Sony Bravia L-Series KDL-32L4000 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV

Television has met all expectations
No problems at all
Picture clear as a bell

I was in the market for upgrading the last of the CRT televisions in the house. For a viewing distance of about 12 feet, I needed something relatively big enough for that distance, that had HD capability, was inexpensive and reliable.

Other flatscreen TVs around the house that I own include a Panasonic Viera 50" Plasma 85 Series, Sony 37" Plasma, Sony 32" Bravia LCD.

SETUP:
The television is relatively light and I was able to connect the base to the television and lift it upon the stand without too much effort. 3 phillips screws were all that was necessary.

After initializing the television for language, the autoprogram feature for channels worked relatively quickly picking up about 66 analog and 111 digital channels.

USE:
The remote is a no frills highly functional remote with standard buttons. The menu system is clear and intuitive. The buttons of the remote are large and it is easy to read, for a farsighted person like myself.

IMAGE QUALITY:
Standard definition and high definition picture quality are excellent for the price. You can choose Custom, Vivid or Standard settings (I chose Vivid). 720p resolution is great for a TV of this size. 1080p does not play a part in resolution until you get up to 46".

SOUND QUALITY:
With the external speakers, I thought that the sound would have been above average. However, I think this is where the price point reveals itself. Sacrifice sound for everything, else. This is definitely not a deal breaker, you can always opt for an external speaker system or run the TV with a receiver or speaker - if this is your primary TV.

PRACTICAL ISSUES:
2 HDMI inputs allow for a cable box and Blu-ray player. Component input for HDTV is another option.

VERDICT:
Overall, this is a nice value for a television that will be primarily for the guests - or when I want to get away from the crowd in the house. Just keep in mind, the sound is just average in quality.

My first flat panel after years of projector and tube tv. I LOVE the simplicity of set and AMAZING picture. It's perfect size for bedroom and sitting on dresser. I agree that it should have swivel base but fortunately I don't have to move it.. it's directly facing bed.

I bought it last nite and setup was so quick and easy. I attached an over-the-air antenna I bought for $30 and let the TV find the stations. This all happened very fast. Was very impressed with HDTV broadcasts.

Then plugged in cheapie DVD player and only had the standard video connector (didn't have component cables available) and was very surprised at how good the picture was.

It only has two HDMI but also two Video, two Component, and PC input.

I think the blacks are amazing for LCD and for the price really can't be beat.

Also like that it's all flat matte finish and glass.. no annoying reflections.

Time lapse from walking in door to laying in bed watching TV on a DVD was 20 minutes tops.

My dad has a more expensive set with a more complicated remote. I love this simple remote.. i guess a backlight would have been nice.. but it's so easy. My dads remote still has me guessing and hunting through way too many buttons.

The Sony Bravis --an outstanding TV for the money, great picture and a quality product

I'm pleased with everything about this HDTV. Great picture and very decent sound. I'm not a video "connoisseur" but I've learned you get addicted pretty quickly to HD channels! Everything just worked out of the box and the operation, menuing system, etc. is very easy to use and straightforward. It's a very attractive unit that is gratefully lacking the "piano black" finish that just about every other HDTV has these days. The matte finish is much more elegant. I have HDTV cable connected via HDMI, Apple TV and DVD connected via component cable. All sources work and look great and everything has worked fine.