Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-40S5100 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black Review
I purchased this TV only a week ago. It was manufactured recently, having been delivered to the local store I bought it from in December 2009 (per the box it arrived in). I haven't had any issue with the Autodimmer feature. Perhaps the newer units have the necessary software, as another reviewer mentioned. Having paid only 9 for it, I am very pleased with the picture. I also liked the intuitive setup features and the simple remote control. I should mention that I'm not a TV-geek ... other reviewers are far more knowledgeable about details of HD TVs than I am.
Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-40S5100 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black Feature
- Full Hd 1080P Resolution And Stunning Contrast
- Features Advanced Contrast Enhancer (Ace) For An Impressive Dynamic Contrast Ratio Of 30,000:1 And Bravia Engine
- The Bravia S Series Kdl40S5100 Has 6 Hd Inputs Which Are Provided To Connect All Of Your Hd Devices
- Signal Compatibility is about 1080P
- Compatibility is Vesa (300 Mm X 300 Mm)
Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-40S5100 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Black Overview
Sony’s S-series TVs put amazing picture quality and stunning dynamic contrast in reach for value-oriented consumers who want to step up into the Sony Full HD 1080p experience. These TVs represent the entry-level models in Sony’s large screen offerings in 2009 and offer the superior resolution and contrast, advanced image processing features, and variety of HD input options available on high-end BRAVIA HDTVs -- all in an affordable package. With three HDMI connections, you can hook up a Sony PlayStation3 entertainment system, Blu-ray Disc player, or any other HDMI-capable equipment and get uncompressed digital video and multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. You also have numerous other HD connection options, including YPbPr Component inputs as well as a PC input for using your laptop or desktop PC with your big-screen HDTV. No matter which HD source you use, the exclusive Sony BRAVIA Engine 2 fully digital video processor ensures that images look sharp and brilliant. With BRAVIA Link compatibility, you can easily expand your high-resolution home theatre set-up with optional BRAVIA Wireless Link, BRAVIA DVD Link, or BRAVIA Input Link Modules. And BRAVIA Sync makes controlling everything a snap. Additionally, BRAVIA S-Series HDTVs exceed Energy Star 3.0 requirements by incorporating advanced power saving features such as Light Sensor technology that adjusts backlight intensity based on ambient room lighting conditions and Dynamic Backlight Control that adjusts backlight intensity based on the brightness of the image on the screen. Utilizing these features can reduce power consumption by up to 60% in a typical home theater environment.
Related Products
Customer Reviews
I will never buy another Sony Product - Unhappy Camper - Oklahoma
We literally bought four (4) of these pieces of junk starting Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010 through Feb. 28, 2010. Each one had issues within 2-5 days. We took all four (4) back based upon the advice of Sony Technicians, and I tried to call Sony to seek help. I spent a total of 4 1/2 hours over 5 days on the phone, mostly on hold, waiting to talk to a person. I finally was told "that is beyond our control, you need to talk to someone in Customer Relations." FYI, if you try to call Customer Relations at 1-239-768-7547, which by the way is the number that is listed on Sony's web-site, the first thing you will notice is it is a "long distance call." The second thing you will notice is you will be on hold for a minimum of 30 minutes waiting to talk to someone. The third thing you will find is that you aren't calling Sony Customer Relations at all.
You are calling Product Support, who will ask you dozens of the same question, until you have wasted more of your day and money on the long distance call. Only after you get so angry you are ready to spit nails do they say "you need to talk to someone in Sony Customer Relations." Then the fun really begins as Sony Customer Relations is only open on Monday through Friday. On top of that they are never available, and you will be on hold for another 30 or more minutes. Someone may finally get on the line, but each time in my case it was the person I just talked to and they suggested I call back the next day. When I refused they said the Customer Relations Staff was very busy, and could not get to my call. Geez, I wonder why? Could it be because their products are junk?
