Product Description Look no further than the KDL-46Z4100 for the most strikingly stunning and flat-out sophisticated HDTV Sony has to offer. With a remarkably slim bezel design, Motionflow 120Hz for the reproduction of smooth, lifelike images, BRAVIA Engine 2 and ACE for deeper blacks and crisp shadow detail, this TV's sensational design is only matched by its picture. But phenomenal image quality and show-stopping design isn't all. The KDL-46Z4100 also includes DLNA compatibility so you can access your digital photo collection over your home network (additional DLNA components required; sold separately). The Digital Media Port (DMP) is included for connecting your portable digital audio devices like iPod and Walkman music players.
Awesome! Five stars, for sure.December 1, 2008 8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I had been researching TV's for about a month or so. I knew I wanted an LCD in the 42"-50" range, backed by a trusted brand name, with if not cutting edge technology then at least most of the latest and greatest features on current high-end models. This because a TV is something I buy and use for many years, and I don't want my set to become obsolete two years from purchase date. So after reading many product specifications, manufacturers' descriptions, reviews from other users and professional reviewers, and spending many hours walking through electronics stores and looking at displays, I picked the Sony Bravia KDL-46Z4100. The next closest contender was the KDL-46W4100. However, the Z series won out, although it was a couple of hundred dollars more expensive, for these reasons:
- Much better looking set (I'm talking about the physical TV here) with a very slim bezel and all-black design, as opposed to the two-tone black and silver of the W. - 10 bit color processor, which gives far more on-screen colors. I didn't think this was a big deal, until I saw a W and Z series side by side in a store, and the display happened to show a sunset. The W had distinct bands of color, while the Z had a gradual change of color. - DLNA. I don't use this option yet, but it's nice to know that I can if I want to. I have a PS3, which also has DLNA, and I use that to beam images/music/video from my computer to my TV. The reason I use the PS3 is because its DLNA capability is wireless, while the TV's is not. This is an important caveat for those to whom the TV's DLNA capability is important. There are ways to make it work wirelessly, like hooking up a bridge, but I have not tried that. However, just know that out of the box, the TV can't do wireless DLNA.
I also compared this TV with the XBR series, and found that it has almost all the features XBR has but for many hundreds of dollars less. I just didn't see any huge benefit in going for the XBR versus this model.
As for comparison with other brands: I did consider Samsung, LG, Sharp, and others, but only Samsung seemed to have products that could take on Sony's Bravias in terms of picture quality and features. However, in my humble opinion, Samsung shot themselves in the foot by putting glossy screens on their LCD's, thus defeating one of the primary purposes people are moving from plasma to LCD. This is something I read about and didn't think was a huge difference until I did a side-by-side comparison in the store. The Samsung ToC models reflected the image from the TV displays across the room. The Bravias did not. I have a living room with many windows, so this instantly killed the Samsung's chances.
As for this TV: I can't say enough good things about it. If you are a techno geek, there are enough settings and features to keep you busy playing with them and setting them for days. If you are not, and just want to take it out of the box and use it, then it works too because setup couldn't be simpler. Just set it where you want it, hook up the power, connect your DVD/STB/receiver/box etc, and it's good to go. You can tweak settings to your heart's content, but don't have to. I was amazed by the picture right out of the box. The first movie we watched was Wall-E on Blu Ray, and the picture just blew my mind. We also watched a few episodes of Lost, and there were various scenes where the picture almost looked 3-dimensional, like looking out a window. Just amazing colors. We actually paused the show a few times to admire the picture. :) Oh, and the surround sound speakers are pretty good too. I hooked up my USB flash drive directly into the TV, and played a few songs from there via the TV's speakers, and it sounded very crisp. I'm not an audiophile, but to my ears it sounded more than satisfactory.
Is the 120Hz a big deal? Here's something anecdotal (and the sample size is only one), but for what it's worth: I was standing in the store and looking at the display on this TV for a few minutes. Then I turned around and looked at another TV that was showing the same display but had a refresh rate of 60Hz. I instantly started getting a headache. This is not a definitive scientific test, but I thought I'd mention it.
Nice little touch: the TV stand has a screw-hole in the back to fix it to the unit it is sitting on, to prevent the TV from toppling over if pulled too hard. You don't have to use this, because the stand is sufficiently wide and deep to take the weight, but just good to have. I don't know if all such TV's come with stands that have this. I appreciated this because I have a 2-year old child at home. It will take two people to lift the TV and set it up, either on its stand or wall mount. The TV is light enough that I can lift it on my own, but I'd rather be cautious with an expensive electronic device. I'm also happy that the box fit on the back seat of my Maxima, otherwise I would have to hire a truck to bring it home.
Complaints: The remote is too large, and is a basic universal remote. It works just fine for this TV, and will also probably work fine with most other standard devices, but lacks the very important learning feature. I actually like the layout of buttons and the ergonomic design, just not the size and the lacking feature set. Also, the slim bezel around the TV is high-gloss, so it reflects light from other sources. Nitpicking here, but I wish it were matt.
