Sony KDL-40W5100 LCD HDTV Review - Color Accuracy

Color Accuracy Summary
Editorial Note: This is a review of the Sony KDL-40W5100. Test results are for this model, but should indicate the general performance of other models in the W5100 series, which include the KDL-46W5100 (46"), the KDL-52W5100 (52"), and the KDL-65W5100 (65"). Read here for more details on series differences.
• Even color temperature. • Accurate RGB curves. • Color gamut is a bit off. • Testing done using DisplayMate Software.
	Blacks & Whites	Page 4 of 18	Motion

Color Temperature (9.89)

For our color temperature test, we run through the greyscale and check to make sure the TV's color temperature hasn't shifted. Since no actual colors are involved, color temperature should remain stable throughout. Typically the color temperature will shift by imperceptible amounts. Sometimes, however, the greys will acquire a perceptible color cast.

First of all, we were able to get the KDL-40W5100's color temperature very close to ideal. With our calibration, you'll get a temperature of 6511K, which is remarkably close to the ideal 6500K. The 6500K measure represents the sky on a cloudy day, and is generally used as a point of reference.

The KDL-40W5100 didn't have any issues on this test. Almost all the minor shifts in color temperature stayed under the limit of perceptibility.

Color Temperature
Compare the Sony KDL-40W5100 to other HDTVs
Sharp LC-40E67UN 40 inches	Sony KDL-40S5100 40 inches	Vizio SV471XVT 47 inches

RGB Curves (7.83)

Every color on your TV is made by combining red, green, and blue. On this test, we determine how well the TV emulates each of these three colors. 

RGB Curves

In the above graph, the red, green, and blue lines illustrate each color's progression from dark to bright. The curves are smooth for the most part and uniformly concave. There are some imperfections towards the brighter end of the spectrum, but these blips are relatively minor in scale. Blue and red both peak slightly towards the very end, meaning you're losing a bit of detail in the most intense blues and reds. Chances are this will rarely crop up during normal viewing.

Below are the individual response curves, shown as a progression from brightest to darkest.

Red Response Comparisons
Ideal Response
Sony KDL-40W5100
Sharp LC-40E67UN
Sony KDL-40S5100
Vizio SV471XVT

Green Response Comparisons
Ideal Response
Sony KDL-40W5100
Sharp LC-40E67UN
Sony KDL-40S5100
Vizio SV471XVT

Blue Response Comparisons
Ideal Response
Sony KDL-40W5100
Sharp LC-40E67UN
Sony KDL-40S5100
Vizio SV471XVT

Color Gamut (5.53)

Every TV is required to display the same color gamut, according to an international standard. This standard, called rec. 709, dictates the coordinates of the maximum green, red, and blue. Very few TVs that we've tested follow it to the letter, though.

The KDL-40W5100 does an alright job adhering to the color gamut, but oversaturates its blues and greens slightly.

Color Gamut

Below lists the coordinates of each of the three color points as well as the white point. The final column is how far off each point is from ideal.

Other Models in the W5100 Series
This is a review of the Sony KDL-40W5100. The other sizes of HDTVs in this series should be similar in terms of performance and usability. For details about any differences, click on the image to jump to the Series Comparison page.
KDL-46W5100 46 inches	KDL-52W5100 52 inches	KDL-65W5100 65 inches