42-inch plasma HDTV with full 1080p HD resolution
Three HDMI inputs
600Hz Sub-field Drive produces crisp, focused images for sports, dramatic action, and all other fast-moving scenes
VIERA Image Viewer lets you share your digital photos with friends and family directly from SD cards
VIERA Link lets you control your compatible Panasonic DVD recorder, Blu-ray Disc player
This review is from: Panasonic VIERA U1 Series TC-P42U1 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTVSony BRAVIA KDL40EX520 40-Inch 1080p LED HDTV
We almost bought the less-costly Sony 40" KDL-40EX500 Bravia, but didn't because that model has been on the market since 2005. Instead, we bought this recently introduced EX520 which has later technology (e.g., back lighting); in spite of it having no Amazon customer ratings at the time. We looked at TVs in several local stores and no model in this size-range had a better picture than the Sony Bravia. Consumer Reports labels the 40" Bravia's picture (high definition and standard) as "excellent", their highest rating.
Taking advantage of a 30-day free trail of Amazon Prime, the TV arrived in only 2 days. It's well packaged, and I attached the stand to the TV in short order without needing the instructions. Turn it on the first time, and it goes through a question and answer setup procedure; e.g., it asks if it's against a wall or in the middle of a room so it can adjust the sound accordingly. After the setup, it worked perfectly with no adjustments of any kind.
Pros:
- Outstanding picture; stunning even. The entire screen is vivid with life-like skin-tones, can be viewed from a reasonable angle, and action shots are smooth.
- Sound is crisp, clear, and realistic - excellent in my estimation for a TV; speakers are along the top & bottom of the unit's rear, so it's actually louder in back of the set than in front. We have it on a stand in the middle of a large room, 8 to 9 feet from our easy chairs. Having played trumpet in various bands for nearly 50 years, my hearing isn't what it used to be; so decent sound was just as important as picture quality. Our backup plan, if the sound had stunk, was to buy an auxiliary BOSE sound system; but that would only be needed for true high fidelity sound.
- For connection to a wired network, this model can be directly connected to your router and the only thing you'll need to buy is the cable. Sony recommends Cat 7 cabling.
- The included stand is quite nice. The TV can be swivelled 20 degrees right or left.
- More connectivity options than most people will ever use.
Cons:
- For a wireless LAN connection, you'll need to buy an [over-priced] SONY proprietary device called a "USB Wi-Fi Adapter". Search Amazon on: UWA-BR100
- Although this model's 60 hz refresh rate seems fine to us, you might want to look for a 120 hz TV if you watch lots of really fast action.
- The TV cannot be tilted up or down if it's on the table stand. (Curiously, the Bravia made for Mexico can be tilted up to 6 degrees, but that model uses a different stand.)
Other:
- If the TV will be on a table, securely anchor the stand-base TO the table; this is crucial if you have small children. (From 2000-2005, there were 36 TV-tip-over deaths in the U.S. and three thousand injuries to kids under 5). This TV is so light, it could easily be knocked over, or pulled over by a rambunctious youngster. I.e., the stand weighs 6 lbs. and the TV only weighs 25 lbs. Even if will be no kids around, a tip-over could seriously damage the TV, which wouldn't be covered by any warranty.
- Many large LCD TVs on Amazon have some Customer Reviews citing maintenance issues with THEIR unit after the warranty expired. If this is a concern, consider buying a Square Trade 4-year warranty via Amazon (as we did).
Summary:
With its excellent picture, sound, and connectivity features, our Bravia 40" TV is a 5-star product.
This review is from: Panasonic VIERA U1 Series TC-P42U1 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTVWe were totally pleased with the quality and delivery of the TV, the only reason it didn't get a 5 star rating was because it advertised on Amazon that it was Skype ready but failed to inform you that you could only use the Sony web cam which they haven't put on sale, as at this time, and have no date for it's release. The TV itself gives a great quality picture but, although you can connect to the internet and the menu is great interface wise, the wireless capability is shockingly poor for such a Company. We find the connected WII works great with the TV and the quality is really good with a HDMI cable, the netflix wireless capability of the WII works at least 10 times as well as the in-built wireless of the Sony blu-ray we bought to use wireless with this TV, and from hearsay it is no better using the extra wireless USB you can buy for the TV, which should, in my view, come with it as it is over priced and poor quality, Sony 'needs' to improve the quality of the wireless device when you can pay twice as much and get a game system as well??? What is the logic behind that, they just want to sell more PSP's???
Shame on you Sony!!!!
Other than the two gripes about the wireless connection and the absence of the Skype ready webcam this is a great product, great picture and price.
This review is from: Panasonic VIERA U1 Series TC-P42U1 42-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTVThis is the third HDTV that I have purchased in the past two years and is the best of the three. PROS: Very good picture. Though sound is not great, it is better than my two LGs.
It has been used in two rooms and sound is much better in a smaller room. It seems that six feet makes a big difference in sound volume. The price has dropped $200.00 since I purchased in April 2011.CONS: If you are not a TV "expert", the remote setup is tiresome because the best version of the owner's manual has to accessed using the remote.The buttons on the remote are small, up-down keys can be a challenge in a dark room if the input button is pushed and has t...
Detail ProductsDetail ReviewsClick here for more information
»»»Visit Store NOW...Best price click here
