40" LCD - Should I get a Sony???

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Hi all,

New to the forum but not the magazine. Apologies in advance if this topic has been done to death.

Am looking to get a new TV in the next month or 2 and was initially sold on the KDL40WE5 and then totally sold on the new KDL40Z5500 to be paired with the new Sony BDPS360 with surround sound kits. .

I have read on this forum and other other forums that there seems to be ongoing issues around Sony LCD's clouding. What I want to know is

1: what is this 'clouding' and can it be cured? understand it is caused by uneven backlighting.

2: what is Sony's stance on this issue (if any) and are they rectifying on the latest sets?

3: should I still consider the Z5500 or look elsewhere? Like the noises being made about the new Philips sets and understand that these will be tested in the next issue - hopefully along with the Z5500

My viewing habits will be primarily Sky+ SD, SD sports (mainly football), movies via Blu Ray or upscaled DVD.

I have a decent HDMI Lead and the TV will be in a room with a fair bit of natural light.

Any comments/views are welcome as I (obviously) dont want to spend £1300 ish on a TV with problems

Thanks