Product Description

Enjoy the latest in HDTV performance with the Sony BRAVIA Z-Series, featuring Motionflow 240Hz technology for maximum motion detail and clarity, plus broadband internet connectivity with built-in BRAVIA Internet Video capabilities, that let you view select on-demand movies and TV shows and listen to music and more, and even lets you personalize your entertainment experience by selecting and positioning widgets containing the latest news, weather, sports and more directly on your TV screen.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7434 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Black
• Brand: Sony
• Model: KDL-52Z5100
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 30.87" h x 3.37" w x 49.00" l, 57.50 pounds
• Display size: 52

Features

• 16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution Panel (1920x1080)
• BRAVIA Engine 3 fully digital video processor
• Motionflow 240Hz
• BRAVIA Internet Video/Widgets
• XMB w/ enhanced 3D Favorites Menu

From the Manufacturer
From the Manufacturer Manufacturer's Review (April 20, 2009)
Featuring narrow bezels and thin cabinet depths, BRAVIA Z Series HDTVs deliver an impressive list of features wrapped up into a thin and stylish design, including Full HD 1080p and Motionflow 240Hz refresh rate technology for maximum motion detail and clarity. The KDL-52Z5100 also has internet connectivity with built-in BRAVIA internet video capabilities that let you view select on-demand movies and TV shows, listen to music and more. You can even personalize your entertainment experience by selecting and positioning widgets containing the latest news, weather, sports and more directly on your TV screen. In addition to 7 HD inputs, the BRAVIA Z has a 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio which yields deep blacks in darker scenes.

An impressive list of features wrapped up into a thin and stylish design. Click to enlarge.

16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution Panel (1920x1080)
16:9 Full HD 1080p resolution panel (1920x1080) accepts any high definition video 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.

Motionflow 240Hz technology
Motionflow 240Hz technology is Sony's highest level of motion detail and clarity so you enjoy unprecedented motion detail in sports, movies and games. Motionflow 240Hz technology quadruples the frame rate, resulting in a crisp fluid motion and a natural, realistic viewing experience.

BRAVIA Internet Video
With BRAVIA Internet Video you can enjoy one of the largest collections of premium and free on-demand entertainment directly to your HDTV. Use your in-home broadband connection and the BRAVIA HDTV remote control to access online video, music, and more content from over 20 providers including Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube, Sports Illustrated, Sony Pictures, Sony Music, Slacker, and Epicurious.com.

BRAVIA widgets
Personalize your viewing experience by selecting, positioning, and resizing widgets on your BRAVIA HDTV display. BRAVIA widgets are small icons that can be accessed with the touch of one button providing you with the latest in news, weather, sports, and much more right on your BRAVIA Z-Series HDTV.

Four HDMI inputs offer uncompressed digital video and multi-channel digital audio on a single cable.

Motionflow 240Hz technology reduces blur level by creating three new frames based on original frames. Click to enlarge.

Includes RM-YD029 remote. Click to enlarge.

BRAVIA Engine 3 fully digital video processor
BRAVIA Engine 3 is the newest fully digital video processor from Sony. It uses a collection of enhanced algorithms to significantly reduce noise, enhance overall image detail, and optimize contrast so every scene produces sharp, vibrant, life-like images.

USB with photos, music, and video
Connect your camera, USB-enabled MP3 player, or USB storage device directly to the HDTV's USB input to view photos on the big screen or listen to your favorite MP3s. BRAVIA Z-Series HDTVs also include mpeg2 video file support, so you can go straight from shooting video to screening it via USB.

DLNA with photos, music, and video
Compliance with DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) allows BRAVIA Z-Series HDTVs to access digital photos, music, and video from DLNA-enabled PCs and other devices, so you can enjoy your memories with family and friends in the comfort of your living room instead of crowding around a PC.

Networked TV Guide Interactive Program Guide
Sony has integrated the TV Guide Interactive Program Guide into the exclusive Xross Media Bar (XMB) user interface to deliver regularly updated program listings via your existing Internet connection--with no subscription fees or phone connection required.

HD input x 7
Get versatile HD connection options with seven HD inputs. Four HDMI inputs (up to 1080/60p capable) let you connect a Sony PlayStation 3 entertainment system, Blu-ray Disc player, or any other HDMI-capable equipment (all sold separately) and get uncompressed digital video and multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. An HD combo input, which includes HD component and composite inputs, (1080/60p capable) provide added HD-capable connectivity, and a PC input3 (HD-15 pin) offers the added versatility of using your HDTV as a computer monitor.

Xross Media Bar menu navigation
The award-winning Sony Xross Media Bar user interface allows you easily navigate through your favorite photos, music, channels, and connected devices.

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

Scene Select
Scene Select makes choosing the appropriate settings for the best HDTV experience easier than ever. Scene Select packages different picture and audio settings based on the type of content you want to view. For example, the "Sports" package configures the perfect picture and audio settings to make you feel like your right in the stadium. Other packages include "Cinema," "Photo," "Game," and "Music."

