Those who liked the performance delivered by Sony’s Bravia KDL-46Z4500 LCD TV, but were put off by its high price, now have something to look forward to in the form of the Sony Bravia KDL-52W4500. The unit is much more affordable than any similar models on the block, and you should love the fact that it features many contemporary and user friendly features. Together with these exciting features, the LCD TV is the ideal platform and cornerstone of any home cinema experience.

The design of the deck is also typical of the company, but boasts of a distinctive ‘window’ that runs across the screen. Connectivity of the Sony KDL-52W4500 is impressive as it comes equipped with a number of unconventional multimedia jacks. These include an Ethernet port that gives you the liberty to connect the deck to your computer so that you can enjoy JPEG and MP3 files. Then, there is a USB jack as well so that you can play similar sort of files from the USB storage devices. Further, the Digital Media Port incorporated in the device gives you the discretion to play to play AV files from a portable media player assisted by a compatible adaptor.

You don’t get the radical 200Hz feature of the Z4500 models, but do get more than you can handle in the form of Sony’s MotionFlow 100Hz engine. It comprehensively elevates the usual refresh rate so that you can enjoy pictures that are more smooth and lively than is normally the case with LCD technology.

The images are also delightfully bright, and you will really love the vibrant and wonderfully blending colours. The colours in addition are replete with natural hues and are for major part is in sync with the ongoing action.

The XBR series from Sony is known as much for its exceptional features as it is for its out of the world performance. This year the company has come up with an unprecedented three series of Sony sets and the 52XBR6 is the least expensive of the lot. The high point of the unit is that it has been fitted with hot-swappable speaker grilles, and is also competent enough to produce the deepest black shade that you will ever come across on a non-LED LCD TV. The downside of the unit, on the other hand, appears to be its inability to produce accurate colour reproduction and maintain a likable black level regardless of the program content.

Design wise the model is bulkier than models in the compact Z-series, like the Sony KDL-52Z4500, but taking into account its specifications as a large HDTV it is quite sleek. Covered in a glossy black frame on all the four sides of the screen, the unit also has a transparent plastic that holds the up a silver, horizontal speaker bar stretching the width of the television.

The feature list of the unit is an all inclusive one and consists of all the in-demand features in contemporary times. To start with the unit has the very basic networking functionality. The Ethernet port can be found on the rear and facilitates the unit to work with DLNA-compatible media server software, such as Windows Media Player 11, and thus allows you to source photos from a networked PC to display on the TV’s screen.

A native resolution of 1080p, apart from effectively upscaling average video quality to high-definition levels, plays its part in reducing blurring effects. Moreover, the features works in tandem with the company’s dejudder video processing technology to act like a “Motion Enhancer” and consequently facilitates the free flow of images.

The two giants of the LCD format, Sony and Samsung are always having a go at one another since the time the format was launched. It is no different this time around with Sony coming up with its latest weapon in the form of the Bravia KDL-55XBR8. The battle between these two giants has always been about cutting-edge technologies, and at times top-of-the-line LED-backlit models which invariably turn out to be extremely expensive for mainstream consumers. Despite coming at a heavy price, the performance of these models has contributed to their popularity. The KDL-55XBR8 goes a step further in terms price, as it is one of the most expensive flat-panel HDTVs to ever hit the market.

Design wise the unit has a much wider cabinet measuring good 46-inches. The deck has been equipped with side-mounted speakers and consequently is unlike its less-expensive predecessor the KDS-52XBR6 which featured mounted speakers along the bottom.

The one feature that you will captivate you the most is the LED backlighting feature, which signifies a significant milestone in the illustrious history of the company. The technology used in this Sony LCD TV makes use of the more sophisticated and result oriented LEDs, as opposed to standard fluorescents, and provides the illumination that powers the picture. Three colors of LEDs are used by Sony, viz. two green, one each red and blue. This is in stark contrast to Samsung who uses only white LEDs.

Other notable features of the Sony device include a 120Hz refresh rate, which effectively removes blurring in motion and works in coordination with the company’s dejudder video processing technology to comprehensively augment the picture quality. Then, there are four picture presets as well which can be adjusted independently per input. You should also love the fact that there is a pair of noise reduction settings, apart from three color temperature presets.

The Bravia series by Sony is unequivocally one of the greatest achievements in the company’s colourful history and it still witnessing tremendous successs. The latest from the company’s profile is the Sony Bravia KDL-40E4000 and one thing that will immediately attract your attention is its unique colour combination. It moves away from the conventional black models, which are generally the norm, and instead displays a bold white frame smartly complemented by black shades.

The design of the unit is pretty simple, uncomplicated and is conspicuous for the bold white bezel that surrounds the screen. The front of the Sony KDL-40E4000 is kept fairly simple with out the unnecessary gloss and complicacies so as to ensure you a smooth passage through the various features of the deck.

A pair of HDMI inputs is to be found on the rear of the deck, which however is a dampener considering that most modern decks are providing at least four HDMI sockets. Nevertheless, you get to have two Scart sockets, component and VGA inputs, apart from an optical audio out that enables you to connect the TV to a speaker system of some kind.

