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Introduction
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01.Tour & Design
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02.Blacks & Whites
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03.Color Accuracy
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04.Motion
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05.Viewing Effects
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06.Calibration
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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 UN46B6000
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13.Vs Vizio SV471XVT
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14.Vs Sony KDL 46Z5100
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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-46VE5
Previous: Page 13
Vs Vizio SV471XVTNext: Page 15
Conclusion
Sony KDL-46Z5100 Summary
• The 46Z5100 is a better performer, that much is clear
• Smoother colors, slightly better contrast ratio, and much smoother motion
Value Comparison Summary
The KDL-46Z5100 is the better performer of the two Sony TVs, but not by much. Despite having a more advanced processor (Bravia Engine 3 versus Bravia Engine 2), we were surprised to see that the the strengths and weaknesses ran along the same lines. The key differences are simple: the 46Z5100 has LAN Internet access and slightly better color performance, and the VE5 is the 'energy efficient' model. Would Sony like this simplified explanation? No, but there it is.
| Comparison Specifications | ||
 |
 |
|
| Sony KDL-46VE5 | Sony KDL-46Z5100 | |
| Size | 46 inches | 46 inches |
| Price | $1799 MSRP | $2599 |
| Type | LCD | LCD |
| Format | 1080P | 1080P |
Blacks & Whites
The white and black levels looked very good on both TVs, as did the contrast. However, the 46VE5 had a small advantage in greyscale gamma, which produced smoother gradations in the shadowy areas.
| Blacks & Whites Comparison Chart | |
 |
|
| Sony KDL-46VE5 Score: Black Level: 8.23 Peak Brightness: 8.6 Contrast: 8.42 |
Sony KDL-46Z5100 Score: Black Level: 8.48 Peak Brightness: 8.74 Contrast: 8.77 |
Color Accuracy
The color performance was measurably better on the 46Z5100 than the 46VE5 – the color temperature was more consistent and the color curves were smoother. If you have a sharp eye, you'll probably see the difference, but both TVs are good enough.
| Color Temperature Comparison | |
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|
| Sony KDL-46VE5 Score: 7.56 | |
 |
|
| Sony KDL-46Z5100 Score: 9.08 | |
| RGB Comparison | |
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| Sony KDL-46VE5 Score: 6.86 | |
   |
|
| Sony KDL-46Z5100 Score: 7.84 | |
| Color Gamut Comparison | |
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|
| Sony KDL-46VE5 Score: 5.22 | |
 |
|
| Sony KDL-46Z5100 Score: 5.19 | |
Motion
They're both bad when it comes to producing smooth, non-artifacting images. Sorry. It's frustrating that TVs that perform so well in other areas do poorly here.
| Motion Scores | ||
| Sony KDL-46VE5 | Sony KDL-46Z5100 | |
| Motion Smoothness | 6.25 | 7.00 |
| Motion Artifacting | 3.88 | 6.5 |
Viewing Effects
The Sony KDL-46Z5100 has a much wider viewing angle than the Sony KDL-46VE5.
| Viewing Angle Comparison | |
 |
|
| Sony KDL-46VE5 Score: 2.66 | Sony KDL-46Z5100 Score: 6.71 |
Connectivity
The 46Z5100 has a LAN port for Internet connectivity, and comes loaded with a bunch of great widgets for pulling content a wide range of sources. The 46VE5 does not.
| Connectivity Comparison | ||
| Sony KDL-46VE5 | Sony KDL-46Z5100 | |
| HDMI | 4 | 4 |
| Component | 2 | 2 |
| Composite | 1 | 1 |
| S-Video | 1 | 1 |
| VGA | 1 | 1 |
| Analog Audio In | 4 | 3 |
| Digital Audio Out | 1 | 1 |
| Analog Audio Out | 1 | 2 |
| LAN | None | 1 |
| USB | 2 (1 media, 1 utility) |
1 |
| Memory Card | None | None |
| Other | None | None |
Shop for the Sony KDL-46VE5
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