A Review of the Sony Bravia KDL-42V4100 a Reasonably Priced 42" Full HD LCD TV

When consumers ask me what are some of the top television manufactures in regards to quality of product, service, and popularity I always include Sony. In the past their displays have typically demanded a premium. With the recent dip in the economy we've seen prices slashed and some of Sony's popular Bravia inventory become more affordable. The Sony Bravia KDL-42V4100 is just such a model. This is a wide screen 42 inch 1080p HDTV and has become one of their more popular models thanks to recent price reductions. I took this opportunity to bring one of these home to let you know what kind of quality you can expect from this set.

Styling: 4/5

Picture: 5/5

Value: 4/5

Overall: 4/5

Product Overview:

Sony Bravia televisions typically have a distinct styling that set them apart from the crowd. The KDL-42V4100 is no exception. The screen is framed with a glossy black bezel and has silver accents on the base of the screen where the speakers are housed. The included stand is black and seems to be very sturdy. I find this television to be a fine addition however it may not appeal to everyone. If you're looking for a typical all black model then I would recommend seeing this set in person before you buy, it still may appeal to you.

As seems to be the case with most of Sony's televisions the picture is fantastic. It is presented on its 42 inch display in full HD at 1080p. The size is of this screen is adequate to take full advantage of the extra pixels. I used my Playstation 3 to feed it a true 1080p signal and I found that it handled the media very well. The contrast isn't as good as some of the more expensive televisions on the market (the touch of color Samsungs come to mind) however it will be adequate for most buyers. The sound produced by the small speakers at the base of the bezel is good but most will want to invest in an inexpensive surround sound system to get the most out of their experience.

The connectivity is extraordinary for this HDTV's class. With 4 HDMI inputs as well as 3 composite and a host of others you'll have no trouble finding room to hook up all of your theater components to this screen. It even includes a fully functional plug and play PC input.

Product Value:

It wasn't too long ago that a screen of this size on an LCD from Sony was out of the price range of most casual consumers. Luckily with the popularity of the technology driving down prices and competitive atmosphere that has flourished with the economic downturn HDTV's like the Sony Bravia KDL-42V4100 have become reasonable. Priced at $1400 at most big electronics stores and online merchants this television is a fantastic deal.