Sony BRAVIA KDL-46V5100 46" 1080p LCD TV - 16:9 - HDTV 1080p

Buyer Beware of the Sony Bravia KDL46V5100

Strengths: Great set for about a year.

Weakness: Total set melt down within two and a half years.

We purchased our Sony Bravia 46" KDL46V5100 two and a half years ago. Our experiences began with the loss of picture and sound. A restart usually corrected this. As time went on, we discovered that pixalization of recorded AV had now become an additional issue, so much so that our DVR is useless. We had the DVR tested and even hooked it up to other TV's only to discover that the unit...
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We purchased our Sony Bravia 46" KDL46V5100 two and a half years ago. Our experiences began with the loss of picture and sound. A restart usually corrected this. As time went on, we discovered that pixalization of recorded AV had now become an additional issue, so much so that our DVR is useless. We had the DVR tested and even hooked it up to other TV's only to discover that the unit worked fine. So, the problem is in the Bravia. Now, approaching 3 years old, vertical lines have formed across the entire screen. The lines will vary in color, and intensity, making it almost impossible to view a program. We have attempted to cold and hot boot the set..... Unplug the set, wait 30 seconds. and turn on...... and press the up button on the remote while turning OFF the set button, not the remote OFF button. Nothing worked. I've read customer reviews regarding update of the firmware. My impression is that other customers with these issues have found this to be a waste of time as it provides no improvement, and often creates More problems. I'll call Sony, but don't expect too much in the way of customer service based on other Bravia owners experiences. Basically, other customer reviews have indicated that good Sony Customer Service does NOT Exist. Wish me Luck!

By JimLeonard92 - Oct 8, 2012

Perfect Performance

Strengths: Picture quality; sound quality

Weakness: Like all LCD's, generates a bit of heat.

I've had this model for over 3 months now and it has performed perfectly. Picture quality is excellent and TV speakers provide better than expected sound quality. The only complaint pertains to all LCD TVs . . . it generates a lot of heat making my den very warm compared to the rest of the house. Sony effectively addressed the annoying and ill-conceived auto-dimming feature so, overall, I...
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I've had this model for over 3 months now and it has performed perfectly. Picture quality is excellent and TV speakers provide better than expected sound quality. The only complaint pertains to all LCD TVs . . . it generates a lot of heat making my den very warm compared to the rest of the house. Sony effectively addressed the annoying and ill-conceived auto-dimming feature so, overall, I couldn't be happier.

By CPCIC - Aug 7, 2009

Had to return T.V.

Strengths: Aesethics, sound, price ($1,259)

Weakness: Quality Control

Had to return to retailer 1 day after set up. The back panel had a significant indentation in the middle that was about 6" wide. It started at the top of the panel and was present about 1/2 way down the panel. A Sony repair contractor believes this could be a sign of an overheated power transformer. Retailer re-ordered the same unit...Looking for better quality control with next unit. Received...
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Had to return to retailer 1 day after set up. The back panel had a significant indentation in the middle that was about 6" wide. It started at the top of the panel and was present about 1/2 way down the panel. A Sony repair contractor believes this could be a sign of an overheated power transformer. Retailer re-ordered the same unit...Looking for better quality control with next unit.

Received replaced Sony V5100. Replacement still had an indentation on the rear panel. Experienced loud popping noise when changing to and from HD to Analog stations. Another call to Sony. They felt it was the cable box. Called Comcast. Tech arrived only knowing that we needed our cable box looked at. When the tech arrived and realized we just bought a Sony, he already knew that we were experiencing the popping noise. He had seen this problem on about a dozen newer Sony t.v.'s. Changed out cable box, no improvement. Nothing that Comcast or Motorola could do. Sony acutally has a Q & A on their site that speaks to the popping noise on the V5100's. They realize there is an issue (Current auto dimming issue that Sony will issue a patch for) with the T.V.

Returned the T.V. (Again) and purchased a Samsung LN46B650. No popping noise when siwtching stations and quality is noticeably better than the Sony. Spent a few extra $$ but worth it.

Very disappointed in the Sony brand. I thought I had purchased a top quality T.V.

By skpa70 - May 26, 2009

My Sony Bravia 46" KDL-46V5100 melted

Weakness: Fire hazard

My 46 Bravia (KDL-46V5100) overheated so much that half of the back melted. Sony refuses to do anything about it, even though their 40 Bravia was recalled for the same problem: overheating/melting/catching on fire.See venturebeat.com/2011/1... will not buy another Sony product.

By gregoryhansen - Jan 25, 2013

Sony Bravia KDL46W4100

Strengths: Good TV when its not over heating

Weakness: Over heats causing the picture to distort.

I have had trouble with my Sony Bravia 46" Tv over heating for some time now. Sony has had recalls on two other TV for the same problem. They refuse to do anything because it is out of warranty other than they will sell me a used TV for $550.00. The problem is over heating because you can turn it off, sometimes you have to leave it off for a while or you can put a fan on the screen and it...
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I have had trouble with my Sony Bravia 46" Tv over heating for some time now. Sony has had recalls on two other TV for the same problem. They refuse to do anything because it is out of warranty other than they will sell me a used TV for $550.00. The problem is over heating because you can turn it off, sometimes you have to leave it off for a while or you can put a fan on the screen and it will cool down and then perform normally. I believe a recall needs to be done on this model as well. If you have similar problems I would like to hear from you. Thanks ronaldd.graves@gmail.com

By gogoron - Apr 11, 2012