Sony KDL-40W5100 LCD HDTV Review - Tour & Design

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.
	Introduction	Page 2 of 18	Blacks & Whites

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