Sony BRAVIA KDL-46S5100 Great Value
Normally, when there is an LCD fanboy war, the fight is reduced between Samsung and Sony. Sony tend to have better reception than blacks, while Samsung [aka Sammy] are cited as the most accurate color.
I had a 46V4100 [last year, V-Series a step over the range S], and there was a solid performer who has suffered from problems of substance mixed.
After several rounds of research, I decided to give another chance to Sony. At one time of purchasing a HDTV must accept that there will be no compromise.
For an input level that is established, the S5100 does not disappoint. Yes, SD content seems incomplete because of the enormous expansion of the company. This is true in any 1080p set. And compression of the cable and satellite means that companies will use the power of compression artifacts on the edges of HD content.
But from an image, the colors are accurate, the shadow detail is good and the angles of a LCD monitor is excellent.
Physically, all is beautiful in a functional way, but not the design pizzazz. In addition, the bezel is a reflection. I know that I do it for the manufacturers of their products look nice and bright, but the position of all in my room cause significant glare on the rear-left thought it was serious until the bleeding Backlight I looked more closely.
The brightness of the display itself is that most LCD screens, no reflection as a plasma, but still cast a reflection on you. Probably not the best choice for a room with a large amount of direct sunlight. I have a TV in a room under a ceiling fan and the reflection is noticeable but not distracting. But the debate is far from being as widespread as you'd expect from an LCD.
I think that this reflection with the help of the screen viewing angle, however. I'm sitting 6 feet to the left and 2 meters in front of the TV and colors are almost as lively as if you were sitting right in front. This LCD is one of the few who could challenge plasma viewing angle. Usually, you get 50 degrees from the center of the LCD and the image is washed out.
Sony xcross [pronounced "cross"] menu [used in the PS3 and PSP] is not in the S5100. I do not think a big loss, and you will receive a remote control button 'tools' that allows you to access frequently used functions, without using the menu. The interface is attractive and easy to use.
Television has a lot of connectivity. 3 HDMI, PC input [9-pin, no DVI], 2 component, digital audio digital audio ' you have the idea. 2 HDMI ports and PC are on the left side panel, set back far enough to protect the sockets. It seems a strange design choice.
Finally, I will admit there are some substantive issues [2 "lantern" areas], but unlike the V4100, I must look to the notification.
If you want a great set and you're on a budget is really a game worth observing. I warn you it is very basic, no extras on the TV. Therefore, SD, no internet, no picture in picture, no Motionflow 120/240
These questions are not for me. In my opinion, most 'features' exist to allow TV manufacturers for the new film and television to create each year, the profit after expenses of people who want toys. I am willing to bet that the picture and sound experience pure [ie not MotionFlow] this series is the equal of the series V5100 $ 200 ' $ 500 less.
PS I apologize for not being able to check the sound, but I connected to a receiver.
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