Another interesting feature included in the scheme of things is the somewhat unpredictable XrossMediaBar, or XMB feature, especially considering the fact that you can reap the benefits only if you manage to get over the travesty of the English language. Anyone who has a first hand knowledge about PlayStation 3 user interface stands to gain the most out of this arrangement. Other notable features include 24 Hz playback for Blu-ray that in all probability make HD viewing a more enjoyable and smooth experience. Moreover, as the deck supports 1080p video and display it natively you can less assured to getting the best out of Blu-ray movies and games on a PS3.

The Sony Bravia KDL-46S2000 is a sleek, 46-inch television packed with a fearsome array of features that are immediately noticeably after turning the device. Apart from giving you the utmost satisfaction through its stupendous performance, the unit’s other highlights include a wide viewing angle, blazing fast 8ms response time, and a wide colour gamut backlight that provides more natural skin tones and highly accurate overall colour reproduction. The impressive response time makes it ideal for sports and action movies.

It has integrated HDTV capability, digital HDMI video connectivity, and a bottom speaker design that helps save space. You can also accommodate the unit with VESA compliant mounting systems that are separately available. A very lovable aspect of the Sony KDL-46S2000 is that it is mounted with a removable pedestal that is capable of swiveling 30 degrees on either side. The pedestal can also tilt forward 3 degrees and backward 8 degrees, giving you an unprecedented amount of flexibility while mounting it.

The unit is outfitted with the intuitive Compact Fluorescent Light (WCG-CCFL) feature, Sony’s own indigenous invention, and is capable of displaying a colour spectrum that is a long distance better than that offered by someone like the CCFL display. Subsequently, the colour reproduction is top notch and displays a great level of vivacity and is replete with natural hues. The effect is found to be more profound in the case of red, blue and green, which seem to have benefited the most. Sony’s unique S-PVA feature is also present, and is responsible for a more refined consistency in colours, contrast, and brightness at wide viewing angles.

The screen resolution of the unit stands at 1366 x 768-pixels, and has a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9. Furthermore, it has a contrast ratio of 1300:1 contrast ratio, apart from having a viewing angle of 178 degree.

Sony has completed a circle of sorts, in the sense that it has come up with its mid-range VPL-VW60 to go fit in between the VPL-VW200 and the VPL-VW40 from its current SXRD projector range; both of which are polar extremes from each other. The VPL-VW200 is amongst the company’s more sophisticated and high-quality products and is also rather expensive, whereas the VPL-VW40 is a great value for money. Given the circumstances, the arrival of the VPL-VW60 has opened a floodgate of opportunity as you now have a wider range to choose from, and also needn’t face the dilemma of going for a particular extreme.

The unit, with its pretty appearance, is packed with a fearsome array of features to take you by surprise. For a mid-range player like the Sony VPL-VW60, it offers you a wide range of connectivity options that effectively take care of your apprehensions. We are talking about two v1.3 HDMI inputs, a D-Sub PC port, and an RS-232C port for integration into an AV system. The most significant part, however, is that the HDMIs are ‘Bravia Theatre Sync’ enabled, which effectively enhances the communication with and control of connected Bravia sources.

One specific feature, that clearly distinguishes the product from the VW40, is its awesome contrast ratio of 35,000:1. The VW60’s contrast ratio is almost twice of the VW40. It is also by far the best among its price range. You will also appreciate the stunning array of black levels generated by the unit. Then, it has a brightness level of 1,000 ANSI Lumens, which is shade higher than the VW40, and the resolution is a Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 with SXRD technology.

The unit, enhanced by Sony’s Bravia Engine image-boosting system, is well served in the picture processing department too, and you can feel a marked improvement in the colours, noise reduction, motion handling and detailing. It, in addition, possesses the on-board exclusive 24p True Cinema system feature from Sony, which plays a crucial role in the smooth playback of Blu-ray 1080p/24fps images.

As a Home Cinema enthusiast myself, I can comprehend what goes behind your mind while deciding on a particular set amidst a sea of pretenders. The task gets all the more complicated with a profusion of varied information and rumours, and you are left bemused as to which information to rely on. There is no such confusion associated with the Sony DAV-DZ660 though, as it is an out and out entertainer from start to finish. Moreover, designed in a way to dazzle, it has a multitude of features that should make a mockery of its rivals. The fact that it is customised to integrate seamlessly with a BRAVIA TV is quite obvious.

The most intriguing facet of the unit is that it delivers some soul stirring sound which absolutely rocks. It pumps out an amazing 850W from 4 speakers, that are supported by a 120W subwoofer. What is also significant is that the Sony DAV-DZ660 is adept at decoding even the most sophisticated of formats including Dolby Digital Prologic II and DTS. The built-in upscaler feature, on the other hand, ensures that the average disc contents are upgraded to 1080p signal via the HDMI cable for a superb picture quality on your high-def TV.

