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Introduction
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01.Tour & Design
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02.Calibration
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03.Blacks & Whites
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04.Color Accuracy
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05.Motion
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06.Viewing Effects
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07.Remote Control
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08.Connectivity
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09.Audio & Menus
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10.Formats & Media
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11.Power Consumption
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12.Vs Samsung LN40B650
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13.Vs Sony Bravia KDL52V5100
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14.Vs Vizio SV470XVT
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15.Conclusion
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16.Series Comparison
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17.Ratings & Specs
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18.Comments
Sony Bravia KDL-46Z5100
Previous: Page 5
MotionNext: Page 7
Remote Control
Viewing Effects Summary
• Poor viewing angle.
• Screen reflects a lot of light.
• A few processing features.
Viewing Angle (4.71)
Like most LCDs, the KDL-46Z5100 had a poor viewing angle: at 71º, the contrast will dip below 50%. This means everyone on the couch will likely be fine, although we noticed significant differences in picture quality even slightly off-center. If you have a lot of people crowded around the TV, however, you might have more issues.
| Viewing Angle | |
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Reflectance (5.5)
The KDL-46Z5100 had some problems with reflectance. We were able to see each and every LED in the array we shined at the screen. Further, the light created vertical and horizontal streaks. This is very distracting. When the light isn't facing the screen directly, the streaks aren't particularly noticeable. The glossy bezel might also catch light, but is far less of an issue, especially given the size of the screen. We wouldn't recommend putting this TV in a room that catches natural light.
Video Processing (3.0)
The KDL-46Z5100 has a few nice processing features and a lot of other additions that aren't particularly helpful.
| Setting | Claimed Function | Our Impression |
| Noise Reduction | Reduce repetitive random noise | As advertised. On it's highest setting, the difference is noticeable. |
| MPEG Noise Reduction | Reduce video compression noise | No discernable difference. |
| Motionflow | Refines moving images | Huge blur reduction when set to 'Standard.' Makes 24fps look unnaturally smooth. |
| Cinemotion | Provides a more natural looking picture for film-based content | Reduces artifacting for 3:2 pulldown. |
| Black Corrector | Enhance the black in images for stronger contrast | Makes colors look slightly burned. |
| Adv. Contrast Enhancer | Automatically adjusts the contrast based on picture brightness | Makes lights slightly lighter and darks slightly darker. |
| Auto Light Limiter | Controls the backlight to reduce excessive brightness in bright scenes | Very subtle difference in whites. |
| Clear White | Emphasizes whiteness of picture | No discernable difference. |
| Compare the Sony Bravia KDL-46Z5100 to other HDTVs | |||||||
 |
 |
 |
|||||
| Samsung LN40B650 40' |
Sony Bravia KDL-52V5100 52' |
Vizio SV470XVT 47' |
|||||
Shop for the Sony KDL-46Z5100
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