Sony Bravia KDL-46Z5500 (46-inch LCD)

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By Philip Wong, CNET Asia
Oct 16, 2009

The Bravia KDL-46Z5500 is Sony's latest 200Hz LCD TV based on its proprietary MotionFlow technology. Compared with its predecessor, this new entry offers a few incremental performance-oriented upgrades ranging from its Bravia Engine 3 video processor to better dynamic contrast. If you've a home media server, the panel's overhauled multimedia playback system is an interesting option to share family photos and videos. Another gimmicky addition is an energy-saving switch (read: Mechanical rocker) that shuts down the TV with zero power consumption.

Design

A backlit Sony logo which you can switch off from the software menu.
(Click for larger image)

The KDL-46Z5500 may be less flamboyant than many past Sony's HDTV offerings, but its clear smoke finish and slim 30mm panel frame are refreshing changes that exude a neat minimalist appeal. To add some bling, there's also an illuminated white Sony logo which can be turned off if users find it distracting. Aesthetics-aside, the auxiliary A/V ports and TV controls are easily accessible on the left and right, respectively. Our only gripe lies with the awkward side Ethernet jack and the eye sore due to its exposed network cable--a rear placement would have been a more logical choice.

Design and layout

Form factor	All-in-one design; 86mm thin
Finishing	Clear smoke color
TV controls	Right side; non-backlit; push buttons
Auxiliary A/V inputs	Left side; Dual HDMIs, USB, Ethernet and composite-A/V
Mounting option	Swivel table stand, manual wall bracket

Blue backlighting for the keys, though this will have to be manually activated via a button.
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You'll get both blue backlit keys and multifunctional controls compatible with Sony DVD/Blu-ray players, video recorders, home theater systems and A/V receivers for its ergonomic remote. Most critical functions are adequately covered by responsive shortcuts including Option that displays a list of major configurations. The less common variants are tugged away under a slideout cover. There're input, digital and analog TV buttons for switching between video sources, too. This process is further simplified via automatic port connection sensing and menu programming.

Remote control

Form factor	Longish; arched bottom; 253mm long
Finishing	Matte black, silver trimming
Key backlighting	Blue color
Input switching	Digital TV, Analog TV, Input
Multifunctional control	Blu-ray, DVD and amplifier

There're plenty of tweaking options to fine-tune this Bravia.
(Click for larger image)

This Bravia sports an advanced XrossMediaBar (XMB) user interface for its software menu and multimedia playback system accessible from the remote's Home key. Instead of pure text, XMB uses icons in a drill-down, left-to-right navigation flow and includes handy information such as a full product manual and usage tips. We counted 11 picture modes tailored for different program genres with independent customization options for each input. These range from backlighting to dual video noise reduction and advanced white balance adjustments for SpyderTV calibration.

Software Menu

Text-based; colored	Icon-based; colored
Video modes	Vivid; Standard; Custom; Cinema; Photo-Vivid; Photo-Standard; Photo-Original; Photo-Custom; Sports; Game; Graphics
Audio modes	Dynamic; Standard; Clear Voice
Advanced settings	Backlight; film mode; white balance; edge enhancement