COM.

I wish I ran a popular blog with millions of users and had the ability to attract the attention of Sony management. I hope this posting isn't ignored by Sony like the other similar postings for this exact same product.

I will never again buy a Sony product. Their products have problems (OK, it happens) BUT they have a broken customer support process. As far as I am concerned, they are DELIBERATELY ignoring their customers. $#$%$ Sony.

**UPDATE** 03/12/2010 - Sony sent out a repair technician last week (Thursday, 03/04). The technician replaced the mainboard and the speakers. Guess what!? THE TV EXHIBITS THE SAME PROBLEM! Surprise, Surprise. Its clear to me that there is a design problem with this TV and that Sony is deliberately ignoring this problem.

By the way, I purchased this unit using my airline miles via United Airlines. I suspect that Sony offloads "old" or "undesirable" or (in this case) faulty merchandise at places like this. I bet they choose to do this (rather than issue a recall, for example) and try to offload the bad merchandise, release new model numbers (making the bad products obsolete), and hope that the people that have problems go away (most people wouldn't be as persistent I am, I suspect).

So, that same day (Thur, 03/4) I call Sony and tell them the technician's fix didn't work. They tell me that I would get a phone call from a senior customer service rep within 3 days. 6 business days later and still no phone call. And to add insult to injury, they send me a "How was your customer service experience?" e-mail, as if the case is closed!!!

**UPDATE** 03/19/2010 - So, I call Sony and I say, "Hey guys, you said you would call me back within 3 days and you didn't call me back. So they say, "Oops - I will make sure someone calls you back within 48 hours." Guess what? 48 hours later, no call back.

So, I call them, give them the entire back story, talk to one rep, talk to another rep and they say "Oops, sorry we didn't call you." They then proceed to tell me that they have a Service Bulletin for this TV model. I was previously told that there was no Service Bulletin. So I ask the rep how long ago the Service Bulletin was issued, and he says "about a month." WHAT!?!?!???

After like 6 calls suddenly I'm told that there is a Service Bulletin for this model that indicates that "buzzing" and sound issues at low volume is "expected behavior." Ohh really? So I proceeded to tell the rep calmly that I've owned and operated, ohh, 10 TV's in my life over the last 20 years. My expectation is that when I turn on the TV the sounds that the TV emits is, ummm, listenable. That is, there is no buzzing or static sound such that I hear a muffled sound but I cannot hear the music or voices or intended sound clearly. I also asked him if he ever had the opportunity to listen to the sounds, at low volumes, coming out of this particular model number and he said no. He continued telling me that the terrible sound is the expected behavior and there is nothing I could do. I told him that I would not go away, despite Sony's obvious attempts to cause me to drop the issue. He said he would personally check with the technical department and personally get back to me within 48 hours. Guess what!??

It's been 3 days and the guy didn't call me back!!!! His name is Donn, his employee ID is CQWQ. He represented himself as a manager. I'll be calling Sony back on Monday to waste their time and mine.

These guys are not cool.

**UPDATE** 03/23/2010 - OK, so a Sony rep calls me back (on my home phone, not my mobile phone like I requested, so my wife got the call and I had to call Sony back). They tell me that they will send me a replacement unit with a different model number! Hallelujah. They will send me a KDL32XBR9 (also 32 inch). They tell me that they will not send this unit out until I send back in my original replacement unit (which I did weeks ago!). I told them to check their records. They assure me that they'll send out the KDL32XBR9 ASAP.

**UPDATE** 04/06/2010 - Well, 13 days later, and I still don't have the KDL32XBR9. Just called customer service. On hold for 15 mins and 33 seconds. They tell me that I will receive the unit within 5-7 business days.

Great, sharp picture. Easy set up. Extra points for the intuitive, well-guided controls for adjusting options for picture, sound, etc. I usually will not even hit a TV's "menu" button for fear of never finding my way out. The sound is very good, no "tinny" quality as noted by some but the TV is in an entertainment center and maybe it being in an enclosed space helps.

I did end up turning off the auto-contrast control which tends to freak out when a DVD has dark scenes like night, in caves - any of the Underworld movies, Beowolf, others. Even on the lowest setting, it kicked down the contrast/brightness (making it even harder to see what's going on as well distracting) repeatedly over short periods of time.

The ultra-gloss black plastic screen frame reflects light far too well and the reflections can be distracting but are less intrusive if I'm engaged in a show. The screen itself is fine for not reflecting in most cases, but if there's a window opposite the screen, daytime viewing is less than optimal.

All that said, it's a great value for price/features/performance and I seem to have gotten it at the lowest possible price.