Eco-friendly Sony Bravia KDL- 40 VE5 HDTV review
Sony Bravia KDL-40 VE5 HDTV is the latest eco-friendly television that adopted the Go Green environment rules. This eco-friendly HDTV is equipped with HCFL technology that can save up to 40% of power consumption.
One of the salient feature of the Sony Bravia KDL-40 VE5 HDTV is its 0-watt energy saving standby time. Another thing to like about the eco-friendly HDTV is its amazing image quality at 1080p resolution. It has motion flow technology and uses 120 Hz processing which makes the pictures more sharp and crisp. But for the action movie aficionado, you'll thoroughly enjoy watching fast scenes because of its zero motion blurs.
Specifications of Sony KDL-40 VE5
Presence sensor
Eco-friendly features120 Hz motion flow technology
USB, VGA, component, 4*HDMI
40 inch LCD screen size
Energy saving 0 watt standby feature24p true cinema
Bravia link and sync
Bravia engine 2
Exceeding energy star 3.0 standards
HCFL backlight
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The 46-inch Sony Bravia KDL-46EX523 doesn’t stand out from the HDTV pack in design, features, or picture quality, but once you look at its price and its range of connected features, it starts to get a little more interesting.
Priced at $990 (as of March 28, 2012), this set has a lot of features that a budget buyer might want, including an edge-lit LED display, full HD support, built-in Internet apps, and Wi-Fi capabilities that make it a good option for people who enjoy Netflix streaming. The major trade-offs include a lack of 3D, a slower-than-most 60Hz refresh rate, and good--but not great--picture quality.
Lab Tests: Picture and Sound Quality
In PCWorld's subjective tests, the Bravia KDL-46EX523 turned in decent scores across the board. Our panel of five reviewers gave it solid scores of Average, noting that colors occasionally looked a little muted and that the set had some motion issues, especially in test scenes containing a lot of panning or fine detail.
Colors on the KDL-46EX523 always seemed to be just slightly off in our tests. In our 720p NASCAR clip, which is designed to test fast-motion handling from an over-the-air broadcast, multiple judges noted that colors appeared muted and a little washed out next to other sets in our test pool. In our 1080i football clip, the field’s green grass seemed a bit too artificial, and the overall scene was noticeably less bright than it was on the other HDTVs in our test batch.
The KDL-46EX523's motion issues were most prominent in our horizontal-panning test, which is designed to bring motion problems to the forefront. All of our reviewers found the horizontal-panning test image to be blurry as it moved across the KDL-46EX523's screen, perhaps largely due to the set's low 60Hz refresh rate. Motion problems were also apparent in our Dark Knight Blu-ray clip, in which the check pattern of Morgan Freeman's suit shimmered and appeared to jump around.
In our testing, picture quality was generally okay. Off-axis viewing angles weren’t a problem up to about 45 degrees, though we did see a loss of contrast and brightness at moderate angles. In some scenes, especially in our Baraka clips, we saw some graininess, noise, and loss of detail, but nothing to be too concerned about considering the price.
The KDL-46EX523’s built-in speakers and audio options are standout features. The set sports two 10-watt rear-facing speakers, which are very loud for built-in units. When we sat approximately 8 feet away from the HDTV, the speakers offered a comfortable volume level at around 60 percent, but presented some distortion at full volume. You can adjust a few individual settings, including the treble, bass, and balance. Sound is deep and full, and the simulated surround-sound feature does a good job of imitating the real deal: In our casual tests, the simulated surround sound seemed to come from areas on either side of the set, though it didn’t exactly wrap around behind our ears.
Design and Peripherals
The Sony Bravia KDL-46EX523 has a fairly basic design, punctuated by a two-color bezel: Your typical shiny black plastic borders the top, left, and right sides of the screen, while a slate-colored brushed-aluminum finish decorates the bottom. A silver Sony logo sits in the center of the brushed aluminum, and a Bravia logo resides in the upper-left corner. A few small LEDs on the lower-right corner indicate power and whether the timer is turned on.
With a screen measuring just under 2 inches thick, the KDL-46EX523 has a slim shape that should work well for wall mounting. If you'd rather not wall-mount this HDTV, however, it does come with a wide, rectangular, shiny black plastic stand that swivels 20 degrees to either side. The HDTV sits low on the stand, and doesn’t adjust vertically.
The set's buttons are located just behind the screen, on the lower-right side. Here you can control the power, channels, volume, and input; you'll also find a Home/Menu button for maneuvering through the menus.
A few ports--two USB 2.0 ports, one HDMI-in, one RGB/PC-in (VGA), and a headphone jack--sit on the left edge of the screen. The remaining ports are on the back-left area of the set; you get three additional HDMI-out ports, a digital audio-out (optical audio), a cable/antenna hookup, audio-in, a composite video hookup, a component-in (with audio), and an ethernet port. All ports are clearly labeled.
