Sony KDL-40W2000 Review

40in LCD TV

Picture
Sound
Features
Usability
Value

1080p support and absolutely stunning HD performance, but at a price.

89%

1,920 x 1080 pixels

HD Ready

Notes

The 'W' in Sony's KDL-40W2000 indicates that it is one step below the flagship 'X' series of Bravia LCD TVs. As such it does not have the advanced EX Bravia Engine of the 'X' but gains a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 over the 'V' series.

For a more detailed look at the differences between the various Bravia models see Bravia Series Information

Design

As always with Sony, design is understated, but matte-grey frame and immaculate attention to detail create a stunning centrepiece to any living room. One criticism is the lack of a swivel base.

Features

The Sony KDL40W2000 carries 2 HDMI connections, two component video inputs and two scarts. An improvement over the 'X2000' series, but now matched by the 'X2500'.

Details

Screen size & shape: 40in 16:9

Tuner: Digital

Sound system: Stereo

Resolution: 1920 x 1080

HD Ready: Yes

Contrast Ratio: 1800:1

Brightness: 450cd/m2

OTHER FEATURES: Bravia Engine, WCG lighting, SPVA panel for 178 degree viewing, 7-day EPG support, CAM slot for subscription services.

SOCKETS: 2 HDMI input, 2 scarts, composite video input, S-video input, PC input, RF jack, CAM slot, stereo audio inputs/outputs.

The 40W2000 also has a D-sub PC socket and a Common Interface (CI) slot for subscription channels through the built-in digital tuner, and a digital audio output for sending Freeviews upcoming Dolby Digital 5.1 audio tracks to a surround sound receiver.

The Wide Colour Gamut (WCG) Technology adds a revolutionary back-light system which Sony claims to add 127% more PAL EBU colour range designed to enhance LCDs traditionally poor red and green reproduction.

Another feature of the 40W2000 which it shares with the rest of the Bravia series is Super Vertical Pattern Alignment (SPVA), designed to allow much greater picture integrity over a wider viewing angle.

A key feature of the 'X' and 'W' series Bravia series is a pixel count of 1920 x 1080. This full 'HD' configuration should perform better with 1080i sources such as sky or ntl and 1080p sources such as Sony's own Playstation 3 as the screen matches these sources pixel for pixel rather than having to scale them to a lower resolution.

Performance

While LCDs have always excelled with screen detailing, their plasma rivals have had the edge with colour reproduction and contrast. The KDL40W2000 challenges that norm and throws down a huge challenge to class leading large plasma screens.

The Wide Colour Gamut (WCG) Technology produces colours of spectacular vibrancy and contributes to black levels of class leading depth.

What is immediately obvious with the KDL40W2000 is that with the 1920 x 1080 resolution it produces absolutely stunning High Definition results, and does not really seem to suffer with the absence of the EX Bravia engine. The benefits of 1,080 lines are immediately apparent with a level of detail and realism just not available on a regular screen. There is almost a complete removal of scale based video noise.

With standard definition sources, inevitably the 40W2000 looses some colour tone authenticity, suffers from some smearing noise and dot crawl (more so than on some 768 screens) but still performs well.

The Sony KDL40W2000 is one of the finest large LCDs for displaying High Definition content on the market today. As a viewing panel for HD sources it is virtually untouchable.

Its performance is enhanced by an impressive sound system with powerful bass which does not suffer from any harshness at higher sound levels. Added to the mix is a high level of usability which makes this LCD a must have screen if you live for High Definition, and can stretch to the hefty outlay.