52 of 55 people found the following review helpful:
Great LCD TV choice!
I have been doing research on a new TV for months. Choosing the size was the easiest part based on the space I wanted to fill. Room is very bright, so LCD was the likely choice; although I didn't rule out the new Panasonic plasmas with their anti glare, but they are lacking in picture adjustments. The Samsungs are all generally too reflective. I saw the new Sony W5100...
6 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
Sony can do better!
I have owned Sony XBR5 the past couple of years and pretty satisfied with it. It is pretty good with both standard and high-def programing and audio quality is not bad. Got Z5100 as my second TV and had high expectations considering the specs of this one. But, it doesn't live up. Sony totally lost it.
Z5100 picture is pretty crisp/bright when compared to...
This review is from: Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-46Z5100 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV (Electronics)
I have been doing research on a new TV for months. Choosing the size was the easiest part based on the space I wanted to fill. Room is very bright, so LCD was the likely choice; although I didn't rule out the new Panasonic plasmas with their anti glare, but they are lacking in picture adjustments. The Samsungs are all generally too reflective. I saw the new Sony W5100 and started watching that model. I was waiting for some reviews to read some opinions, but it was too new. I had decided to go with the W5100 based on the price, energy efficient, and the fact that I had read that there really wasn't a discernible difference between 120hz and 240hz. Choosing the sony brand was based on the fact that netflix will be available this fall, and that I have a PS3. I finally decided on the Z5100 because I saw it in the store and noticed the bezel was nice and thin, and that the tv speakers pointed forward. Most flat panels' speakers point down, so I figured it would help when watching broadcast tv to have the speakers pointed forward. Not the most 'scientific' method of selection.
I am very happy with this TV. The picture is great, the sound is great, no issues with glare, the internet content works (although I am still waiting for netflix, I did get an Amazon credit for VOD to try out), and the PS3 looks amazing.
My suggestion to anyone researching a new tv is to really nail down your requirements first, then choose some models that fit, and finally narrow it down from there based on features. Then head to a store to really look them over. I found myself almost getting too caught up in reading reviews. I found many negative points that, in retrospect, were very nit picky, so don't get too caught up; if you notice, this model only has positives at this point. I was also comparing energy usage figures on crutchfield. Most energy tests are based on a minimum of 6-8 hours of usage per day, which I don't do. If you avoid the Vivid mode and stick to standard or cinema, you will be fine with energy usage.
Amazon's price was perfect; I had been watching a handful of tvs for a couple months and monitoring prices. The delivery was ok. The package was damaged on one corner, as if a fork lift had punctured it. The tv has a tiny little nick that is only noticeable if you run your finger ever so slowly along the bezel. So it wasn't big enough to send it back.
If you decide on this tv, you are making a great choice. I haven't calibrated it yet, but may do so when cnet posts some numbers.
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This review is from: Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-46Z5100 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV (Electronics)
I have been searching for a Sony LCD for a while now. I think I started looking at the 46"XBR6,that was a while ago. We bought this TV because it looked amazing in the stores. I even have a friend that works for Sony and he said that this model is almost an XBR as far as picture. I have seen them side by side and I can't tell the difference, minimal if anything. This Tv has amazing color and picture quality! I have it hooked up to a Sony HT-SS360 surround and a Playstation 3 Blu-ray. Let me tell you that when you are in standard mode, it looks like live action - Amazing! The upscaling of the DVD on the Blu-ray also makes the TV seem even more spectacular. Some others said to get a Samsung, but I have been a Sony person for years.
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This review is from: Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-46Z5100 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV (Electronics)
After months of research, I decided to go with sony because it seemed to be the most reliable. I could not have picked a better television. I have a sony blu-ray and a sony surround sound system. The three of them compliment each other better than I could have ever expected. The tv in HD is absolutely beautiful. I see other tvs that are supposed to be comparable, and that just is not the case. This tv stands alone in this class of televisions. Samsung is close... but it's not SONY. In case you haven't noticed... I highly recommend this television
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This review is from: Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-46Z5100 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV (Electronics)
I bought this when my Panasonic 42" 720 got fried by lightning. I can't thank the lightning enough! Easy to set up. Amazing picture and sound. I bought a wireless gaming adapter and got it hooked up to my wi-fi network through the ethernet jack on the tv (that set-up was trickier than it needed to be, a lot of trial and error). I also use a VGA cable to plug my laptop into it and use it to watch streaming content. Right now the Sony internet content is quite limited, but I'm looking forward to their going live with Netflix, supposedly in the fall. I expected a bit more documentation, but you really won't need it. Great set.
