Sony Bravia KDL-40W5100

Value Comparison Summary

The Sharp is a budget option in for a 40-inch LCD. The Sony represents the other end of the spectrum, with a slew of additional media features for its users' enjoyment. The most valuable of these features is online connectivity. Typically TVs with a LAN port offer a few widgets and are supported by a handful of content providers. Sony's online features are far more impressive than other TVs we've reviewed, boasting over 20 content providers plus an extensive list of video podcasts. This extensive portfolio of online content comes at a hefty price, however, as the Sony's price is twice that of the Sharp.

	Comparison Specifications
	Sony KDL-40W5100	Sharp LC-40E67UN
Size	40 inches	40 inches
Price	$1499.99	$749.00
Type	LCD	LCD
Format	1080p	1080p
Other	Online Content, USB media playback	None

Blacks & Whites

The Sharp was capable of a much deeper black than the Sony was. Even though the Sony was brighter, the Sharp's black level gave it a better overall contrast ratio.

The Sony is capable of a comparable black level, but achieves it with an automatic backlight dimmer. Since this reduces the luster of the bright colors onscreen as well, this artificially deep black won't realistically result in a better contrast ratio.

Blacks & Whites Comparison Chart
Sony KDL-40W5100 Score: Black Level: 6.29 Peak Brightness: 9.38 Contrast: 7.07	Sharp LC-40E67UN Score: Black Level: 8.00 Peak Brightness: 7.20 Contrast: 7.38

Color Accuracy

Neither of the two TVs in question had an issue with their color temperatures. The Sharp will have a very slight reddish tint to its whites, while the Sony will run imperceptibly cool. Both TVs had above average RGB performance, though the Sharp edged out the Sony slightly. Both TVs also had some imperfections with their color gamuts.

Color Temperature Comparison

Sony KDL-40W5100 Score: 9.89

Sharp LC-40E67UN Score: 9.22

RGB Comparison

Sony KDL-40W5100 Score: 7.83

Sharp LC-40E67UN Score: 8.80

Color Gamut Comparison

Sony KDL-40W5100 Score: 5.53

Sharp LC-40E67UN Score: 5.29

Motion

The Sony had less blurring and artifacting than the Sharp. The Sony had a 120Hz mode to help with blurring and a few modes to help reduce artifacting while displaying certain content.

Viewing Effects

Neither of the two TVs in question have impressive viewing angles. Although the Sony technically has a wider viewing angle than the Sharp, it's not by a significant amount.

Viewing Angle Comparison
Sony KDL-40W5100 Score: 4.54	Sharp LC-40E67UN Score: 2.21

Connectivity

Both TVs have roughly the same number of ports. The Sony has more media playback options, however, thanks to its USB and Lan port.

Other Comparisons

As mentioned in the connectivity section above, the Sony has access to additional media playback features, thanks to its USB and LAN ports. Typically these features aren't significant, but the Sony has an enormous array of online video content available.

Additionally, both TVs have relatively poor audio quality. Either way you decide to go, pick up some speakers.