Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-46V3000 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 15 x 45 x 36 inches ; 20 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 82 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: B000SBCA54
• Item model number: KDL46V3000
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #47,606 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Immerse yourself in outstanding color reproduction and 1080p picture quality with the KDL-46V3000 LCD Flat Panel HDTV. BRAVIA V-Series televisions are where Full HD 1080 starts. Performance functions like Live Color Creation and the 10-bit panel display assure picture quality, while BRAVIA Theatre Sync offers easy one-button operation for enjoying a Sony A/V system. Add a sparkling new black picture frame design, quiet operation, and you have the new BRAVIA V-Series HDTV.

Full HD 1080p Resolution
When it comes to high-definition TV the pinnacle of performance is achieved by using 1920 x 1080 display panels. And BRAVIA V-Series televisions have them. Full HD 1920 x 1080 panel resolution with over 2 million pixels8 (more than twice that of 720p HDTV) is exactly what you need to reproduce the 1080p content that can be delivered by our cutting edge 1080p Blu-ray disc player. And working with BRAVIA Engine EX everything from standard definition and high definition is upconverted to 1080p6 for a picture so real it's like you're actually there.

10-bit Processing and 10-bit Display
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 display that can actually display them. That's the logic behind Sony's 10-bit processor and 10-bit display. Sony follows 10-bit processing with a 10-bit panel, allowing 64 times the levels of color expression than an 8-bit panel. What that translates to is smoother transitions from color to color and subtle color changes faithfully reproduced.

BRAVIA Engine EX Full Digital Video Processor
The BRAVIA Engine EX full digital video processing system is based on Sony's renowned BRAVIA Engine video processing system. It has all of the same functions of BRAVIA Engine plus the added ability to upconvert 480i standard definition signals via Digital Reality Creation Multi Function v1.0 technology for a picture with more detail and definition.

Live Color Creation System featuring WCG-CCFL
Decades of television know how allow us to realize that an LCD TV is more than just the panel; it’s actually a system. Uncompromised picture quality starts with combining carefully chosen components and circuits to optimize system quality, among these are the color creation and processing functions. That’s what Live Color Creation technology is all about. It starts with the BRAVIA Engine EX video processing system, which enhances primary colors and corrects half-tone colors for natural overall color. Next, a WCG-CCFL backlight using Sony’s phosphor formula delivers a specific spectrum of light designed to work with our specially formulated color filters. The combination of these three components creates deep, deep blues and natural greens for overall colors that draw you right into the picture.

Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE) Function
Sony’s Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE) builds on our excellent on-contrast ratio performance of 1600:11. A Dynamic Contrast Ratio of up to 13,000:12 is achieved by using real-time image processing to adjust the contrast along with optimizing backlight levels. But rather than focus on the "numbers", Sony focuses on actual picture performance avoiding exaggerated blacks where detail can be lost. ACE translates to blacker blacks in darker scenes, as well as better shadow detail in other scenes for a difference that you can see.

24p True Cinema (24p Input Capability)
Many movies are filmed at 24 frames per second (fps) and prime time TV programs are video taped at 24p. Seizing on an opportunity, some studios are taking a purist approach and encoding high definition video content such as Blu-ray Disc in 24p. Sonywisely takes advantage of this by including 24p output capability on their BDP-S1 Blu-ray Disc player. It makes sense that select 2007 BRAVIA TVs will include 24p input capability. The benefit? Images are smooth and natural looking. Once you experience 24p video it will be hard to view video without it.

DMex - Ready (Digital Module Extender)
Sony's Digital Media Extender (DMex) ready televisions offer a digital connection path for the addition of optional modules like the new BRAVIA Internet Video Link.7 With innovative DMex expansion capabilities featuring the Emmy award winning XMB user interface, select 2007 models are not merely TVs, but powerful entertainment platforms that not only meet your needs today, but expand easily to meet tomorrow's needs as well.

Xross Media Bar (XMB)
When was the last time you saw an on-screen display that was fast, fun and easy to use? Sony's award-winning Xross Media Bar (pronounced Cross) interface provides a logical and fast way to access set up menus, user controls, and more. The on-screen display comes to life by pushing the XMB menu button on the remote. Navigation through the menus is smooth and fast.

