Sony BRAVIA S Series 40 inch KDL-40S4100 and 46 inch KDL-46S4100 Full HD 1080p LCD HDTV Review

Sony’s S4100 models the 40 inch KDL-40S4100 and 46 inch KDL-46S4100 are the entry level models to the new 1080p line of LCD flat panel HDTVs introduced for 2008. One of the advantages of moving to a 1080p (1920 x 1080) native resolution is downconvert from a full HD video signal source such as a Blu-ray Disc to the native resolution of the display. It’s something that will be appreciated as full HD Blu-ray Discs become more common.

Sony Bravia KDL-46S4100 LCD HDTV

The Sony BRAVIA S series have an impressive 2,500:1 contrast ratio for better picture quality.

BRAVIA Video Processor Engine

Although they may be the entry level 1080p models for Sony’s BRAVIA range, a primary advantage of these televisions is having the BRAVIA video processor.

Video processor performance is having a progressively greater influence on LCD HDTV image quality. The extra detail HDTV provides produces more life-like images but, it also magnifies any image defects which may include noise and image artifacts caused by poor video processing. Image defects masked by lower resolution displays become evident on a HDTV. Artifacts and image noise can be introduced through the compression required to pack hundreds of channels within limited transmission bandwidth or during de-interlacing required to convert NTSC or PAL interlaced signals to progressive-scan for digital display.

Sony’s LCD TVs offer 10 bit video processing which refers to the width of the stream of bits the video processor can handle. The outcome of using 10 bit video processing with a 10 bit display is more subtle color changes (gradations) and more natural, vibrant looking images.

24p True Cinema

If you have a 24p capable output device, such as a Blu-ray Disc player you can watch films at the the 24 fps they were shot at. If video deriving from film is not viewed at 24p, inserted frames can cause some lack of smoothness (judder).

Other Features

ATSC/NTSC tuner with QAM

Sony have a new 3D graphic user interface for their 2008 LCD BRAVIA HDTVs.

Three quick-set picture modes are available for adjusting on-screen images to match viewing conditions or personal tastes; Vivid boosts contrast and sharpness, Cinema is for film based content and Custom allows preferred settings for Backlight, Picture, Brightness, Color, Hue, Color Temperature, Sharpness, and Noise Reduction to be stored.

CineMotion 3/2 Pulldown Processing allows film content to be automatically detected and and a reverse 3-2 pulldown process to be applied for more natural, life-like images.

PC PIP Feature Allow you to use your PC in the full screen mode while having a PIP of whatever television chanel you may wish to keep track of. Something for keeping tabs on a sport like golf while still getting some work done.

Favorite Channel Like a web browser, this feature lets you store your favorite channels for easier later access.

Jump Function Allows you to jump between the current channel and the last channel selected.

Sound Settings Provides some flexibility to customize sound output for clearer spoken dialogue and treble, bass and balance.

Parental Control Using a 4-digit password protected control, it’s possible to set viewing limitations based on ratings.

Channel/External Input Block Is an extension of Parental Control allowing the complete blocking of particular channels or external inputs independent of program ratings.

Sleep Timer Following a set time interval the sleep timer switches the television off.

Power Saving This is something that allows you to take advantage of a lower ambient lighting environment to reduce the displays backlight brightness to save power.

PC Power Management A common feature to most monitors, this feature automatically switches the television to Standby mode following more than 30 seconds with no signal input.

Connections

As can be seen in the specification below, the S4100 models have an excellent range of connection options available including a PC input for using them as a monitor with the resolutions available being VGA, SVGA, XGA, WXGA, SXGA and HDTV. It’s possible to adjust Phase, Pitch, Horizontal and Vertical Position and Wide Mode of picture.

The wide range of connection options means you can simultaneously connect a number of HD sources including Playstations, Blu-ray players and personal video recorders.

Other Sony BRAVIA 1080p LCD HDTV Series

Sony BRAVIA V Series 1080p LCD HDTV - Additional Features

DMex: Sony’s Digital Media Extender (DMex) offers a digital connection path for optional modules like the BRAVIA Internet Video Link
True 24p: Watch movies in natural, cinematic motion as seen at the cinema with no possibility of jerky motion due to 2:3 pulldown of filmed material
TV Guide IPG: Delivers continually updated program listings with no subscription fees
3D Graphic On-screen Controls: Colorful thumbnails cascade before your eyes allowing you to visually choose what you want to see.

