Sony KDL40W4100, anyone brought it? Need Advice.

hawaii1628 · 07-03-2008, 05:16 PM

Looking into buying this Sony KDL40W4100 with the 120Hz function. Bestbuy customers review indicated the 120Hz and the 24 frame may have a problem. Anyone brought is set? Or anyone heard about any issue with this TV? Please advise. Thanks

hawaii1628 · 07-03-2008, 10:33 PM

Hi, it is me again, I can't seem to find a lot of customer review on-line, anyone have experience with Sony 120Hz. The 8 ms response time on this W model get my attention. Is it too slow? Other sets are 5ms like Samsung, need advise please. Thanks.

Joe_news · 07-03-2008, 11:56 PM

5 ms - Sony's Z series will offer this, if you plan on gaming on the screen a better response time becomes quite important.

120Hz - Its a features that all LCD TVs that have let you turn on and off. So for action movies or sports I'd put it on, but otherwise I'd leave it off.

A nice feature of this years Samsung's is they have a high and low 120Hz processing modes. The low works very nicely, the high gives that strange look to motion last years models had. Samsung also has noticeably clearer screens then any other CE's LCD this year; however, Samsung's screens this year also have glossy coatings, Sony's don't. Which give worse refection then a plasma.

At the end of the day a plasma is going to outperform both companies LCDs. There are no response times for a plasma, a deeper black level, richer looking colors [the difference in skin tones is glaring] and since image retention has been solved and they now outlast LCDs [60,000 vs 100,000] you should really take a look at what Panasonic and Samsung offer in the plasma market.

hawaii1628 · 07-04-2008, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe_news

5 ms - Sony's Z series will offer this, if you plan on gaming on the screen a better response time becomes quite important.

120Hz - Its a features that all LCD TVs that have let you turn on and off. So for action movies or sports I'd put it on, but otherwise I'd leave it off.

A nice feature of this years Samsung's is they have a high and low 120Hz processing modes. The low works very nicely, the high gives that strange look to motion last years models had. Samsung also has noticeably clearer screens then any other CE's LCD this year; however, Samsung's screens this year also have glossy coatings, Sony's don't. Which give worse refection then a plasma.

At the end of the day a plasma is going to outperform both companies LCDs. There are no response times for a plasma, a deeper black level, richer looking colors [the difference in skin tones is glaring] and since image retention has been solved and they now outlast LCDs [60,000 vs 100,000] you should really take a look at what Panasonic and Samsung offer in the plasma market.

Hi, Joe news, thanks for the input
Is 8 ms too slow if I play games or even for general watching. I am planning to get a PS3 if I buy the LCD.
Also, if 120 hz has those "tail" or "ghosting" effect, then what good does it really do?
I will be mostly watching cable HD TV and upscaling DVD, blue ray is just a side show for me, renting blueray is OK, but buying the disk is still a bit pricey for me.
My wife does not like the Samsung Toc because of the red frame on the outside, so, I am think about Sony, I don't have other brand in mind at this time.

Joe_news · 07-04-2008, 05:10 PM

Well for fast motion content you'll notice if you have good eyes the delay. I mean I can tell and I have blurry vision from a distance. Still I can't say how badly that will effect you or not. In the low 120Hz mode on a Samsung it does make motion look less jittery. So it has some good in low settings. Ghosting/trailing does not happen given modern LCD response times. However 120Hz does give motion a unnaturally smooth look, its harder to describe but very apparent if you can find a Sony XBR5 to view next to a regular screen...

Since Samsung is out of the picture [no pun] and Sony's LCDs this year are not all that fantastic looking [its like last years models repackaged to be honest] I'm suggesting you get a plasma screen like I did myself recently. I mostly game on mine, although I certainly do enjoy BluRay/TV when I can, and with reformulated plasma phosphor, pixel design and pixel orbiting; static logos can never harm modern plasma screens made in the last 2-3 years. It's now harder to cause burn-in then it is on a regular tube TV. In essence, the technology is almost perfected* and a perfect for match given your described needs.

I should I know, I see TVs for a living and look at them everyday. Trust me when I say at night nothing will look better.

