Product Description Look no further than the KDL-40Z4100 for the most strikingly stunning and flat-out sophisticated HDTV Sony has to offer. With a remarkably slim bezel design, Motionflow 120Hz for the reproduction of smooth, lifelike images, BRAVIA Engine 2 and ACE for deeper blacks and crisp shadow detail, this TV's sensational design is only matched by its picture. But phenomenal image quality and show-stopping design isn't all. The KDL-40Z4100 also includes DLNA compatibility so you can access your digital photo collection over your home network (additional DLNA components required; sold separately). DMex is also on board for an optional digital connection to innovative expansion modules like the BRAVIA Internet video link for exciting web-based content. The Digital Media Port (DMP) is included for connecting your portable digital audio devices like iPod and walkman music players.
Fantastic LCD TVSeptember 4, 2008 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I was looking for a 40" LCD and narrowed it down to the Sony 40Z4100, Sony 40XBR4, and Samsung LN40A750... I've previously owned a 46" Samsung LN-T4665F and a Samsung LN-T3253H so naturally I wanted to go back to Samsung. The picture on the 750 is amazing but side by side, in multiple stores, I just couldn't take my eyes off the Sony LCDs. I then was stuck between the Sony 40XBR4 and the 40Z4100... I had my heart set on the XBR4 since it was Sony's top of the line product last year, but when I saw that this years 40" XBR6 and XBR7 were going to have identical specs to the Z4100, (granted Contrast Ratio will probably be higher on the XBR's,) it came down to the simple question of:
Do I want to spend $2500+ on the new XBR or $1700+ on the Z4100??
I have to say I'm extremely happy with my decision to save a few bucks and go with the Z-series. The picture quality is breathtaking in both HD and Blu-Ray. Standard TV is top notch as well but I'm blown away with the detail, color, and overall picture this TV offers. You really can't lose if you're going with any of these 3 TV's but I'm so glad I went with the Z-series. Its thin frame is hardly seen and the TV is almost 20 lbs lighter than the XBR4... The Sony 40Z4100, is hands down, my choice for a 40" LCD.
Great quality that you'd expect from a Sony set - even if a bit pricierAugust 19, 2008 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Was time to replace my 36" Sony XBR tube with a new HDTV set but had a specific space limitation due to the existing TV cabinet - had to fit something inside just over 39". Looked at the Samsung 650 and was leaning heavily that way but was concerned that the size was just too tight for my opening (even with some adjustments) and the glossy screen was a concern given lots of natural light in the room.
Was then looking to the "W" series when I found the "Z" - a bit more, but it was definately smaller (the exact same width as my 36" XBR tube set) and I liked the DLNA options.
The reason for 4 vs 5 stars is the fact that using the DLNA feature has not been easy thus far. There are little to no instructions with the set for this and I've tried three DLNA-compatible Media Servers (four if you count Windows Media Player). I finally was able to access pics from my PC by using the SimpleCenter media center but I've not been able to get the TV to realize that audio is also being shared by SimpleCenter. Sony's on-line & e-mail help were not very helpful so I'm going to have to spend some time on the phone with their support line - hopefully that will prove more helpful and I can get access to my music as well.
I have not experienced the "sparkling" effect mentioned by another reviewer - hopefully that's a limited issue that will not crop up after further burn-in.
Overall the set looks great - the S-Video connection from my non-HD DirecTV receiver looks better than on another smaller HDTV set I have (Insignia - BestBuy's house brand). Interesting the Insignia seemed to do a bit better in pulling in the off-air signal than the Sony (with weaker signals - we live quite a ways away from any transmitters) until I went and purchaed a new antenna signal amplifer (I think the one I had had gone, or was starting to go, bad) but now I get great HDTV picture off the air and when connected to a Sony upconverting DVD player my existing CDs look great.
UPDATE: After no help from Sony Support, I have finally determined / realize that Music/MP3s are not supported over DLNA. To Sony's credit, the manual does not claim music support of MP3 - only refers to photos - but the fact that you can play music from USB seems to be it a bit ambigious - perhaps I just wanted this to funciton like the Samsung 7 series that allows music streaming as well as the RSS feeds and more - oh well.... at least I have pics working - still keeping it at 4 stars due to the poor level of Sony's support in helping me clearly realize this basic fact (after using Chat, e-mail and phone support).
UPDATE 2: Having issues getting the "built-in" TV Guide to let me select channels I want displayed and keep those without it hiding ones I select or adding ones I don't want - once again a couple of rounds with Sony support has not provide much support.... granted these features are the "extras" and don't affect the TV viewing quality - which is excellent - just frustrating things when you purchase something with this bit of a premium against the similar class competitors....
Sony KDL-40Z4100 LCD HDTV ReviewAugust 18, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This TV was literally the perfect "fit" for us. The slim design just fits our built-in cabinet with about 1/2 inch to spare on width. This means we can not access the few side mounted inputs and control buttons - but with 4 HDMI inputs in total + component inputs in the back, we have more than enough accessible inputs and the remote does all we need it to. We also found it on sale for $1699.00 - making the price more competitive with other similarly configured TVs - the picture is amazing - we have been watching the Olympics in HD but have not yet tried a DVD - on Vivid setting the picture is extremely bright and sharp - maybe too bright; there are custom controls for the picture that we have not tried yet. The only problem we have had was the included TV stand - the TV attaches quite easily with 4 included screws - but when we mounted the TV - it was tilted forward at the top - there is no way to adjust tilt, and we determined that an L shaped metal component of the stand that holds the TV was bent - I talked Fry's into just swapping the stand as the TV worked great; the new stand solved the problem.
The action sports from the Olympics look great - no doubt helped by the 120 Hz processor.
We also have not noticed any cloud or sparkle artifacts
So if you are tight on space - this is a great "fit."
Sony Z zooms past current XBRJuly 19, 2008 13 out of 13 found this review helpful
The 10-bit Z series 40" Sony LCDs are the absolute best. This TV sends XBR down a notch. Digital source material will jump out at you like never before. Gorgous color and contrast. The best yet.
1080i TV broadcast looks about 90% as good as Blu-ray on this panel. The delivery of non-HD DVD movies is wonderful and the picture using Blu Ray is absolutely stunning! (I rarely use the word "stunning")
Also, it's very future-proof with lots of (4) HDMI inputs and a LAN connection and USB. I've had the KDL 40Z4100 for about 2 weeks now and the ranking of picture quality goes as follows: Blu Ray (late release)movies, Digital HD television broadcast or HD digital cable, standard def (480 or 720) movies from a good quality "upscaling" player, and finally - standard def TV broadcast. The 120hz motion control and 24p pull-down work well on older standard def movies. My only advice is to not scrimp on the DVD player. You're going to see your old flicks look better than you have seen them...ever - with a good upscalling player.
Even video sources from my computer look near HD. I've connected my computers 8800GT graphics card's DVI out to the Sony's HDMI input and the look of some of my games is just as good, if not better, than my 22'' Samsung monitor. This is Sony's best so far, in my humble opinion. Go for it!
no white cloud and no sparklesJuly 18, 2008 7 out of 8 found this review helpful
I've only had this tv for a week, but I haven't had any problem at all with a white cloud or sparkles. I think it's too expensive, but I also wanted many of the features that it offers and that I haven't seen from any other maker in this size and with a picture this realistic. I've had three Trinitrons over the years and quite a few other Sony products. Except for one experience with a telephone that only lasted a year, I've never had a problem. This is my first HDTV and I'm still working through trying out all of the features. I'll write more when I've had more experience with it.
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