What a lot of attention has greeted the Sony Bravia KDL40W5500! This 40 inch LCD TV (also known as the 40W5500U by Amazon) provides a wealth of the latest features – and, crucially, the best picture quality of its class.

Sony leads the field by including the latest and best features in its products. And the Bravia KDL40W5500 has a host of them. Media files can be streamed from a PC via an ethernet port. And internet access is included. This is via Sony\’s Net Application and offers access via an expanding offering of over 30 widgets.

Although these features are useful, its the screen that\’s the most important aspect of a TV. And the viewing available on the 40W5500 does not disappoint, even taking account of the high expectations of a Sony TV. The depth, colour quality and details are outstanding, with an overall natural looking effect. High definition picture quality is stunning.

The built in speakers in the KDL40W5500 only provide average sound quality. This is to be expected of flat screen TVs, as the case doesn\’t have sufficient depth. Low frequencies lack some clarity, whilst higher frequencies sound over processed. If you would like superior sound quality, then analogue stereo and digital optical outputs are available to connect external speakers.

As well as these audio sockets, the KDL40W5500 has a generous supply of other connections. These include no less than 4 HDMI sockets, an analogue VGA port to connect to your PC, a USB port, and a headphone socket with its own volume controls that can be accessed from the remote.

Usability on the Sony Bravia KDL40W5500 s very good.

The remote control has easy to use buttons, although the layout could be improved slightly. Whilst the Electronic Programme Guide is readily navigated.

There is an instruction manual available on-screen that includes the Bravia\’s features, together with some tips.

A particularly interesting feature is Voice Zoom. This increases the volume of any narrative if the background noise / music is too overpowering. Great for some US films! It also has Audio Description. This provides a narrative for those who are visually impaired.

The model is energy efficient, with an energy consumption of just 110 watts – low for such a TV. And it can be reduced to 60 watts with an energy saving button. An ambient light sensor cuts power in low light conditions. And the screen can readily be turned off whilst listening to the radio.

In conclusion the sound quality is only average, However, there are useful features and the picture quality, the most important consideration in any TV, is great.

The Bravia 40W5500 is a great TV from Sony – you wont regret buying one if you are in the fortunate position to be able to do so.

Information on the Sony Bravia KDL40W5500 available at KDL40W5500 and Sony KDL40W5500 Price