*-"Perfection" will come when a plasma screen can create 100% pure black when needed and not a shade above.

hawaii1628 · 07-08-2008, 06:36 PM

Well, last week, the price at best buy drop from the usual $1899 to $1709 plus using the reward zone card, it went down to $1500 +/-. I cannot resist the price cut and brought it.
Here is my 2 cents to share.
I was a bit disappointed not because of the TV, but how bad the picture quality when you watch SD TV. It is burry, grainly, way more worse than my 20 years old tube TV. I guess all of the LCD, Plasma owners had somewhat experence that. Two days after I got the TV, I sign up thro' local cable company for HD TV package, get about 30+ HD channels. The HD image look great, but not all HD channels are the same, some is better than others. Also, out of the several hundreds of channels that the cable company offer, only about 30+ are HD, the rest are SD, it kind of make me think, why spend all this money upgrade but beneifit not a great deal. To bad my old tube TV is acting up. I kind of need to change TV now. I have not try blueray yet. Hope that will give me a very good experience. I just brought an up scaling DVD player, havn't try it yet, waiting for my cables to come in. Thanks for the other viewers that refer me to momoprice.com, the offer very good price.

zoemorn · 08-08-2008, 01:11 PM

Joe_News - though off-topic, you mentioned getting a plasma tv but neglected to mentioned what you chose... dont leave us hangin'!

Loves2Watch · 08-08-2008, 04:42 PM

I would choose either the Panasonic or a Pioneer plasma if you can afford it. Samsung's still have issues with image retention. I vote for Panasonic, I have 2 of them and they are spectacular (no issues with image retention or burn in and I have abused them). I don't believe there is anything better on the market today (sans Pioneer).

PFC5 · 08-08-2008, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoemorn

Joe_News - though off-topic, you mentioned getting a plasma tv but neglected to mentioned what you chose... dont leave us hangin'!

It is listed in his signature. He has a Pioneer 5080.

Hrundi · 02-16-2009, 07:30 AM

I originally purchased a 40" Samsung but returned it do to Samsung's poor SD stretch of 4:3 content. I picked up the Sony KDL404100 after a recent price drop. Here are my thoughts: Keep in mind, I don't have HD channels, nor to I anticipate getting them. I purchased the tv as a spare bedroom television, for movies and PS3, mostly.

SD picture quality is average, no better or worse than Samsung. Sony has a nice 4:3 stretch if you like to view standard channels using full screen.

Blue Ray looks absolutely fantistic. I could not be more happy with the picture for a set in this price range. The 120 hz blows away what I thought was an already great picture on the Samsung (60hz).

Standard DVD played through the PS3 also LOOK AWESOME. I was really impressed at how the upconversion of the PS3 looked on the set. Some movies appear as good as Blue Ray (looking forward to watching my collection all over again). This was a great surprise!

PS3 looks fantastic. I've tried Game Mode, as well as custom mode set to 120 hz, and they both look great. I had some concerns with Sonys 8 ms delay specs, but no more. For my eyes, there was no obvious lag time and I couldn't be happier with the picture. I'm only a casual gamer, however.

The set has some minor 'flashlighting' in the upper corners, only visible on absolute black screen. I've seen this on other sets, it's not a great concern to me.

Remote is very basic, and unfortunately not backlit. The Samsung remote was higher quality and backlit. However the Samsung also had to be pointed directly at the tv to work (even though the set is 7 feet from where I sit).

All in all, the $300 extra I paid for the 120 hz in the Sony was well worth it. It really makes the difference for me, from 'great picture' to 'fantastic picture'. For anyone considering spending a bit more for 120, I highly recommend the upgrade.

Very happy with the purchase.

HDTV Reviews · 02-17-2009, 10:34 PM

Sony KDL40W4100 can provide you the best features for a HDTV in this price range. the 120 hz is nice feature, the TV looks awesome when using HDMI inputs.

tvine2000 · 02-18-2009, 06:39 AM

well i have the v4100 which is 60hz and one less other feature then the w4100.
this tv is somewhat hard to calibrate.
and if you use the w4100 settings it just don't come out right.
sddvd sucks,but bd is ok.i went to the avs,no v4100 thread,but there is a w4100 thread with calibrations.one guy even gave isf calibrations done on his w4100.i tried it and i'm glad i didn't spend the money.so far i can't get get good flesh tones.i know sometimes its the source[bd],but i find this tv pushes red and green.having done some painting the color flesh is not red and is not pink.theirs yellow present too.i have tried calibration disks with the same result ...pink faces
anybody out there with a v4100,how about a getting a thread started.

jeffs386 · 02-18-2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe_news

5 ms - Sony's Z series will offer this, if you plan on gaming on the screen a better response time becomes quite important.

