Product Description

Sony’s S-series TVs put amazing picture quality and stunning dynamic contrast in reach for value-oriented consumers who want to step up into the Sony Full HD 1080p experience. These TVs represent the entry-level models in Sony’s large screen offerings in 2009 and offer the superior resolution and contrast, advanced image processing features, and variety of HD input options available on high-end BRAVIA HDTVs -- all in an affordable package. With three HDMI connections, you can hook up a Sony PlayStation3 entertainment system, Blu-ray Disc player, or any other HDMI-capable equipment and get uncompressed digital video and multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. You also have numerous other HD connection options, including YPbPr Component inputs as well as a PC input for using your laptop or desktop PC with your big-screen HDTV. No matter which HD source you use, the exclusive Sony BRAVIA Engine 2 fully digital video processor ensures that images look sharp and brilliant. With BRAVIA Link compatibility, you can easily expand your high-resolution home theater set-up with optional BRAVIA Wireless Link, BRAVIA DVD Link, or BRAVIA Input Link Modules. And BRAVIA Sync makes controlling everything a snap. Additionally, BRAVIA S-Series HDTVs exceed Energy Star 3.0 requirements by incorporating advanced power saving features, such as Light Sensor technology that adjusts backlight intensity based on ambient room lighting conditions and Dynamic Backlight Control that adjusts backlight intensity based on the brightness of the image on the screen. Utilizing these features can reduce power consumption by up to 60% in a typical home theater environment.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1306 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Black
• Brand: Sony
• Model: KDL-32S5100
• Dimensions: 21.12" h x 3.62" w x 31.50" l, 26.30 pounds
• Native resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display size: 32

Features

• A 32-inch 16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution Panel provides optimum resolution from any HDTV source that delivers 1080p content
• Advanced Contrast Enhancer with Dynamic Backlight Control Dynamic Backlight Control creates a dynamic contrast ratio of 30,000:1
• Unique Sony technologies to reduce visual noise, improve color, and sharpen overall image detail
• Three HDMI inputs (up to 1080/60p input capable) , two Component YPbPr (1080/60i capable), and one PC input (HD-15 pin)
• BRAVIA Link compatibility lets you expand your HDTV's capabilities with BRAVIA Link modules, such as BRAVIA DVD Link, BRAVIA Wireless Link

From the Manufacturer
From the Manufacturer Manufacturer's Review (March 3, 2009)
Full HD 1080p resolution and stunning contrast are now in reach with Sony BRAVIA S-Series Flat Panel HDTVs. Like the rest of the BRAVIA S-Series HDTVs, the 32-inch KDL-32S5100 offers the superior resolution and dynamic contrast, advanced image processing features, and variety of HD input options available on high-end BRAVIA HDTVs at a great value.

Enjoy the superior resolution and dynamic contrast, advanced image processing features, and variety of HD input options available on high-end BRAVIA HDTVs--at a great value. Click to enlarge.

Includes RM-YD028 remote.

16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution Panel (1920x1080)
16:9 Full HD 1080p resolution panel (1920x1080) accepts any HDTV signal and renders it with optimum resolution, so you can take full advantage of Blu-ray Disc players and Sony PLAYSTATION 3 entertainment systems that can deliver 1080p content.

Dynamic contrast (30,000:1)
Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE) creates a dynamic contrast level by working in real time to produce deep blacks in darker scenes, as well as fine details in shadows and other dark areas of the picture for a difference you can truly see.

BRAVIA Engine 2 fully digital video processor
The BRAVIA Engine 2 fully digital video processor uses a collection of unique Sony technologies to significantly reduce noise, enhance overall image detail, and optimize contrast so every scene produces sharp, vibrant, life-like images and color.

HDMI connection x 3 (1080/60p capable)
Get versatile HDMI connection options with three HDMI inputs (up to 1080/60p input capable)1. Connect a Sony PLAYSTATION 3 entertainment system, Blu-ray Disc player, or any other HDMI-capable equipment and get uncompressed digital video and multi-channel digital audio on a single cable.

HD Component x 2 (1080/60i capable)
Two YPbPr Component inputs (1080/60i capable) provide added HD-capable connectivity, and a PC input (HD-15 pin) offers the added versatility to use your HDTV as a computer monitor.

BRAVIA Link compatibility
BRAVIA Link compatibility expands your HDTV's capabilities by letting you connect optional BRAVIA Link modules, including the BRAVIA DVD Link, BRAVIA Wireless Link, and BRAVIA Input Link (all sold separately).

BRAVIA Sync capable
BRAVIA Sync capability combines the one-touch access and control functionality of BRAVIA Theatre Sync with the ability to control CEC-enabled Sony Handycam camcorders and Cyber-shot digital still cameras using the TV's remote and an on-screen display via HDMI connector.

