Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-40V4100 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

I have the V-Series Sony 40″ LCD set immediately preceding this model. Based on my experience with the earlier model, I’ve recommended the KDL 40V4100 to friends and family. The differences: 1. When the 40V4000 first came out, it was being sold for as much as twice the price of this one; 2. the previous model had 10- bit color processing (which now is available only on the more expensive Z or later series). Although 120Hz is now the rage (available beginning with the W series), Sony’s unique 24 fps Movie True mode is likely to make a more noticeable difference in “smoothening out” camera movement than 120Hz capability (which is primarily a come-on for the gamers and “Matrix” generation).

For under $1500, this is the set I would unhesitatingly select ahead of a comparable Samsung (you can get the price down to around $1000 if you go with the S series, but you’ll sacrifice Sony’s acclaimed Bravia 2 processor as well as Sony’s auto-link feature permitting operation of all components with a single switch). If I were willing to spend close to $2000 or more, I would look at a 46″-52″ Sony with 120 Hz (just to be current) and 10-bit color processing for a hi-def picture that simply leaves nothing to be desired. I would also do everything possible to purchase from Amazon. (I had to make two exchanges before ending up with the “right” model, and Amazon as usual made both hassle-free transactions.) Also, be sure to check out Amazon Warehouse for a “refurb” or “scratch and dent” model. I’ve never been disappointed in any of these items at reduced prices, or even noticed any difference from mint.

A couple of things learned through experience: 1. A flat-panel set does not “play” as large as the old tube models. If you formerly required a 27″ convection tube screen, you’ll need 32″-40″ to enjoy a similar viewing experience with an LCD flat screen. 2. When watching HDTV telecasts (still only a small percentage of channels), it’s quite likely you’ll notice little to no difference from standard definition if the screen is less than 40″. So if you’re planning on purchase of a 36″ or smaller screen, skip the extras. 720p is more than adequate, and most of the other frills can be regarded as needless extra expense. Also, SD (standard definition) will look better on any small screen than on the most expensive manufacturer’s large screen models, so make price–not brand name–the primary criterion when selecting a screen under 40″.

Have had my 40V4100 a month now. Had originally wanted the “W” with 120 Hz but this “V” was on sale locally making the difference $600. I do not regret buying this 60 Hz set, and saving hundreds of dollars. Overall it is excellent after getting the picture settings adjusted to my liking. Audio quality from the built-in speakers is surprisingly good with the Dynamic mode ON and some extra bass and treble. I do have a minor problem that seems to be common to this new line of Sony LCD TVs – intermittent tiny bright white dots that appear randomly across the picture in a straight line, just a few at a time, about 4″ below the top of the picture, in HDMI mode only. Most noticeable on dark or black scenes. I almost exchanged the set for another one, until I saw the same white dots on a 40V4100 at the store playing a Blu-Ray disc. So far Sony’s support does not seem to recognize the problem. I hope Sony will pay attention to what their customers are telling them and come up with a fix for this ASAP because it can be quite noticeable on HDMI upcsaled DVD or Blu-Ray sources. If not for that I would rate it a 5.

EDIT and UPDATE! Sept 14, 2008 – I am happy to report that Sony has come through and addressed the white dot sparkle problem with an easy to use software/firmware update via a USB flash drive they sent. I now have ZERO white dot sparkles, and a perfect picture. Excellent! And at today’s prices a couple of hundred dollars less than in May when I bought mine, it is an even better deal!

There are many LCD HDTVs in market today and picture quality is quite comparable. When you take a TV home, it always “look” great but what you should also consider is its feature-set, user friendliness. This Sony tv is very nice in all aspects for the price tag it has. The discounted one, I mean and not the MSRP. The remote is much more responsive, lots of control options, very nice cinemotion even without the 120Hz. Dont judge TVs too much by response time and contrast ratios. These numbers are product specific and can not be compared across. I also like this tv can lock channel irrespective of the ratings info. The on-screen guide is very nice.
Has very rich and true colors, deep black levels, good surround sound. When you switch channels, they change very quickly as compared to some other TVs. The information displayed is also very good.
Overall, a very good buy.
Cons: No backlit remote, no swivel stand, USB port is not generic.

Pros: picture quality, contrast, XMB menu, artificial surround sound, variable sound output level, 4xHDMI outputs, HDMI device control

Cons: can’t think of any

Sony doesn’t disappoint with this 1080p set. I was amazed at how great the image was right out of the box, but it was even better after a little tweaking. Standard definition is about as good as any other LCD. The speakers on the TV are very nice compared to other sets that I’ve heard and I love that it controls the sound output level so i can control my surround and the volume on the set with the remote. It works great with my PS3 as long as its in the “game mode” and Blu-Rays look amazing. I highly recommend this set.

