Sony KDL-40Z4500 review now online
- Thread starter Andy Clough
- Start date
Interesting....
Seen as I have found the 46" version on line for £1640 I presume that that would get 5 stars then Andy?
Seen as I have found the 46" version on line for £1640 I presume that that would get 5 stars then Andy?
We don't presume anything about sets until we've tested them - and sadly we've yet to see the 46in 'Z' set.
The four-star verdict for the KDL-40Z4500, however, was a close call - if the price comes down dramatically in the coming weeks, it'll start to tip into five-star territory in terms of performance-per-pounds, as it's definitely better for sound and vision than even the 40W4500.
It's a similar story with the Pioneer LCDs - superb quality, but at a hefty premium.
The four-star verdict for the KDL-40Z4500, however, was a close call - if the price comes down dramatically in the coming weeks, it'll start to tip into five-star territory in terms of performance-per-pounds, as it's definitely better for sound and vision than even the 40W4500.
It's a similar story with the Pioneer LCDs - superb quality, but at a hefty premium.
UPDATE: Sony Centres are selling the KDL-40Z4500 for £1850, which is why we quoted that price originally, but Amazon has it for £1400 and Dixons for £1467.
John Lewis is selling it for £1850, but that's with a free Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray player.
On that basis, we've just upgraded it to five stars.
John Lewis is selling it for £1850, but that's with a free Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray player.
On that basis, we've just upgraded it to five stars.
Many thanks for the review, and for keeping us updated!
A review elsewhere hinted that they thought this may have used a better panel than the W4500, and that this had other benefits including less backlight issues. Would this be similar to your findings?
Where I am now, the Z is about 50% more than the W for the 40 incher. Hmmmm. Decisions, decisions...
A review elsewhere hinted that they thought this may have used a better panel than the W4500, and that this had other benefits including less backlight issues. Would this be similar to your findings?
Where I am now, the Z is about 50% more than the W for the 40 incher. Hmmmm. Decisions, decisions...
Gerrardasnails
Well-known member
Clare Newsome:
We don't presume anything about sets until we've tested them - and sadly we've yet to see the 46in 'Z' set.
The four-star verdict for the KDL-40Z4500, however, was a close call - if the price comes down dramatically in the coming weeks, it'll start to tip into five-star territory in terms of performance-per-pounds, as it's definitely better for sound and vision than even the 40W4500.
It's a similar story with the Pioneer LCDs - superb quality, but at a hefty premium.
Hi Clare.
When I click on the main headline of the new review I get a 5 star rating but lower down the front page I see that the Z4500 gets a 4 star rating. Is it a 4 then?
We don't presume anything about sets until we've tested them - and sadly we've yet to see the 46in 'Z' set.
The four-star verdict for the KDL-40Z4500, however, was a close call - if the price comes down dramatically in the coming weeks, it'll start to tip into five-star territory in terms of performance-per-pounds, as it's definitely better for sound and vision than even the 40W4500.
It's a similar story with the Pioneer LCDs - superb quality, but at a hefty premium.
Hi Clare.
When I click on the main headline of the new review I get a 5 star rating but lower down the front page I see that the Z4500 gets a 4 star rating. Is it a 4 then?
Gerrardasnails
Well-known member
Gerrardasnails:Clare Newsome:
We don't presume anything about sets until we've tested them - and sadly we've yet to see the 46in 'Z' set.
The four-star verdict for the KDL-40Z4500, however, was a close call - if the price comes down dramatically in the coming weeks, it'll start to tip into five-star territory in terms of performance-per-pounds, as it's definitely better for sound and vision than even the 40W4500.
It's a similar story with the Pioneer LCDs - superb quality, but at a hefty premium.
Hi Clare.
When I click on the main headline of the new review I get a 5 star rating but lower down the front page I see that the Z4500 gets a 4 star rating. Is it a 4 then?
Just seen Andy's post - makes sense now....just!
We don't presume anything about sets until we've tested them - and sadly we've yet to see the 46in 'Z' set.
