Sony Bravia KDL-46Z5100 LCD HDTV Review - Remote Control

Remote Control Summary
• Light weight. • Good balance at neutral. • Unintuitive button layout. • Can control other Bravia devices.
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Ergonomics & Durability (7.75)

The Sony KDL-46Z5100's remote is a slightly fancier version of the typical Sony Bravia remote. The remote is designed well for the most part, but the button layout isn't great (as will be elaborated in the following section). The underside of the remote has a groove for your index finger to aid in gripping the remote when it's held in its neutral position. The ribbing on the back gives a bit more grip, but still allows users to slide their grip around easily.

The buttons are all soft plastic and have good travel, but we would've liked more tactile feedback. The buttons do have an optional backlight, which helps illuminate their label.


Button Layout & Use (5.5)

The remote fits well in hand at the neutral positin, with thumb on the select key and index finger fit into the groove on the remote's underside. From this position, however, you can't reach the volume and channel buttons. It's hard to reach the entirety of the number pad from this position as well. The d-pad is so big that it's really the only control you can reach from the neutral position. Prepare to shift your grip a lot.

The major buttons are easy to find by feel, either because of their size or their semi-unique shape, but the minor buttons are very hard to navigate without looking.


Programming & Flexibility (1.0)

While it's not a true universal remote, the KDL-46Z5100's remote can be used to control other Sony products via its Bravia Sync feature.