Design
Coloured TVs are in, and so if the basic black on offer doesn't suit you then the KDL32V4000 is also available in a choice of red or white. Colour options aside, however, the V series is cosmetically identical to the W series we've seen previously. This means you get a glossy finish, with a — to our eyes at least — strange-looking perspex hole at the bottom. It looks kind of like a shower screen, but the only thing you can see behind it is the skinny stand and maybe a couple of cords.
After sticking with the same remote control design for at least the last three years, it was refreshing to see that the company has decided on a new model with this range. It's simpler than previous models, with big, friendly number buttons, but some functionality is lost. Especially now that most functions require use of the new "Home" button to access.
Features
The V4000's main feature as a 32-inch television is its ability to display a native 1920x1080 image. Of course, depending on the size of your living space this may or may not be useful. Unless you're sitting right on top of the screen we dare anyone to point out the differences between a 720p and a 1080p image — provided the unit uses a good scaler, of course.
Apart from the resolution, much of the rest of the "Features" list appears to be window dressing, unfortunately. We appreciated the XMB (Xross Media Bar) on the PlayStation 3, and on the V4000 it makes things easier to use than most TV menus. However, we dispute the manufacturer's claim that it features "3D graphics" — this ain't no Second Life, it's 2D kids!
The TV will also accept the company's proprietary Digital Media Port for people who want to pony up more money for an iPod dock that plays through their TV.
Performance
As a performer, the V4000 was a mixed bag. In fact, it reminded us in a lot of ways of the KDL46W3100 we saw last year. Black levels are even better this time around, and colour — one of Sony's strengths — is vivid though not gaudy. As a full-high def picture, static scenes are gorgeous, with lots of detail. It's only when things start moving that the trouble starts.
Like the old W series, it's on free-to-air where most of the problems lie. We had real trouble getting a coherent picture out of that old daytime chestnut, M*A*S*H*. The picture smeared terribly, with lots of mosquito noise and a lack of image depth. Even HD content suffered from occasional smearing, and no tweaking of the noise reduction controls could eliminate it. This ghosting problem also carried over to Blu-ray viewing, though more occasional — eg, while watching MI3 there was a faint trace of motion blur during the bridge scene.
But the problems didn't end there, all of the picture presets had their own issues. For example, "Standard" mode was over-sharpened which emphasised noise, while Cinema mode was too dark as the backlight was turned all the way down, making the picture appear soft. Vivid, of course, was as obnoxious as usual.
But it wasn't all bad news, and with the right settings this television can shine. Turn the backlight up a little and the Cinema mode is perfectly watchable, with good colours and detail. Though we had some problems with some Blu-ray replay, the new Batman Begins disc looked strikingly good. Black levels and detail were spot-on.
Where we had intermittent issues with FTA and Blu-ray, there were no such problems with DVD. The Kong's Last Stand scene atop the Empire State looked fantastic, and there was very little judder as the biplanes circle around the building for the first time.
Sound is excellent, too, and in fact it's the best speaker system we've heard in a while. Voices are a little throaty but bass is full and treble has bite. It certainly shows invisible speaker systems what for.
While there's definitely attention to detail in the design of this unit sometimes it goes a little far: for instance, the mute icon moves around screen to prevent burn-in even. However, this is a little unnecessary as LCDs don't suffer from this problem, and Sony hasn't even produced a plasma that might need this feature in years.
If you're a productivity fiend, or even just addicted to gossip sites, then the TVs computer capabilities will be right up your alley. Using an HDMI connector, we found text in particular to be ultra-sharp at the default 1920x1080. We didn't even have to play with overscan or other options due to the TV's true 1:1 mapping.
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nsparke
26/08/2008, 10:37 AM
rating
10/10
got the sony man to come to my house
to fix the tv,s sensor problem very fast job he fixed it on the spot.
Pros: got what i paid for it is a perfect tv sensor has no problems anymore.
Cons: nothing.
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hoo
15/08/2008, 01:13 AM
rating
8/10
I swap my tv to the seller with a new one.
No Remote - Sensor Problem since then.
Seller as well as Sony were not aware of the problem.
Pros: Plugged in a 8MP digital camera via usb and resolution was quite impressive.
