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Sony Bravia KDL-52S5100 Review
Sony Bravia KDL-52S5100
In today’s world of HD content, the ideal resolution for HDTVs is 1080p and in many cases, HDTVs that are capable of displaying a 1080p resolution would take quite a lot from your savings, but not with the new Sony Bravia KDL-52S5100. The new S5100 models all come with a 1080p resolution at a price that won’t dry up your savings.
Design
The Sony Bravia KDL-52S5100 has been redesigned from the previous S4100 model. Gone are the holes at the bottom bezel which may seem a bit out of place. The control panel has been moved from the top of the HDTV to the side, which makes it quite accessible especially if the HDTV is wall mounted. The VGA port has also been relocated to the side of the TV which is more convenient given the fact that vga cables protrude quite a bit and can be a problem if the HDTV is mounted on the wall.
The remote control has also been modified slightly. It now includes a Bravia Sync section that contains the basic operations you need to operate your blu-ray player. Other than this, the remote control remains unchanged and retains the simple and uncluttered design.
Screen/Picture Clarity
As mentioned earlier, the KDL-52S5100 comes with a screen resolution of 1080p. This means that you will be able to watch HD content at the highest quality available. Unlike a few years back, many HD content providers and networks are beginning to move to 1080p which will eventually become the new standard in HD content. You will also be able to get the full potential from your Blu-Ray player since they are able to output at the full 1080p resolution. Gaming consoles are able to display the full 1080p resolution but unfortunately most games are only available in 720p. But the 1080p standard is also making its way into games with more and more games become available in 1080p.
This HDTV from Sony also comes with a Dynamic Contrast Ratio of 30,000:1, a step up from previous models which provides respectable blacks. With this new contrast ratio coupled with the Bravia Engine 2, this HDTV delivers vivid colors and crisp whites giving you the best picture quality possible.
Features
The Sony Bravia KDL-52S5100 comes with features that one would expect from higher end models. This HDTV is equiped with Sony’s Bravia Sync which is able to syncronize your HD equipment with just a push of a button. In addition, this HDTV has the Bravia Link. Sony sells several Bravia Link devices that help clear up the confusion of HD devices connected to your HDTV and also upscales standard definition to HD content. With the Bravia Link you can attach one of these devices and enjoy your DVDs on your HDTV with better picture quality. In keeping with the spirit of eco-friendlyness, Sony boasts that the KDL-52S5100 exceeds the specifications of the Energy Star 3.0. Meeting such high standards means that this HDTV uses less electricity without having to sacrifice on picture quality or screen brightness. The Sony KDL-52S5100 comes with the standard port connections (HDMI, component, VGA, s-video, composite) that can be found on almost all HDTVs but it also comes with a USB connection that can be usually found on more expensive models.
The KDL-52S5100 is a definite improvement from the previous S4100 model. With the added features it delivers better picture quality at an affordable price, which can be very hard to beat. Thus the Sony Bravia KDL-52S5100 is definitely one HDTV to look out for when on a tight budget.
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I have no complaints about this television. I have not noticed any sound quality problems mentioned by others in their review.
Got this television for my 87 year old grandfather’s birthday. He loves it. Mounted it on the wall with no problem. I actually saved hundreds of dollars ordering from amazon as opposed to going in a retail store. And, my purchase was delivered before the scheduled date which made it even better. Excellent tv, quality picture, quality service. Most definately recommend.
We purchased this tv for our den…an extra one to hook up the kids Wii to. We didn’t think it would be the “main” tv as we have another larger one in our living room, but boy were we wrong! My husband and I are always using this tv..we have to get the kids off of it all the time. Not because the Wii is on it, (they have a PS3 on the larger one) but they like the picture better! We did notice while watching a movie that the quality of picture kept getting dark, so I came here on Amazon to read reviews hoping to fix the problem. Well, Amazon reviewers came thru again…we downloaded very easily from the Sony website the “auto dimming patch”, followed instructions on how to upload it onto the tv and within 3 minutes the picture was perfect! Great product for way under a grand!!!!!!!!
