Product Description

For consumers who want an HDTV that keeps pace with fast-action movies, sports, and game play, Sony BRAVIA V-Series Flat Panel HDTVs combine Full HD 1080p performance and Motionflow 120Hz technology for an amazing viewing experience. Motionflow 120Hz takes both high-definition and standard programming a step further by increasing sharpness and detail in fast-moving images for more fluid, natural motion. In addition, BRAVIA V-Series HDTVs use proprietary Image Blur Reduction technology to further enhance the picture for even better performance. The HDTVs also feature BRAVIA Engine 2 technology, which uses exclusive Sony algorithms to reduce visual noise and sharpen and enhance an already-striking dynamic contrast ratio. Additionally, they include seven versatile HD connections to ensure you get impressive image quality from all your HD components. Take advantage of four HDMI inputs, component and composite inputs, and a PC input, as well as a USB input that lets you play audio files from USB storage devices, or connect a compatible camera to your HDTV for a quick and easy slide show. Sony knows your home theater set-up doesn't stop with your HDTV, which is why the BRAVIA V-Series HDTVs are compatible with BRAVIA Link Modules -- including the BRAVIA Wireless Link, BRAVIA DVD Link, and BRAVIA Input Link Modules (all sold separately). The HDTVs also support BRAVIA SyncTM technology so you can control all of your compatible devices with a single remote. And all BRAVIA HDTVs exceed ENERGY STAR 3.0 requirements for in-use and stand-by power consumption, meaning you don't need a lot of power to get a lot of performance.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2201 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Black
• Brand: Sony
• Model: KDL-40V5100
• Dimensions: 25.12" h x 3.75" w x 38.87" l, 37.30 pounds
• Native resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Display size: 40

Features

• 40-inch 16:9 Full HD 1080p Resolution Panel provides optimum resolution from any HDTV source that delivers 1080p content
• Dynamic contrast works in real time to produce deep blacks in darker scenes, as well as fine details in shadows and other dark areas
• Engineered for fast-action sports, movies and games, Motionflow 120Hz technology further reduces blurriness
• Seven HD inputs, including four HDMI inputs (up to 1080/60p capable), HD component and combo inputs (1080/60i capable), and a PC input
• 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)
With Full HD 1080p resolution and Motionflow 120Hz technology, Sony BRAVIA V-Series HDTVs are engineered for fast-action movies, sports, and game play. Enjoy sharp, crystal clear images with the BRAVIA Engine 2 fully digital video processor on the KDL-40V5100's 40-inch screen.

Engineered for fast-action movies, sports, and game play. Click to enlarge.

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.

Includes RM-YD028 remote.

Compatible with BRAVIA link modules like the Internet Video Link above.

Motionflow with IB Reduction creates new frames after reducing the image blur, allowing a much sharper image to be displayed. Click to enlarge.

Dynamic contrast
Dynamic contrast involves real-time image processing that results in 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.

Motionflow 120Hz technology
Motionflow 120HZ technology doubles the frame rate to help remove judder in film sources, HD content, and broadcast movies and primetime programming, creating smoother, more fluid motion that delivers a natural and realistic viewing experience.

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.

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 and get uncompressed digital video and multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. An HD component input and an HD combo input (1080/60i capable) provide added HD-capable connectivity, and a PC input (HD-15 pin) offers the added versatility of using your HDTV as a computer monitor.

USB with photos and music
Connect your camera, USB-enabled MP3 player, or USB storage device directly to your HDTV's USB input to view photos on the big screen or listen to your favorite MP3s.

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 an HDMI connecting.

Advanced Contrast Enhancer w/ dynamic backlight control
This powerful combination of features adjusts the brightness of the backlight both to optimize image quality and reduce power consumption. It works in real time, controlling bright outdoor images and dark interior shots scene by scene for better video quality and a reduction in power use.

ENERGY STAR 3.0 certified
Sony V-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. 24p True Cinema mode 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.

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 V-Series KDL-40V5100 40-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV, Remote Control RM-YD028, Batteries (Type AA x2), AC Power Cord (attached), Screws (4) for pedestal, Operating Instructions, Quick Setup Guide, Warranty Card, Table Top Stand (separate, pre-assembled).

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Customer Reviews

Excellent TV, Auto contrast can now be turned off!
First things first, THEY FIXED THE AUTO-CONTRAST! I have nothing but good things to say about this TV. Do not be fooled by the 1 star ratings. All those 1 star ratings complain about the auto contrast/brightness feature which could not be turned off, but SONY FIXED IT ALREADY in the newer units or a software update via sony.com will add the controls to turn the function off.