The KDL-46EX523 comes with a large, black remote with a flat back and a scooped, concave front where the buttons reside. The flat back, shiny and peppered with matte dots, has only two features: the Sony logo and a large, green-lined power button. (The back of the remote will blend right in if you have a minimalist living room, I guess.) The remote's front buttons include dedicated media buttons (for Netflix, Internet TV, and Qriocity), four programmable hot-buttons, and basic menu buttons such as Sync Menu, Display, Guide, Options, Home, and Return.
Internet-Connected TV, Basic Setup, and On-Screen Menus
When you turn on the Sony Bravia KDL-46EX523 for the first time, you see an initial-setup wizard. It’s basic, but it hits all the major options: viewing environment, language/region, time, tuning for channels, network setup (wireless or wired), and automatic scanning for any software downloads.
The on-screen menus are sleek, attractive, and easy to navigate. Pressing the Home button on the remote brings up the main menu system, which resizes whatever you’re watching to about half the width of the screen; you can keep an eye on the programming while browsing the menus. From the main menu system, you can access the full boat of settings (picture and display settings, audio options, network setup, and input selection), Web applications, streaming services, and a list of customized favorites.
If you'd rather not go to the full menu system, you can press the Options button on the remote to pull up a truncated menu that lets you deal with the basics: adjusting picture and sound, adding a channel to a list of favorites, or selecting preset scene modes. From this menu, you can also program the picture-in-picture display, which lets you pick from a traditional small box or larger side-by-side viewing.
The KDL-46EX523 comes with a number of scene presets that optimize the display and audio for assorted content types (movies, sports, music, games, general, and an auto-selector among them). More-granular picture adjustments include the basic backlight, brightness, color, hue, temperature, and sharpness adjustments, as well as advanced settings for custom-mode users. Among the advanced settings are controls for black-level optimization, gamma adjustment, and white balance.
This set comes with a wide variety of Internet content, in addition to widgets, a built-in Web browser, and Skype. However, because neither a mic nor a camera is built in, you can use Skype only with a separately sold Sony microphone/camera attachment. Content-wise, the set offers Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, Netflix, and YouTube, as well as niche channels like NHL Vault and Internet radio channels such as Pandora and Slacker.
Bottom Line
As the sub-$1000 price suggests, this isn't Sony's highest-end HDTV. Its refresh rate is only 60Hz, and it doesn't have all the bells, whistles, and advanced picture-adjustment settings that hard-core videophiles may be looking for.
However, it does offer a good blend of wireless connected features and decent performance for the price. Its interface and menus are easy to use, it has a built-in on-screen manual, and its ports are clearly labeled. On top of that, it sports a sleek design and a slim profile, so it should fit nicely into any living room.
The overall picture quality is just about average, with muted colors, motion-blur issues in some panning scenes, and a moiré effect in some highly detailed patterns. But the set produces good, loud simulated surround sound. In short, the Sony Bravia KDL-46EX523 won't win any prizes for design, performance, or picture quality, but it is an affordable model for users with basic needs who like to have a little Netflix as well as spending cash on the side.
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Viewers stepping into Internet-connectivity and Edge LED backlighting also receive stunning picture quality with Sony’s out-of-the-box Wi-Fi-ready EX640 series, available in sizes from 40-inch (diag.) to 55-inch class (54.6” diag.). The EX series incorporates Motionflow XR 240 processing and Sony’s Clear Resolution Enhancer technology, delivering a superb Full HD 1080p resolution and a vivid, clear, life-like picture.
Entry into the Sony line begins with the BX series. The BX450, available in both 40- and 46-inch (diag.) screens, delivers a vivid Full HD 1080p picture with bright images and color. With Clear Resolution Enhancer and Digital Noise Reduction, the BX450 displays clear, well-defined images with reduced picture noise.
In January of 2012, the Energy Independence and Security Act will require general-purpose bulbs to be at least 25% more efficient than standard incandescent lighting options. Recognizing this government issued need in the market, VIZIO, the #1 shipper of LED backlit televisions, will lead the lighting revolution by offering new, high performance and energy saving options to consumers. According to Frost & Sullivan's World LED Lighting Markets Report, the LED lighting market is set to see double digit growth in the next ten years (2). The general expectation is that World Wide LED lighting will have a majority share in the lighting market by 2020.
The company's eco-friendly line of High Efficiency LED bulbs are recyclable, do not contain mercury and boasts a glass-free design to prohibit shattering. With the longest lifespan of any source, including incandescent and CFL, VIZIO's LED light bulbs last up to twenty-five times longer than incandescent bulbs. While LED light bulbs are known to be efficient, long lasting, cooler running, silent and do not emit UV rays, VIZIO's new High Efficiency LED lighting line will boast additional benefits. The High Efficiency LED give off a warmer hue of light, reminiscent of a natural source, compared to many other LED options. Additionally, VIZIO High Efficiency LED lighting has tripled the lifespan of CFL bulbs, with up to 25,000 usage hours.
VIZIO High Efficiency LED Lighting Product Collection
VIZIO's partners in the LED lighting space include Epistar and Seoul Semiconductor, two of the world's top 10 suppliers of LED lighting. "This is a natural progression for VIZIO beyond consumer electronics. We look forward to VIZIO applying its innovation, marketing and distribution channels to save American consumers even more with its new line of LED lighting," said Donald Leo, Vice President, of SEOUL SEMICONDUCTOR." They are looking forward to VIZIO's entrance into the market with their soon-to-launch High Efficiency LED light bulbs.
"VIZIO'S expansion into the LED Lighting market stands to challenge the convention in the same way that it has had in the flat panel television market," said Dr. B.J. Lee, Chairman of Epistar. "VIZIO's experience in delivering quality products at an exceptional value, combined with the company's commitment to searching for the eco-friendly solutions presents an unprecedented challenge to the entire industry."
As North America's largest shipper of LED backlit HDTVs VIZIO noticed a 2000% growth in total shipments year over year, with over 2,000,000 units shipped in 2010. This shift to LED technology has significantly reduced power consumption, proving that LEDs are not just environmentally friendly but wallet friendly as well. From 2009 - 2010 alone, VIZIO's contribution to energy savings (based on power consumption of 2009 vs. 2010 VIZIO HDTV models at an estimated savings of 280,000 MWh/year (3)) could be viewed as equivalent to the energy needed to power the city of Las Vegas for more than a year(3). That estimated energy savings could also be translated into approximately $31,023,300 (4) in power bills for consumers, or potentially enough money to power approximately 22,000 homes for a year (5).
"Since entering the HDTV market, VIZIO has offered consumers high quality technologies at affordable prices," said Ken Lowe. "Our entrance into the LED lighting sector is no different. With the current market transitioning away from incandescent bulbs, there is a need for more energy efficient options. As the leading shipper of LED backlit HDTVs in America, we see it as our responsibility to innovate an entirely new market, benefiting both our consumers and the environment."
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the residential sector general service light (A19 type) bulb purchase rate of LED will increase approximately 300% between 2010 to 2015 to 100 million units. VIZIO is a forerunner of the movement in this industry, having reduced their carbon footprint from 2009-2010, with significant energy savings by its products, and effectively continuing these efforts for 2011.
"VIZIO has a great track record of producing energy efficient TVs at market leading prices," said Noah Horowitz, Senior Scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council. "As many of their TVs are already using LEDs to achieve energy savings, it's a logical extension for VIZIO to enter the LED light bulb market. We hope VIZIO's entrance to this market serves as a catalyst to increase the availability of high performing LEDs at attractive price points."
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With the highest resolution of HD for best picture quality, Perfect Pixel HD Engine for unrivaled clarity, and Perfect Natural Motion for a sharper picture, Philips LED televisions are the top-of-the-line choice for a great viewing experience. Plus, offering 40 percent more energy efficiency than LCDs, and low cost availability at stores like Costco, LED is as much about being "green" as saving "green."
"This time of year, consumers are looking for exciting and affordable home improvements, and LED just makes sense," Todd Richardson, senior vice president of sales and marketing for P&F, exclusive licensee for Philips consumer televisions and home theaters in North America. "By making a smart television purchase and making small changes in viewing habits or their viewing environment, consumer can do their part for the earth and their wallets."
In addition to new LED "green" benefits of using less energy and eliminating mercury in the backlighting, consumers can go a little greener with any television this spring.
Philips offers the following tips:
Turn on the power-saver mode to cut down on power consumption. Most consumers don't know this even exists, so check out your manual and save on your electricity.Control room lighting by dimming the lights. Consider blackout shades that not only set the TV mood, but offer thermal benefits like keeping rooms more temperate and insulated. Make a simple switch to be more energy conscious on Facebook by joining Philips A Simple Switch Fan Page or visit Philip's www.asimpleswitch.com to learn the color of your energy and ways to save with energy tips. Starting on Earth Day (April 22) register for a chance to win a Philips LED and other great prizes with the Philips Energy Shaker promotion on asimpleswitch.com.Don't forget to properly dispose of the old TV by donating, repurposing or recycling. Explore www.recycle.philips.com or other associations such Earth 911 for recycle options.
Philips' LED televisions are available today in many models and at many price points, including a range at Costco nationwide from $599.99 to $1,199.99.
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This 65-inch Vizio XVT3D650SV allows you to be completely immersed in the action. With four pairs of polarized, battery-free, 3D glasses included, you can immediately share the excitement with friends and family! The Theater 3D glasses will come in multiple styles, require no charging, and are compatible with most movie theaters.
The 5 HDMI ports let you attach a good number of home theater accessories includes SRS TruSurround HD and SRS TruVolume. This 3D HDTV also includes VIZIO Internet Apps® and built-in dual-band 802.11n WiFi, giving you the convenience of on-demand movies, TV shows, social networking, music, photos, and more. The XVT3D650SV will be available in December at Costco Wholesale, Sam’s Club stores and online with a suggested member value of $3,499.99.
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