The four-star verdict for the KDL-40Z4500, however, was a close call - if the price comes down dramatically in the coming weeks, it'll start to tip into five-star territory in terms of performance-per-pounds, as it's definitely better for sound and vision than even the 40W4500.
It's a similar story with the Pioneer LCDs - superb quality, but at a hefty premium.
Hi Clare.
When I click on the main headline of the new review I get a 5 star rating but lower down the front page I see that the Z4500 gets a 4 star rating. Is it a 4 then?
Just seen Andy's post - makes sense now....just!
Clare Newsome:
The four-star verdict for the KDL-40Z4500, however, was a close call - if the price comes down dramatically in the coming weeks, it'll start to tip into five-star territory in terms of performance-per-pounds, as it's definitely better for sound and vision than even the 40W4500.
For coming weeks, read coming minutes - blimey, TV prices are falling every day
And re different build to W4500 range - only Sony knows that for sure, but they've certainly invested more in the components and processing concerned for the Z, as you'd expect with its premium status.
The four-star verdict for the KDL-40Z4500, however, was a close call - if the price comes down dramatically in the coming weeks, it'll start to tip into five-star territory in terms of performance-per-pounds, as it's definitely better for sound and vision than even the 40W4500.
For coming weeks, read coming minutes - blimey, TV prices are falling every day
And re different build to W4500 range - only Sony knows that for sure, but they've certainly invested more in the components and processing concerned for the Z, as you'd expect with its premium status.
Yup, the site normally takes about 20mins to update so the change is working its way through the system. To confirm, we have upgraded it to 5 stars.
Andy, I bit the bullet and am setting up my Z46 today, I have run through the THX optimizer but would be keen to know what you had you test settings at for the review?? please
Cheers
Cheers
A Big thankyou to you all at the WHF office.
I'm off to try and source a good deal
Take it there was no dreaded..............clouding issues then (sorry for re-introducing this bleeding thread again!)
I'm off to try and source a good deal
Take it there was no dreaded..............clouding issues then (sorry for re-introducing this bleeding thread again!)
If we'd had any backlight issues, we'd have mentioned them - and we've had this set running in a range of lighting conditions for a week now, with no issues at all.
motley:
Andy, I bit the bullet and am setting up my Z46 today, I have run through the THX optimizer but would be keen to know what you had you test settings at for the review?? please
Cheers
Well of course we reviewed the 40in version, which may differ. But I'll get the test team to post their recommendations based on the 40Z4500.
Andy, I bit the bullet and am setting up my Z46 today, I have run through the THX optimizer but would be keen to know what you had you test settings at for the review?? please
Cheers
Well of course we reviewed the 40in version, which may differ. But I'll get the test team to post their recommendations based on the 40Z4500.
motley:
Andy, I bit the bullet and am setting up my Z46 today, I have run through the THX optimizer but would be keen to know what you had you test settings at for the review?? please
Cheers
Have asked the test team to come back to me with the test settings this afternoon, so will let you know.
Andy, I bit the bullet and am setting up my Z46 today, I have run through the THX optimizer but would be keen to know what you had you test settings at for the review?? please
Cheers
Have asked the test team to come back to me with the test settings this afternoon, so will let you know.
Andy..
Obsidian black?
The optional grille that is, my local Sony centre has no knowledge. Have you any ideas of the cosmetic appearance. Failing that I will have a look on the website however I doubt that it will be on.
I had the same issues when I bought the black surround grille for the 46x2000.
Obsidian black?
The optional grille that is, my local Sony centre has no knowledge. Have you any ideas of the cosmetic appearance. Failing that I will have a look on the website however I doubt that it will be on.
I had the same issues when I bought the black surround grille for the 46x2000.
