Sony 40W4000 great review - Does that mean 52W4000 will be just as good?

[admin_exported]

Hello,

I'm interested in buying a 50-52" tv and after reading the review of the 40W4000 in this months supertest am very tempted by the Sony. I can't find any reviews of the 52" version unfortunately. Because the 40" is excellent does that mean the 52" will be as good?

How do the black levels on the W4000 compare to plasma's now? Such as Panasonics latest 1080p big screen offerings?

Many thanks in advance,

Ollie

 

[Andy Clough]

[quote user="Ollie20964"]Because the 40" is excellent does that mean the 52" will be as good?[/quote]

Hi Ollie

Unfortunately, it's not always that simple. While Sony's Bravia TVs are generally very good, we can't say with certainty that just because one screen size is excellent, the next one up or down the range will be too.

We've often found big discrepancies in performance between models in the same manufacturer's range, so the fact that the 40W4000 is fantastic doesn't guarantee that the 52in version will be. You'll have to wait until we get one in for test (and no, I'm afraid I don't know when that will be yet!).

 

[Anonymous]

Why would the different sizes test differently? Aren't they essentially the same except for the panel size?

I was surprised that the W series beat out their premium X series but I guess it's because it is a newer model and the X4000 might just be around the corner. BTW, the Z series (which is positioned above the W but below the X) has been released in the US. Any news on the Z series for other markets?

I just wish the latest supertest had thrown in the Pioneer 428XG for comparison since it got such rave reviews.

 

[Clare Newsome]

Different sizes test differently for several reasons.

1) Different panels sizes are made on different productions lines, sometimes even different factories.

Pius the electronics surrounding them may suit (typically) smaller sizes or set but not necessarily larger sets.

For example, a company's scaling technology may work fine on a 32in or 40in set, but start to show deficiencies when it's trying to scale on a 50in+ set.

2) Different sizes means different rivals. So, for example, at 52in, the Bravias are going to be up against the best 50in plasmas, whereas at 40in and under it's only other LCDs to worry about (with the notable exception of the single Pana 37in).

3) We review on performance per pound, and companies can price their sets quite differently at either end of the market. So, for example, a 32in set can look great value, while a larger set looks pricey next to the competition.

Or, conversely, a features-laden set that comes into its own at a larger size, and is worth a premium price - say, because it has exceptional scaling - may seem overpriced at 32in, when the scaling is less of an issue.

And finally, as mentioned in a reply to another of your posts, the 42in Pioneer is - tragically - no more and increasingly difficult to get hold of. We will, of course, we reviewing all the new-season Pioneers as they come along, and are desperate to see how both the LCDs and plasmas fare against their new rivals....

PS No news from Sony re Z series - but as they're truly appalling at putting out UK info, that's no surprise. We've got a meeting with them later this week, and can but ask....

 

[Anonymous]

Many thanks Andy / Clare for getting back to me with this one. I definitely want a 50"-52" set and at that size I want it to be Full HD. I'm quite sensitive to detail and can quite easily see the difference on 40" HD ready Vs 40" Full HD sets. I'm thinking on a 50"+ I'll really notice it.

I really want the 50" 1080P Pioneer Kuro however sadly cannot justify the expense!! Guess I'll have to wait for your next Big Screen Supertest!!..... Don't leave it too long!

Keep up the good work with the mag btw!

Cheers!

Ollie

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the detailed explanation Clare.

Ollie, if you are not in a hurry, maybe you should wait until the new 9G Kuros are released and maybe you can pick up the outgoing 8G sets at a discount. The 50 inch Full HD Kuro is to date the very best TV ever according to the What Hi-Fi reviews. I'm pretty sure that the 9G will be even better. Good luck in your search!