Sony KDL40Z5500 Review

The Sony KDL40Z5500 is Sony’s latest 40″ LCD TV. It utilizes the latest technology that Sony have developed, several key features include the latest Bravia engine, the Bravia engine 3, Live color creation, a 200Hz refresh rate, Applicast and a 10-bit panel. All these features will be discussed in more depth as we continue.

The Sony KDL40Z5500 is a HD ready TV with a screen resolution of 1920×1080, the maximum currently available. The addition of both a digital tuner and a cable tuner allows for unparalleled viewing choice. Most Sony’s now come with the Bravia sync function an application that allows the user to use the Bravia remote to control all other devices with the one remote.

Sony have incorporated their latest version of Motionflow into this Sony KDL40Z5500 TV. It provides the television with an astonishing 200Hz frame rate, which means that 200 frames are broadcast onto the screen every single second. This helps to further decrease the effects of flicker and blur in high speed action scenes, improving the quality of sport and movies.

The Bravia Engine is the picture performance engine that Sony use to enhance the overall quality of media being displayed. It is now incorporated into every new LCD TV Sony produce. The latest version is the Bravia engine 3 which makes further progress in improving picture quality. The new engine incorporates full digital signal processing across a broad spectrum. The result of which is the picture is immensely clear and the colours displayed are extremely life-like. Black levels are enhanced and are at their deepest. The engine automatically adjusts the picture setting to deliver the perfect picture for whatever you’re watching.

Sony have also included a dynamic contrast ratio of 1m:1 this helps to improve the black levels whilst also improving the color representation. A 10-bit panel also allows for more data to be displayed on the Sony KDL40Z5500 screen at any time whilst the live color creation feature improves the colors displayed by 30% when compared to a conventional LCD.

With applicast the user can simultaneously watch the TV whilst surfing the internet whether you want to check-out a website that’s just been advertised or forgotten to make a reservation for a restaurant, all can be done without having to move a muscle.

Sony have installed software to allow the direct playback of media straight from a USB stick without the need fro streaming from a PC or conversion onto a disc. While they have also included four HDMI connections to allow for all your HD devices to be installed at the same time so you won’t have to fiddle behind the TV to swap any connections over.

The Sony KDL40Z5500 starts at a pricy $1670, although if you trade in an old TV at a selected store Sony will give you $300 cash back. Despite being costly as mentioned the money couldn’t be better spent if you have it. The Bravia offers unrivalled viewing quality with a slim design that increasing the overall viewing experience.