Sony BRAVIA KDL-40V4100 40" HDTV LCD TV

The Sony KDL-40V4100 is Sony's top offering in the 60Hz class in this size with Dynamic contrast ratio of 25,000:1 (Native 2500:1). Sony has another TV in 60Hz class (40S4100) which I believe they have discontinued.

Picture Quality:The Standard Digital (SD) picture quality leaves something to be desired specially if you are using standard coax cable connection, Composite Video connecting or S-Video Connection. Quality does become better when using Component Video connection and is exceptional when using HDMI connection for High Definition (HD) picture (Note: Above is true with almost true with all HDTV's). Sony does not have deep blacks on its TVs so the 40V4100 does not look overly bright and its Black's are pale in comparison to competitors similar TVs from major competitors like Samsung and LG. The TV is best viewed in Vivid mode for brightest picture and in Standard mode for sharp picture. I personally put tv in Standard mode when watching HD picture. This tv also has a Light Sensor mode which can adjust picture based on your room's light conditions (Note: Makes picture less bright but more sharp in dark light and opposite in more light condition).

Sound Quality:Found the sound quality nice on all audio connections and you can adjust audio based on connections automatically or manually. TV has three mode Standard (balanced audio), Dynamic (Enhanced Treble & Base) and Clear Voice (Spoken Dialog). TV also has S-Force Front Surround for 2.1 like feel on any AV connection. There is also the steady sound option to keep the volume steady while switching around inputs.

Other Tidbits: As I mentioned the TV has light sensor option for auto adjustment of picture based room's lights and also the option for Power Management to reduce tv's power output, however having both on at the same time reduces the picture quality specially when room is dark. For optimal picture have light sensor ON and power management option OFF.