Sony LCD Television

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The Best LCD Television

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If you're in the market for a new LCD TV, Sony is a top name. This page will highlight a number of Sony LCD TV models of various sizes and provide some tips for finding the television that's right for you.

Be sure to use the expandable Table of Contents below to quickly find what you want on this page.

Why a Sony LCD TV? 

Sony LCD televisions consistently rank high in customer satisfaction. Per JD Powers 2007 Satisfaction Survey the Sony Bravia LCD won top honors in the 37"-49" HDTV category and Sony LCD TV received the nod for the flat panel TV category. You can read a summary of their report here.

Tips for Choosing the Right LCD TV 

Because LCD TVs are the most popular, there are innumerable models available on showroom floors. It's often wise to shop in stores where you can view the screens in action and compare what you see side-by-side; then to shop online for easy price comparison and some of the best bargains.

  • The first decision to be made is regarding the size of your future TV. Bigger is not always better. As with any television, shoppers should consider the distance between where the screen will be located and the seat from which they will be viewing it. There is a range that is acceptable and individual preferences vary. However, at a distance of 2.5 to 5 feet, a screen size of no larger than 27" is generally recommended. At a distance of 5-9 feet, the recommended screen size often varies between 32" and 37" while a viewing distance from 9 to 14 feet is usually matched with a screen between 40" and 46". In large rooms offering a viewing distance of over 12 feet, 50" and larger LCD screens are appropriate.

  • A second consideration is screen resolution. The minimum recommended would be 1280x720 for 720p resolution. 1366x768 would be better and 1920x1080 would be higher. However, higher resolution raises the cost and buyers should compare to determine whether or not the visible difference is significant to them.

  • Overall screen performance is best assessed visually. Shoppers should look for brightness, any blurring during fast action scenes, and overall color accuracy. Numbers reported for "contrast ratio" are confusing as there is no standard way for manufacturers to measure and report this data. However, for shoppers who want numbers to guide them this Newegg report can provide guidance.

  • Viewing angle is also critical If your new LCD television will be viewed from any angle other than dead-on center, it is best to view it in the store from such an angle as viewing quality can be heavily influenced by this.

  • Assuring that the television has any necessary connections for peripheral devices is also critical. For instance, consider whether or not you will be connecting a cable/satellite box, gaming console, PC, or DVD player. The Newegg page above will provide additional information to identify the needed ports.
  • Terms to Know When Shopping for a Sony LCD TV 

    If you're shopping for a Sony LCD TV there are a few terms you should know to help you better understand what you will find.

  • Motionflow High Frame Rate

    This is Sony's term for the technology they use to improve motion performance with faster response times. It reportedly doubles the amount of frames from 60fps to 120fps resulting in smooth and natural looking motion.

  • BRAVIA Engine PRO Full Digital Video Processor

    This term is used to describe Sony's technology which reportedly provides crisp details, outstanding contrast, eye popping colors, and dramatically reduced digital artifacts and is user adjustable according to the video source.

  • Live Color Creation System featuring WCG-CCFL

    This Sony technology is used to create deep, deep blues and natural greens.

  • Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE) Function

    Sony's Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE) is said to increase Dynamic Contrast Ratio up to 18,000:12 resulting in 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)

    24p input capability will allow the best viewing of movies which are often filmed at 24 fps and TV shows taped at 24p.

  • DMex - Ready (Digital Module Extender)

    This technology provides a digital connection path for the addition of other modules like the new BRAVIA Internet Video Link. 6

  • BRAVIA Theatre Sync technology

    This Sony technology allows users to operate compatible Sony devices with the push of a single button. Playing DVD's, switching to digital surround sound and so forth is reduced to one lonely click.
  • Other Useful Information 

    Home Theater Blog
    Details the proper way to wall mount an LCD television.
    CNET
    Provides brief instructions on cleaning your LCD television.
    About.com
    A one page comparison of LCD and plasma TVs.
    CNET.com
    Provides a chart that estimates energy use/costs of various flat panel TVs.
    Energy Star
    Search for the TV model of your choice to determine if it is Energy Star qualified.
    Test Freaks
    A site providing test results/reviews of a wide variety of LCD and plasma TVs.

