I would still go for the w5500, the problem with blacklight bleed appears on all these models. the important thing to remember is which of these is the best in terms of performance. from reading other reviews the w5500 has been deamed a improvement to the w4500 so for me there is no question. If you want the best best of these three sony tv's then w5500 is it, if you still not convinced maybe think about getting the z4500 or looking at new samsung tvs.
check out the reviews of all three on here , but look also at the potential problems some of the sonys seem to have , id say if you can find a 4500 at a good price , from a retailer that will guarantee a refund if any problems surface , that is your best bet , IMO.... better for sports than the 4000 because it has 100htz , smoother picture , the 5500 would propably cost more and so far it doesnt seem to be better ... id check out samsung too though , the new ones have some limited internet connectivity , and can play back mkv files through a usb stick , handy if you download movies ... look great too ...
cmf:I would still go for the w5500, the problem with blacklight bleed appears on all these models. the important thing to remember is which of these is the best in terms of performance. from reading other reviews the w5500 has been deamed a improvement to the w4500 so for me there is no question. If you want the best best of these three sony tv's then w5500 is it, if you still not convinced maybe think about getting the z4500 or looking at new samsung tvs.
whifis review 4500s had no backlight bleeding .... why do you say different ? did you see them ?
whifis review 4500s had no backlight bleeding .... why do you say different ? did you see them ?
bullitt
Well-known member
Is backlight bleed something that is only noticeable to the trained eye?, because other than that its a good review.
only seen it in pictures , but apparently its seen more when dark scenes are being shown , and once you have seen it , you keep noticing it .. propably annoying ...
bullitt
Well-known member
I dont understand why can't sony just make the w4500 easy to set up, whf had to tweak it alot to get the best picture,what chance have the rest of us got ? your average person on the street who doesnt know about calibration has no chance, it never use to be this hard to choose a tv.
maxflinn
there is a long discussion about backlight bleed on the w4500 check out the link
http://whathifi.com/forums/t/144898.aspx
there is a long discussion about backlight bleed on the w4500 check out the link
http://whathifi.com/forums/t/144898.aspx
cmf:maxflinn
there is a long discussion about backlight bleed on the w4500 check out the link
http://whathifi.com/forums/t/144898.aspx
Indeed - as I referenced and linked about three pages back.
there is a long discussion about backlight bleed on the w4500 check out the link
http://whathifi.com/forums/t/144898.aspx
Indeed - as I referenced and linked about three pages back.
guys , its official , no more posts from me regarding sony backlight bleed , i have my plasma and i dont care
, just need a soundbar and a ps3 now .....
A very good review of the sony kdl40w5500 about backlight bleed etc etc and its pros and cons. But for the average joe who just wants to get the best picture he can get on his nice new sony some calibration settings would be very helpfull at least it gives users a good reference point as where to start.
I have a 40W5500 and a very different problem and was wondering whether anyone has come across it......
Basically I have my Sky+HD linked up to the W5500. Now when I press a button on the Sky remote, the Sky HD box isn't always recognising the signal from the remote (the remote is 110% fine). Sometimes I have to press the same button 5-10 times for the Sky box to understand the command.
I had a Sky engineer came out who tried 3 different HD boxes without any success. He then tried a Sky+ (non HD) box and it worked absolutely fine. In the end I took the TV back to the shop, we tried it in the shop on their Sky+HD box and it worked fine (I felt a fool!). Anyway, they were kind enough to give me a replacement. I got it home, linked it all up and guess what.....same problem!
I have since worked it out myself that when I take the HDMI cable out the TV and press the remote, the Sky box works fine. If I leave it in the TV and take the cable out the Sky box, it starts to play up again??? I have tried different HDMI cables with no success and so it's led me to believe that there is something very odd going on with the HDMI (hence the reason why the non HD Sky+ box worked when we tested it as this was not connected via HDMI)???
My setup has not changed with the exception of the new TV (all cables etc. remain unchanged). My previous TV was a Samsung LE40A686 and I had no trouble with it whatsoever. I'm wondering whether there is some sort of 'interference' somewhere but can't understand then why the Samsung was not affected?????
Anyone come across anything like this before??? I'm seriously confused.com
Basically I have my Sky+HD linked up to the W5500. Now when I press a button on the Sky remote, the Sky HD box isn't always recognising the signal from the remote (the remote is 110% fine). Sometimes I have to press the same button 5-10 times for the Sky box to understand the command.