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This review is from: Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-46Z5100 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV (Electronics)
About 27 months ago, I purchased a Sony Bravia KDL46-XBR3 for about $3100 (delivered, authorized reseller), at the time the top of the line Sony. It is still a very good looking set. When my grandparents wanted a 46 incher for their living room, I researched all the big brands and was leaning toward one of the Sony XBRs. I saw this model for about $200 less than the near equivalent XBR9. According to Sony's TV comparison too (Sony.com), the XBR-9 has Live Color Creation, WCG-CFL backlighting, and 2 additional speakers. From the front, the two sets look pretty much identical. I remembered that this set was for my grandparents, and saved them the $200.
They couldn't be more happy with this set. It's big enough to be the center of focus in a 12x15 living room, but elegant enough to fit in with their furniture and decorative tastes. To me, it is amazing what Sony has done in two years. Half the price, thinner, cooler, lighter, better picture (10-bit vs 8-bit), better motion (for sports). etc.
If I were shopping for a new primary TV today, I'd look at the 46 or 55 XBR8 because I'm snobby like that. But if you're looking for something that would put shame to the top of the line from just 2 years ago, or you're considering a Vizio from Costco, your money can't find a better value than the 46Z5100. At this price point, the difference between Vizio purchased from your local store and this Sony purchased from Amazon (or Amazon merchant) is like the difference between your old tube TV and that Vizio. Hit "Add to Cart" now! You won't be disappointed.
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This review is from: Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-46Z5100 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV (Electronics)
Delivery was one day late, though I had to push even for that. The delivery company was not easy to reach: I was transferred and put on hold at least four times with each call. If I hadn't been persistant delivery would have been at least 4 days overdue even though the delivery website said the tv was a mere 10 miles away.
That said, the tv itself has been pretty great. It can read movies, music etc directly from our server and plays well with the recuever and mostly with PS3. We have had a couple of instances when the screen went dark while playing Guitar Hero, but that could have been a PS3 error.
It doesn't play well with the Popcorn Hour media extender, so we've had to re-rip our video collection. Not an issue for the average user.
Sports (hockey especially) have superior picture quality.
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This review is from: Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-46Z5100 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV (Electronics)
My children all have various types and sizes of the new HD type TV's so I build on their experiences and saw what their TV's were like in a real home environment. I decided on a Sony and settled on the 46 inch size and the best price I could find.
I'm very pleased and satisfied with this TV. The colors are great, the sound is wonderful, even without a home theater system. It was easy to set up and connected to my DirecTV HD DVR and has been working fine since. Installed on Sept 22.
Delivery was by R&L trucking and that was the only hitch. It was delivered on the very last day of their estimate, and even though they had committed to deliver before 1:30pm because I had another appointment, they were late and I had to call their dispatch twice to get their driver on the ball. The box had a fist sized hole in it, but the content was not damaged.
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This review is from: Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-46Z5100 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV (Electronics)
Go for the Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-46XBR9 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV, Black - I wish I would have. The price difference is negligible now compared to when I purchased my 46Z. With the XBR9 you get better built in sound, better backlight technology, and the speakers are hidden - taking an inch of the height of the bezel/TV. Not to mention you might be less likely to get the flashlight effect and uneven backlight that I did.
Luckily in this case I didn't purchase from Amazon; (1) I had a special deal and (2)having to return 2 units to - you know who: 'blue' - was a hassle but getting three shipped from Amazon would have been more frustrating.
So here is my review for the 46" Z - the third one I tried.
The Bravia LCD TV Z series are far superior to others in similar class and price range. Sony has provided some fantastic features in this model; in fact, most of the specs are identical to the XBR9s!
