Sony KDL-32W5500 Review

32in LCD

Picture
Sound
Features
Usability
Value

Another solid LCD from Sony although we still remain unconvinced by 100Hz processing.

Rating:

90%

Reviewed: 30 April 2009

Picture quality in particular black level ability

Benefits of 100Hz do not convince

Design

The appearance of a novel transparent Perspex strip on a number of LCD TV's last year from Sony marked quite a radical departure for the normally conservative AV manufacturer. Some of you will bemoan the fact that this did not represent something far more wide ranging in their approach to design, while others will welcome Sony's return to slightly more conservative brand of styling.

Whilst we still like the look of Sony's 'Draw the line' styling concept, on the 'W' series it has become more subdued (even compared to the new 'V' series). The screen retains what has now become their trademark transparent strip on the underside of the frame but it is not as visible or pronounced as on previous models, with a dot matrix effect masking most of the transparency.

Features

With most forms of internet connectivity on flat panel TV's having failed at this moment in time to deliver a truly satisfying user experience, we are left to focus once again on the elements that make for a great picture.

Screen: 32in 16:9

Tuner: Digital

Sound System: Nicam

Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Contrast Ratio: 80,000:1

Other Features: 100Hz, Bravia 3 picture processing, Applicast, DLNA.

Sockets: 4 HDMI, 2 SCART, Component Video, Composite Video, S-video, PC input, DLNA Ethernet port, USB, CAM Slot.

Central to the performance of Sony's latest raft of LCD TV's and slipping quietly under the radar is the latest incarnation of their impressive 'Bravia' picture processing technology. Making its debut in the form of 'Bravia 3', Sony have re-engineered their core picture processing technology from the ground up.

With Bravia 3, Sony have focused, amongst other things, on improving the black level ability of their LCD TV's. Enhanced contrast functionality has been designed to improve depth of black as well as the ability to produce precise levels of graduated detail across darker scenes.

Although internet access direct through the TV has not delivered the surfing experience most of us hoped for, it remains an important feature of Sony's higher end TV's.

Their AppliCast technology allows users to access 'widget' like applications to subscribe to RSS feeds, look up stock quotes, check the weather etc.

While the likes of Samsung have forged agreements with various third party information providers such as YouTube and Flickr to provide content for their internet enabled TV's, Sony has decided to hold a tighter grip on the reins - their thinking being to provide content that is perfectly optimized for their Bravia range of LCD TV's.

If Sony create a portal with a wealth of useful online content then their approach could prove to be a success. We can't help thinking however that open internet access is so embedded in the psyche that Sony will struggle to convince people of their approach - only time will tell ....

Alongside 'Applicast' Sony have added the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) standard to the W5500's list of features. DNLA lets users stream video, music and photos from a networked home PC onto the TV screen.

Sony are currently at the forefront of introducing 'Green' features to their TV's. A light Sensor automatically adjusts screen brightness depending on the ambient light levels in your room, and you now have the option to switch the picture off while retaining the sound.

The USB Media Player function provides an easy method for watching digital content at home. Connect any compatible media device to the set’s USB input, select 'Media Player' from the XMB (Xross Media Bar) on-screen menu and you are ready to view digital photos, MPEG1 video clips, or listen to MP3 music tracks through your TV’s speakers.

Elsewhere, the Sony 32W5500 benefits from 4 HDMI's, a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution along with 24p True Cinema mode, for enhanced 1080p/24 playback.

Performance

With all manner of extra features clouding the issue of LCD performance (us here at HDTVorg being as guilty as others in over stressing their importance) it is nice to see a new found focus on what really matters, picture performance. More than any other single component, Bravia 3 will have the greatest impact on the quality of on screen action. The effort Sony have expended developing their core picture processing technology seems to have been worthwhile.

The Black Level ability of the 32W5500 illustrates the growing maturity of Sony LCD technology. Not so long ago such deep lush blacks from an LCD TV would have been a revelation. The Sony is even more remarkable in that we are now witnessing this kind of ability from a mid level flat panel. While Plasma and some of the LED equipped TV's recently launched can produce more subtle shadow detail, Sony have produced a TV which has narrowed the performance gap.

With an accomplished black level ability providing an excellent backdrop, the 32W5500 is able to produce a vibrant, and just as importantly, an accurate colour palette. Sony now do colour as good as any other manufacturer, and the maturity of their Bravia 3 engine is highlighted once again with bold colours which avoid the trap of becoming over saturated. While colour achieved with Standard Definition material is not quite as good as the best we have seen from the likes of Samsung, with High Definition material, the performance in this respect is close to faultless.

The only significant picture processing complaint we have with the 32W5500 is its motion handling performance. The ability of this screen to process fast on screen action, apart from a small amount of blurring, is pretty good by LCD standards. The problem is that Sony's own V5500 (with no 100Hz processing) is just as capable of producing reasonably stable fast action images. While 100Hz does remove some of the 'juddering' you experience on screens without the enhanced frame rate, we didn't feel the extra outlay was justified, you may disagree.

While a number of commentators call into question the value of a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution on a 32in, we have no doubt that the benefits are worth the investment. While the 32W5500 does not have the impact of its 40in and bigger siblings, place it alongside a screen without the Full HD spec and its High Definition abilities become immediately obvious. Images are that little bit sharper and more vibrant than anything a non Full HD screen can offer.

Testament once again to the abilities of Bravia 3 picture processing and despite having to upscale the 576 or so lines of a Freeview source onto a Full HD screen, the 32W5500 produces an above average Standard Definition (SD) performance; which gains the added benefit of the human eye perceiving pictures as being more accurate the smaller the screen size. With a very small amount of visible on screen 'noise' SD pictures are not perfect, but are good enough to place the Sony's abilities into a top tier of mid range LCD TV's in this respect.

Like other screens in the W5500 series along with the vast majority of flat panel TV's, the 32W5500 delivers an underwhelming acoustic performance. The lack of top end bass is the main problem and unfortunately it seems to be more of an issue on the smaller screen.

Conclusion

This is another LCD TV form Sony which delivers a solid all round performance. Your own perception of the effectiveness of 100Hz is an important factor for consideration. A side by side comparison with the 32V5500 at your local retailer might be a good idea ...

Sony KDL-32W5500