I had a Sky engineer came out who tried 3 different HD boxes without any success. He then tried a Sky+ (non HD) box and it worked absolutely fine. In the end I took the TV back to the shop, we tried it in the shop on their Sky+HD box and it worked fine (I felt a fool!). Anyway, they were kind enough to give me a replacement. I got it home, linked it all up and guess what.....same problem!
I have since worked it out myself that when I take the HDMI cable out the TV and press the remote, the Sky box works fine. If I leave it in the TV and take the cable out the Sky box, it starts to play up again??? I have tried different HDMI cables with no success and so it's led me to believe that there is something very odd going on with the HDMI (hence the reason why the non HD Sky+ box worked when we tested it as this was not connected via HDMI)???
My setup has not changed with the exception of the new TV (all cables etc. remain unchanged). My previous TV was a Samsung LE40A686 and I had no trouble with it whatsoever. I'm wondering whether there is some sort of 'interference' somewhere but can't understand then why the Samsung was not affected?????
Anyone come across anything like this before??? I'm seriously confused.com
Another review also saw the same problem, but it seems the bleeding is negligible after calibrating the set.
The question is whether the negligible bleeding is noticeable to the average punter (like me). I was planning to buy the 52" when available, I will just have to wait until I can see it in a shop and whether I can notice any bleeding or not...
The question is whether the negligible bleeding is noticeable to the average punter (like me). I was planning to buy the 52" when available, I will just have to wait until I can see it in a shop and whether I can notice any bleeding or not...
I've been and seen the 40W5500 in the flesh today and have to say i wasn't blown away by the look of the set. I couldn't really tell if the picture was any good as some awful music channel was on a loop. The 40W4500 looked much better design wise in my humble opinion.
yep i agree the w5500 looks rubbish. but what can you do if nothing else can beat it for £1000 i will have to love it .
cmf:yep i agree the w5500 looks rubbish. but what can you do if nothing else can beat it for £1000 ...
Really ... ?
Really ... ?
Hi martpu,
Have you tried turning off the HDMI Control (I think Sony calls it Bravia Sync)? I've got a Panasonic LCD and when I connected it to a Panasonic Blu-Ray I had loads of problems. I turned off Viera Link on both the telly and the Blu-ray and most of the problems went away. Now, however, I've put a Denon AVR-3808A in the middle and since then everything has sync'd up beautifully without a hickup. As such I'd always look at disabling the HDMI Control feature as 1st port of call when experiencing any weirdness that is in any way connected to the HDMI.
Tom
Have you tried turning off the HDMI Control (I think Sony calls it Bravia Sync)? I've got a Panasonic LCD and when I connected it to a Panasonic Blu-Ray I had loads of problems. I turned off Viera Link on both the telly and the Blu-ray and most of the problems went away. Now, however, I've put a Denon AVR-3808A in the middle and since then everything has sync'd up beautifully without a hickup. As such I'd always look at disabling the HDMI Control feature as 1st port of call when experiencing any weirdness that is in any way connected to the HDMI.
Tom
matthewpiano:Martin Gman:
matthewpiano:Major differences are panel, Bravia Engine 3 (instead of 2), and video abilities on the USB input. Quite a bit really. Its a different set to the W4500.
However, I have had a good look at our display sets in 40", 37" and 32" of the W5500 this morning with lights off and shutters down and can't see any backlight bleed on them so its obviously something that doesn't afflict all W5500 sets, just as it didn't afflict all W4500s. Will be interesting to see if WHF manage to get another sample of the 40" and, if so, what the results will be.
Yes Matt but the Bravia Engine 3 wouldn't cause backlight bleed. I point the finger at the...WCG-CCFL
It
stands for Wide Color Gamut CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp)
backlight. It is a unique Sony technology found in BRAVIA televisions.
The new Wide Color Gamut CCFL guarantees an increase of approximately
30% from conventional CCFL backlight in colour quality. WCG-CCFL
incorporates a new type of luminescent material to produce deeper, more
accurate reds and greens.
WHY did sony drop the WCG-CCFL for the 30% less colour CCFL in the 5500????
I personally think it is also a mix of bad construction of the sets at various factories and the positioning of the CCFLs. Maybe they are too close to the panels??
I'm well aware that the processor wouldn't cause backlight bleed and I don't need a lesson on Sony's technologies - I keep well up to date on them as a basic requirement of my job. You asked what the main differences were between the 4500 and 5500 generation W-series. The BE3 is an important difference, hence my reason for stating it as such.
