The Sony HDTV umbrella brand for high-definition home entertainment technology is BRAVIA that stands for “Best Resolution Audio Visual Integrated Architecture.”
The BRAVIA brand has been around since 2005 and includes high-definition projection TVs, front projectors, and even the popular Playstation 3. However, the bulk of the brand is represented by high-definition LCD televisions including models that we will be reviewing below.
In our opinion Sony's name (on all of their products) invariably means highr pricing. Sometimes this is justified but at other times you're just paying more (just because it's a Sony HDTV) for something that you can get elsewhere for less. That's what our reviews are for. To help you decide what's right for you!
The Sony Bravia EX700 Series 60-Inch LED HDTV
The Sony Bravia EX700 Series 60-Inch LED HDTV uses LED backlight technology to bring to life this model’s 60-inch display. With a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, you can seamlessly switch between 7 widescreen options, including Auto Wide, Conventional 4:3, Full, Wide Zoom, Stretch, Zoom, and Normal.
Furthermore, Sony brings its proprietary edge-lit innovation to deliver superior video while keeping the EX700’s profile slim to accommodate most home theaters.
So what's the problem with the EX700 Series? One point that some (die-hards) might complain about is this model’s 120 Hz refresh rate is a bit slow. 240 Hz refresh rates are available in current models in the market but we still found the EX700 smooth and seamless. Read full review
The Sony Bravia KDL-52EX700 52 inch LED HDTV
Meanwhile, the Sony Bravia KDL-52EX700 52 inch LED HDTV is also in the center of the pack with its thin LED-backlit presentation and the latest Bravia Engine 3, a fully digital processor, bringing contrast and sharpness that delivers vibrant pictures.
Although this model has a 120 Hz refresh rate, processing is good and you will not notice blur due to motion when enjoying a high-speed car chase or action-packed scenes since there's no visual lag.
So what's the problem with the KDL-52EX700? We found some quirks with certain viewing angles with noticeable screen washouts 45 degrees horizontally on both sides of the center as well as 30 degrees vertically. However, careful attention to seat arrangement can remedy this quirk with lots of great viewing angles still left to enjoy. Read full review
The Sony Bravia XBR Series KDL-46XBR9 46 inch LCD HDTV
The Sony BRAVIA XBR Series KDL-46XBR9 46 inch LCD HDTV is yet another great investment with all of the above model’s Sony standard features, vivid picture as well as Live Color Creation technology and the latest Bravia Engine 3 fully digital processor. Moreover, it clocks in with a 240 Hz refresh rate, twice the aforementioned models, meaning maximum motion detail and true-to-life picture clarity.
So what's the problem with the KDL-46XBR9 Typical of most flat-panels, audio needs to be augmented with the additional purchase of a sound bar for more efficient audio. Even at the maximum volume, there is an absence of bass from the unit. Read full review
The Sony BRAVIA V-Series KDL-40V5100 40 inch LCD HDTV
Last but not least, the Sony BRAVIA V-Series KDL-40V5100 40 inch LCD HDTV delivers very nice color and resolution especially when it comes to blacks and shadow details.
While it only uses the Bravia Engine 2, compared to the other two models we looked at already, this is more than effective at maximizing the images while reducing visual noise for an overall satisfying delivery. It uses a 120 Hz refresh rate but again seamlessly and without complaint just like the other 120 Hz models we’ve already tested.
However, if you do end up purchasing this particular model, do get the Sony firmware update as soon as possible. This will fix any possible flaws. Updates are easily done via your home Internet connection.
This Sony HDTV is pretty good on its own as expected of the Bravia brand. However, it is at the bottom of our list of outstanding Sony HDTV we’ve covered in this review. Read full review