Sony KDL-40W5100 LCD HDTV Review - Vs Sony KDL 40S5100

Sony KDL-40S5100 Summary
• The KDL-40S5100 has a deeper black and better contrast ratio. • Both TVs have similar color performances. • KDL-40W5100 has less artifacting and blurring. • KDL-40W5100 has online capabilities and USB media playback.
	Vs Sharp LC-40E67UN	Page 14 of 18	Vs Vizio SV471XVT

Value Comparison Summary

Both of these TVs are offered by Sony, both are 40 inches and both have 1080p displays. The TVs also have similar picture quality overall. The main differences between the two are in price and online capabilities. The KDL-40W5100 has the higher price and the ability to access a significant amount of online content. If an extensive library of streaming video is up your alley, the KDL-40W5100 is for you. If you're looking for a 40-inch TV without the bells and whistles of a LAN port, the KDL-40S5100 is probably a better option.

	Comparison Specifications
	Sony KDL-40W5100	Sony KDL-40S5100
Size	40 inches	40 inches
Price	$1499.99	$800
Type	LCD	LCD
Format	1080p	1080p
Other	Online Content, USB media playback	N/A

Blacks & Whites

The KDL-40S5100 had a much deeper black level than the KDL-40W5100, but has a much lower peak white. Regardless, the KDL-40S5100 came out with a better overall contrast ratio. 

Blacks & Whites Comparison Chart
Sony KDL-40W5100 Score: Black Level: 6.29 Peak Brightness: 9.38 Contrast: 7.07	Sony KDL-40S5100 Score: Black Level: 8.23 Peak Brightness: 7.82 Contrast: 7.94

Color Accuracy

Through a mildly interesting mathmatical coincidence, both TVs had exactly the same color temperature score. Although they both had different foibles, neither one had any real issues. Both also had similar RGB results and color gamuts. This isn't surprising considering both are Sony Bravia TVs.

Color Temperature Comparison

Sony KDL-40W5100 Score: 9.89

Sony KDL-40S5100 Score: 9.89

RGB Comparison

Sony KDL-40W5100 Score: 7.83

Sony KDL-40S5100 Score: 7.16

Color Gamut Comparison

Sony KDL-40W5100 Score: 5.53

Sony KDL-40S5100 Score: 5.01

Motion

The KDL-40W5100 out-performed the KDL-40S5100 on our motion tests. The KDL-40S5100 tended to suffer from more blur and artifacting. 

Viewing Effects

While neither TV had a particularly impressive viewing angle, the KDL-40W5100's was slightly wider than the KDL-40S5100's. 

Viewing Angle Comparison
Sony KDL-40W5100 Score: 4.54	Sony KDL-40S5100 Score: 2.78

Connectivity

Herein lies the major difference between these two series: the KDL-40W5100 has a USB and LAN port while the KDL-40S5100 does not. On a more minor note, the KDL-40W5100 also has an extra HDMI port. 

Other Comparisons

The KDL-40W5100 has a generous offering of online content available. It can also play back pictures, video, and music off a flash drive. The KDL-40S5100 doesn't have any online features and no USB port for media playback.