With that biggest gripe fixed, this TV has outstanding visual clarity and the color saturation is beautiful. Black levels are excellent on this non glossy screen. You can't go wrong with a Sony and the software update shows they are listening to their customer base. No dead/stuck pixel, great viewing angles, 120hz refresh is great for sports, but in my opinion, not for movies. Excellent TV, I would buy another one of these without hesitation, superior when compared to the other brands that offer the same features. The Bravia V series lives up to the Sony name and quality standards you would expect. Deserves all 5 of the stars it's rated.

Excellent TV
Update May 3, 2009:

My original review of the TV was negative due to a problem of dimming during dark scenes. But few days ago Sony released a software patch to correct the problem and it worked for me. Now, the auto dimming can be turned off by setting the "Adv. Contrast Enhancer" to Off. Also, even when it's turned On, it doesn't behave like it did pre- patch, it now dims gradually rather than abruptly and it doesn't dim as much as it did before. Thank you very much Sony, I'm updating my rating to 5-star.

I'm very happy with the TV now that the auto dim is fixed. If you own the TV and having problems with the dimming, go to the support section of Sony's site to download the patch and the instructions on how to apply it. You will need a USB thumb drive formatted in FAT32, but if you don't have it, Sony will mail you one if you call their customer support.

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Original review:
Date: April 8, 2009
Rating: 2 stars

When I purchased this TV few days ago, there were no reviews here since it's just been recently released into the market. I, however, looked at the reviews of the previous model (KDL-40V4100) and didn't find any serious complaints so I went ahead and purchased this TV. I regret my purchase and will explain why.

This is my third LCD TV -- the others are early generations LCDs from Sharp and Sony and they are still working great, but they are no match for the picture quality of this new Sony. There are a lot of good things about this TV and I would have given it 5 stars if not for one serious flaw.

The TV dims during dark scenes. And sadly it doesn't do it gradually, it happens abruptly 6 seconds after the start of a dark scene and it returns to normal lighting abruptly about 0.35 seconds after end of a dark scene. It seems to happen regardless of the source of input (I tested it with composite, and HDMI) and it happens on broadcast channels and cable and regardless of the "picture mode" and other video settings. There is no way to disable it. If you're watching a movie with lots of dark scenes, it's going to be a very annoying experience.

Take this example, while watching a documentary on first gulf war, there was a lot of night vision camera scenes and the TV keeps dimming during the lengthy dark scenes and when it does that, you can barely make out any details even with Gamma set at max. The dimmer kicking in and out is annoying by itself, much less the picture quality when it dims.

I contacted Sony support and they seemed clueless and recommended I initiate a repair request. I did an internet search only to discover many Bravia models suffer this problem. I initially thought I had a defective unit, but now I think it was intentionally designed like this.

Very disappointed in Sony
We bought the V5100 2 weeks ago. After getting it home we were a little disappointed with the picture as we didn't have HD yet, so we got the HD dish installed. Picture on HD was perfect, other channels good but not great. When watching DVD's we noticed the dimming issue, dark scenes getting darker and darker. After reading a few review sites I discovered there was a fix from Sony so I called the customer support and asked to be sent the software update. That took about a week, and the USB would not download, it went to a blue screen. So I called tech support and got a guy that was really clueless to the problem. He had me call a not so local authorized dealer which wouldn't come out, we would have to take the TV there, 40 miles away, drop it off then have to go back another day to pick up!! So, I decided to try to download the fix myself from the Sony website. After a few failures I discovered you had to format the disk to FAT32, so I did and it worked. But it hasn't fixed the dimming problem, it's still there just not quite as bad. The store we bought the TV from tried to work with us saying it might be that our DVD player is not the newest or best, but I'm not sure that's an issue. We have decided to take the Sony back and get a Samsung or Mitsubishi. It's disappointing that Sony would sell TV's knowing there is a problem, and then not tell their retailers that there is a known problem. Or at least the store is claiming they didn't know. They are willing to replace or exchange it. I'd be afraid of the same problem with another Sony. Very frustrating.

Update: Went and compared the 5100 to the Samsung and did not like the Samsung as much. So asked the store to send technician to adjust, haven't heard from them. In the meantime after much research on different websites I discovered after you do the software update you have to set the Advanced Contrast Enhancer to Low or Off, I set at low. And, I set the picture setting to Standard, not Vivid, altho Vivid was brighter but maybe not better. Now it seems perfect, no shadows or shading in the dark scenes. So for now we are happy campers, hope it stays that way!