See the pattern here? And, after your blood pressure is sky high, then you will have a person come on the phone and tell you that "Sony does not compensation Customers for time and inconvenience." Anyone else see the problem here? The sad part is we were willing to try the new Sony KDL40 EX400, but we asked Sony to send us a .00 set of the Sony HDMI cables for our tv at no charge, as they are unavailable at the stores in our areas. Sony was only willing to allow us to "buy the cables from them." Apparently they do not care about their Customers. I told them that I no longer buy Sony, and I will make sure no one else makes the same mistake. They kept apologizing, but not one person was willing to step up and do something to fix the problems "they" caused.
This company isn't the Sony you and I grew up with. They are a joke, their products are junk and their Customer Service is the worst I have ever experienced.
cracking static sounds on TV speakers - J. Siu - san francisco, CA
I love this TV. The pictures are beautiful!! The sound is great too, except that I, and others could hear loud static sounds from the speakers when the volume is turned up to about 30ish. You don't hear this in all movies or programs. I believe it may be base related. But it totally just ruins the mood whenever you are watching action movies... please read up reviews on the 32" Sony Bravia, this item also has very poor sound reviewS. I know so because I was considering a 32" Sony as well. Hey, maybe I just got a lemon. Good luck!
Great by for the money - Herb fm Kingston - KINGSTON, TN, US
I bought this TV as a Christmas present for myself. I got it at a great price through Amazon. It was 0 lower than the nearest local source. Free shipping too! I have satellite TV and the picture looks great. The sound is a little disappointing at low levels. I plan to install a stereo amplifier and larger speakers which will solve that problem. The initial setup was a bit tricky but I was able to complete it without extra help. Generally, I am a happy camper with this purchase.
Not bad but I can't recommend it... - Rebel_w_Cause - FL
I've had this Sony Tv now for a month and feel I can give an adequate review. This series of Sony HDTV is the "S" series which is Sony's lower end model (they have a "V" and "W" also). For the price-point (under six fifty) the pic quality is not bad. The sound using HDMI is also fine as far as volume goes. Granted, the tone quality (richness) is not very good but none of the speakers on these HDTV's are. Contrary to other reviews, I found the speakers to be above average.
However, I really can't recommend this tv because the update (fix) did not fix anything for me. The color shifting remains after the update and I have tried 2 of these tvs now. Sony support has been fairly good but in the end they haven't fixed anything yet. If you are considering this tv, please read online for complaints for the S and V series. People mention the color shift and noise poping even after the updates so while the update may work for some people, clearly it is is not for others. I really have spent much too much time on this. I really wish I had just purchased a different TV even if it meant doing so at a higher cost. If you do decide to get this tv, make sure you get a really good price on it!!
Finally, the picture on this tv is pretty good and I don't doubt that the software fix work for some people. If it had worked for me I would have given this tv 4 stars. The fact that I've had this problem with 2 Sony's now just makes me question this model (also, I didn't mention that I have tried different hdmi cable as well as swapped out my cable box thinking these might be the cause).
All I am saying is do your research and "buyer be informed."
One last thing I will mention, because I haven't seen it mentioned in any of the other reviews is about the Sony recommended memory cards for the update. Even if you don't have a card on their list try the one you have BUT MAKE SURE you format it first as suggested in their instructions (FAT32). I only had a 128mb card (not on their list) and it didn't work. I noticed the Fat32 instructions and tried that and the update ran perfectly.
I hope this has been helpful.
*********UPDATE**********
I agreed to let Sony send me a 3rd tv. I had doubts that a 3rd would be much diff. than the first 2 but I didn't have many options. A new tv was sent to me by Sony in a decent time with all the return info I needed so I could send the bad unit back (at no charge to me). Sony's return service and support has been good. However, that is all I can say that is good.
The 3rd unit has most of the same issues plus some sound issues. I have spent so much time dealing with this Tv. I really regret it. FORTUNATELY, I bought it from a place with a 90-day return policy. I took it back after just over 60 days. Good rid-dens. I STRONGLY recommend against this model in the "S" series (Sony's low end).
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 25, 2010 12:55:46
