There's a degree of uncertainty surrounding Sony's W5100-series LCD tv's, but the mystery only heightens the anticipation. The line consists of 3 versions, the 52-inch KDL-52W5100, the 46-inch KDL-46W5100, and also the KDL-40W5100, which can be all set to replace the 'W4100' versions from last year.

What's most intriguing concerning the W5100 types is the language utilized by Sony to describe them. While these 1080p tv's consist of functions normally seen on higher-end flat-panel tv's, Sony calls them "an economic HDTV choice," and straight contrasts them to their XBR9 and Z5100-series tv's.

Those lines are really large conclusion, and really costly. The XBR9 LCDs expense among $1,200 and $3,600, for size ranges of 32, 40, 46, and 52 inches. The Z-series versions, which arrive in sizes of 40, 46, and 52-inches, is going to be in the same neighborhood, even though possibly slightly less costly because of some minor technological differences. The W5100 models nevertheless don't have manufacturer's suggested retail prices yet, but if the W4100 types were any indication, expect some thing within the range of $1,500 to $2,500.

Despite this dearth of pricing details, the potential to get a really economical BRAVIA LCD with the type of characteristic set discovered on the W5100 televisions is worth keeping tabs on. It's a wonderful, reasonable array of specifications which are neither excessive, nor lacking.

Refreshing Restraint

120Hz refresh costs and their alleged anti-judder, smoothing abilities have been the hot specification last year. Though it does have some benefits, the extra premium for any 120Hz set seemed out of proportion. This year, however, 120Hz is essentially a regular function, and rates have normalized accordingly.

This has left TV manufacturers struggling for a new marketing hook. For 2009, that hook is 240Hz—double the 120Hz refresh rate. It's also twice as ridiculous. The advantages of 120Hz have been visible, but subtle and actually intended only for nitpicking videophiles. 240Hz is merely beyond the realm of perception. Any perceived improvement in image high quality will merely be the power of good thinking. 240Hz is all hype, no substance, and must be avoided.

That's why the W5100 versions stand out against the costly XBR9 and Z5100 lines. The W5100 keeps things simple by sticking with 120Hz; the latter two lines have pushed ahead into 240Hz territory, which accounts for their daunting price tags. Customers would be smart not to have suckered into such gamesmanship. If you're really looking to save cash, maybe the S5100 collection, which lacks 120Hz entirely (and sticks with plain old 60Hz) is a lot more your speed. That 720p line is expected to retail for among $800 and $1,800.

Internet Content on your HDTV

The purpose the W5100 series is so remarkable is that it's allegedly inexpensive, but still offers the Internet connectivity discovered on the higher-end types. The W5100 tv's have a built-in Ethernet jack for direct connection to your house network. This puts it in direct competition with similar Internet-enabled devices from LG, Panasonic, and Vizio.

Viewers can access Amazon Video On Demand, YouTube, and a selection of Sony Pictures films directly from the television display. Previously, Sony needed that a separate Internet module be attached to their HDTVs in order to gain access to the Internet. The W5100 sequence does away with that accessory, integrating its functions directly into the set. It's a good, clean way of providing entry to streaming video. Low-end Sony televisions, ones with no Ethernet ports, still demand that BRAVIA Internet Movie Link device.

Update: On July 9th, 2009, Sony announced a partnership with Netflix, that would allow Sony Internet Movie Link-enabled TVs to stream movies from Netflix's on the web Instant Queue.

DLNA Capabilities

One more appealing characteristic around the W5100 models may be the TV's ability to interact with computers on your residence network. Thanks for the integrated DLNA abilities, a W5100 television can detect your individual personal computer on the network (provided it has been configured to act as a media server) and play music, movie, or photo slideshows stored in your hard drive correct on the TV's display. It's a simple method to use to the max in your home office entertainment equipment, linking your digital media library with your fancy HDTV.

We're very eager to see how considerably these W-series LCD tv's will expense, and optimistic that the price points are going to be lower enough that buyers who choose Sony can appreciate integrated broadband on their new tv's.