This TV is simply amazing, and really brings Blu-Ray movies to life. Match this with a surround sound system and you’ll feel like it’s a movie theater in your home. I use this TV also for gaming and I’ve used it a LOT and haven’t had any problems. It’s energy saving modes are nice too and uses the same amount of electricity as a smaller 32″ CRT TV.
Bought it at the local BB a few months ago. Could’ve gotten more features from other brands at about the same price; or same features and size for less money but wife wanted a Sony, so for our budget we had to settle for this entry model. The set up was very easy and overall very user-friendly.
Had the same dimming problem many had. Tried to download the fix via Sony’s website but the TV woudln’t recognize any of my USB drive, so we called Sony to send a drive to us and problem mostly fixed. On some of the dark scenes it seems like the TV still want to dimm out but is fighting itself.
The stand feels kind of flimsy but is holding up so far. The internal speakers are surprisingly good. Not surround or anything but they are loud and relatively clean. The TV quality is good so for fast-action sport games.
Overall, it’s a very nice unit.
I picked this set up a week ago and must say that
I’m extremely pleased considering the price I paid.
I hooked it up to my cable providers HD box using a
dirt cheap HDMI cable. The factory default settings
are very good with no obvious deficiencies.
If your concerned about this set being only 60Hz, don’t.
I have watched basketball and football on this set
and have not experienced any lagging, blurring, etc.
Yes it only has 3 HDMI inputs, but for me it’s plenty enough.
I use 1 for my HD box connection and another for my PS3.
I’m currently shopping for a new surround sound system
which will use my 3rd and final input.
Speaking of sound, granted it’s not the best coming out of
the set, but its not as bad as some may make it out to be.
All in all, I have to rank this as the best deal on the market
for a 52″ LCD set. I spent 3 months researching and comparing
prices before I decided on this one.
I gotta say I love this tv since the first momemt I saw it
see my customer picture and you’ll see what I am talking about
GET WHAT YOU LOVE AND YOU WILL GET WHAT YOU PAID FOR
shipping took forever! and then when I finally got it, i opened the box.. and guess what?! the frame was cracked, a corner of the tv was missing. I can’t believe it, now I have to go return this after being so happy for a black friday sale, but it was just a disappointment.
Upgraded from a rear projection TV. Beautiful picture. Speakers did well for 15′ x 17′ room. Was thinking about pairing with a home theater system after reading the reviews. after havint this TV for about a mth, decided the sound is good enough for my light TV and movie viewing.
I have to go to on-line manual to find how to label inputs because it was hidden deep in the menus.
This was a replacement purchase Sony tv after the last one got an action figure thrown at it (or through it, actually). We up graded to the 52″ and the v-series for the “motion flow” feature. I have yet to see fhis feature in action, but I would recommend this product. I think it is great for the price and with Blu-Ray the Movies are stellar. Picture quality is great. Sound is great. There are 2 HMDI plugs on the side and one in the back. It’s a great purchase. I love my tv.
Can’t go wrong with this Sony. HD programming looks crystal-clear, as well as my PS3 games. Like every other LCD/Plasma it really needs a good sound system to make an outstanding home theater experience, but the sound out of the built in speakers is not bad.
I bought this TV based on the price and all the great reviews. I didn’t think it looked that great in the store but I thought it was probably just their input signal.
I had this TV in my home for 3 weeks and finally ended up taking it back. I had read that LCD’s no longer had viewing angle problems, but this one does. It looks good from directly in front of it, but from the sides it looses contrast badly. I wasn’t impressed with the black levels either.
I ended up getting a plasma and am much happier. The picture looks the same from any viewing angle with a plasma.
As with any TV you really do need a sound system to bring this set to life. I love the picture despite what I have read about dimming. I brought home a 52S4100 a few weeks ago and wasn’t thrilled. This 5100 displayed scenes of Yosmite as if you were there. My 10 year old XBR 40″ now seems unwatchable.
Purchased this for $1050 Jan. 2010 and have no complaints. Great picture, good sound, all around easy set up. I was concerned about motion blur as this is not 120hz or more, but no one at our Superbowl party could see any motion issues. The price has dropped so much (was $1800 in June) it’s a steal. No problems with viewing angles, and we had a packed rooms for superbowl. This 52″ is in our FR and provides a good view from all seats. We have 2 96″ sofas and a swivel chair all ranging from 9-11 feet away from the screen, placed in a U configuration. Check it out in-store if you are not certain, bet you’ll buy one!