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 HDMI CEC-enabled Sony Handycam camcorders and Cybershot digital still cameras using the HDTV's remote and an on-screen display.

ATSC/NTSC tuner with QAM
A built-in ATSC/NTSC tuner with QAM delivers over-the-air digital TV and unencrypted HDTV broadcast signals, as well as traditional analog TV broadcasts.

Exceeds Energy Star 3.0 requirements
Sony Z-series HDTVs exceed Energy Star 3.0 requirements by over 15% on Home Mode. In addition, they incorporate 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.

What's in the Box
KDL-52Z5100 52-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV, Remote Control RM-YD029, Batteries (Type AA x2), AC Power Cord (separate), Screws (4) for Stand, Operating Instructions, Quick Setup Guide, Warranty Card, Table Top Stand (separate, assembly required)

Which Size HDTV is Right for My Room?

With standard-definition TVs, the rule used to be that viewers would feel comfortable watching a set from a distance of 3 to 6 times the screen size in inches. With HDTV, the resolution is so much better that you can sit closer to a larger TV without noticing the pixels. So with HDTVs, the rule tends to be you can sit anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times the screen size (in inches) for the best experience. If you know the size of the room you have already, where you want to sit, and where your new HDTV should go once you get it, you can figure out the size HDTV you should get. Minimum size = Viewing distance/3 Maximum size=Viewing distance/1.5

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Rent or Buy more than 40,000 Titles from Amazon Video On Demand

With Amazon Video On Demand, Sony customers can now instantly watch more than 40,000 commercial-free movies and television shows, including hit new releases and the latest episodes available in HD.

	Using an intuitive interface, customers can order movies right from their couch and enjoy instant playback without waiting for lengthy downloads or annoying commercials. Prices start as low as $.99 and no subscription fee is required.
	Find Choose from thousands of movies and TV shows by browsing the Amazon Video On Demand store on your Sony TV. Access and add to your virtual collection of purchases via Amazon Video On Demand’s Your Video Library and re-watch anytime on your Sony TV, your PC or Mac and other compatible devices.
	Rent or Buy Renting and purchasing titles is a snap with the power of Amazon’s 1-click purchasing. Order new release movies and the latest TV shows right from your couch and you’re watching within seconds. Prices start as low as $.99.
	Watch Enjoy Amazon Video On Demand’s high quality video right from your Sony TV. Videos playback instantly, without waiting for a download. Purchases and rentals are added to Your Video Library and stored online by Amazon so you can conveniently watch them again on your Sony TV, PC or Mac, and other compatible devices.

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Customer Reviews

Great HD Picture w/o Glossy Screen Reflections
Love the HD picture quality (PQ) of the Samsung 52B750, but don't watch TV in cave and don't want to deal with all those reflections off a glossy screen? Well, the Sony 52Z5100 is the answer. HD PQ with the Z5100 is excellent with great black levels, but without the "shaving mirror" reflectivity of the screen during dark or black scenes. We were looking at the 52B750, based on reviews and seeing it at UE, but after testing our viewing room at various times of day with a glass picture frame and our "bright screen" LCD notebook, it was obvious that the reflections would drive us crazy over the life of the TV. We have two older HDTVs, both with matte screen and we don't miss the reflective glass screens of the old CRT TVs. The 52Z5100's screen is best described as semi-matte. Un-powered, the screen is reflective though dull. Power it up and there are essentially zero reflections, even with very dark scenes. What ever Sony has done to defeat reflectivity and minimize glare, it works very well.

As to performance, PQ with HD sources (OTA DTV and Dish HD) is as good as it gets, absolutely excellent and easily equal to the Samsung B750 (we viewed the Z5100 side-by-side with the B750 and the XBR9 at UE and couldn't discern any difference in HD PQ). Blacks are excellent and shadow detail is the best I've seen on a TV. No flashlights, clouding, or uneven lighting across the screen. Color realism and saturation are excellent. Viewing angle is average or typical of CCFL LCDs, which is about 45 degrees off center. Not bad and much better than the LED LCDs, which could be important if you plan to show off your new HDTV with a Super Bowl party next February (not everyone can sit right in front of the TV to see great PQ, like they have to with the LED LCDs).

We're just thrilled watching Starz and Cinemax HD movies, prime-time HD drama on the major networks, any live HD broadcasts, and especially any live HD sporting even broadcasts. The WOW factor is back! Can't wait for the NFL season to start. We watched the men's and women's French Open finals via live, OTA, HD DTV, with the Scene setting set to "Sports (MotionFlow on High, 240 Hz) and it was like we were standing behind Roger Federer on the court. BTW, the on-board ATSC digital tuner in the Z5100 is excellent. It is obviously of the latest generation as it is the most sensitive and most stable of any of our DTV tuners, including the Zenith CECBs we bought for our old, remaining CRT TVs. If you buy the 52Z5100, try hooking up an antenna to it and see what you can get. The uncompressed live HD from an OTA antenna is something to behold.

