While Sony might be known for their all-in, high-end HDTV models, their entry-level HDTVs aren’t too bad either. The KDL-V5100 is the least-expensive panel from the company that features 120Hz processing. While it makes do without all the interactive niceties and extras of the more expensive variants, it fits in all the most important elements, including picture quality and a bevy of display controls.
The particular unit we tried was touted a 40-inch screen, although the model is also available in larger sizes (up to 52 inches, I think). In terms of physical appearance, the KDL-V5100 is not as sleek as Sony’s higher-end lines. It comes with a smaller bundled remote than what’s usually included in Sony’s HDTVs. Oddly enough, I find this watered-down variant much more amiable to use.
If you’ve ever found the PS3-inspired menu system on Sony’s HDTVs a tad confusing, you’ll love the fact that it isn’t available here. Instead, we get a simpler, much more convenient interface with a good layout and sensible nesting.
Feature set is considerably extensive, considering this is the company’s entry-level TV panel. You get a range of adjustable picture modes, four aspect ratio selections, several color temperature presets, full white balance controls and a Game Mode to disable video processing, among other extras. One thing we definitely miss is picture-in-picture as it has been a staple favorite among the current crop of TVs.
In terms of actual performance, the KDL-V5100 manages very good picture quality for its price point. Black levels are relatively deep, with crisp and accurately colors in lighted scenes. However, it lacks higher color accuracy in darker images and probably fails at providing uniform brightness across the screen more than other TVs in its price range.
Overall, the Sony KDL-V5100 isn’t the cheapest “low-end” HDTV you can find, as is the norm with Sony products in general. While the TV itself is good enough, I’m almost sure you can find similar quality at a slightly lower price from other brands (Samsung or LG comes to mind) – hopefully with PIP in tow.
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