A GREAT TV AND A GREAT DEALNovember 18, 2008 1 out of 3 found this review helpful
I purchased this from Amazon,,and I love it,, great service with the white glove delivery and also a great price and wow no sales tax. Now ofcourse the tv is great many features im learning still.. I mounted it n the wall and looks great,, great Sony product,,and quality,,non glare screen..beautiful hd pictures..I also hooked my computer screen into it to view the desktop and web pages..
A combination of bests (in product quality and buying experience)November 10, 2008 8 out of 8 found this review helpful
Product Review: If you are looking to buy a Sony LCD larger than 40" for less than $2000 this is as good as it gets.
The picture clarity is simply awesome (even with an HD antenna), with no motion blur and good enough speakers. It looks sleek and smartly designed with minimum waste of space.
I picked Sony over Samsung because I liked it better after weeks of staring at LCDs in many stores. I picked the Z-series over XBR because I didn't feel the XBR was worth the extra money.
Buying Experience Review: After shopping around we found the price on Amazon to be unbeatable. This was our first big purchase online but since it was sold by Amazon we went with it and are happy. I placed the order on 10/29/2008 and the TV was delivered to my door on 11/05/2008. The initial delivery estimate was 11/08/2008 by CEVA logistics.
All of Amazon's promised white glove delivery was executed by the delivery guys except for putting the TV on its pedestal. CEVA apparently does not authorize its deliverymen to do it. It isn't too hard so my wife and I finished that step in less than 5 minutes. FYI, we upgraded from a 27" CRT so this is our first LCD.
I give it 5 stars on all accounts.
Amazon Pricing GamesNovember 10, 2008 4 out of 35 found this review helpful
Looked at a Sony Bravia Z-Series (KDL-46Z4100/B) TV vs an XBR6 over the past few days. FRI Nov 7 2008: Placed both into my shopping cart and tried doing add'l research. The Z series was priced at $1,759.99, i.e very good price compared to CCity 2499.99. OK...signed in to Amazon Saturday and was greeted by a message raising price to $1,781.94. Busy on Sunday, signed in again Monday morning, price was LOWERED to $1708.58 at 8:10AM Local Time. Still had some questions and waited for customer service to open and OOPS...by 8:42AM price was RAISED to $1,797.94. WHAT IS GOING ON HERE??? Spoke with customer service about this...well that's the way it is. FOR ME THIS PRICING MODEL ISN'T WORKING...
Amazon should provide specs w&w/o standNovember 3, 2008 8 out of 26 found this review helpful
Amazon should provide the dimensions with & without the stand or ATLEAST should state that the dimensions are without the stand. I almost purchased this TV, which would definitely have been too big for my cabinet. I am surprised that Amazon is not forthright about such an important fact. This could be a big headache for most customers as many of us are trying to buy the largest TV our cabinets etc can accommodate.
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Onkyo HT-SR800 Black Home Theater System $335.96 - $499.00 from 2 stores. User rating:4.0 out of 5.
Neatly Covering All A/V Formats, Precisely Tailored for Your Home
When it comes to all-in-one home theater, the HT-SR800 has made a clean break from the pack. You're looking at packaged home theater that neatly integrates your high-definition entertainment and your HDTV through an HDMI channel that transports video with a resolution all the way up to 1080p. Ably supported by component video switching, the HT-SR800 will handle most of the A/V components or formats currently available, as well as the spectacular quality of high-definition discs. Also, reinforcing the convenience of matched components, this package is the first to use an Audyssey room-correction technology specifically designed for integrated systems. The options - XM Radio (including 5.1 surround sound radio with Neural Surround decoding) and iPod integration-can really extend your reach, making the HT-SR800 one of the more complete home theater packages available.
Special Features-
HDMI Pass Through (2in/1out , 1080P compatible) - A separate audio connection is necessary
"Audyssey 2EQ" Auto room calibration w/Microphone
XM and Sirius satellite radio ready
Sony HT-7100DH Home Theater System $349.95 - $378.08 from 2 stores. User rating:3.0 out of 5. Grab your popcorn and revel in the intense movie-watching experience that is the HT-7100DH home theater system. Take your entertainment to new aural heights as 900 watts of surround sound fill your room while you watch high definition DVD media or listen to XM satellite radio. For fast and easy setup, the HT-7100DH automatically calibrates the included speakers for an optimal sound field and the most dramatic effects. The Digital Media Port (DMP) is also great for when you want to listen to external sources like Bluetooth devices or Walkman music players in powerful 5.1 channel digital surround sound.
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Five speakers are replaced by two. A stack of electronics is replaced by a single media center that includes an integrated DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, amplification and signal processing. A patented Acoustimass module hides easily in a corner or behind your furniture. And everything is easily connected with just three wires and a power cord, making setup a snap. The 3-2-1 system combines an Articulated Array speaker design with proprietary signal processing to give you much of that same performance. Hear the roar of a train from left to right from just two visible speakers positioned in the front of your room. Enjoy a spacious soundstage and lifelike surround effects whether you're watching the game, listening to a favorite CD or enjoying the latest on DVD.
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