Nowadays, HDTV companies compete with each other not just in the terms of the image quality of their models, but also their energy efficiency. After all, ‘going green’ is a popular trend, and the Sony KDL-52VE5 is the perfect offering for HDTV shoppers who want to do just that.
Design
Clearly, the Sony KDL-52VE5 isn’t one of the most stylish HDTVs around, especially coming from Sony. Its frame, which is relatively thick, sports a glossy black hue with hardly any interruptions and a subtle reflective
Sony BRAVIA VE5-Series KDL-52VE5
silver strip at the bottom right above its suspended silver speaker bar. Its matching, non-swiveling square stand is quite thick, too, guaranteeing a sturdy pedestal for your living room centerpiece.
Its remote, however, is a different story. Although smaller than those of other models – or perhaps because of this fact – it is more attractive and user-friendly, with a central cursor control that’s difficult to miss. The on-screen menu is also simple, foregoing the cross media bar format of the PS3 and other Bravia models, with the main menu remaining visible at all times and helpful one-line descriptions accompanying each function.
Screen/Picture Clarity
The black level performance of the KDL-52VE5 is quite impressive, at par with that of the more expensive KDL-52XBR9, making the details look sharper and the entire picture burst into life, diminishing the effects of its less than accurate and not too saturated colors.
Its 120Hz refresh rate takes care of any motion artifacts, together with its dejudder motion processing, which has to be engaged to get the full benefits of its antiblur mechanism. It also didn’t have any problems processing all types of sources, particularly handling 1080p sources brilliantly.
Features
One thing you’ll notice significantly amiss on the KDL-52VE5 are interactive features like those offered on a handful of other Bravia models. What you’ll find, though, are extensive picture controls, such as three adjustable picture modes and full white balance controls, and solid connectivity options, starting with four HDMI inputs, a PC input and a USB port for easy photo sharing.
The most distinctive feature of the Sony KDL-52VE5, though, is its motion sensor which monitors your presence for a period of time, and automatically turns off, after displaying a warning message, if it doesn’t sense any. This allows it to cut down energy consumption to half and eventually – if you don’t reactivate the screen in thirty minutes – to zero. Other energy-saving features include a light sensor that adjusts screen brightness according to ambient lighting and an energy saving switch that turns the set off completely, instead of keeping it in standby mode.
Indeed, its eco-friendly features are what sets the Sony KDL-52VE5 apart, and perhaps above, the rest of the HDTVs in the market. True, it may be a bit expensive, but just think of all the money you’ll get to save for years to come on your electric bill, not to mention the help you’ll be doling out to Mother Earth.
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