BRAVIA Theatre Sync
Sony created BRAVIA Theatre Sync to go beyond basic digital audio and video transmission. Based on the HDMI-CEC function. BRAVIA Theatre Sync will be included on select BRAVIA Theatre home A/V systems and components. This useful function reduces the hassle and time consuming job of powering up, routing signals, etc. to the simple push of one button. Sony calls this nifty feature BRAVIA Theatre Sync. Here's how it works. Want to play a DVD on your Sony A/V system? Easy, just push PLAY on the BRAVIA HDTV remote and everything is taken care of for you. Even when the system is off! Want to change from TV sound to digital surround sound through your Sony BRAVIA Theatre A/V system? Just one push of the Theater Sound button on the remote and voila, surround sound through your system. Want to power down everything once you've finished enjoying it? Push one button and the TV and A/V system powers down. BRAVIA Theatre Sync helps make things a whole lot easier to operate.

S-Force Front Surround-2
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, 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.

HDMI and PC Connectivity
Designed for maximum versatility, Sony's BRAVIA V-Series LCD TVs are equipped with a comprehensive range of input interfaces. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the first industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI technology supports enhanced or High Definition video, together with multi-channel digital audio to provide superb image and sound reproduction. BRAVIA V-Series TVs include (3) HDMI 1080/60p inputs. The PC input 4(HD-15-pin) offers easy connection to your PC, allowing you to use your high resolution BRAVIA V-Series Digital TV as a computer monitor.

ATSC Integrated Tuner
Receive local, over-the-air digital broadcasts of high-definition network programming; no set top box or monthly fee required.

VESA-compatible Mounting Holes
Free up space. Mount your television on the wall with confidence; attaches to optional VESA-compatible wall-mounting brackets (sold separately).

Product Description

BRAVIA V-Series televisions are where Full HD 1080 starts. Two sizes, 46" and 40" diagonally, define what Full HD 1080 (1920 x 1080) televisions are all about. Performance functions like Live Color Creation (featuring the WCG-CCFL backlight) and the 10-bit panel display assure picture quality and performance. The BRAVIA Engine¿ EX full digital video processing system includes DRC-MF v1.0 technology, which upconverts 480i video signals to a 1080p equivalent. DMeX ¿ ready allows connection to the new DMeX (Digital Module Expander) called the BRAVIA Internet Video Link module. And BRAVIA V-Series TVs are big on ease of operation. BRAVIA¿ Theatre Sync offers one-button command for time consuming control functions and signal path routing. And we didn't forget about connectivity. How about two 1080/24p and 1080/60p input capable HDMI connections, two HD Component YPbPr inputs, and a PC input, just to name a few. Add a sparkling new black picture frame design, quiet operation, and you have BRAVIA V-Series HD LCD TVs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

103 of 104 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One flaw away from perfection, September 27, 2007

By	DrZ (Chicago, IL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-46V3000 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV (Electronics)

So far I have been very happy with great performance of my new KDL-46V3000.

Pros:
- Great colors and black levels, no clouding
- Very good tuner and reception
- Nice upscaling and line doubling of lower resolution signals
- No noticeable motion blur even without the high end 120 Hz refresh rate
- Great, simple and sophisticated design without the useless cumbersome glass panel of the higher end XBR Sony models
- Low profile stand foot fits perfectly on the TV stand where my previous 42" TV's foot was sticking out.

Cons:
- Extremely limited combination of sources for Picture & Picture; No Picture-in-Picture
- Reflective black piano finish frame (not the screen) which can get annoying if you have a light source at a wrong place behind you

Initially I wanted to buy a 120 Hz system, but after a serious long research, I gave up on them for multiple reasons. First I dropped the new Sharp models because instead of the 120 Hz refresh rate they only have frame rate conversion, interpolating and inserting an artificial intermediate frame in between each two of the existing frames. Then after researching the promising Toshiba Regza 120 Hz LX177 models I dropped them from my list because of inaccurate colors. I had an opportunity to choose the top of the line 40" 120 Hz Sony XBR4 model at a comparable price, but I chose this 46" 60 Hz set instead, because I owned 37" and 42" 1080p models in the past and I had to be quite close to the smaller screen to enjoy the full benefit of the Blu-ray or comparable high resolution source. Then after reading some reviews I decided to drop the other remaining 120 Hz models because of the huge price difference and only a marginal, if any, improvement on motion blur. Instead, I decided to stick with the mature and proven 60 Hz technology and bought its latest generation with no regrets. This TV's "older brother", Sony KDL-46V2500, was standing on the next shelf and it was priced a couple hundred dollars less, but I didn't want to spend this kind of money buying a last year's model which has older technology and some known minor picture problems.

I love this set's picture quality, for it can compete not only with other LCDs but also with most plasmas (and this screen, IMHO beats most of them with its anti-glare surface). When I watch this TV in the store next to other higher Samsung and Sharp models, I can see many more subtle details in the shadow and near-black areas of the screen. Other models seem to willingly sacrifice these details in order to improve their blacks and after having noticed this I am sure I picked the best model in this price range.