With the Bravia Engine 3 processor and Motionflow 240Hz refresh rate, fast panning and action scenes are rendered smooth and clean. The exceptional contrast ratio and real time enhancer provide detail in the darkest shadows and deep blacks that rival plasma screens. Coupled with the ambient light sensor which automatically adjusts the contrast and brightness levels to deliver a great picture in any lighting.
The award-winning XROSS media bar is the easiest, most user-friendly menu navigation available on any TV. For a unit with so many features the XROSS is essential for finding content and configurations with ease. If you have ever used a PS3, the Bravia menus will be very familiar to you, If not, you needn't worry about navigating the TVs functions as XROSS is very intuitive and easy to master.
Sony's Bravia link makes one button viewing a reality (when using compatible Sony components); want to watch a DVD or Blu-Ray? Just insert the disc in a Sony player and the TV as well as A/V receiver will power on, tune to the correct input, and adjust the audio and screen settings for optimal movie viewing.
The included remote will automatically and seamlessly control all of your Bravia Link devices (Blu-Ray, DVD, Home theater surround, PS3, HD radio, and A/V receiver)
The Bravia's ethernet port is your doorway to unlimited entertainment and painless firmware updates. Provided with the Sony W, Z and XBR series is access to free and subscription based streaming content not available on other TVs.
-Free, [...] streaming radio without interruptions.
-Exclusive free Sony content including trailers, videos and music - currently featuring a collection of full length, high quality, classic music videos by Michael Jackson.
-Amazon video on demand service in HD. IMO much better than pay-per-view.
-Netflix streaming HD video- although doesn't currently support search and is limited to your "watch Instantly" queue.
-Youtube, eHow.com, epicurious.com, and several other built in widgets to access online content and rss feeds.
I have always been a Sony devotee, so I am a bit biased and stuck with this model (2 exchanges to get a defect free screen) when most buyers would have changed brands.
I must admit that I was rather particular in my expectations for the video quality. Most people would not even notice what I called defects in this model - I am a photographer and graphic designer so I have a trained eye for visual appearance and very picky about how a display performs. The actual problem that I encountered has been documented in several Sony and Samsung models but is common to all LCD screens as far as I can tell.
I spent a lot of time and energy unpacking, mounting, configuring, tweaking, contacting Sony support and ultimately repackaging 2 units for return/exchange. I guess the adage, third times' a charm applied in my case.
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This review is from: Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-46Z5100 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV (Electronics)
Like many of you, I've pondered over the question of how much should I spend on an HDTV, what manufacturer, what options do I need. Well, let me tell you, this HDTV has the most beautiful, natural looking picture of any television I have viewed at asundry electronics stores. The matt screen does not reflect nearly as bad as the Samsung gloss screens (my neighbor has one and is envious). I got what I consider a great price and a great deal (a free Sony BDVE500W 5.1-Channel High-Definition Blu-ray Disc Player/DVD Disc Home theater System) from Amazon. This is my #1 store for Christmas and throughout the year. Also from my neighbor, "your sound is so much clearer than on my Samsung - which are back-firing speakers. I'm a senior citizen and lifting the TV by myself is out of the question, so have someone big and husky around (the people that brought it set up the remote and everything for me). The TV is thinner than most HDTV's, with the exception of the new LED TV's. It has a beautiful piano black bezel and heavy-duty (but non-rotating) base stand (okay, that's one thing my neighbor's Samsung has over the Sony)! If you don't like the factory picture you have plenty of things you can change regarding color, background, blacks, etc. Be sure to buy 3 HDMI cables if you plan to run your TV through a stereo amp (that is capable of HDMI), Cable box (the cable people only supply a component cable connection), and to the TV. Hope this helped you make your decision and have fun! Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
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This review is from: Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-46Z5100 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV (Electronics)
I thought this was a great deal as it was about the price that my local stores were selling the 120 HZ model. Shipping was prompt, however there was some slight damage to the shipping box, there was no appearent damage to the unit. The shipper helped me install and check out the unit before my acceptance of delivery. I would recomend this dealer to anyone if his price is right for you. Cheers Clint
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