120Hz - Its a features that all LCD TVs that have let you turn on and off. So for action movies or sports I'd put it on, but otherwise I'd leave it off.

A nice feature of this years Samsung's is they have a high and low 120Hz processing modes. The low works very nicely, the high gives that strange look to motion last years models had. Samsung also has noticeably clearer screens then any other CE's LCD this year; however, Samsung's screens this year also have glossy coatings, Sony's don't. Which give worse refection then a plasma.

At the end of the day a plasma is going to outperform both companies LCDs. There are no response times for a plasma, a deeper black level, richer looking colors [the difference in skin tones is glaring] and since image retention has been solved and they now outlast LCDs [60,000 vs 100,000] you should really take a look at what Panasonic and Samsung offer in the plasma market.

I'm no expert but I do know that you cannot turn off 120 hz its built into the engine
however you can chose game mode for the tv and it does disable most of the video processing thus a better response time

07-03-2008, 05:16 PM	#1
hawaii1628 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 14	Sony KDL40W4100, anyone brought it? Need Advice. Looking into buying this Sony KDL40W4100 with the 120Hz function. Bestbuy customers review indicated the 120Hz and the 24 frame may have a problem. Anyone brought is set? Or anyone heard about any issue with this TV? Please advise. Thanks

07-03-2008, 11:56 PM	#3
Joe_news Sega does what Nintendont Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: U.S. of A. Posts: 956	5 ms - Sony's Z series will offer this, if you plan on gaming on the screen a better response time becomes quite important. 120Hz - Its a features that all LCD TVs that have let you turn on and off. So for action movies or sports I'd put it on, but otherwise I'd leave it off. A nice feature of this years Samsung's is they have a high and low 120Hz processing modes. The low works very nicely, the high gives that strange look to motion last years models had. Samsung also has noticeably clearer screens then any other CE's LCD this year; however, Samsung's screens this year also have glossy coatings, Sony's don't. Which give worse refection then a plasma. At the end of the day a plasma is going to outperform both companies LCDs. There are no response times for a plasma, a deeper black level, richer looking colors [the difference in skin tones is glaring] and since image retention has been solved and they now outlast LCDs [60,000 vs 100,000] you should really take a look at what Panasonic and Samsung offer in the plasma market. __________________ Home Theater Pro 1 ---------------------- Pioneer 5080 Logitech Z-680 Samsung BDP-1600 Panamax M4300 Fios HD Receiver Harmony 880 PS3, Wii, Dreamcast, 3DO

07-04-2008, 05:10 PM	#5
Joe_news Sega does what Nintendont Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: U.S. of A. Posts: 956	Plasma is the way to go... Well for fast motion content you'll notice if you have good eyes the delay. I mean I can tell and I have blurry vision from a distance. Still I can't say how badly that will effect you or not. In the low 120Hz mode on a Samsung it does make motion look less jittery. So it has some good in low settings. Ghosting/trailing does not happen given modern LCD response times. However 120Hz does give motion a unnaturally smooth look, its harder to describe but very apparent if you can find a Sony XBR5 to view next to a regular screen... Since Samsung is out of the picture [no pun] and Sony's LCDs this year are not all that fantastic looking [its like last years models repackaged to be honest] I'm suggesting you get a plasma screen like I did myself recently. I mostly game on mine, although I certainly do enjoy BluRay/TV when I can, and with reformulated plasma phosphor, pixel design and pixel orbiting; static logos can never harm modern plasma screens made in the last 2-3 years. It's now harder to cause burn-in then it is on a regular tube TV. In essence, the technology is almost perfected* and a perfect for match given your described needs. I should I know, I see TVs for a living and look at them everyday. Trust me when I say at night nothing will look better. *-"Perfection" will come when a plasma screen can create 100% pure black when needed and not a shade above. __________________ Home Theater Pro 1 ---------------------- Pioneer 5080 Logitech Z-680 Samsung BDP-1600 Panamax M4300 Fios HD Receiver Harmony 880 PS3, Wii, Dreamcast, 3DO

07-08-2008, 06:36 PM	#6
hawaii1628 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 14	I finally brought the Sony KDL40W4100 Well, last week, the price at best buy drop from the usual $1899 to $1709 plus using the reward zone card, it went down to $1500 +/-. I cannot resist the price cut and brought it. Here is my 2 cents to share. I was a bit disappointed not because of the TV, but how bad the picture quality when you watch SD TV. It is burry, grainly, way more worse than my 20 years old tube TV. I guess all of the LCD, Plasma owners had somewhat experence that. Two days after I got the TV, I sign up thro' local cable company for HD TV package, get about 30+ HD channels. The HD image look great, but not all HD channels are the same, some is better than others. Also, out of the several hundreds of channels that the cable company offer, only about 30+ are HD, the rest are SD, it kind of make me think, why spend all this money upgrade but beneifit not a great deal. To bad my old tube TV is acting up. I kind of need to change TV now. I have not try blueray yet. Hope that will give me a very good experience. I just brought an up scaling DVD player, havn't try it yet, waiting for my cables to come in. Thanks for the other viewers that refer me to momoprice.com, the offer very good price.

