There's a degree of uncertainty surrounding Sony's W5100-series LCD televisions, but the mystery only heightens the anticipation. The line consists of 3 types, the 52-inch KDL-52W5100, the 46-inch KDL-46W5100, and also the KDL-40W5100, that are all set to replace the 'W4100' types from last year.
Those lines are extremely large conclusion,
and very pricey. The XBR9 LCDs expense in between $1,200 and $3,600, for size ranges of 32, 40, 46, and 52 inches. The Z-series types, which come in sizes of 40, 46, and 52-inches, will be within the same neighborhood, although perhaps slightly cheaper due to some minor technological differences. The W5100 types still don't have manufacturer's suggested retail costs yet, if the W4100 versions had been any indication, assume one thing in the range of $1,500 to $2,500.
In spite of this dearth of pricing info, the possible to get a actually economical BRAVIA LCD with the level of characteristic set discovered on the W5100 televisions is worth maintaining tabs on. It's a wonderful, reasonable array of specifications which are neither excessive, nor lacking.
Refreshing Restraint
120Hz refresh costs and their alleged anti-judder, smoothing abilities were the hot specification last year. Although it does have some benefits, the additional premium for a 120Hz set seemed out of proportion. This year, nonetheless, 120Hz is essentially a standard function, and prices have normalized accordingly.
This has left TV manufacturers struggling to get a new marketing hook. For 2009, that hook is 240Hz—double the 120Hz refresh rate. It's also twice as ridiculous. The advantages of 120Hz had been visible, but subtle and actually intended only for nitpicking videophiles. 240Hz is simply beyond the realm of perception. Any perceived improvement in image high quality will merely be the power of positive thinking. 240Hz is all hype, no substance, and ought to be avoided.
That's why the W5100 types stand out against the costly XBR9 and Z5100 lines. The W5100 keeps points easy by sticking with 120Hz; the latter two lines have pushed ahead into 240Hz territory, which accounts for their daunting price tags. Buyers would be smart not to get suckered into such gamesmanship. If you're truly searching to save cash, maybe the S5100 collection, which lacks 120Hz entirely (and sticks with plain old 60Hz) is a lot more your speed. That 720p line is expected to retail for between $800 and $1,800.
Internet Content on your HDTV
The reason the W5100 collection is so remarkable is that it really is allegedly affordable, but nevertheless provides the Internet connectivity discovered on the higher-end versions. The W5100 televisions have a built-in Ethernet jack for direct connection to your house network. This puts it in direct competition with similar Internet-enabled devices from LG, Panasonic, and Vizio.
Viewers can entry Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube, plus a selection of Sony Pictures films immediately from the television screen. Previously, Sony required that a separate Internet module be attached to their HDTVs so that you can gain access to the Web. The W5100 series does away with that accessory, integrating its functions immediately into the set. It's a wonderful, clean way of providing entry to streaming movie. Low-end Sony tv's, ones without Ethernet ports, nevertheless need that BRAVIA Internet Video Link device.
Update: On July 9th, 2009, Sony announced a partnership with Netflix, that would enable Sony Internet Video Link-enabled TVs to stream movies from Netflix's online Instant Queue.
DLNA Capabilities
One more appealing feature on the W5100 models could be the TV's capability to interact with computers on your residence network. Thanks towards the integrated DLNA abilities, a W5100 television can detect your individual pc on the network (provided it is often configured to act being a media server) and play music, movie, or photo slideshows stored on your hard drive right on the TV's display. It's a basic method to use to the max in your home office entertainment equipment, linking your digital media library with your fancy HDTV.