Video processing is very nice, even on SD TV coming from a weak signal. The TV tuner seems to have better reception than my other tuners on same antenna. In spite of my very limited expectations due to my relatively bad experience with previous tuners, I am now receiving all available digital channels in Chicago using an indoor antenna with minimum interruptions.

Sound quality on the set is good, with a typical lack of lower bass spectrum, but most owners of TVs of this caliber will aim for the full experience and buy a home theater sound system.

Just when I thought this set was close enough to perfection for my current standards, I discovered a major Picture & Picture design flaw. This set's Picture & Picture feature limits the choice of the two pictures viewable next to each other to the left one coming from HDMI inputs, TV tuner, or Video-in, and the right picture coming only from one of the two component (that's right, component) inputs. What were Sony designers thinking?! I have only HDMI and PC sources at home, so this feature is absolutely useless to me, because in most cases I want to view TV tuner combined with HDMI, or PC, or the two HDMI inputs next to each other. I was in such a disbelief that I thought I was doing something wrong and I didn't trust the manual, so I called Sony's tech support and they confirmed this nonsense. Moreover, the PC input is not available for viewing in Picture & Picture mode.

Although some reviewers find the menu system cumbersome, I got very accustomed to it on my Playstation 3, however, this system is not always totally intuitive and it doesn't "remember" the last menu you accessed, which would make it much more convenient.

Summary: Bad "Picture & Picture" input combination is the only major flaw I can find and if the picture wasn't so great, I would have returned it the very next day, but I couldn't find a better 46" model at this price, so I kept it. Without this design flaw I'd give this set a perfect score.

59 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Flawless HD set, September 24, 2007

By	Greg4408 "Greg" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-46V3000 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV (Electronics)

I just took delivery of my Sony KDL-46V3000 two days ago and already I can't imagine going back.

The set has none of the flaws that trouble some flat panels: no stuck pixels that I can see, no clouding, banding or other visible defects. Just a nice picture. Glare is not a problem on this set, even off of the supposedly shiny bezel.

I agonized over my choice of a set for many months, looking at several Sony models and several from competitors such as Samsung. I could never tell that choosing a higher-end Sony would really buy me anything, so I stuck with one of their more affordable models. It can be difficult to compare TVs, especially in big box stores. However, the few times I got a fair comparison between the Sony and a comparable Samsung set (4661F), the Sony seemed to have a slight edge.

Keep in mind that this set won't work miracles with standard-definition (SD) TV signals. I have it hooked to an over-the-air (OTA) antenna, which works quite well, pulling in HDTV from all of my local affiliates. But, when I switch back to my SD cable box, things look pretty shabby in comparison. In fact, let me echo the advice of many other HDTV users; SD television in some cases looks worse on a large HD set than it would have on your older CRT TV. This is in part due to the raised expectations of the new, fancy TV, but also has to do with seeing low resolution TV on a large set with 'wasted' display lines. The Sony has image processing which is supposed to enhance SD signals. I'm sure it helps some, but the truth is once you've seen HDTV on your new set, SD can look pretty grim. If you invest in any high-def TV be sure to get some sort of high-def inputs for it. I'm dumping cable in favor of OTA + Blu-ray, but I'm sure for most people HD cable is a great option, too.

To top it off, I found a great price on Amazon, and was quite pleased with the Eagle delivery. I don't regret doing my research, and I couldn't be happier with the 46V3000.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Experience with Amazon, November 1, 2007

By	M. Allen "ldrunner3" (Northern California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-46V3000 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV (Electronics)

I studied and reviewed many HDTVs including the new 120Hz models. I came to the conclusion this model gave me the best bang for the buck. I won't bore you with all the technical details and jargon, but I just can't say enough good about this unit. The picture quality is awesome and have not experienced any of the clouding issues talked about in earlier Sony models.

The only issue I had was where to buy the unit from? Do I take a chance and buy it on the web or purchase it locally? I took a chance and purchased it on the web from Amazon. The Amazon White Glove Delivery was the deciding factor of why I purchased it on the web. The White Glove service is exactly what Amazon claims. The delivery service delivered the TV, performed basic setup and took the waste material away. When they were finished, we went through a checklist verifying the unit's functionality. After verifying the unit, I had to make the decision to accept the unit or not. What more could you ask for?

Conclusion, knowing what I know now, I would purchase the exact same TV from Amazon again. My experience was very good and I saved over $600 in comparison to purchasing the exact unit at a local Best Buy.