HDTV - The Sony BRAVIA W-Series KDL65W5100

For consumers in the market for a large HDTV set that still delivers outstanding performance, the Sony BRAVIA W-Series KDL65W5100 is more than worth a look. It merits a thorough review.

The 65" screen will be the first major attraction, of course. Sheer size alone won't generate viewer enthusiasm, though. Quality is a must. Happily, the full HD 1920 x 1080p panel offers more than just bigger images. That resolution, when fed by the right source, can deliver an astounding visual experience on this model. Anyone who remembers sitting in the front row at a theater will know the feeling.

For an LCD, the KDL65W5100 has an unusually wide viewing angle, too, at a full 178 degrees. Sit anywhere and you get the same clear, crisp picture as the person smack in the center. Add in 8ms response rate and 500 cd/m2 (candles per square meter) brightness and you are well on the way to a fine picture. Top it off with 50000:1 dynamic contrast to get truly dark blacks and you're now viewing images better than a movie theater.

One reason lurking behind the scenes is the well-reputed Bravia Engine, a superb video-enhancement processor. It handles noise reduction, color optimization, and more with ease. It couples to a Digital Reality Creation function that can upscale Standard Definition source material to drastically improve it by quadrupling the number of pixels.

The 24P True Cinema technology encodes native film-rate images to exactly match that common standard. The result is the elimination of any needed video conversion. Tests show it does provide a clearer picture devoid of judder. MotionFlow and a 120 Hz refresh rate complete the package to deliver crisp, blur-free images even with high-speed sports or action scenes, whether from TV broadcasts, DVDs, or games.

Apart from the fine screen, the BRAVIA W-Series KDL65W5100 offers extras galore.

There are three HDMI slots for the simplest possible plug-in of peripherals. Whether you connect a Blu-ray player, a digital camcorder, or any other HDMI-enabled device, you're guaranteed to get the best possible images this way. Connect your Sony PlayStation 3 and enjoy games at a whole new level.

A USB port lets you insert a thumbdrive and view your digital photos on a huge screen. Or, you can listen to MP3 through the KDL65W5100's sound system. Connect your home entertainment setup and improve the audio even further.

Widgets let you get even more out of your entertainment center, which is rapidly becoming a total information center, too. Get the latest ticker price on your favorite stock, the most up-to-date weather info, and more.

With Bravia Internet Video you can watch a variety of web-based material as easily as you would on the computer. View YouTube videos like you've never seen them before. Access Amazon Video on Demand and get hundreds of HD movies with ease. Select any of dozens of Sports Illustrated clips, listen to Sony Music, or choose material from 20 other vendors.

The Sony BRAVIA W-Series KDL65W5100 does go for a premium price. But considering the premium picture and many extras it really seems like a steal.