Sony KDL-40W5100 LCD HDTV Review - Remote Control

Remote Control 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.
• Well constructed, fits well in hand. • Volume and channel controls are exiled from the main button area. • Remote will work with other Sony devices.
	Calibration	Page 8 of 18	Connectivity

Ergonomics & Durability (6.9)

The Sony KDL-40W5100 uses the standard Sony remote. It's comprised of shiny black plastic with colorful buttons and has a long, slim form factor. The underside of the remote is riged, which should help provide some grip. The remote is well-balanced and feels fairly light in hand. Shifting your to access different buttons can cause the balance to be thrown off a little. The remote also lacks a backlight, which is annoying for watching TV in the dark.

Button Layout & Use (5.5)

The remote has good button layout, with one confusing exception. The remote is balanced so the d-pad is where you thumb naturally falls, and the important buttons tend to fall around this area. The volume and channel controls, however, are located way at the bottom of the remote. The two most commonly used buttons should have fallen closer to the d-pad for easier access.

Aside from this issue, we didn't have many problems. Some of the buttons were too small, but the important ones were a good size. Labels were clear, if sometimes tiny. Overall, this isn't the greatest remote we've seen, but it's far from the worst.

Programming & Flexibility (1.0)

Like previous Sony remotes, the KDL-40W5100's can be used to control other Sony products. This is infinitely less useful than universal compatibility.

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