24p True Cinema
24p True Cinema support provides a direct connection to 24p video sources, avoiding conversions and allowing users to enjoy films at their intended 24 fps (frames per second) cinematic picture quality when using a 24p-capable output device, such as a Blu-ray Disc player or Sony PLAYSTATION 3 entertainment system.

Favorites Menu
The Favorites Menu function makes it easy to quickly access your favorite channels and video inputs.

Energy Star 3.0 Certified
Sony BRAVIA S-Series HDTVs exceed Energy Star 3.0 requirements by incorporating advanced power saving features such as Light Sensor technology that adjusts backlight intensity based on ambient room lighting conditions and Dynamic Backlight Control that adjusts backlight intensity based on the brightness of the image on the screen.

VESA compatible hole spacing
VESA compatible hole spacing uses an industry-standard mounting hole pattern that can be used with VESA-compliant mounting brackets, taking the guesswork out of selecting the proper hardware for hanging your TV on the wall.

What's in the Box
Sony BRAVIA S-Series KDL-32S5100 32-inch 1080p LCD HDTV, Remote Control RM-YD028, Batteries (Type AA x2), AC Power Cord (attached), Operating Instructions, Quick Setup Guide, Table Top Stand (separate, pre-assembled), Screws (4) for Pedestal, Warranty Card.

BRAVIA Link Compatibility for 2009 LCD HDTVs

	L5000 Series	S5100 Series	V5100 Series	VES Series	W5100 Series	Z5100 Series
Internet Video Link (BIVL)	no	no	no	no	built-in	built-in
Wireless Link	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
DVD Link	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
Input Link	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes

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Customer Reviews

A fair entry-level 1080p TV (UPDATED - Again)
I AM UNABLE TO EDIT MY STAR RATING OR I WOULD DOWNGRADE IT TO TWO, MAYBE THREE STARS!!!

I bought this for my bedroom last week and am pretty happy with it. I have a 40" XBR2 in the family room and this model's picture is surprisingly comparable. I bought it through Amazon for MUCH less than BB or Sears. I do have a couple issues that prevent me from giving it five stars: first, it takes quite a long time for the picture to appear when you turn it on and switching inputs takes even longer than my XBR2. The other peave I have is setting the sleep timer; on most TV's there's a dedicated 'Sleep' button on the remote. On the S5100 you have to hit the 'Tools' button on the remote, select 'Clock/Timers', select your sleep time, then press the 'Menu' button to clear the on-screen menu. Wow! All-in-all, neither of those are that big of a deal, but the next issue is the one that's provoking me to call Sony Customer Service. There is a significant amount of noise in the TV's audio output -- especially at low volume. It sounds like the signal is over-modulated, but at higher volume levels it's not as noticable. I haven't tried a set of external speakers to see if the noise is still there, but I have tried component, composite, and HDMI inputs all with the same results. Perhaps I'll update this review with the results of my call to Sony.

UPDATE 5/1: I called Sony about the audio issue; they wanted to send out a technician. I opted to have J&R swap out the TV but the same exact problem exists on the replacement. I guess I'm going to take Sony up on their offer to send someone out. I can't tolerate this problem considering it is our bedroom TV and is often used at low volume levels.

UPDATE 5/19: I just finished packing up the unit to return to J&R, who have been great BTW! The Sony tech acknowledged the problem and said that Sony tech support would probably tell him to replace the digital audio board, but unless the board has been redesigned he didn't think it would resolve the problem. Sony Customer Service refused to help in any way; I asked for a refurbished XBR6 (last year's only 32" 1080p model) to replace this unit, and they said no. I asked for a discount on a new XBR9, and they said no. As the owner of several Sony products, including a 40" XBR2 and a 36" Wega, I am really quite surprised by Sony's unwillingness to help resolve this issue. My brand loyalty has been shaken, and I will think twice before I buy another Sony product. BTW, I'm looking at the Panasonic and Samsung 1080 32" models as a replacement.

Unhappy with sound
I had the exact same problem as Vinnie A. I had the KDL-32S5100 in my bedroom and the sound at low levels on this TV is horrible. Multiple inputs HDMI, DVD player and Fios all sounded great on other TVs but this set made low level sound full of static. I replaced my TV with Sony support and the same exact problem! I now have 2 TVs to return that has become a major pain because sony doesn't want return TVs they want to exchange for refurbished TVs. I have spent 8-10 hours on this problem and now I am very frustrated with the set and customer service. Bottom line is if you don't use the speakers on this set then it is great 4 stars for picture (would be 5 but the DVD player only looks good if the total size of the picture is made to fit a 4:3 aspect ratio otherwise the TV stretches or zooms the image and distorts the picture). HDMI picture is great off a PS3 blue ray. Remember the sound is the problem for this set: You have been warned by 2 reviews that say this is a problem at low levels. FYI I am trying to return the sets and look into other brands because Sony has lost their touch, which is sad because my house looks like a sony store.