08-08-2008, 04:42 PM	#8
Loves2Watch Former Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: In Flux Posts: 20,284	I would choose either the Panasonic or a Pioneer plasma if you can afford it. Samsung's still have issues with image retention. I vote for Panasonic, I have 2 of them and they are spectacular (no issues with image retention or burn in and I have abused them). I don't believe there is anything better on the market today (sans Pioneer). __________________ It's always time for pie Live everyday as if it was your last and plan on living forever...

07-03-2008, 10:33 PM	#2
hawaii1628 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 14	Hi, it is me again, I can't seem to find a lot of customer review on-line, anyone have experience with Sony 120Hz. The 8 ms response time on this W model get my attention. Is it too slow? Other sets are 5ms like Samsung, need advise please. Thanks.

08-08-2008, 01:11 PM	#7
zoemorn What is HD? Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1	Joe_News - though off-topic, you mentioned getting a plasma tv but neglected to mentioned what you chose... dont leave us hangin'!

02-16-2009, 07:30 AM	#10
Hrundi my lcd is high def Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 10	Just bought the Sony KDL40W4100 I originally purchased a 40" Samsung but returned it do to Samsung's poor SD stretch of 4:3 content. I picked up the Sony KDL404100 after a recent price drop. Here are my thoughts: Keep in mind, I don't have HD channels, nor to I anticipate getting them. I purchased the tv as a spare bedroom television, for movies and PS3, mostly. SD picture quality is average, no better or worse than Samsung. Sony has a nice 4:3 stretch if you like to view standard channels using full screen. Blue Ray looks absolutely fantistic. I could not be more happy with the picture for a set in this price range. The 120 hz blows away what I thought was an already great picture on the Samsung (60hz). Standard DVD played through the PS3 also LOOK AWESOME. I was really impressed at how the upconversion of the PS3 looked on the set. Some movies appear as good as Blue Ray (looking forward to watching my collection all over again). This was a great surprise! PS3 looks fantastic. I've tried Game Mode, as well as custom mode set to 120 hz, and they both look great. I had some concerns with Sonys 8 ms delay specs, but no more. For my eyes, there was no obvious lag time and I couldn't be happier with the picture. I'm only a casual gamer, however. The set has some minor 'flashlighting' in the upper corners, only visible on absolute black screen. I've seen this on other sets, it's not a great concern to me. Remote is very basic, and unfortunately not backlit. The Samsung remote was higher quality and backlit. However the Samsung also had to be pointed directly at the tv to work (even though the set is 7 feet from where I sit). All in all, the $300 extra I paid for the 120 hz in the Sony was well worth it. It really makes the difference for me, from 'great picture' to 'fantastic picture'. For anyone considering spending a bit more for 120, I highly recommend the upgrade. Very happy with the purchase.

02-17-2009, 10:34 PM	#11
HDTV Reviews HDTV Reviews Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 70	Sony KDL40W4100 can provide you the best features for a HDTV in this price range. the 120 hz is nice feature, the TV looks awesome when using HDMI inputs. __________________ HDTV Reviews and Ratings

02-18-2009, 06:39 AM	#12
tvine2000 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: vermont Age: 63 Posts: 1,207	well i have the v4100 which is 60hz and one less other feature then the w4100. this tv is somewhat hard to calibrate. and if you use the w4100 settings it just don't come out right. sddvd sucks,but bd is ok.i went to the avs,no v4100 thread,but there is a w4100 thread with calibrations.one guy even gave isf calibrations done on his w4100.i tried it and i'm glad i didn't spend the money.so far i can't get get good flesh tones.i know sometimes its the source[bd],but i find this tv pushes red and green.having done some painting the color flesh is not red and is not pink.theirs yellow present too.i have tried calibration disks with the same result ...pink faces anybody out there with a v4100,how about a getting a thread started.

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