If it were down to the positioning of the CCFLs all samples would be affected. They are not because I have seen W4500 and W5500 models which show no signs of backlight bleed (in fact every example I've seen). My own 32S2510 however does suffer from backlight bleed in the form of torches in the top corners of the screen, only visible on black screens and in a dark room, but there nevertheless and a 26" LG I have in my bedroom suffers from quite bad backlight bleed, so I am well aware of its existence as a possible issue with LCD technology. However, it would also be true to say that I am aware of possible issues with all TV technologies and the only sets I would describe as approaching perfection, that I've seen, are the Sony X4500 LCD and the Pioneer Kuro plasmas.
I suppose the real test, from my perspective is to ask 'Would I happily buy a W5500 or recommend it to family/friends?', and the answer is a definite yes. Its not a perfect set. If it was, the more expensive Z range (including the forthcoming Z5500s) and X range would be pointless exercises. It is however an excellent TV at its price point. The freeview performance in particular is quite significantly better than the previous model. I would advise anyone interested in it to look at it properly at a retailer/dealer who is focused on customer service. Compare it against any other sets in your shortlist and buy it in the confidence that you have chosen to give your business to a retailer/dealer who will look after you in the event of issues.
Great sales pitch!
matthewpiano:Major differences are panel, Bravia Engine 3 (instead of 2), and video abilities on the USB input. Quite a bit really. Its a different set to the W4500.
However, I have had a good look at our display sets in 40", 37" and 32" of the W5500 this morning with lights off and shutters down and can't see any backlight bleed on them so its obviously something that doesn't afflict all W5500 sets, just as it didn't afflict all W4500s. Will be interesting to see if WHF manage to get another sample of the 40" and, if so, what the results will be.
Yes Matt but the Bravia Engine 3 wouldn't cause backlight bleed. I point the finger at the...WCG-CCFL
It
stands for Wide Color Gamut CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp)
backlight. It is a unique Sony technology found in BRAVIA televisions.
The new Wide Color Gamut CCFL guarantees an increase of approximately
30% from conventional CCFL backlight in colour quality. WCG-CCFL
incorporates a new type of luminescent material to produce deeper, more
accurate reds and greens.
WHY did sony drop the WCG-CCFL for the 30% less colour CCFL in the 5500????
I personally think it is also a mix of bad construction of the sets at various factories and the positioning of the CCFLs. Maybe they are too close to the panels??
I'm well aware that the processor wouldn't cause backlight bleed and I don't need a lesson on Sony's technologies - I keep well up to date on them as a basic requirement of my job. You asked what the main differences were between the 4500 and 5500 generation W-series. The BE3 is an important difference, hence my reason for stating it as such.
If it were down to the positioning of the CCFLs all samples would be affected. They are not because I have seen W4500 and W5500 models which show no signs of backlight bleed (in fact every example I've seen). My own 32S2510 however does suffer from backlight bleed in the form of torches in the top corners of the screen, only visible on black screens and in a dark room, but there nevertheless and a 26" LG I have in my bedroom suffers from quite bad backlight bleed, so I am well aware of its existence as a possible issue with LCD technology. However, it would also be true to say that I am aware of possible issues with all TV technologies and the only sets I would describe as approaching perfection, that I've seen, are the Sony X4500 LCD and the Pioneer Kuro plasmas.
I suppose the real test, from my perspective is to ask 'Would I happily buy a W5500 or recommend it to family/friends?', and the answer is a definite yes. Its not a perfect set. If it was, the more expensive Z range (including the forthcoming Z5500s) and X range would be pointless exercises. It is however an excellent TV at its price point. The freeview performance in particular is quite significantly better than the previous model. I would advise anyone interested in it to look at it properly at a retailer/dealer who is focused on customer service. Compare it against any other sets in your shortlist and buy it in the confidence that you have chosen to give your business to a retailer/dealer who will look after you in the event of issues.
Great sales pitch!
The way i view backlight bleed is its an LCD thing! You buy a TV from any manufacture you have a chance of getting a set with a little backlight bleed(LED aside) it isnt just a sony problem and its not a faulty set.....i suppose if the bleed isnt noticable under normal viewing and in most cases it isnt then why worry??
PS i have 4 lcds in my house they all bleed a little! is a problem? no not really, although my old(now gone) sony 40w2000 had very bad bleed that was annoying as it cost £2000
PS i have 4 lcds in my house they all bleed a little! is a problem? no not really, although my old(now gone) sony 40w2000 had very bad bleed that was annoying as it cost £2000
I have had my 40W5500 changed as I was unhappy with the bleed in the top left and right corners (dealer replaced it without any fuss - pays to support your local shop). The second set has negligible bleed and I'm much happier now and enjoying the TV.
