[yukon04]

I recently purchased a Sony KDL-40VE5 LCD and thought it would be worthwhile to have a thread on this unit. The Phillips 42PFL7422D/37 thread was a great source of info 3 years ago when I purchased my set. I went thru a settings checkout for a couple of days, trying different recommended setting from CNet and tvinfo.com. I finally have settled on what I believe is an acceptable picture for most inputs. It worked great for the Olympics. My setup is as follows:


Cable - Comcast SA8300 input on HDMI

Toshiba HD-AI on HDMI

Sony BDP-S1 on HDMI

Sony digital recorder on Component

Audio output to 5.1 Sony Receiver - I do not use the tV speakers.


Upon setup I found the factory settings unsatisfactory, unless you enjoy watching in VIVID setting. I lowered all the settings on Adv Contrast Enhancer, Gamma, Clear White and Live Color. I disabled the Light Sensor and Auto Turn Off feature. Picture is now acceptable to my taste. I compared the picture to the Phillips and its a close match. My settings are:


Picture Mode.....Standard

Backlight.............8

Picture..............81

Brightness..........60

Color.................45

Sharpness..........50

Noise Reduction...Low

Adv Contrast.......Low

Gamma...............Low

Clear White.........Low

Live Color...........Low

Advanced Settings

Cinemotion........Auto 1

Game Mode........Off

Motion Flow........Std

White Balance.....No change from Factory


The only issue I hae experienced so far is occasional audio drop out on HDMI 2 which is the Comcast input. I am using the same SA8300 STB which was connected to the Phillips. I don't recall noticing significant dropouts with the Phillips, but Comcast signal is unreliable and I am monitoring the situation. I have 90 days to return the set to Costco if I find the set at fault.


CNet tested the 46" unit and indicated that setting for the 40" and 46" should be close. Any feedback or comments would be appreciated.

 

[clwolf]

I am getting the KDL46VE5 as a replacement for my XBR. I'll post in here more as soon as I get it.

 

[yukon04]

I believe I have experienced my first major isssue with this Sony. HDMI hand shake issue with my Comcast SA8300 STB. On powering up, the audio begins to drop out after about a minute. Audio recovers eventually, but it is annoying. Immediate correction is possible by moving up or down one channel and returning. Also issue occurs when I use the Comcast menu and select another channel. The STB was previously used with my 3yr old Phillips 42" LCD and I don't recall an audio issue, but I had the STB connected directly to the 5.1 receiver. I am using composite outputs from Sony to the receiver. I attempted digital out from STB to the receiver but audio was out of sync with Sony picture. Not sure why.


I recall a review which mentioned an upconvert issue (720p, 1080i to 1080p). Sony's native resolution is 1080p and review indicated some problems with certain inputs.

I will continue to monitor the issue and try to isolate it further.

 

[clwolf]

So I just received my KDL-46VE5 as my replacement for my XBR1. It looks great so far. My wife loves that it is smaller than the XBR1. I was bummed it only has 1 composite but looks like I can make one of the components into a composite. (My toddler's two games she hooks up to the TV).


I'll report more as I play. Finally nice to have a TV that shows the correct color!

 

[clwolf]

yukon, I followed your settings and we'll see how it goes. Right now I have my Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD via Time Warner hooked up with HDMI. I have to get another HDMI cable for my DVD player. Also have my box only output as 1080i.

 

[yukon04]



Quote:
Originally Posted by yukon04 /forum/post/18254422


I believe I have experienced my first major isssue with this Sony. HDMI hand shake issue with my Comcast SA8300 STB. On powering up, the audio begins to drop out after about a minute. Audio recovers eventually, but it is annoying. Immediate correction is possible by moving up or down one channel and returning. Also issue occurs when I use the Comcast menu and select another channel. The STB was previously used with my 3yr old Phillips 42" LCD and I don't recall an audio issue, but I had the STB connected directly to the 5.1 receiver. I am using composite outputs from Sony to the receiver. I attempted digital out from STB to the receiver but audio was out of sync with Sony picture. Not sure why.