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DaptoDog
08/08/2008, 11:21 AM
rating
9/10
Everyone is having the same remote problem. I have spoken with a Sony technician who is coming to my house to fix on the spot.
The reason for the problem is that when you turn the tv on while it's cold, the backlight in the LCD panel emits a large amount of infra-red noise which interferes with the remote until the tv has warmed up (about 2-3 mins). The Sony technician found this on the Sony database in Singapore which highlights faults and fixes for technicians.
To fix, the technician is putting a filter into the panel which will reduce/eliminate the interference while it is warming up.
Sony head office is not acknowledging this problem yet. You need to push them to send out a technician using the explanation above - they claimed it was likely a fault with the remote and advised I had to take it to a repairer that was very far away.
Apart from this problem, I have been very happy with the TV.
Pros: Great picture quality.
3 HDMI ports including one on the side.
Digitial TV guide menu is very user friendly.
Like the way you can scroll through the AV ports menu while still viewing the TV and get straight to the port you want.
Cons: Remote problem described above.
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mk
07/08/2008, 09:41 AM
rating
9/10
My remote works erratically as well. Originally I was switching the TV off on top of the TV – and occasionally the remote was not responding when TV was turned back on. Now I just put it into the stand by mode (via remote) and the problem has not occurred again. Talked to Sony and they were not aware of this being a model related problem, however I was informed that it should not be happening and if I want I can lodge a warranty claim, however with the Olympics just around a corner I will wait a while before I go this way. For now Standby is the go.
Pros: Love it
Cons: Remote
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duckish
07/08/2008, 01:54 AM
rating
8/10
Not sure if this works for others, but if you physically turn the TV off and on again, using the button on top of the TV, usually the remote works fine. Only failed on me once so far. Then again, if you're standing next to the TV, you might as well tune to the channel you want using the top buttons anyway. =(
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s9968021
06/08/2008, 10:07 AM
rating
5/10
I have this model too and I have the same problem with the remote.
I have returned it twice.
Has anyone solved the problem? I'm thinking of getting someone from Sony to look at it.
Also has anyone try to hook it up to their PC as a monitor, because I can�t get it to 1920 x 1080 res insted 1366�768 is its max.
Pros: Great Sound
Picture
Cons: Remote
Remote
Remote
Remote
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Peng
28/07/2008, 04:45 PM
rating
5/10
I got this model two weeks ago. Apparently it has two problems. One is the remote control problem you guys already mentioned. The other problem is it intermittently dropped all stored digital channels except SBS. Retuning it, still only had SBS. After resetted to factory setting and tuned it again, all channels came back. The signal level on the menu was high. This problem happened twice in two weeks.
Pros: Good picture and sound
Plenty of input sources
Cons: Remote control problem
Drop tuned digital channels
These problems are not supposed to happen to a Sony new TV.
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K
26/07/2008, 08:33 PM
rating
9/10
msherston We had the same problem too, until I did something else
For "channel menu" say "no" to it, instead of "yes" or you will get the Set up each time you switch the tv on
Our 2 tvs came on straight away instead of "state, home, system update, auto tuning, programme sorting, control for hdmi and channel menu"
I hope it fixed it now.
I know it's confusing, I got really...confused lol
Pros: Brilliant colour, Value for money, great speakers,
Cons: The remote control has a few problems, like others
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skatingboy
25/07/2008, 04:25 PM
rating
7/10
I think I got a good deal $1750 (2 years finance) with all the bonus from Powerhouse dicksmith in blacktown.
have the same remote problem, contact the seller, and got it replaced. now working fine, just waiting on the PS3.
Hoo, I contacted sony there is no solution from them as they seem to not aware of this issue yet, been advised to contact seller to get it replace.
Pros: good sound quality for small size LCD,
picture good as I expected.
Cons: seems like this model have problem with the remote control.
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hoo
25/07/2008, 12:23 PM
rating
8/10
Good price for a good looking full HD SONY tv.
Waited quite a while for a full HD 32 inch.
Pros: FULL HD 32 Inch
Good price
Good design
It's SONY
Cons: Problems with sensor, already changed batteries, seems to be sensor on tv. Any suggestions? Did anyone got it fix?
Not 100HZ.
Not a 10bit Panel.
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