Sony KDL48W600B 48-Inch 1080p Smart LED TV (2014 Model)

The price has inched up in the past several days, but I'm still convinced this set is the best "value" in a large-screen Smart LED TV. Surprisingly, "Consumer Reports" lists the Sony KDL48W600 slightly below the KDL50W800, even in the "value" department. I say "No way!" You're paying almost twice as much, and for what? 1. Two additional inches of screen real estate; 2. 120HZ instead of 60Hz. Having seen the 50" set and compared a 60Hz picture with a 120Hz "action" picture, I personally would not see either feature as worth more than an additional hundred dollars, certainly not 4-5 hundred. Perhaps if my viewing habits were confined to sports and gaming I'd see it differently, but at present this particular Sony at just under $550 (a price I initially couldn't believe) strikes me as an unbeatable value in a brand that--despite yielding first place in sales to Samsung, LG, and numerous "budget" sets--has not slipped whatsoever in the quality synonymous with the Sony brand. Only if you have shelf or wall space to accommodate a 55"- 65" set might it make sense to look into a more expensive Sony. Viewers who are new to flat-panel technology typically underestimate the screen size their living room or similar space can accommodate. Whereas a 21" CRT set was once considered "large" and a 27" CRT set "enormous," these flat and thin LCD/LED panels simply "play smaller" than the old cathode ray picture tubes of comparable size. This 48" set is a perfect size for a bedroom dresser; hung on a wall, 60" might be required for the viewer to experience the same impact (and, unlike CRT sets, there is no noticeable diminution in sharpness with the larger screen). I can't say that the picture is better than my 7-year-old Sony (a 40V3000), which still leaves nothing to be desired in terms of sharpness, color, and grey-scale. But besides bringing a picture that matches the earlier 40" set, the 48W600 comes with overall dimensions that, thanks to its extremely thin bezel, are no larger. In terms of depth, the 48W600 is twice as thin as the 40V3000 and half the weight of the earlier, smaller screen. I was looking forward to having 3 additional HDMI ports, but the set is so flexible, or "smart," that I can instantly ditch 3 set-top boxes and 4-5 remotes (several hundred dollars wasted--or, if you prefer, saved). In addition, the Sony shines with its exclusive Twitter social commentary (though I'd advise against cluttering your screen with it) and with user-friendly, on-screen instructions that make any hard-copy printed manual gratuitous. The sound is good if not very good in capturing crystal-clear dialog. If you prefer to hear bass with your music, you'll need to add a sound bar or similar external audio device. (So far, I haven't felt a need for any enhancement.) (Warning: If this is not your first flat-screen set of 40" or more, you'd best discount any "wow" factor. When my 40" Sony arrived 7 years ago, it required two Amazon-contracted employees to carry the TV upstairs and set it up. The anticipation was palpable. By contrast, this set was simply left outside my door and, with no hands other than my own, required no more effort to carry upstairs than a Domino's pizza. Just as well--especially since, as my wife reminds me practically every day, it's time we moved into a one-story. Certainly, this TV would in no way discourage such a move.)

As a college student with two kids, I always look to stretch my dollar and get the most for it. The search for a new screen began in early April, and through plenty of research I quickly went from looking at either a 40" or a refurbished set in this price range to this brand new Sony Bravia. Regardless of the negative reviews and the fact amazon had yet to release the TV and it was still on pre-order, I figured this was the best set in the price range. After a month and a half (the order was placed April 2nd, didn't receive the TV until May 16th) of the longest wait of my short life, i had the TV delivered to my doorstep. Pro's: -Picture: 5/5 Ridiculously good picture. As with any TV, you'll need to do some tweaking to achieve your specific video preference. However, with the user-friendly setup options (as well as the option to tweak more intricate features) and some basic knowledge, this task becomes a breeze. Blacks are solid, Bright scenes look gorgeous. I have yet to see any lagging in my screen from hours of watching baseball, hockey and the NBA Finals. Sports look cherry on this screen as well as with gaming, from my own personal experience. -TV connected to WiFi quickly. Solid apps that run well (yes, that includes Amazon Prime Instant Video). PS4 actually doesn't have any YouTube or Pandora apps yet, but this TV does and this has been a lifesaver for me and a huge plus for this TV. -Sound is good for closer setups or smaller living areas such as my own. However, larger living area's or setups that require the user to be further away will find that it lacks the certain "boom" or clarity that a good sound bar can achieve. -Price: Overall, I'd say other than the picture, this was the best part of the television for me. A brand new 48" Sony for around $650. even if it is missing some bells and whistles, you'll be more than satisfied with this televisions' picture and features. Trust me. CONS: - As mentioned in a few reviews already, the power outlet is a S.O.B. I haven't had any issues with the cord reaching the outlet like others have stated, however the plug into the actual TV can be removed by the slightest movement to the cord. This can be frustrating for people trying to mount the screen or even people cleaning around the TV who accidentally move the cord and instantly shut the TV off. -My particular set seemed to have a slight "ghost"effect in the top middle of the screen. But this could be due to negligence during shipping and honestly, I don't notice it as much after becoming accustomed to the screen after a few weeks. -About a 15-20 second "full" start up time. (TV will turn on, but won't start up apps for a few seconds). -Amazon made me wait for over a month and a half with no idea when I would get the TV. I know this has nothing to do with the set, but DAMN! that was ridiculous. Overall I'm satisfied with this purchase and I would purchase the same TV again given the opportunity. The pro's definitely outweigh the cons and any setbacks the TV does have are not deal-breakers. Stop reading all these reviews and act, you will not be disappointed.

Very good tv and if you a high definition router or accessories you get an excellent picture

Great picture and sound!