Sony Bravia KDL-Z4500 Full HD LCD TV

[Humberto]

Sony Bravia KDL-Z4500 Full HD LCD TV - new image scale thanks to 200 Hz technology

Introduction

Even during the IFA company Sony massive promotion for the new 200 Hz Motion Flow technology in-house BRAVIA LCD TVs - Trucks with large-format advertising rolled through the streets of Berlin. Now the 200 Hz devices actually available in trade, reason enough for us, the 40-inch Full-HD model KDL-40Z4500 for a suggested retail price of EUR 2,199 under the microscope exactly to take. The results read in our test report.

Processing

Illuminated Sony logo, framed with shifting light effects depending on the light


HDMI processed under


Accurate integrated speaker


Remote control

The KDL-Z4500 presents itself clean and accurately processed. The framework is in this series normally broad and offers with its depending on the shifting light effects an interesting optics. The speaker is very clean and stresses integrated color (it is kept in silver) from the frame. Through the use of acrylic optics appears quite noble. The frame itself is accurate with the housing completed, it is hardly detectable, very evenly split extent. The operation illuminated (and on request also interruptible) Sony logo at the bottom of the front frame is a nice detail. The connection box on the back and side is very good fit. None of the individual connections wobbles. That Sony itself on the quality of its products believes, proves the special BRAVIA guarantee over 5 years. Overall processing in relation to the price class: Excellent.

[Humberto]

Connections

Rear connections


Side connections

Rear:
• 2 x HDMI
• 1 x RGB-PC
• 1 x network (RJ-45)
• 2 x Scart
• 1 x component, including 2-channel analog audio input
• 2 x Scart
• 1 x optical digital output
• 1 x 2-channel analog audio output
• 1 x DMPORT
• 1 x Tuner

Side:
• 1 x HDMI
• 1 x USB
• 1 x CVBS
• 1 x 2-channel audio analog audio input
• 1 x 3.5 mm mini-jack (headphone output)

All relevant connection options are available. Even a USB port and a network can be found in the total supply are 3 HDMI connections for the price of a class almost too little. The DMPORT port is a Sony-specific port terminal, for example for use of Sony's own Music-/Media-Player. Overall in relation to the price category: Very good.

Technology and Features

The KDL-40Z4500 is a full-HD LCD TV with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a screen diagonal of 102 cm. Of course, the noble TV in a position to 1.080p/24 Hz signals via HDMI not only contrary to, but also according to process. The 10-bit panel realized a natural color, an excellent contrast and a very good black level. On these factors is the ultramodern BRAVIA Engine 2 involved, the heart of the internal image signal processing. The dynamic contrast ratio is used by Sony with 80.000:1 quantified. The horizontal and vertical angles are 178 degrees. Included are a DVB-T and DVB-C tuner. A conventional analog tuner is also on board. The video has over 1,000 pages of memory. It binds the KDL-40Z4500 into a DLNA network, it can take pictures and music on the television play. Using BRAVIA Sync can an entire Sony AV system with only one remote control. Acoustically brings the KDL-40Z4500 amplifier units with 2 x 10 watts of music power. S-Force Front Surround provides at least for approaches of surround sound. A light sensor regulates the desire to picture brightness depending on ambient light, what external light with low power consumption can be reduced.

The focus at the KDL-40Z4500 is the newly developed 200 Hz technology. It was developed at the Sony Technology Center in Stuttgart. Sony sees the 200 Hz technology as an important step to including any kind of movement the benefits of Full HD resolution to be able to work out. Especially are the advantages of new technology in action scenes or sports broadcasts visible. The 200 Hz Motion Flow technology consists of three major elements. 1st Increasing the refresh rate to reduce motion blur caused by the LCD display is caused. 2nd Reduction of Ruckelns image during the playback of movies and 3 reducing, by the admission procedures in the camera creates. In our test series did the new feature very positively noticeable movement see cleaner and sharper, which image is absolutely stable.

Overall technology and feature in relation to the price class: Excellent.

Operation

Fully illuminated remote control

The operation requires due to the large variety of functions somewhat acclimatization - after a short time, however, it has the features of the Sony made familiar, and the adjustment process is pretty easy from the hand. Let's start with the menu design. KDL-40Z4500 when used with the Sony PS 3 of the first set menu system "Xcross Media Bar". Playstation players will easily find. However, the sub differently, there is the same standard as in a conventional TV. Using the Home button to get to the main menu bar in Xcross Media Design. From there you can into the various sub using the navigation unit on the remote move. The most basic functions can additionally on the "Options" button, which, like the "Home" button in Ringum the Naivgationskreuz located directly above. What is available: Image mode, audio mode, surround, speaker, motion flow, PAP (Split Screen, 2 different signals are displayed side by side, the main signal on a larger screen), Abschalttimer, energy saving device control).