2 Replacements, Various Critical Problems
(I urge you to read this review before making a purchase, I know I wrote a lot, but they outline some very critical deal-breaking issues.)

My first HDtv, a Sylvania broke about after 2 years, and I decided to get this Sony after doing a bunch of HDtv research. I'm using the HD capabilities for gaming (Playstation 3 at 1080p, Wii at 480p) and just getting a regular coaxial cable signal for my TV shows.

1) First, as can be seen in various reviews for this TV, there are some sound issues. The one I experienced was that, sometimes, the speakers would get very pop/crackling sounding and also have an echo on top of that. This issue happened when you changed channels. You'd land on a channel, and the issue would begin and would not go away unless you changed channels (I left it on for a couple hours just for testing purposes). However, this TV has a new firmware on Sony's support site which apparently directly addresses this issue. The first iteration of this model had the sound issue, but I got it before the new firmware came out, so I sent the first model back, and received the second one. The second one came with the new firmware and there was no more sound issue as far as I could tell.

2) This one bothered me more than the sound issue, as the sound issue only happened about once every 20-50 channel changes, and you could simply remove the echo sound just by changing channels. It's a visual issue that was not fixed between my first set and the replacement one. It's hard to describe; when a color would transition from a light color to a dark color in an image, you could see the actual separation lines of each gradient change, rather than just seeing a smooth transition of, for example, light blue to dark blue. It looked sort of like when you throw a stone into a pond, and the water ripples out in a circle from where the stone landed in the water--so the outer ripple would be dark blue, the next inner ripple would be a lighter blue, the inner ripple after that would be an even lighter blue, and so on. I thought maybe it was my PS3, my Wii, or possibly the HDMI/component cables I use for them, so I brought all of my equipment over to a couple friends' houses and tested my stuff on their Sharp HDtv and a different model Sony Bravia--the issue was not present on my friends' TVs. However, the issue is present on both KDL-32S5100 sets I had. This issue became very obnoxious when gaming, because it was very noticeable and pretty abundant. It would appear in skies (drastically in skies for some reason), smoke, floors, walls, etc--anything that's mostly comprised of a solid color that has gradient changes--however, it does not appear on a static image (such as a wallpaper), only something animated. It also appeared when using composite cables, and appeared on every display signal (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p).
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If you have a PS3 and this model TV, change your system theme to "Original" then change the color to blue--this is a pretty easy way to notice the gradient issue. Generally on the blue color, the bottom left hand corner starts out dark blue, then going to the top right, it changes to a light blue. Around the bottom left hand corner when everything is dark blue, the gradient issue is very noticeable. I asked my friends and family to see if they noticed anything, without telling them what the problem was, and every single one of them (even non-gamers who have no idea what the PS3's original theme or games' skies should look like) noticed the issue right away. On any other HDtv I've ever seen, this issue is not present. It may not be a big issue for some, but if you're getting an HDtv, it's probably because you care about the quality of your display, and you won't be getting decent quality with this issue present.
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I had a Sony tech guy come out to look at the issue, and he said he's never seen the issue before (what a Sony rep would say anyway, whether or not he has seen this issue before :P) but said he wasn't sure what was causing it, or even how to fix it. He did confirm, almost immediately, that this is a problem and shouldn't be happening. Considering this happened on both sets of this model I received, it's either a) a problem inherent in this model, b) a problem inherent in a certain batch of this model, or c) I'm ridiculously unlucky to get two brand new sets of this model and have the same issue in a row, which is unlikely.

3) After all of this, last night the TV stopped being able to receive signals from all 3 of its HDMI ports. It was very, very odd. My friend and I were playing around on the PS3 and everything was fine (not counting issue 2 described above). We finished, shut the PS3/TV off normally and went to get some coffee. Twenty minutes later we came back and turned on the PS3/TV, except the TV said it wasn't getting a signal. So, everything was fine->we leave->we come back 20 minutes later->all 3 HDMI ports stopped working. The composite ports work fine as do the component ports. We had 2 different PS3s with 3 different HDMI cables to test out, and none of them worked on this TV, but they both worked on a friend's Sharp directly after. Totally ridiculous.

I'll update if I decide to give this model one last try and get yet another replacement, but right now, I'm looking into other brands.