Just trying to work out what it can do when connected to the internet, not much it seems but then I may be doing something wrong.. can someone tell me what the internet connectivity is supposed to provide?
Just trying to work out what it can do when connected to the internet, not much it seems but then I may be doing something wrong.. can someone tell me what the internet connectivity is supposed to provide?
hi everyone just found this forum, after searching for a review on the sony w5500.
I just bought a 37 inch model, yesterday, after reading about this bleed thing, Im quite concerned, however i cannot see this?
How can i tell if mine has bleed? what exactly is bleed?
the picture looks great to me.
ÿAlso i read people talking about calibrating it
can anyone tell me how to calibrate it properly - or point me to a link ?ÿ
ÿ
thanksÿ
ÿ
I just bought a 37 inch model, yesterday, after reading about this bleed thing, Im quite concerned, however i cannot see this?
How can i tell if mine has bleed? what exactly is bleed?
the picture looks great to me.
ÿAlso i read people talking about calibrating it
can anyone tell me how to calibrate it properly - or point me to a link ?ÿ
ÿ
thanksÿ
ÿ
Tonya
Well-known member
"Just trying to work out what it can do when connected to the internet, not much it seems but then I may be doing something wrong.. can someone tell me what the internet connectivity is supposed to provide?"
Hi BlueSmoke!
The internet connectivity is still in it's infancy, but on the Sony KDL-52W4500, if you connect a Sony camera and display the photos which have been "GeoTagged" with GPS information at the time of shooting, then a map also comes up indicating exactly where you where on the planet when you took the shot (within a few metres of course).
Neat.
The latest generation of Internet connected TVs will be able to access Internet TV and YouTube stuff the same way a Windows Media Centre PC does today, so it makes sense to ensure you plan for an Ethernet or wireless connection in your rack if you plan to use this facility in the future.
And my definitive last word on the dreaded backlight bleed, I believe that any LCD set will exhibit this if it's poorly adjusted, much the same way that music sounds rubbish if maximum bass, treble, loudness was to be applied, no matter how good the playback system.
I always advise people to have a good tweak and have a low wattage lamp near the set so your eyes are not too strained by the brilliant colours and contrast of a modern LCD.
P.S. Andrew E, you crack me up. Drier than a dry Martini bought in "Bar Dry" made a barman called Mr.Dry from Dryville.
Hi BlueSmoke!
The internet connectivity is still in it's infancy, but on the Sony KDL-52W4500, if you connect a Sony camera and display the photos which have been "GeoTagged" with GPS information at the time of shooting, then a map also comes up indicating exactly where you where on the planet when you took the shot (within a few metres of course).
Neat.
The latest generation of Internet connected TVs will be able to access Internet TV and YouTube stuff the same way a Windows Media Centre PC does today, so it makes sense to ensure you plan for an Ethernet or wireless connection in your rack if you plan to use this facility in the future.
And my definitive last word on the dreaded backlight bleed, I believe that any LCD set will exhibit this if it's poorly adjusted, much the same way that music sounds rubbish if maximum bass, treble, loudness was to be applied, no matter how good the playback system.
I always advise people to have a good tweak and have a low wattage lamp near the set so your eyes are not too strained by the brilliant colours and contrast of a modern LCD.
P.S. Andrew E, you crack me up. Drier than a dry Martini bought in "Bar Dry" made a barman called Mr.Dry from Dryville.
I'm amazed at the outcome of this review for two reasons...1 - that after all the problems reported with the 4500 Sony have potentially not addressed the backlight issue (if it did exist) and 2 - considering the consumers uncertainty re the quality of their tv's, they did not take the time to ensure that WHF got a 'perfect' set for the review!! I remember reading that when Sony agreed to the joint venture with Samsung to create SSLCD it was Sony that imposed rigorous quality control checks to ensure that the Samsung panels were up to standard. It seems that they now need to impose these same control standards on the assembly of their sets!! I can't believe that as a brand that prides itself on the quality of its products they have not reviewed the quality control processes used in their assembly plants. The latest range of Samsung tv's seem very attractive...perhaps Sony should come back to Bridgend 
Similar threads
TRENDING THREADS
-
Is hi-fi really getting better? Our technical editor ponders its progression
- Started by What Hi-Fi?
- Replies: 15
-
-
-
-
-
I test OLED TVs for a living – and trust me, different sizes perform differently
- Started by What Hi-Fi?
- Replies: 3
-
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram