jeudi 28 janvier 2010

A Sony Bravia KDL-40W5500 Review

By Julia Desai

The Sony Bravia KDL40W5500 - also known as the Sony Bravia KDL40W5500U - is a 40-inch LCD TV from Sony that is brimming with extras including internet access, an on-screen instruction manual, media streaming capabilities - and, most importantly, has a stunning picture quality.

Sony has been providing its recent Bravia ranges with ever more interesting features. Among the 40W5500 extras are a DNLA-enabled ethernet port for streaming media files from a connected computer and Sonys Net TV application called Applicast. This doesn't give you comprehensive internet access, but it offers widgets such as calendars, clocks and a photo directory. The internet also enables the television to download location maps to show you where any photos were taken (using a compatible GPS-enabled camera).

Although these features are useful, its the screen that's the most important aspect of a TV. And the viewing available on the 40W5500 does not disappoint, even taking account of the high expectations of a Sony TV. The depth, colour quality and details are outstanding, with an overall natural looking effect. High definition picture quality is stunning.

The built in speakers in the KDL40W5500 only provide average sound quality. This is to be expected of flat screen TVs, as the case doesn't have sufficient depth. Low frequencies lack some clarity, whilst higher frequencies sound over processed. If you would like superior sound quality, then analogue stereo and digital optical outputs are available to connect external speakers.

In addition to the audio connections, the KDL40W5500 has a range of connections including 4 HDMI sockets, 2 Scart RGB sockets, an analogue VGA port and USB port to link to your PC, and a headphone socket with an independent volume control that can be controlled by the remote.

The Sony KDL40W5500 is easy to use.

On screen menus and the EPG (electronic programme guide) are easily navigated but they can be somewhat difficult to read and the buttons on the remote could be better laid out.

This TV has an on-screen instruction manual covering the main features and Bravia TV tips.

It also has audio description - an additional narrative for visually impaired people, a voice zoom feature that can boost dialogue over background music for those with hearing difficulties (or maybe a wider audience- very useful) and an automatic volume control that keeps the volume at the same level across programmes and adverts.

The model is energy efficient, with an energy consumption of just 110 watts - low for such a TV. And it can be reduced to 60 watts with an energy saving button. An ambient light sensor cuts power in low light conditions. And the screen can readily be turned off whilst listening to the radio.

To summarise, despite only average audio output, there are useful extra features, and, what makes this TV such a great buy is the outstanding picture quality.

The Bravia 40W5500 is a great TV from Sony - you wont regret buying one if you are in the fortunate position to be able to do so.

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