    Sony 26" LCD Television 

    Sony 37" LCD Televisions 

    Sony BRAVIA L Series KDL37L5000 37-Inch LCD TV (Black)

    Amazon Price: $639.00 (as of 12/31/2009) Buy Now

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

    Amazon Price: $529.00 (as of 12/31/2009) Buy Now

    Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-40S5100 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black

    Amazon Price: $719.00 (as of 12/31/2009) Buy Now

    Sony Bravia L-Series KDL-26L5000 26-Inch 720p LCD HDTV, Black

    Amazon Price: $399.97 (as of 12/31/2009) Buy Now

    Sony BRAVIA V-Series KDL-40V5100 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

    Amazon Price: $879.99 (as of 12/31/2009) Buy Now

    Sony 40" LCD Televisions 

    Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-40S5100 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black

    Amazon Price: $719.00 (as of 12/31/2009) Buy Now

    Sony BRAVIA V-Series KDL-40V5100 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

    Amazon Price: $879.99 (as of 12/31/2009) Buy Now

    Sony Bravia XBR KDL-40XBR7 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

    Amazon Price: $899.99 (as of 12/31/2009) Buy Now

    Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-40Z5100 40-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV

    Amazon Price: $1,119.00 (as of 12/31/2009) Buy Now

    Sony 42" LCD Televisions 

    Sony 46" LCD Televisions 

    Sony BRAVIA S-Series KDL-46S5100 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black

    Amazon Price: $879.00 (as of 12/31/2009) Buy Now

    Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-46XBR9 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV, Black

    Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 12/31/2009) Buy Now

    Sony BRAVIA W-Series KDL-46W5100 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV

    Amazon Price: $1,299.00 (as of 12/31/2009) Buy Now

    Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-46Z5100 46-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV

    Amazon Price: $1,689.99 (as of 12/31/2009) Buy Now

    Sony 52" LCD Televisions 

    In the News: Sony LCD TV 

    Demand improving for LCD TVs
    Also, Sony never built plasma TV's. They went exclusively LCD. Also, the energy consumption is much greater in most plasmas, but not 2-3 times more. ...
    Sony add large screen LCD TV's to their V5810 Freesat range
    Adding to their V5810 range of LCD TV's with built in Freesat, Sony have introduced 46in and 52in models that add value to their list of attributes. ...
    CEOs of Electronics Makers to Gather in Las Vegas
    "Rather than exhibiting striking products, Samsung plans to expand the global LED-backlit LCD TV. With that perception, ICES is the right event for this ...
    ps3 wireless visual interface: screw the wand sony, give us this one instead.
    Basically it's a controller with an integrated display in it, which means you don't even have to have a TV to use Sony's black beast. ...

    Sony LCD TV: Did You Find What You Need? Let Us Know! 

    If you didn't find the television you wanted, be sure to visit our home electronics store.

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    • Reply
      John Goldstein John Goldstein Oct 14, 2009 @ 12:27 pm
      I've heard that in some places with higher elevation, such as Colorado, LCD are a much better option than plasma too, because of a tendency to burn out quickly. Might be something to consider before deciding against an LCD. I personally prefer an LCD anyway.

      Thanks,
      John Goldstein
      Arizona Land for Sale
    • Reply
      bbug bbug Jul 29, 2008 @ 7:03 pm
      Thanks for the great information. There is so much to know when choosing a new television and this helps alot.

     

    Photo Credits
    Introduction: jamiemc (no derivative work allowed)
    Tips for Choosing the Right LCD TV: CPChannel.
    Terms to Know: tonystl. (no derivative work allowed)

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    by mulberry

    Sony LCD TVs are outstanding. This page is a good "one stop shop" for them. (more)

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