July 2007
Sony KDL-46S3000: First Look
We preview Sony's new 46-inch LCD HDTV
Sony’s Bravia LCD TVs are popular choices with consumers, and many of the sets we’ve tested have been highly rated. The company’s
S-series LCDs--its lowest-priced models--don’t have the high styling and all the bells and whistles of Sony’s costlier V-,
W-, and XBR-series sets, but they’ve consistently been solid, if unspectacular, performers. Based on our preliminary tests,
the 46-inch KDL-46S3000--the largest model in the series--is no exception.
For a look at other recent big-screen LCD and plasma HDTVs, see our report on new big-screen choices. And for more buying advice on HDTVs, see our TV Decision Guide and our online video How to shop for big-screen TVs. (Macromedia Flash software is required to view our online videos.) ConsumerReports.org subscribers can also check out our latest Ratings of LCD TVs
Here’s what our preliminary review of the KDL-46S3000 has found:
HIGHS
Nice and bright. The especially bright picture would be a big plus for viewing in daylight or bright lighting. (It might look overly illuminated in a dim room, but you can lower the backlight to compensate.)
Solid black levels. This set produced better-than-average black levels for an LCD TV.
Satisfying detail. Images looked nicely detailed, which is evidence that the set makes the most of its 1366x768 native resolution. You can’t expect the very fine detail of the best 1080p screens, but for most HD programming you'll be hard pressed to tell the difference on this size screen.
Impressive 480i performance. This model did better with standard-definition programs than many other LCD sets we’ve tested.
Some high-end features. The KDL-46S3000 uses Sony’s new Xross Media Bar graphical onscreen menu system, which was originally developed for the PlayStation and PSP game systems. In addition, it will accept Sony’s new Bravia Internet Video Link module, an optional add-on ($300) that lets you stream Internet-based video content, including HD, from sources such as AOL and Yahoo without using a computer.
LOWS
So-so viewing angle. Viewing angle has been an Achilles' heel for most LCD TVs, but some of the best new sets have exceptionally wide viewing angles. This set is more typical of LCD technology. When we looked at the screen from off-center, we detected some color shift and reduced contrast, which makes the image look a bit washed out. It’s not a problem for front-and-center viewing, though.
Some motion blur. Motion handling is another weak spot for LCDs. Again, this TV is typical rather than better than average in this respect. We saw slight blurring of fast-moving images.
BOTTOM LINE
Judging by our initial review, this big-screen LCD set appears to be a solid midrange performer with pleasing image quality that's likely to satisfy many viewers. If you insist on 1080p resolution and the Sony label, consider the Sony 46-inch KDL-46XBR2, an older set that sells for several hundred dollars more. You'll find other choices in our Ratings of fully tested LCD TV models. (The Ratings and details of the KDL-46XBR2 are available to .)
For a look at other recent big-screen LCD and plasma HDTVs, see our report on new big-screen choices. And for more buying advice on HDTVs, see our TV Decision Guide and our online video How to shop for big-screen TVs. (Macromedia Flash software is required to view our online videos.) ConsumerReports.org subscribers can also check out our latest Ratings of LCD TVs
(available to subscribers)
.Here’s what our preliminary review of the KDL-46S3000 has found:
HIGHS
Nice and bright. The especially bright picture would be a big plus for viewing in daylight or bright lighting. (It might look overly illuminated in a dim room, but you can lower the backlight to compensate.)
Solid black levels. This set produced better-than-average black levels for an LCD TV.
Satisfying detail. Images looked nicely detailed, which is evidence that the set makes the most of its 1366x768 native resolution. You can’t expect the very fine detail of the best 1080p screens, but for most HD programming you'll be hard pressed to tell the difference on this size screen.
Impressive 480i performance. This model did better with standard-definition programs than many other LCD sets we’ve tested.
Some high-end features. The KDL-46S3000 uses Sony’s new Xross Media Bar graphical onscreen menu system, which was originally developed for the PlayStation and PSP game systems. In addition, it will accept Sony’s new Bravia Internet Video Link module, an optional add-on ($300) that lets you stream Internet-based video content, including HD, from sources such as AOL and Yahoo without using a computer.
LOWS
So-so viewing angle. Viewing angle has been an Achilles' heel for most LCD TVs, but some of the best new sets have exceptionally wide viewing angles. This set is more typical of LCD technology. When we looked at the screen from off-center, we detected some color shift and reduced contrast, which makes the image look a bit washed out. It’s not a problem for front-and-center viewing, though.
Some motion blur. Motion handling is another weak spot for LCDs. Again, this TV is typical rather than better than average in this respect. We saw slight blurring of fast-moving images.
BOTTOM LINE
Judging by our initial review, this big-screen LCD set appears to be a solid midrange performer with pleasing image quality that's likely to satisfy many viewers. If you insist on 1080p resolution and the Sony label, consider the Sony 46-inch KDL-46XBR2, an older set that sells for several hundred dollars more. You'll find other choices in our Ratings of fully tested LCD TV models. (The Ratings and details of the KDL-46XBR2 are available to .)