I recall a review which mentioned an upconvert issue (720p, 1080i to 1080p). Sony's native resolution is 1080p and review indicated some problems with certain inputs.

I will continue to monitor the issue and try to isolate it further.

I believe I have resolved the audio drop out issue. Its a conflict between my EDA-2800 splitter amp and the SA8300 STB from Comcast. I ordered a new EA-2800 to determine if the current unit has failed. Comcast no longer offers amplifier/splitters so I will have to troubleshoot on my own. I have 8 outputs in the house and currently have all connected. Comcast will not provide an answer to max connections without amps. I may have to downsize to 4 connections.

 

[EdS25]

Greetings thread (both of you),


I just got my 46-inch VE5 as a replacement for a KDFE42A10 that blue-blobbed. I have to say the picture is pretty amazing, even at factory settings. Star Trek on Blu-ray was a particular standout.


However, I'm having one issue that I hope you guys can offer some input on. It seems like the upper left backlight is too bright. As in, on dark scenes you can see a splash of light in that corner. It would honestly be less distracting if it happened on all four corners. But since it's just from one, it makes me think it might be a defect, or something got jostled during shipping, etc.


The headache of getting it repaired/replaced is not something I'm looking forward to, but it's also the only thing detracting from a damn fine set. Thoughts?

 

[yukon04]

I haven't noticed any backlight bleed on my set. Did you buy your set from 'brick & mortar' or on line? I would exchange the set if possible. Virtually all stores except Brands Mart have 30 day return/exchange policy.

 

[EdS25]



Quote:
Originally Posted by yukon04 /forum/post/18424342


I haven't noticed any backlight bleed on my set. Did you buy your set from 'brick & mortar' or on line? I would exchange the set if possible. Virtually all stores except Brands Mart have 30 day return/exchange policy.

I ordered this as a replacement (at a discount) directly from Sony. Had to wait about a month for it to get processed and shipped.


I'm noticing the backlight a little less now but am running into a new problem: the picture is adjusting itself way too much during certain scenes (Comcast DVR hooked up through component). I have turned every auto adjust (contrast, gamma, clear white, live color) off and it still does it occasionally. I'm also not really thrilled with the viewing angle on this TV. If I lie on the couch instead of sitting up the contrast/brightness are very different.


I do know that the delivery guys had to tilt it on its end to get it into my apartment (I was not there when it occurred). Not sure if that might be where these problems are stemming from (or other shipping mishaps).


yukon I think the settings for the 46 might be very different. There are more of them, and settings similar to what you posted are insanely bright on mine.


If I had bought this brick and mortar I definitely would have returned it by now and would have seriously been considering a different model altogether. The set has its moments but overall is disappointing.

 

[yukon04]

The Dynamic Contrast normally changes the background between scenes but if you have already turned it off, that may not be the cause. As for the viewing angle, I agree its less than most sets in its class.


I don't think tilting the set momentarily had any effect. Plasmas can be affected if transported in horizontal position, but LCD's are less prone to this problem.


My 40" was very dark when I first set it up. It was a store demo at Costco that was marked down on Clearance. I went thru all the settings and used some of the settings recommended in various reviews. I finally setup my 32" Olevia side by side and setup the Sony to match. I was disappointed to find the Brightness and Contrast settings almost maxed out to achieve a desirable picture. But the reviews I read had comparable settings. A contributing factor may be that the set is in my living room which is very bright, with windows all around.

Check out htis review of the 46",

http://www.televisioninfo.com/conten...52VE5-1191.htm

 

[EdS25]

Thanks for the link yukon - very informative. Odd that they actually mention the backlight bleed from all four corners. Honestly as I mentioned before it's primarily from the upper left and barely noticeable in the other 3 on mine. Confirmation of the poor viewing angle is also nice. I guess be warned if you're thinking about this set.

 

[BiscoJosh]

so ive been checking out the 40ev5 for a long time now while I attempt to make my tv decision. I can get it for 799. I basically have a 1200 limit for tv + home theater so I am thinking the 800 on the tv is as high as I can go (ill prob get a sony theater in a box with the s-air tech). Just wondering if you all think that the 40 is worth the 800 or if there is something better I should be looking at? Basically using it for hdtv and xbox. dont even have a blu ray player yet. all input appreciated!

