Sony KDL 40W4500 Vs Panasonic TH-42PZ81B

[admin_exported]

Am looking to buy either the Sony or Panasonic in the next few weeks. We watch mostly sport so movement is important and hence waiting for 100Hz and MotionFlow on the Sony to match the Plasma for movement. Upto now have favoured the Sony on the basis of the reviews and to avoid reflections on the screen as we have lots of windows around the set and the "matt" finish of the Sony screen reflects less than the "glass" of the Panasonic.

But at the weekend, saw both screens next to each other, and the Sony colours looked washed out and "grey" in comparison to the Panasonic which was much richer. I got the assistant to play around with the Sony set up but he didn't seem able to make the Sony look comparable. I haven't read anything that suggests the Sony suffers in this way, nor that the Panasonic is really strong in this area.

Is this a real problem with the Sony or was this just a case of poor setup in the shop?

 

[Andy Clough]

I suspect this was a case of poor set-up in the shop. We always warn against making judgements in-store, where screens tend to be cranked up to the max to overcome the bright overhead lighting, and sets are often fed from a split TV signal that has to feed numerous TVs.

We've certainly never seen colours on the Sony look washed out and grey - quite the opposite, the Sony's colour realism is superb. I'd suggest you try and get a demo at a Sony Centre or independent dealer who should be able to calibrate it properly.

 

[Anonymous]

Apologies for jumping on this thread, but with regards to the improved motion handling of the Sony 40W4500.

Would you say that the new motion handling abilities of the 4500 are comparable with that of the Pana TH-42PZ81B Plasma?

My mate has been considering the Sony, but is concened about its ability to handle fast motion pictures (e.g. footie, rugby, etc.) in both SD and HD. He had almost made his mind up to go with a plasma when he read this thread and called me.

So, wise people of the forum......... does this Sony finally bridge the gap between LCD and Plasma?!?

 

[Anonymous]

Think you might have to wait for the Z4500, which Sony claim ""provides the smoothest and crispest motion reproduction to be achieved by an LCD TV."

But note, they dont claim it equals or betters plasma!!

 

[Anonymous]

Andy, appreciate your advice, I will take a look in a Sony Centre before jumping in for the W4500.

Ketch and Rewerb, as I watch a lot of football I will be very interested in seeing what the folks out there think about the gap on motion handling between the W4500 and the Pana...don't think I can wait for the Z4500.

 

[XSnPX]

Hi there,

I recently have bought the W4500 and i do watch a lot of sport expecially football...

on SD - which for me is Virgin+ through HDMI at 720p i must say the goal keeper is not quadrupled by a ghost anymore and the ball action seems smooth in my opinion... I like the brightness compromise for LCD versus Plasma, and as long you do nto sit <2meters formthe TV you shoudl appreciate the sport on the Sony.. I certainly have last weekend and more tonight

on HD - i have yet to see a full game as Virgin+ are "rubbish" with HD content which is a shame - as they have been promising more content for 2 years now and we only have BBC HD. Oh well still trying to keep the faith they will soon manage to get Sky sports HD on there...

Good luck with your choice - btu i woudl try and ask a retailer to show Sky SPorts News if possible to check quality of both screens whenre ther eis action on it, baring in mind i was told the source quality of the channel is not the best..

Ben.

 

[matthewpiano]

rewerb:
Think you might have to wait for the Z4500, which Sony claim ""provides the smoothest and crispest motion reproduction to be achieved by an LCD TV."

But note, they dont claim it equals or betters plasma!!

That is because Sony have better things to do than worry about the LCD vs plasma debate. They abandoned plasma some time ago now and there will certainly be no going back. Both technologies are capable of excellent results these days and its much more down to the processing and other qualities of an individual set. Sony have focused on improving the Bravia Engine and making viewing in both SD and HD as good as possible. The W4500 handles motion extremely well and I've not had any complaints from customers about its colour performance either. Its certainly a big step on from the W3000 and the W4000 in terms of its overall performance and we've come to the conclusion that its currently the best TV Sony make until the new Z and X series sets debut.

To be absolutely honest I think you would find either Sony or Panasonic set an excellent buy but I would suggest that if you do have lots of windows the Sony might be a better all round choice in your home.