Review by C. Roemer
Rating:
I have been doing research on a new TV for months. Choosing the size was the easiest part based on the space I wanted to fill. Room is very bright, so LCD was the likely choice; although I didn’t rule out the new Panasonic plasmas with their anti glare, but they are lacking in picture adjustments. The Samsungs are all generally too reflective. I saw the new Sony W5100 and started watching that model. I was waiting for some reviews to read some opinions, but it was too new. I had decided to go with the W5100 based on the price, energy efficient, and the fact that I had read that there really wasn’t a discernible difference between 120hz and 240hz. Choosing the sony brand was based on the fact that netflix will be available this fall, and that I have a PS3. I finally decided on the Z5100 because I saw it in the store and noticed the bezel was nice and thin, and that the tv speakers pointed forward. Most flat panels’ speakers point down, so I figured it would help when watching broadcast tv to have the speakers pointed forward. Not the most ‘scientific’ method of selection.

I am very happy with this TV. The picture is great, the sound is great, no issues with glare, the internet content works (although I am still waiting for netflix, I did get an Amazon credit for VOD to try out), and the PS3 looks amazing.

My suggestion to anyone researching a new tv is to really nail down your requirements first, then choose some models that fit, and finally narrow it down from there based on features. Then head to a store to really look them over. I found myself almost getting too caught up in reading reviews. I found many negative points that, in retrospect, were very nit picky, so don’t get too caught up; if you notice, this model only has positives at this point. I was also comparing energy usage figures on crutchfield. Most energy tests are based on a minimum of 6-8 hours of usage per day, which I don’t do. If you avoid the Vivid mode and stick to standard or cinema, you will be fine with energy usage.

Amazon’s price was perfect; I had been watching a handful of tvs for a couple months and monitoring prices. The delivery was ok. The package was damaged on one corner, as if a fork lift had punctured it. The tv has a tiny little nick that is only noticeable if you run your finger ever so slowly along the bezel. So it wasn’t big enough to send it back.

If you decide on this tv, you are making a great choice. I haven’t calibrated it yet, but may do so when cnet posts some numbers.

Review by Dembeck
Rating:
After months of research, I decided to go with sony because it seemed to be the most reliable. I could not have picked a better television. I have a sony blu-ray and a sony surround sound system. The three of them compliment each other better than I could have ever expected. The tv in HD is absolutely beautiful. I see other tvs that are supposed to be comparable, and that just is not the case. This tv stands alone in this class of televisions. Samsung is close… but it’s not SONY. In case you haven’t noticed… I highly recommend this television

Review by Brad Hutchings
Rating:
About 27 months ago, I purchased a Sony Bravia KDL46-XBR3 for about $3100 (delivered, authorized reseller), at the time the top of the line Sony. It is still a very good looking set. When my grandparents wanted a 46 incher for their living room, I researched all the big brands and was leaning toward one of the Sony XBRs. I saw this model for about $200 less than the near equivalent XBR9. According to Sony’s TV comparison too (Sony.com), the XBR-9 has Live Color Creation, WCG-CFL backlighting, and 2 additional speakers. From the front, the two sets look pretty much identical. I remembered that this set was for my grandparents, and saved them the $200.

They couldn’t be more happy with this set. It’s big enough to be the center of focus in a 12×15 living room, but elegant enough to fit in with their furniture and decorative tastes. To me, it is amazing what Sony has done in two years. Half the price, thinner, cooler, lighter, better picture (10-bit vs 8-bit), better motion (for sports). etc.

If I were shopping for a new primary TV today, I’d look at the 46 or 55 XBR8 because I’m snobby like that. But if you’re looking for something that would put shame to the top of the line from just 2 years ago, or you’re considering a Vizio from Costco, your money can’t find a better value than the 46Z5100. At this price point, the difference between Vizio purchased from your local store and this Sony purchased from Amazon (or Amazon merchant) is like the difference between your old tube TV and that Vizio. Hit “Add to Cart” now! You won’t be disappointed.