Sony Bravia KLV-40ZX1M

LCDs are generally inferior to plasmas. This is a fact specially if we are talking about black level performance. However, LCD’s have found a way to rival the picture quality of the best plasmas, that is through LED technology. LED backlighting is very effective in that it dims the TV screen or turn off the backlight in specific areas of the screen when it’s not needed. The result is a superb black-level performance comparable to that of plasmas.

But now a new twist has arrived in the form of edge-lit LED backlights, and one of the first such model is Sony’s KLV-40ZX1M.

Edge-lit LED-powered displays such as this Sony and upcoming Samsung models announced at CES do not employ local dimming, so, as you might expect, their black-level performance can’t match that of displays that do. On the other hand, edge-lit LED backlights allow the panels to be thinner than ever – the KLV-40ZX1M’s panel, for example, measures just 1.1 inches thick.

As a result, this TV looks stunningly thin and high-tech, especially when seen from the side, and its LED technology allows for improved energy-efficiency.

The best aspect of this television is its ultra-thin panel that creates a high-tech design. Its cords are hidden and produces relatively accurate colors. It is energy efficient and has numerous picture controls.

However, the set is extremely expensive with subpar black-level performance and color saturation. It has uneven screen uniformity and scant connectivity with just one HDMI input.

The KLV-40ZX1M comes with Sony’s BRAVIA Engine 2 image processor and supports BRAVIA Wireless Link. It will be shipped in December.

Sources:
http://review.zdnet.com
http://www.hdtvsolutions.com