-
Introduction
-
01.Tour & Design
-
02.Blacks & Whites
-
03.Color Accuracy
-
04.Motion
-
05.Viewing Effects
-
06.Calibration
-
07.Remote Control
-
08.Connectivity
-
09.Audio & Menus
-
10.Formats & Media
-
11.Power Consumption
-
12.Vs Sharp LC 40E67UN
-
13.Vs Sony KDL 40S5100
-
14.Vs Vizio SV471XVT
-
15.Conclusion
-
16.Series Comparison
-
17.Ratings & Specs
-
18.Comments
Sony Bravia KDL-40W5100
Previous:
IntroductionNext: Page 2
Blacks & Whites
Tour & Design 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.
• Has a look that will blend in well in most settings.
• Keeps ports towards the side.
• Stand doesn't swivel.
• Medium thickness for an LCD.
Front
The front of the Sony KDL-40W5100 has a large LCD display, oddly enough. The bezel is glosy black plastic. The bottom right corner has a few indicator LEDs.
 |
 |
| Indicator lights |
Back
The back of the TV consists of a bunch of unimportant features and a valuable cluster of ports towards the right side.
For information about the ports on the back of the Sony KDL-40W5100 see our Connectivity section.
 |
|
 |
Ports |
Sides
The right side of the TV is where the on-set controls live. The left side of the TV is home to a strip of ports.
For information about the ports on the back of the Sony KDL-40W5100 see our Connectivity section.
 |
 |
 |
| Ports | ||
| Controls |  |
|
 |
Stand/Mount
The stand is glossy black plastic and features a beveled edge. It doesn't swivel, which makes reaching the TV's ports more difficult than it needs to be.
 |
| This shiny, inconsiderate stand refuses to swivel. |
Controls
The controls consist of the basics and not much else.
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Power button | |
|||
| Channel up/down | |
|||
 |
 |
|
||
 |
|
|||
| Volume up/down | |
|||
| Home menu button | |
|||
| Input select button | |
|||
 |
|
|||
Remote Control
The remote is standard Sony fare. It's long, slim, and has buttons whose size doesn't necessarily correspond to their importance.
 |
| The remote has some layout issues, but remains functional. |
In The Box (6.0)
The Sony KDL-40W5100 ships with a manual, remote and batteries. There isn't a cleaning cloth, HDMI cable, or other goodies. We thought the TV was easy enough to set up: just drop the TV on the stand at the appropriate angle, tighten screws in the designated areas, and you're all set up.
Aesthetics (6.0)
The Sony KDL-40W5100's looks aren't going knock anyone's socks off. We don't particularly like the very visible infrared port and indicator labels on the front. We also found the grey/blue color of the bezel a bit off-putting. It is a very simple design, however, and should fade into your decor easily.
| 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 |
Shop for the Sony KDL-40W5100
Latest News
& Reviews
-
23-May-2012
Best TVs for Sports
A good television is a vital purchase for any sports fan. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that a “good for sports TV” is generally synonymous with a “good for everything TV.” However, some TVs do possess qualities beyond simple processing power that might make them better for sports. Read More...
-
18-May-2012
Samsung UN46ES6500 3D LED LCD HDTV Review
This TV has the performance and picture quality to match its good looks. Samsung’s robust Smart TV platform is just icing on the cake. Read More...
Top Rated HD Televisions
-
Also in this series
$2,599.001
Size: 59 in.Samsung PN59D7000
The Samsung PN59D7000 ($2,599 MSRP) is a stunning, high-end plasma TV fashioned by Samsung for 2011. It has 59 inches of great, 1080p picture quality, and as a second-generation plasma, it handles 3D reasonably well. Read full review
$2,599.00All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
Also in this series
$1,299.002
Size: 51 in.Samsung PN51D6500
The Samsung PN51D6500 is one of the best deals for a big screen plasma TV. The performance is strong in most regards and the weakness are endemic to plasma TVs, not with this model in particular. Read full review
$1,299.00All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
$1,749.993
Size: 47 in.LG 47LM6700
In addition to opinion-changing 3D images, this LG has a newly improved Smart TV menu system, and a remote that makes navigating the ever-expanding sea of content less of an odyssey. . Read full review
$1,749.99All TypesLEDOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
$1,500.004
Size: 50 in.LG 50PZ950
This 1080p plasma television with internet and 3D capabilities is purportedly the best LG has to offer in 2011. Read full review
$1,500.00All TypesPlasmaOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes -
$1,299.005
Size: 46 in.Samsung UN46D6000
Everyone wants a Smart TV, but how smart is buying the Samsung UN46D6000 for its $1299 MSRP? With its reasonably good performance in many categories and more internet features than you can shake an e-stick at, that question might be hard to answer if it weren't for this review. Read full review
$1,299.00All TypesLCDOnline Features (with or without)YesWith Online FeaturesNoWithout Online FeaturesYes3D and non-3D TVsYes3D TVsNoNon-3D TVsYes
Features
-
TelevisionInfo.com 2011 Select Awards
After testing dozens of televisions this year, the staff of TVI has made its official selections for the very best televisions of 2011. Read More...
-
3D TV, Not Ready for Prime Time
If you’ve been shopping for a new TV is the last two years, you’ve probably heard a lot of hype about 3D. As with most new technologies, customers are awash in baffling terminology and misinformation. Here’s a simple guide to walk you through the basics. Read More...
-
HDTV Streaming Content Compared
Televisions aren’t just getting their content through the coax cable anymore. Just as the internet has gradually moved towards a video-rich space—YouTube, Hulu, Vimeo, etc.—those same sorts of features are creeping into your TV sets. Like it or not, those 1000+ channels of direct cable are not enough anymore. Read More...
-
Technology Preview: Haier Completely Wireless Television
Imagine a TV with no wires. You’re talking about WiFi, right? No, we mean no wires, at all. Haier, the Chinese company better known as an appliance manufacturer, is showcasing a new technology here at CES that conducts electricity wireless to the TV, as well as streaming content. The TV is pretty far from production at this point, but it’s among the more amazing things we’ve seen at the show. Here’s an in-depth look at the technology and how it might be implemented in future products. Read More...
(add your own)