I must admit when I saw this TV in action next to the 40W4500 there was a distinct step up in SD picture quality IMO and worth every penny of the extra few hundred quid over the W4500. I'm really picky about SD pic quality as this is mainly what I watch so I have been hunting around for ages to find something that is "acceptable to watch" compared to my CRT I currently use. i.e. the pixelation / noise that seems to be "standard issue" on all LCD's and Plasmas up until now. The 40Z4500 is the only set that's come close IMO to what I would call a "good" SD picture. Don't get me wrong, there is a still a slight amount of noise still but it is now "good enough" to watch. For info, I wasn't even particularly impressed with the SD pic quality on the Pioneer 428 / 4280 which everyone tended to think was the best in class for this. So for anyone that's into SD pic quality, I would say the 40Z4500 is far better than the pioneer and IMO the best that's currently out there. I'm tempted to hang on a little while longer though just to see what the next generation Pioneer's are like in comparison. Once I've seen them, then I'll put my cash on the counter :~)
Sam
Sam
johnnymunro:
Interesting....
Seen as I have found the 46" version on line for £1640 I presume that that would get 5 stars then Andy?
I was just going to say it's a shame that they don't mention a 46" version..... Hmmm, maybe the Sony's are back in the running for my next purchase then, just when i thought all was lost!!... Just as long as THESE models dont suffer from the dreaded clouding and backlight bleed of the W' models!!!
Interesting....
Seen as I have found the 46" version on line for £1640 I presume that that would get 5 stars then Andy?
I was just going to say it's a shame that they don't mention a 46" version..... Hmmm, maybe the Sony's are back in the running for my next purchase then, just when i thought all was lost!!... Just as long as THESE models dont suffer from the dreaded clouding and backlight bleed of the W' models!!!
Clare Newsome:
The four-star verdict for the KDL-40Z4500, however, was a close call
I'm confused, didn't it get a five star rating in the above review???
The four-star verdict for the KDL-40Z4500, however, was a close call
I'm confused, didn't it get a five star rating in the above review???
RyanJH:johnnymunro:
Interesting....
Seen as I have found the 46" version on line for £1640 I presume that that would get 5 stars then Andy?
I was just going to say it's a shame that they don't mention a 46" version..... Hmmm, maybe the Sony's are back in the running for my next purchase then, just when i thought all was lost!!... Just as long as THESE models dont suffer from the dreaded clouding and backlight bleed of the W' models!!!
Still worried about Plasma? Go Pioneer mate, you won't regret it.
regards
Interesting....
Seen as I have found the 46" version on line for £1640 I presume that that would get 5 stars then Andy?
I was just going to say it's a shame that they don't mention a 46" version..... Hmmm, maybe the Sony's are back in the running for my next purchase then, just when i thought all was lost!!... Just as long as THESE models dont suffer from the dreaded clouding and backlight bleed of the W' models!!!
Still worried about Plasma? Go Pioneer mate, you won't regret it.
regards
drummerman:
Still worried about Plasma? Go Pioneer mate, you won't regret it.
regards
I would love to mate but i'm not forking out 2 grand plus for a tv, no matter how good it is!! I'm aiming for about 1600 max.
Still worried about Plasma? Go Pioneer mate, you won't regret it.
regards
I would love to mate but i'm not forking out 2 grand plus for a tv, no matter how good it is!! I'm aiming for about 1600 max.
Robert Whyte Ltd is doing the kdl46z4500 for 1664.99 incl. del. plus a 5yr. warranty and the kdl40z4500 for 1334.99 incl. del. and plus same warranty
i know the 40 just got 5 stars by whf but does anyone own one of these in the real world? i could be tempted by the 46
RyanJH:Clare Newsome:
The four-star verdict for the KDL-40Z4500, however, was a close call
I'm confused, didn't it get a five star rating in the above review???
It got a four-star rating on a performance-per-pound basis when we were judging it by the price Sony had supplied. The minute we clapped eyes on the real-world prices - vastly cheaper than Sony price - we amended the review. Apologies for the momentary confusion!
The four-star verdict for the KDL-40Z4500, however, was a close call
I'm confused, didn't it get a five star rating in the above review???
It got a four-star rating on a performance-per-pound basis when we were judging it by the price Sony had supplied. The minute we clapped eyes on the real-world prices - vastly cheaper than Sony price - we amended the review. Apologies for the momentary confusion!
johnnymunro:
(sorry for re-introducing this bleeding thread again!)
Haha!!! Love the pun there!! ;-)
(sorry for re-introducing this bleeding thread again!)
Haha!!! Love the pun there!! ;-)
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