I considered the Sony 40W4100/40Z4100 and also Samsung 40″ 650/750 models. After weeks of research, I finally went with the 40V4100 based on budget and “must have” technical specifications. I can’t imagine the higher end models being much better than this TV. It was even more impressive once I got it home and away from the “over-stimulation” by all the TVs on display at the store. The setup was easy. The clarity is phenomenal. The remote control and on-screen options were well thought out by Sony. First class TV in the $1300-$1500 price range. The only problem is that I find myself watching more TV and doing less chores around the house!

We bought this TV as a second set for the bed room and a cheaper option offcourse. We had a 40″ XBR5. This set is awesome in the dollar amount. It gives u the best in the dollar amount. The LED technology is great. If u go into the minutes details, the XBR5 is better in presenting blacks, but this may be a personal opinion. When I was buying XBR5, I checked Samsung 4081 and hated the LED technology it gave and thats the reason the price of 4081 dropped nose down.
Overall this is the best cheapest option out there in th emarket. It has 60 Hz motion flow but trust me it doesn’t matter much for most of the viewrs, and I can tell u that after running xbr5 and this side by side for a month.
With this TV, good by Samsung and Sharp, we have the cheapest from the best.

I just purchased this TV and I am completely satisfied with it. I struggled between this model and the Samsung LN40A550 and I am very happy I went with the Sony despite the higher price. I was planning to buy it through Amazon but I went to PC Richards and they matched the price plus threw in a 5-yr extended warranty.
I do not yet have HD or digital–I access cable through a coaxial line and the guy who helped me to install it showed me how to bring in about 40 digital channels including a handful of high def channels using the autotune feature. They look great. I read a lot of complaints about the sound on the Samsung but I think the sound on this TV is very good. I accessed about 40 audio channels of all different music types and the sound is excellent.
The picture is clear and bright and the colors are very natural. I don’t know the technical aspects but aesthetically the picture is really amazing. I record and watch old B&W movies from TCM on videotape and even these look good. At least now I can see the expression on the actors’ faces which I could not do on my old 21 inch TV. I’m now thinking about upgrading my recording equipment to a upconverting DVD recorder so I can take full advantage of the picture clarity.

I researched for months before purchasing the Sony KDL-40V4100 and am glad I decided on this set. Other sets I looked at were the Samsung LN-40A550 and Panasonic TC-37LZ800.

Picture: 4 of 5
Overall the picture has very good black levels (without compromising shadow detail), clear whites, and vibrant colors. The only major flaws are “flashlighting” near the corners of the screen and an annoying backlight dimming (even with the Advanced Contrast Enhancer disabled). However, these are only really noticeable during completely black scenes and have not bothered me during regular viewing.

Sound: 5 of 5
The sound is loud and clear considering the small size of the speakers and the S-Force Front Surround actually works well. This set is much better than my previous Samsung LCD which had weak sound and created an annoying echo at times.

Inputs: 5 of 5
This set has 4 HDMI (version 1.3) inputs, allowing you to connect several high definition sources. The side inputs are also useful for connecting digital or video cameras. The only downside is the lack of a USB port offered on other comparable sets.

Miscellaneous: 5 of 5
The gloss black finish and clear space between the screen and speakers give the set a slim and open look. The menu is easy to navigate and looks nice. I also like the 24p TrueCinema which provided a smoother picture with movie content. However, if you find this feature unnatural you can always disable it.

I just brought this TV and love love it. It was between this model and a Samsung model when I went looking. I had a lot of Sony products so I went with this model. I am so glad I did. We have another HD TV but the regular station look bland. Not withthis TV the regular stations look great and the HD station look even better. The TV has a guide which walks you through the steps to set it up which are very easy. I love this TV no regrets. It did cost a few hundred dollars more than some other brand models but well worth it. You won’t be sorry if you invest the extra money and get this TV.

Many folks are also complaining about the White dot (Sparkle) problem that can be seen during HDMI source playback at the top corner of the screen. Well it looks like Sony has fixed the issue through a simple software update for our TV. You simply have to either download the update to your USB flash drive or give Sony a call and they will mail you the USB flash drive with the update so you can connect it to your TV and update its software to fix this sparkle issue. As simple as that.

This TV is excellent right out of the box. After using it with a conventional DVD player and a Comcast HD box, it is what I expected. HD channels were terrific and convential stations had greater clarity than by prior 32 inch Panasonic Viera. Blue Ray player is obviously on the horizon to synch with this TV.
The “White Glove” delivery promised by Amazon (since they sold this one) is anything but. Purchasers should be aware that the base needs to be attached to the set and screws used to secure it. This is specified to be a two person job. The driver had specific instructions to not attach the table top base, but just to unpack it and then set it where the purchaser wants it, as if this can be done without attaching the base. Then they are supposed to leave, but they want you to sign a form stating among other things that the power and picture work, while not setting it up. Just doing all the things on the check list would have kept the driver there for half an hour to make all the connections and try the product.