Ok, I’ll make this short and sweet. At least I’ll try to.
Here: find the positive reviews, and listen to them. Ignore the negative reviews.
Still want to hear more? Fine. I warned you.
I worked for Sony for a few years, and if it wasn’t for their inflated pricing, everything in my house would have a Sony logo on it. Then this TV came along.
Here’s a not-so-secret suggestion: Purchase a Sony TV around Super Bowl time- you’ll combine retailer’s Super Bowl sales with the timing of old models clearing out. Seriously, you want to pay $300-600 more to have a 2010 vs a 2009 TV? I want your paycheck.
I worried a bit about it only being 60 Hz for as large as it is, thinking the size would magnify any ghosting or lag. Negative- maybe if I was watching a SD signal over rabbit ears. Hooked this beauty up to an HD satellite signal, and have been watching the NBA All-Star stuff, and fast-paced Olympic events with ZERO lag or ghosting. Sweet.
A couple people commented on viewing angle? Puhleeze. It’s awesome.
Ok, news flash: the sound isn’t stellar…but it’s not really better or worse than other LCD TVs I’ve owned. And who cares? I have everything hooked up to my receiver. I’m not about to own a 52″ TV and not take advantage of the home theater experience.
I didn’t think I’d like 2 of the HDMI connections on the side, but I’ll admit it’s a heck of a lot easier connecting everything when it’s mounted on the wall. (Hint: use a Cheetah Mounts APTMM2B Tilt Wall Mount for 32″-55″ Plasma and LCD TVs and Displays, it was a great deal).
All in all, I was pleasantly surprised to see the Sony among the least expensive in that size range. Ok, so I got a killer deal, but still! With as nice as this LCD is, it’s hard to imagine it being the ‘bottom’ range of their lineup. It’s a Sony TV. Enough said.
This is a great product and simple to use. It comes ready to go and easy to setup. If you have a home theater system it wouldn’t be bad to install also because the volume is not that loud. Overall, I am pleased with Sony and Amazon again.
I have had this TV for 5 months now and I am thoroughly impressed.
I have my TV hooked up with a cheaper HDMI and the picture quality is great. I upgraded my surround sound to Sony’s HT SS360 Bravia Home Theater system. I strongly recommend buying products with Sony’s Bravia Sync feature. This enables you to sync all devices and make controlling the system a snap.
This TV is great for HD viewing and Blue-Ray movies. There is even a VGA connection that you can connect to your PC or Laptop.
This TV has plenty of inputs for your game consoles and other devices.
I have had this TV for a number of weeks now. At first I was intimidated by its size and surprised at how small the manuel is for it. Although I was able to set it up physically, electrically and internally quite easily, I still found it somewhat confusing at times in reference to the internal adjustments (the ones needed for my individual needs and preferences). These adjustments were not always clear nor even defined as to what would happen if I did this or that. But in the long run all came out in the end without to much difficulty. Also, one must be careful when setting it up to keep the screen away from anything that can cause glare or be ready to put curtains up [as I ended up doing :-)].
The picture quality of this TV is absolutly stunning. There are multiple choices of screen size and resolution inputs. Colors are sharp, well defined, clear.
I was totally shocked by the quality of sound from this set. I have a Sony Home Theatre System to go with this TV [I like the Bravia Link feature}, but I naturally tried just the TV speakers. There is a simulated surround sound option that is resonably affective. Although it doesn’t have the completeness of a home theatre system, but it still has an impressive enough effect on ones audio senses so that one may consider forgoing the entire home theatre system.
The remote control was initually intimitating, too, with its miriad of buttons. But with a little practice I found navigation rather straight forward.
I did a lot of research, over a year, before deciding on this set. I was still leary when I purchased it. But after these few weeks of ownership I feel I made a great purchase. I don’t think one can go wrong with this set. It is hard to beat especially for the price. I paid less than $1000.00 which included the shipping.