Sony KDL-46EX500

Getting a highly affordable TV is a bit risky if you want to maximize the potential of your other home theater components. Even if the TV boasts Full HD 1080p specs, some of the other features and technologies matter as well. Even the size of the TV can make a difference when viewing some of the top-rated movies out there. Attaining this kind of TV without spending too much would set back the average consumer for about $1,000. Not all TVs that cost $1,000 are made equally so careful research is necessary. Getting a model that has been recently released is another good option and fortunately Sony released a new 46-inch HDTV belonging to the EX500 series. The price is just right at around $1,000 and the features are about to be examined.

Latest Update: The Sony KDL-46EX500 is now on sale at Amazon.com

Sony KDL-46EX500

Technical Features

The Sony KDL-46EX500 is a BRAVIA model and it sports the same clean look that people appreciate. The large 46-inch display makes it blend well with other black home theater equipment. Those that owned an older TV may find the KDL-46EX500 a worthy upgrade for building bigger home theater systems because it has a total of 7 HD inputs. 4 of these inputs are HDMI which is already more than some TVs that usually sport 2-3. The 2 extra HD component inputs help for other devices and the HD-15 input allows the PC to use it as a primary or secondary display as well.

Actual user review:
“I have been extremely happy with this TV. I have worked with professional video equipment for 30 years so good picture quality and overall product quality was very important. Sony has always had a very good reputation for their TVs and this one so far is no exception. The colors are very accurate, the blacks were noticeably better than several of the Samsung models. The menus are very easy to navigate and the setup was very easy and straightforward. There are enough picture and sound settings to satisfy just about anyone’s viewing preferences. Some reviews have complained about the poor sound quality from the internal speakers. I found the sound to be what you would expect from small speakers, since I have a home theater system, it wasn’t much of an issue. I found the picture to be very good without changing the default factory settings. The 120Hz refresh rate on this model is great for sports or other fast moving action. I was also impressed with the picture quality when playing standard DVDs connected to the TV’s component video connection from my Pioneer DVD recorder. Also excellent picture quality when connected to HD digital cable so I’m not using the TV’s tuner. It has more than enough inputs for most people’s needs, not as many composite video inputs, but most people have less equipment that uses them anymore. This is my first HDTV and so far I have been very pleased with it.” – David Townsend(Rochester,NY)

Technologies

The BRAVIA Engine 2 headlines the KDL-46EX500′s internals as it is responsible for the sharp and vibrant visuals that are best seen when viewed in full high definition. The engine works by automatically optimizing the contrast and image details while keeping the noise levels low at the same time. This results to some impressive black levels as well.

The Motionflow 120Hz technology is only present in models belonging to the EX500 series and above making it a valuable addition for those that do not like blurry high-speed videos. Blur is reduced by doubling the standard 60 frames per second for a more fluid experience. Watching different sports in the highest resolution demonstrates the power of this technology very well.

Different lighting conditions can ruin the experience no matter how good the TV specs are unless some manual adjustments to the settings are made. With the KDL-46EX500, it is unnecessary to do so because it features 2 sensors that automatically adjust the settings to match the lighting condition nicely. The Ambient Sensor is in charge of keeping the colors natural if the outside lighting brightens or dims so there is little need to adjust the picture settings unless it needs calibration.

The LightSensor controls the backlight brightness so a viewable experience is attained without draining too much power. The LightSensor will increase the brightness automatically during nighttime so people can enjoy their favorite movies and games right away. This feature doubles as a great power management tool as well and should increase the overall lifespan of the unit.

Extra Features

The KDL-46EX500 features a single USB input that can do more than just view photos on a flash drive. Digital camera owners that are tired of taking out the memory card and inserting it to a laptop or computer can just hook up the USB cable to the TV and view the images on the high-resolution display instead. In addition to still images, the KDL-46EX500 supports playback of music files as well opening up the possibility for portable media players to be plugged in the USB port as well.

Owners of other Sony devices might notice a logo or specification that indicates that it is BRAVIA Sync capable. The KDL-46EX500 has that logo as well so it can freely interact with other Sony products using the same remote control. The remote control is simple to use and has all the necessary buttons to operate digital camcorders, surround sound systems, and other BRAVIA Sync devices with ease.

Bottom Line

The only downside is that it lacks the networking extras of higher-end models, but that is where the price tag rises. This TV is just about $1,000 and has all the core features that the average TV user and even enthusiast would be satisfied with. The BRAVIA Engine 2 is a great performer and the Motionflow 120Hz is a worthy addition. The two sensors add convenience and the design looks great in the living room.

Average User Rating:

Actual User Reviews:
• “By now, you probably done loads of research on the different LCD TV’s.. Samsung, Toshiba etc. I purchased this set a few days ago and have it hanging on a sturdy wall mount. What I can say is that the image quality is vivid and you will not be disappointed in the feature set. The motionflow100 is definitely something new and takes some getting used to. You may not want to have it ON all the time. Though when watching fast films for action scenes and sports, it will definitely make a difference. Overall, I believe that the 46′ is the BEST LCD currently on the market – in this price range. With Motionflow and the USB port being the deciding factor for me. It was well worth it. Remember, no wireless, no presence sensor, no internet connectivity. That wasn’t a train smash for me. The image is crisp and vivid, HD films are an amazing experience on this TV. Now I’m off to get the right sound setup. If you done the research and have the money, GO FOR IT.. I doubt you’ll ever look back.” – Max(USA)

• “I’ve owned this TV for about 2 months now, and have watched many different formats on it including DVD’s and Blu-Ray, streaming NetFlix, over-the-air HD local channels, and SD/HD cable. I fall in love with the TV every time I watch something on it. My wife can attest to the constant stream of “wow’s” coming from my mouth while watching HD nature and travel shows. Action flicks? Awesome!As many of you have done, I researched many different brands and models prior to making this purchase, using the Internet and in-person at local brick-and-mortar shops. I’ve always been a Sony fan, and didn’t hesitate long when I realized that I could have a 120 Hz Sony LDC TV of this size for less than $1000. This is one of the few major purchase that I’ve ever made where there hasn’t been any sort of buyer’s remorse.

“The feature set is light compared to some of the newer models out there. It doesn’t have Internet apps built in, it’s 120 Hz versus 240 Hz, and it’s not an LED-LCD. As far as I’m concerned, most of those bells and whistles are unnecessary. I picked up a $160 Sony Blu-Ray player that covers the Internet streaming. I really like the convenience of Bravia Sync integration between my different enabled components. Definitely a cool feature.” – D. Knight(USA)

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