PQ from non-BD DVDs is excellent. Upscaled DVD movies on my Sony 1080p upscaling DVD player look as good as many of the HD movies on the pay HD movie channels. I don't have a BD player yet and with the PQ of my upscaled DVDs, I probably won't get one until the price drops substantially.

PQ from SD sources is a mixed bag. It really depends on the source. Decent 480i stuff comes across excellent, but some older video and movies look pretty bad and the MPEG Filter and CineMotion filter don't do much to help regardless of which setting you use. I'd give this set Average to a little above average on SD PQ. Using the MPEG filter set to Medium or Low improves bad SD video over no filter at all.

I'd rate the on-board sound system as above average for flat panel HDTV sound systems, even though I typically us the sound from my DD7.1 sound system. I don't do games, so I can't comment on that.

As for the internet connectivity, I'm not impressed. I've surfed through most of what is offered and it isn't worth much. A nice universal remote comes with the set. On-screen menu is poorly arranged (not intuitive, not logical, redundant in places).

Overall, I can't see anyone being disappointed if they buy this LCD HDTV and your friends will be impressed as well.

Great LCD Television
This display was sent to me by Sony to replace my KDS-R60XBR2. I had to have the optical block replaced three times. The bonus was that I got to keep it as well. The set arrived this past Friday and when I un-boxed it, I was immediately taken by its no-nonsense sexy look. I consider flat panel TVs to be a work of art, even when they are not running.

I placed a Blu Ray copy of Digital Video Essentials in my PS3 and an HD DVD copy in my HD-XA2. I calibrated the TV, which was a breeze since there are so many HD inputs and they can be set completely independent of the other. Also, surprisingly, the set was pretty close out of the box. Something out of the ordinary that I noticed, though. Out of all of the Sony TVs that I have owned, the Warm 2 setting seemed to be closer to 6500 K. On this set, I found neutral to be much closer to the desired color setting. Other than putting it in standard mode (another out of the ordinary setting for me, on other Sony's, custom seemed to be the way to go) and changing a few things, it looked fantastic. The black levels, eye popping 3D effect and the razor sharp detail are awe inspiring.

Make sure you turn off settings such as Clear White. As far as Noise Reduction, that's your personal preference, I turn most 'enhancement' circuits off anyway. On this particular set, I noted that Noise Reduction had very little effect on the picture, anyway. Also, turn off the MPEG Noise Reduction. It seems to actually decrease screen resolution but I could be wrong. On a set that can achieve a 100,000 to 1 contrast ratio, it's easy to get carried away with Advanced Contrast Enhancer, so be careful and set it on low or off. The same goes for the Black Enhancer.

I have no complaints about the 1080p performance of this TV. It is top notch. Even over the air HD looks fantastic. I have actually 'cut the cable' and am only getting OTA content, IPTV such as PlayOn and TVersity Pro, Blu-Ray and HD DVD. Of course, SD looks awful but this is no fault of the TV. Garbage in, garbage out, as it where and the larger the set, the worse it's going to look.

I cannot comment on the audio since I have a 5.1 surround system but I have read other reviews that the sound is acceptable. I would assume that most people who spend over $1000.00 on a display have at least a home theater in a box, anyway.

I would have absolutely no problem recommending this television. I see no reason to spend $300.00 more on the XBR9. When I saw them side by side, I did not notice any difference. I'm sure there is some benefit to the Wide Color Gamut backlighting, it's just not perceptible to the naked eye. We have come so far with display technology, that with what would have cost thousands more for the same quality and feature set just a couple of years ago can be had for a very reasonable price now.

BTW, don't let anyone tell you that the Samsung sets are so much better than Sony's. In my opinion, they do so much video processing that the picture doesn't even look natural. Sure, you can crank it up with the 52Z5100 but you certainly don't have to. The glare with the Samsung screens is unbearable, in my opinion.

All in all...I couldn't be more happy having this display in my home. The quality is absolutely jaw dropping. There are no 'clouding' issues and not a 'flashlight' effect was to be found.

One more thing...I really like the Cinemotion and Motionflow technology. I really don't see much of a difference between this set's 240 hz frame rate and TVs that incorporate 120 hz. I'm sure the same thing will be true about LG's new 480 hz displays.

Another thing...I meant to give this TV 5 stars. I can't figure out how to change it!

Awesome TV
I got this model after some serious research on SonyStyle and reading some reviews here on Amazon. It is indeed true that this model is almost EXACTLY the same as the higher-priced XBR9. In fact I was looking at the XBR9 until I found out about this model.

I've had this TV for about 3 weeks and I am happy with my purchase. The quality is awesome, but admittedly I'm not a tech-freak so I don't have gobs of HDTV experience to compare it to.

Also, the built-in speakers are rather dull, but when you invest in this sort of TV you are expected to buy a speaker system to compliment it, so this is really a moot point.

If you want to save $500 while getting an awesome model of a Sony TV, this is the model to get.