Versatility is another one of the unit’s strong points and provides multiple format and codec support to DVD, CD, Video CD, SACD, MP3, apart from allowing playback of contemporary formats like DivX and JPEG.

The inclusion of the Dialogue Enhancer feature has a visible impact on the sound quality as well. As a result the sound quality appears much clearer. Meanwhile, the Portable Audio Enhancer function plays a crucial role improving the quality of compressed music such as MP3s. Further, the FM / AM radio tuner, with an RDS option, allows you to preset no less than 30 stations.

Sony has recently unveiled the latest all-in-one home cinema system to come from its ranks, the BRAVIA DAV-F200. With the launch of this model, Sony has once again driven home the point that there are few brands that can truly compete with the company when it comes to design. The all new DAV-F200 has a design to die for, consists of a glass front, and is also customised in a manner to give you an easy time if you ever decide to mount it on a wall. Moreover, the unit has a well designated wall-mountable control centre with slot-load DVD.

The unit is not all about design though, and has an extensive array of features that alone are enough to prove thee home cinema system’s quality. The Sony DAV-F200 boasts a remarkable 1080p upscaling feature, and has a USB port for plugging in memory sticks or music players containing MP3s. Then, there is Sony’s own DMPORT expansion slot, which can be outfitted with Bluetooth or WiFi adaptors, among other things; and allows the DAV-F200 to stream music from a wireless device. The DMPORT feature is supported by a range of media player docks, with models such as the iPod, Sony’s own Walkman range, and Sony Ericsson Walkman phones all being compatible.

A combined audio output of 405W emanating from the two stereo speakers and separate subwoofer, delivers quite a memorable audio performance replete with pseudo-surround sound. The DAV-F200 also has very few issues when it comes to compatibility, and, apart from playing the conventional DVDs and CDs, it is game to contemporary formats like MP3, Windows Media Audio, DivX and JPEG formats. The inclusion of the BRAVIA Sync feature comes in handy if you’re pairing the system with a BRAVIA TV, as it allows you to control everything with just one remote and connected with a single HDMI cable.

The prize, if there is any, for producing the most bohemian looking TV set will unequivocally go to the Sony KDL-20B4050. Designed in a rather peculiar brown colour with a “glossy mocha” finish, it is sure to attract the attention of TV enthusiasts. After all, sets with such unorthodox designs and appearance don’t hit the market very often. The unit at a mere 20-inches, is in no way a viable threat to big screen TVs, but nevertheless has enough feel-good factors going for it to make it a real contender for a place in your home. One intriguing aspect of the unit is how all its various features have been unobtrusively integrated with it.

One thing that is quite obvious is the unit’s reliance on old-fashioned onscreen menus, which is usually in contrast to the Sony Bravia line. There is the customary “Bravia Engine” picture processing too. The Sony KDL-20B4050, again, is boosted by nothing less than a HD-Ready 1366 x 786 pixel resolution, apart from a single HDMI input, curiously placed at its rear, a feature which, without an iota of doubt, is certain to create a craze among owners of the latest game consoles. Then there’s also a set of Component video inputs, two Scarts, a PC input and all the usual lesser video and audio ports.

The unit’s picture quality is another one of its major highlights, which despite the restrictions imposed by its small screen, is surprisingly vibrant with commendable colour combinations. Moreover, the images display a great deal of detail and are quite lively. There appears to be some blurriness when objects pass quickly across the camera, and also a degree of judder to Blu-ray discs. However as only a 20 inch TV, the television’s flaws are less noticeable than on, say, a 40 inch LCD model.

The Sony Bravia KDL-40W2000 is all set to extend the domination of LCD to the bigger screens, which previously was the exclusive domain of plasma TVs. The basic advantage that plasma enjoyed over LCD’s, when it came to larger screens, was its deeper black levels, which enhances the contrast with colours and them appear more natural. The situation, however, is on the threshold of a dramatic overhaul with the launch of the KDL-40W2000, which not only seeks to eliminate this disparity, but on many occasions overcomes it. A prime example thereof is the Pioneer PDP-427XD, which the Sony KDL-40W2000 outperforms hands down.

You will be smitten by the unrivalled image quality, which is aptly followed by an equally outstanding design. The fact that the unit is emblazoned with future-proof specifications is also wonderful, as you need not worry about the model becoming technologically obsolete any time soon. Moreover, the Sony KDL-40W2000 is well endowed in connectivity with all analogue and digital options present. You can easily connect high-definition sources to the unit using the two HDMI digital video inputs, or by using an adaptor with the analogue component, or the PC input. It practically means that you can connect up to four HD sources at the same time, including devices like Sky’s HDTV receiver and next-generation DVD players and game consoles.

The unit, in addition, has on board sophisticated picture processing and full high-definition support, including the latest 1080p formats. These unique features ensure that the delivered images are crisp, vivid and crystal clear. Its comparative lightweight only adds to the list of the unit’s advantages, and gives the user great flexibility in mounting it on the wall. The model, however, with its accompanying fixed stand, would have been better suited with a swivel option.