 

[yukon04]

There are several competitive manufacturers in this price range or cheaper. Samsung, Toshiba, LG, Vizio, all offer comparable sets for a better price. I was able to purchase the Sony on clearance from Costco at a reasonable price. If your driver to this set is 120Hz you may be disappointed. I have mine turned to Low due to the problems it caused. This feature is really a "misnomer". Its not faster scans, but interpolation of the existing 60Hz scan. There are several good articles on the AVS forum about this feature. Another scam by the industry. Frankly I never had a real problem with the "pixelation" on my 42" 60Hz Phillips. Its so fleeting that I mentally ignore it.

 

[clwolf]



Quote:
Originally Posted by EdS25 /forum/post/18432124


I ordered this as a replacement (at a discount) directly from Sony. Had to wait about a month for it to get processed and shipped.


I'm noticing the backlight a little less now but am running into a new problem: the picture is adjusting itself way too much during certain scenes (Comcast DVR hooked up through component). I have turned every auto adjust (contrast, gamma, clear white, live color) off and it still does it occasionally. I'm also not really thrilled with the viewing angle on this TV. If I lie on the couch instead of sitting up the contrast/brightness are very different.

I have this same issue, where the picture is auto adjusting itself. I can't stand it. Although for my room, viewing angle is great in all my seats.


As this was a "free" tv, I'm quite happy (replacement for the XBR1).

 

[ES_Revenge]

I'm surprised this thread is only starting now, given the VE5 is actually an 09 model that is now clearing out. There aren't any older threads for it? Really? Interesting considering the HCFL design was somewhat unique though surely a one-off model now being phased out as LED lighting accomplishes the same (power saving).

 

[clwolf]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ES_Revenge /forum/post/18442035


I'm surprised this thread is only starting now, given the VE5 is actually an 09 model that is now clearing out. There aren't any older threads for it? Really? Interesting considering the HCFL design was somewhat unique though surely a one-off model now being phased out as LED lighting accomplishes the same (power saving).

I have a feeling more and more people will be posting here because of getting the replacement. (Although most people in the XBR1 thread chose to get a bigger or better replacement. My wife on the other hand wanted the "nothing out of our pocket" replacement so we decided on this TV

 

[EdS25]



Quote:
Originally Posted by clwolf /forum/post/18441411


I have this same issue, where the picture is auto adjusting itself. I can't stand it. Although for my room, viewing angle is great in all my seats.


As this was a "free" tv, I'm quite happy (replacement for the XBR1).

For me it seems to depend a lot on what I'm watching. The worst for the "auto adjusting" was 30 Rock. Bones had a lot of really weird flesh colors throughout (people looking too . .. red). But Chuck last night was pretty much perfect (good skin tones, no weird auto-adjustments). Fringe was also very good - was able to see the detail in the shadows that review talked about. I know it took me about a month when I got my first HDTV to get used to it/find settings that worked for everything so I can chalk some of it up to that. However, I may still look at my options for replacement, as mine wasn't free ($400) so I want to be fairly happy.

 

[lawster47]

I just bought a close out 40" ve5 on sale and will have it up Monday. Thanks to Yukon for the setting advice.

I am a little worried. After the purchase I read several angry reviews regarding poor sound, especially vibration at mid volume.

Anyone had this problem?

 

[yukon04]



Quote:
Originally Posted by lawster47 /forum/post/18502208


I just bought a close out 40" ve5 on sale and will have it up Monday. Thanks to Yukon for the setting advice.

I am a little worried. After the purchase I read several angry reviews regarding poor sound, especially vibration at mid volume.

Anyone had this problem?

I used the Sony speakers for a short while after initial setup. Did not notice any sound issues. A few days later, I patched the digital outputs of my Comcast STB, Blu-Ray player and HDDVD player to my Sony AVR receiver and no longer use the Sony built in speakers.