The remote is fully lit and fortunately has buttons with a pleasant pressure point on. Not so, we are convinced of the idea to the actual navigation cross nor a ring with basic controls to group. It slips on and off the cross and navigation equipment on a matter of functional elements arranged. Volume control and program selection button are a bit far down on the remote ordered.

Work very well the HDMI comfort functions at Sony. The management of other HDMI-CEC-enabled devices using the Sony KDL-Z4500 remote control (experimental object: Pioneer's BDP-LX71, proceeded without difficulty.

• The Sony recognizes the Pioneer easily
• With the Sony remote control both components can be switched off
• Use the navigation cross the Sony remote control menu of the disc, the BDP-LX71 is inserted, to be navigated.

Overall handling: Excellent

[Humberto]

Using the USB ports in conjunction with a 4 GB USB stick

The USB stick is connected to the side

If you want to on a USB stick stored image and photo files or wants to listen, you follow these steps:

• On the remote "home" button
• Then in the Media Bar XCross the option "music" or "Photo" dial
• The USB stick will be immediately recognized, now you can select in the picture and sound for the desired file for playback.

The MP3 tracks are without artifacts and with a clear pattern play. Large 2,35 MB-jpegs need, until they are excellent quality - sharp and colorfast, high-contrast - are displayed. It is also possible to start a slideshow. In the case of MP3 playback, the sound options, including virtual surround sound fields are available (after you press the Options button on the remote). If one MP3 song for the musical accompaniment of slide-show hopes it can at while playing an MP3 track turn the Options button on the remote. Then hides itself is already the sound of her familiar menu on the right of the screen. The existing tracks can then function on the "slide show to add" be prepared for later in a slideshow to run in the background. This operation for each title must be carried out separately. Then you can go into the photo directory of the USB stick and move again pushes the button "Options" on the remote. As you see now choose the menu option "Picture Settings", then there is the desired title of "Slideshow Music" insert: Simply the factory music option of "out" on a previously prepared for the slideshow title switch.

Other photo features:
• Photo circumcise
• Map (in addition to the photograph is a map of the location shown in the photo was taken)
• Display options for the cessation of repeated playback or random playback of photos
• Photo Settings: Set the Playback and the effects in a slideshow
• Rotate: To rotate images

More MP3 Function (Linear PCM or MP3 can be played)
• Play: Normal, Random, repeat

Overall USB functions: Excellent.

Analog TV Tuner

Picture of the Sony enthusiastic, a naturalness, noise and color fidelity poverty, we have yet rare for a Full-HD LCD seen. The image sharpness is also excellent, the reception sensitivity is excellent - even the channels that other TVs due to the strong reception not so much noisy and blurred arrive, the KDL-40Z4500 neatly done. Very nice succeed even the reproduction of skin colors.Contrast the successful movement and excellent presentation, due to the 200 Hz Motion Flow technology, round out our impressions from. With "200 Hz Motion Flow" is rising just in sports broadcasts the quality of television significantly. Signed clean and clear movements take place, moving objects remain regarding the sharp contours that no fraying effects. Overall analog TV tuners in relation to the price class: Excellent.

Digital cable TV tuner

Even the digital cable TV tuner delivers a quiet, stable and clear picture. Only slight pixel pattern is one of the most low data rates for DVB-T channels noted. That the KDL-40Z4500 a low noise aufweist panel, in this mode is good to see again. Even if it is also in the DVB-T operation is clearly visible that the Sony an SD signal and that the full-HD resolution highly challenging: The image appears sharp and detailed training is very good. Overall digital DVB-T tuner in relation to the price class: Excellent.

Conclusion

The verdict is like: The Sony KDL-40Z4500 is our first LCD "Masterpiece"

It has long, but now it is so far: The Sony KDL-40Z4500 will be our first "Masterpiece" in the category of LCD screens. The reasons for this: The picture is the best balance sheet, which we so far in an LCD TV have seen. There are a lot of full-HD LCDs, which are very sculptural image offer - so direct and palpable as when Sony, however, could display previously in any other LCD TV can be realized. The excellent black level and the thanks of the 200 Hz Motion Flow technology almost perfect motion picture are other factors that determine the position of the exception KDL-40Z4500 manifest. Sony also offers at each signal an excellent picture. Thanks to the superior scaling and receiving strong analog and digital TV tuner makes even television units on the Sony properly joy - even here he delivers the best performance so far seen. The effective and meaningful video-equipped EQ fits exactly with the other impressions. Sony should only have two or three locations for user settings. The operation requires some acclimatization, after a short time but it is quite simply out of hand. Extensive additional functions (CEC HDMI, USB music and photo playback are practical and stable integrated operation. The integrated speaker delivers also a flawless sound. The processing of the Sony is high and solid. Overall, it is difficult, at KDL-40Z4500 real critical, because even The purchase price of EUR 2,199 relative when you consider that the invested money for one of the best performing LCD TVs on the market as a whole to get.