Sony BRAVIA W Series 1080p LCD HDTV - Further Additional/Modified Features

Reduced 30,000 vs 25,000:1 Contrast Ratio
120 Hz Motion Blur Reduction: Reduces LCD blur associated with fast action sports and judder linked to playback of movies shot at 24 fps

Sony BRAVIA Z Series 1080p LCD HDTV - Further Additional Features

10 bit panel: Provides 64 times the levels of color expression. A wider available color gamut allows for smoother transitions between adjacent colors and a more accurate representation of real world colors for a more life-like picture.
Deep Color: New color standard provides 1.8 times as many colors as the standard sRGB color space allowing more accurate reproduction of the source video which supports the xvYCC color standard.
DLNA: DLNA Certified devices will connect, discover and communicate with each other over a home network. It enables you for example, to access family photos from a networked PC.

Resources

The next step up in features for the 2008 Sony LCD HDTV range is the BRAVIA V4100 models which have Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE), Bravia Sync (for one remote control of multiple devices), DMeX (Digital Media Extender for Internet connection), TV Guide On Screen, an additional HDMI connector and S-Force Surround Sound Enhancement.

If you watch a lot of sport then you should consider going one further than the V series to the Sony BRAVIA W series which also has Sony’s Motionflow 120Hz Technology which deals reduces LCD blur and also alleviates judder in 24fps sourced movies.

The premium Sony LCD HDTV model which is not an XBR is the Z series which adds the following features to the W series specification;
10-bit Display Panel (up from 8-bit), Deep Color, Live Color Creation Technology, DLNA Certification, Photo TV HD, Power Management (PC Input) and
Digital Media Port Connection.

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Marketing Specification
Dimensions Diagram
Operating Instructions
Quick Setup Guide

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Amazon is the place to look for prices for the Sony S4100 models. Have a look at the package deals, extended warranty and read some of the customer reviews.

Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-40S4100 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-40S4100 40-inch 1080p LCD HDTV + Accessory Kit Bundle with Sony SUWL500L Wall Mount & 3 Year Extended Warranty!

Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-40S4100 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV With A 1-Year Extended Warranty Service Plan & High Speed HDMI Cable (2 meters)

Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-46S4100 46-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

Sony Bravia W-Series KDL-46W4100 46-inch 1080p LCD HDTV + Accessory Kit Bundle with Sony SUFL300L Stand & 3 Year Extended Warranty!

Sony Bravia S-Series KDL-46S4100 46-inch 1080p LCD HDTV + Accessory Kit Bundle with Sony SUWL500L Wall Mount & 3 Year Extended Warranty!

Extended Service Plan

Specification for Sony BRAVIA S Series 1080p LCD HDTVs

General

Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080p (Full HD)
Acceptable Video Signals: 480/60i, 480/60p, 720p, 1080/60i, 1080/24p (HDMI only), 1080/60p (HDMI / Component)
On-Screen Contrast Ratio: 2,500:1

Video Features

24p True Cinema: Yes
3D Comb Filter: Yes
CineMotion Reverse 3:2 Pulldown Technology: Yes
MPEG Noise Reduction: Yes
Picture Mode: Vivid, Standard, Custom
Wide Mode: Normal, Full, Zoom, Wide Zoom

Audio Features

Alternate Audio (Digital): Yes
Audio Mode: Dynamic, Standard, Clear Voice
Audio Out: Yes
Auto Mute (on no signal): Yes (RF only)
Auto SAP: Yes
Digital Amplifier: Yes
Dolby: Dolby Digital (for ATSC broadcast)

Power

Input Voltage: AC 120-240V

Audio

Audio Power Output: 10W + 10W

Convenience Features

Channel Jump: Yes
Channel Label: Yes
Edit Channel Labels: Yes
Favorite Channel: Yes
ID-1 Detection: Yes
Info Banner: Yes
Label Inputs: Yes
Multiple Language Display: English, Spanish, French
PC Input PIP (Picture in Picture): Yes
Parental Control: Yes
Sleep Timer : Yes
Regulation and Standard Compliance
Energy Star compliant: Yes
VESA Hole Spacing Compatible: Yes

Inputs and Outputs

AC Power Input: 1 (Rear)
Analog Audio Input(s) (Total): 5 (1 Side/4 Rear)
Audio Out (Fixed): 1 (Rear)
Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr ) Input(s): 2 (Rear)
Composite Video Input(s) : 2 (1 Side/1 Rear)
Digital Audio Output(s): Optical Digital Output - 1 (Rear)
HDMI Connection(s) (Total): 3 (1 Side/2 Rear)
PC Input Format Support: 1 (Rear)
RF Connection Input(s): 1 (Rear)
S-Video Input(s): 1 (Rear)

Service and Warranty Information

Limited Warranty: 1 year parts / 1 year labor