From the Manufacturer
From the Manufacturer
Bravia-jpManufacturer's Description (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-40Z5100 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-40Z5100 40-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, 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
3D Peering into Look - Terrific PQ Details and Blacks
Received our 40" Z5100 one week ago via Onecall Amazon Sale - double boxed via Fedex tracking/timeliness. Extremely happy with the results. I own four LCD TV's and a long term member of AVSForum.
Was able to replace a 32" Sharp with side speakers and gain 8" viewing for my wife's primary viewing in the Master Bedroom Armoire and while I was torn between it and the B750 it's a damn good thing I went with the Sony as I found the Samsung would not have fit the space.
To my surprise when I set everything up was how reflective the Sony was while off - not full matte like my Sharps but that has no impact when the TV is turned on at all. Damn the TV is black and semi-reflective Off but a beauty when displaying.
No gaming is done on this TV and so I won't report on anything in that regards and I won't assist with calibrations since my viewing preference is a vivid panel.
I decided on this panel after studying panels for the past 6 months and finally viewing the XBR9 and the Z5100 next to Samsung B750/B650 panels. As great as the Samsungs were I was unable to get that peering into PQ DEPTH that I experienced on the new Sony panels - plus I feared the wife may complain about reflections on the Samsungs after having none for 4.5 yrs on the Sharp. I was repeatedly impressed with this immersiveness on these two new Sony panels as I am in my Home.
I popped in Mamma Mia Blu-Ray and it was fantastic - the Mediterranean Sea color and clarity was eye popping and I turned on AMP and when you haven't experienced it before it's sort of strange to have that Live Camera view and soap opera look - I prefer the theater look but it's nice to play with but something one can use according to their preference.
The blacks on this are wonderful trumping the 4.5 yr old it replaced easily.
I spent hours going from the bedroom to my main 57" 3.5 year old Sharp and I used Food Network HD to cross compare since they constantly zoom into the cooking experience and it's easy to see PQ details on that channel. Again my in-store HD Viewing with 3D depth peering into of the Sony trumped my 3.5 yr Technology on my Sharp easily. The friggin clarity on HD on these cook-off's was simply amazing on the Sony and it tells me Sony may have a kick butt 65" when it debuts with BE3 on the W5100 in August. My Sharp had a flatter smoother look - still looked great and the 57" size delivers alot of WoW but the details on the Z5100 was stunning. The Z5100 and XBR9 are the first LCD's I've seen that could match or exceed the PQ details of the SXRD I owned previous with HD.
Also, I carefully watched for flashlighting and clouds and saw ZERO - simply BLACK - BLACK - BLACK!
The only negative I can report is Turdvision SD - it is what it is - a TURD!
I'm used to viewing HD 90+% of the time and so I'll always tolerate it for my channels that have not transitioned yet but I don't buy my TV's for SD - after all some SD channels can look quite good while others are crapola no matter the panel especially after growing accustomed to HD at six times the PQ.
The irony is that I'll rarely view this TV regularly as my wife and I have very different tastes and I have a sleep disorder where I only view the Sony occasionally after setting it up but it gave me a yardstick to make a move to a 65" > in the future with it's PQ Depth, Details, and Black Levels and hopefully I can provide her this larger 40" panel in the same space a 32" would only fit with First Rate PQ for 8+ years and she's quite happy and takes away the guilt when I jump to a 65" as she'll have the Z5100 for regular viewing and then the BIG HT 65" or my 57" for HT immersion as size does have it's benefits to get HT immersion with Blu-Rays especially.
IMO Ten/Ten Panel Processing, BE3, 240Hz, and the 100K:1 CR and the maturity of Sony Bravia Series is now returning rewards in the "Z5100" and XBR9. Enjoy!:D
ALSO --- Most importantly with the achilles Heal of LCD --- I see no Friggin HAZE!!! The Samsungs (B750/B650) are still outstanding IMO also but if you cannot handle the reflective nature and ambient lighting issues a viewing room may interfere with PQ these Sony panels trump the Samsungs IMO and with a little patience the prices should drop also.
Extremely Happy and look forward to the Sony 65" W5100 in August!!! :)
Great Alternative to the XBR series
I received this TV a week ago and I am in love. This TV has the Bravia Engine 3, not 2 like the spec sheet on this page says, so for the money, you are getting a top notch product. SD signals look like crap, because they are crap, its not your TV's fault, its your cable provider, but HD looks amazing. I have not been having any problems with the black levels, as described in other Sony reviews, and the colors are rich and vibrant. Plenty of inputs on this set. I currently have my macbook (watching HULU and other video streams, picture looks great) via DVI to HDMI, a PS3 (which is giving me the true 1080p experience for Blue Ray Discs, which is what I base my color and black observations on) and a HD cable box also taking up another HDMI port. I still have not even used 1/4 of the inputs provided. The cinema mode when watching movies adds a warmth to the picture that gives you a movie theatre experience without the "true white" LCD overexposure.
If you are looking for a GREAT tv at a semi-affordable price forget about Samsung and Panasonic, Sony is where its at for all around value, oh and you don't get that glossy screen which drives me nuts! Sound could be a little fuller, but by no means is it bad. Besides, if you are going to spend the money on a nice set, you might as well get a nice stereo system as well.
PROS- GREAT PICTURE, GOOD VALUE, GREAT COLORS, GOOD MODE SELECTIONS (PICTURE), LOTS OF ADJUSTABLE ITEMS, PLENTY OF INPUTS
CONS- AUDIO SOMEWHAT LOW, 240HZ ADVANTAGES REALLY HAVE YET TO BE SEENS AS THIS ONLY AFFECTS INPUTS THAT THE TV CAN CHANGE OR UPRES (IE CABLE).
ALL IN ALL I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TV TO ANYONE SHOPPING FOR A NEW FLATSCREEN.
Love this TV!
Recieved my TV a week ago via CEVA. No problems with delivery. The TV set up was fast and effortless. I'm a Sony fan so unless the product is price-prohibitive, I alway opt for the Sony...they've been great over the years with my other electronics. Very light, very thin, very easy to set up and a blast to watch. Didn't think I'd notice much difference with the 240hz, but you can really tell. Its a really nice piece of electronics....amazing picture....I'll update this as I get more time on the TV. Big movie night this week.