Sony KF-E50A10 (50-inch rear projection LCD)

By Richard Arrowsmith, CNET.co.uk
Feb 27, 2006

Rear-projection TVs used to be regarded as oversized alternatives that offered big-screen entertainment at the expense of living room space and picture quality. The emergence of large flat screens threatened to expel the technology altogether.

But improved picture performance, reduced dimensions, and above all, affordability have seen a resurgence in the rear-projection market. Sony's KF-E50A12 (E50) is a huge 50-inch screen that claims to take up the same corner space as a 42-inch plasma--and at only S$5,999 a set, it costs considerably less.

Sony's latest 3LCD technology has freed the picture of typical rear-projection constraints such as blurred detail, bleached colors and poor off-axis viewing to produce a surprisingly creditable picture. And the future-proof specification includes high-resolution panel with digital connectivity that's high-definition compatible.

There're few frills elsewhere, with only basic picture and sound settings available, but if saving money rather than space is a priority, this is an ideal alternative for large-screen enthusiasts.

Editor's note: As this review is based on the UK digital tuner-enabled version of the KF-E50A10, specifications may vary slightly from the set available in Asia.

Design
The design of the E50 is virtually unrecognizable from the imposing constructions that characterized rear-projection screens in the past. In fact, when facing the television you could be forgiven for presuming it's a large-screen plasma. Only a glance around the side reveals otherwise, but even then the dimensions are less deep than a typical CRT TV--and it's also incredibly light, considering the size.

Sony's eye for inconspicuous style, featuring a slender matte-grey surround underscored by a narrow speaker system, reinforces the illusion that the design is slimmer than it actually is. Wall-mounting options are obviously out of the question, but the package includes an attractive, glass-tiered stand.

Primary controls are hidden in a lowered panel at the front of the screen and there's a comprehensive range of easily accessible connections across the screen's left side. Camcorder users and gamers can quickly connect using S-video or composite inputs while a PC terminal with accompanying audio input caters for computer or media center applications.

Other, more significant, connections are housed around the rear. There's a pair of component-video terminals, both of which are thankfully progressive and high-definition (HD)-enabled for uncompromised picture performance. Associated analogue audio inputs and a pair of stereo outputs are also included, but dedicated digital audio is ignored.

However, there is an HDMI input, which carries both HD digital audio and video signals for optimum performance. HDMI is the future of AV connections and essential if you want to receive upcoming HDTV broadcasts or watch HD-quality video from a similarly equipped Blu-ray or HD DVD player.

Finally, the stylish, silver remote is intelligently arranged and comfortable without being confused by an overabundance of controls.

• Most Popular

• Upcoming

Latest Downloads

 

What's Hot