Sony LED TV Review

Sony has always been a leading TV brand and have carried that leadership on into the LED TV market. In fact, I was slightly surprised to find out that the first ever LED TV on the market was a Sony...the Sony Qualia way back in 2004. Surprising isn't it?

And, if you've watched LED TV you'll understand why all the TV manufacturers were racing to get to market first. It's generally accepted that a LED lit screen is "twice as good" as the standard Cathode Ray lighting in terms of brightness and color density. Don't ask me how they measure that though!

There are three variations on the theme. Firstly there are RGB dynamic LEDs which allow "local dimming" to make blacks really dark and deep. Secondly there are Edge-Lit LEDs, the main benefit of which is to make the screen really thin and finally there are Full-Array LEDs where the LED lights are spread across the screen area. They offer less intense dark colors and generally a picture with less contrast. The main benefit of Full-Array sets is the reduction in power consumption.

Nowadays, Sony use the Bravia brand to front up their LED TV offerings and it is brand that has grown in stature and sales "clout" massively over the past couple of years. So, bearing this in mind I thought I would take a look at what makes the Sony Bravia LED TV so popular among HD TV enthusiasts. Most Sony models are Edge-Lit or RGB by the way.

The 32 Inch KDL32EX600 is the starting point for the Bravia range. With a feature list that would be at home on a much larger model this amazing little TV comes with full 1080p HD. This is unusual on such a small screen. The trade-off is a lower refresh speed (60 or 120 Hz, it's not made clear), but with full HD and on the smaller screen it still leaves you with a brilliant and crisp picture. And with a price tag of around $700 for a Sony LED TV, this set is a real winner.

It's not a set for a large viewing room but if you want a second set in the kitchen, bedroom or kids room, it's absolutely ideal.

The full Sony Bravia range goes from the 32 Inch screen through the following screen sizes 40, 42, 46, 50, 52, 55 and 60 inch screens. The jewel in the crown is the new Sony XBR60LX900 60" 3D 240Hz LED HDTV. This is a stunning piece of television kit there is no doubt about that! The list of features is extensive and it comes with integrated wi-fi (Samsung please take note), but the price tag is a bit severe at $4,499. This is only marginally cheaper than Samsung's top of the range 65 Inch 3D offering and LG come in cheaper with their top end offering. Having said all that, the reviews I've read rate this particular LED very highly indeed.

The most popular screen size for any LED TV purchases seems to be the 46-52 inch range. My brother-in-law has just upsized to a 55 inch screen and personally I think it's a bit overbearing for the viewing room size. We have a similar sized room and I think our 46 inch is just right. However, as far as the Bravia range is concerned if you were to push me for my favorite model, I'd have to say, for price versus peformance, it would be the Sony Bravia EX700 52 Inch LED TV. Now at around $1,700-1,800 it is an advanced TV at a very reasonable price.

And that's a great price, and you can pick up other really good deals if you're prepared to dip into the Sony models that are pre 3D. I believe this is for two reasons, obviously the new 240Hz full 3D models are now in the shops and I also think the stores are still keen to sell as much as they can as the economic situation is still not good...so prices are keen.

In fact it's probably the best possible time to get a new LED TV. To be honest I wouldn't even accept the tag price in the Store...I'd ask for a deal! Although I think it would be difficult to beat online prices such as those at Amazon.

When all is said and done, you will always do well if you buy a Sony LED TV. It's a front runner brand that offers a solid track-record and their TVs always perform well in terms of both reliability and quality and of course picture quality.

To conclude, if you want a new LED or 3D you won't go wrong with any Sony model, but for the newer and more advanced models do expect to pay a small premium. Looking at prices, Sony and Samsung are on a par in most screen sizes for both features and quality. LG are certainly on the move and do currently have a price advantage, but for what they are starting to deliver...they will surely have to increase prices to offer the same level of performance and functionality.

If you're old enough to remember IBM in its hey-day there was a saying in those heady 1970s days... "No-one ever got fired for buying IBM". Buying a Sony LED TV is the same, you just won't go wrong. They are up there amongst the best in all facets of LED TV.