Sony KDL55EX500 (Black)
55" 1080p BRAVIA LCD HDTV
462515155
Smooth sports, seamless action . . . Motionflow 120Hz
Okay, sure, you're going to enjoy watching the evening news or TV dramas in life-size HD on a big-screen flat panel HDTV. But let's be honest, in your quest to achieve the theater experience in your living room, you're really interested in watching something else. Something with a little more suspense. More intensity. More brawn. In other words, the latest action movie release or this weekend's big sports game. There's a problem, however. You see, not all HDTVs can deliver sports and action movies with the same lifelike grandeur you're looking for. As it happens, most TVs are designed to reproduce video at 60 frames-per-second; that is, they flash 60 images per second on the screen to create the illusion of motion. Filmed at 30fps, television programming can be easily accommodated by 60fps (or Hz) televisions . . . each frame is simply doubled to match the 60fps. However, most movies are filmed at 24fps, which doesn't divide easily into sixty. Accordingly, 60Hz HDTVs must subject 24fps movies to complicated video processing that often causes a stuttery and jerky picture. The Sony KDL-55EX500, however, does something else entirely. It looks to advanced Motionflow 120Hz technology. Capable of playing video back at 120fps — a multiple of both 30 and 24 — Motionflow 120Hz seamlessly reproduces both TV and film content. As a result, you experience smooth, fluid, lifelike motion, even when watching fast-paced action and sports programming.
Ga-ga for Green
These days, energy efficiency and environmental health are important concerns. Not only do you want to keep utility expenses at a minimum, but you are also interested in protecting Mother Nature. As it happens, the folks at Sony share your concerns. Demonstrating Sony's "green" zeal, the KDL-55EX500 sports a variety of energy- and environment-conscious design features. First, LightSensor technology monitors ambient-light levels in your viewing area and automatically adjusts backlight intensity. Not only is image clarity optimized, but power use is minimized when light levels are low. Second, responding to the video content you're watching, the KDL-55EX500's Dynamic Backlight Control also makes automatic energy-saving and performance-raising adjustments to backlight intensity. Third, this BRAVIA TV's packaging and printed materials are made using between 20% and 40% recycled materials. Finally, all these "green" features add up to earn an ENERGY STAR qualification, signaling that this LCD HDTV satisfies the U.S. government's strict criteria for energy-efficient operation. Because it's ga-ga for green, the KDL-55EX500 helps you save money and the conserve natural resources.
Bring on the HD
There's good reason to be excited: the Sony BRAVIA KDL-55EX500 LCD HDTV sports a Full HD 1920 x 1080p display resolution. In case you're not familiar with "1080p", as it's fondly known, that's the highest definition panel resolution currently available, and an ideal complement to HD movies on Blu-ray Disc, HD television programming, and HD gaming from sources like the PlayStation3. Of course, because this is a BRAVIA television, when it comes to the Sony Full HD experience, panel resolution is merely the beginning. First, Sony's BRAVIA Engine 2 technology offers a fully digital video processor that employs a collection of unique algorithms to significantly reduce video "noise" and produce sharp, vibrant, lifelike images through which a 1080p-resolution panel reaches its full potential. Second, the KDL-55EX500's Advanced Contrast Enhancer reproduces improved contrast for deep blacks in darker scenes and fine detail in shadows, revealing all the details that the director intended for you to see. Third, an Ambient Sensor automatically adjusts picture color based on lighting conditions in your viewing area, delivering a picture that's tailored to your living room. Finally, Sony's 24p True Cinema technology ensures compatibility with and high-fidelity reproduction of 24fps film-based content. Bring on the HD.
It's all about connections
Today's home A/V components aren't meant to work alone. Rather, they're intended to integrate with each other, allowing for a seamless, interconnected home theater experience. And when it comes to connections, the KDL-55EX500 does not disappoint. Heading the list of A/V connections, of course, are this BRAVIA LCD's four HDMI inputs. As the only single-cable HD audio and video interface, HDMI offers optimal connectivity to HD sources like Blu-ray Disc players, HD satellites, and HD gaming consoles. Next, a rear-panel PC input allows you to convert the KDL-55EX500's LCD screen into a giant, 55" computer monitor. Last, but not least, is the KDL-55EX500's side USB port. Quickly connect to a thumbdrive, your laptop, or a portable audio player, and access video, photos, and music using this BRAVIA HDTV.
Ah, BRAVIA
As a leader in products with HDMI connectivity, Sony has created BRAVIA Sync technology to go beyond simple audio and video transmission. When you combine your new KDL-55EX500 with a select number of other BRAVIA audio and video products, control functions will also be transmitted via the HDMI cable. With "One Touch Play", operations that took several steps are reduced to one. Press the PLAY button on the remote, watch the audio and/or the video component(s) turn on then the BRAVIA KDL-55EX500 television will turn on and switch to the correct video input...Simple...Easy...BRAVIA Sync.
Your HD lifeline
High Definition Multimedia Interface, or HDMI, is the only home A/V connection that allows for both Full HD 1080p video and 7.1-channel studio-quality audio to be passes along a single cable. In other words, in order to take full advantage of your home theater's high definition potential, you need to HDMI cabling to link HD-capable components. It's only natural that you might have questions regarding how best to outfit your personal HD system. Vann's sales representatives are here to explain all of your options. Call the 800 number at the top of this page for expert advice.
Included with purchase
The following items are included with the purchase of the KDL-55EX500: Remote control (RM-YD034), 2 AAA batteries, AC power cord, 4 screws for pedestal, Operating instructions, Quick Setup guide, Warranty card, and Table-top stand.
Review
Wise Choice (September 29, 2010)
| Ease of Use |
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(4/5.0) |
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| Value |
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(5/5.0) |
| Performance |
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(4/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
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(4/5.0) |
Reviewed By: David H. - Phoenix, AZ
The Sony Bravia KDL-55EX500 is a very solid televisionmonitor. After agonizing for several weeks between this and more expensive Sony models, I decided to save a bit of dough and go with a television that uses a solid, well tested back lighting system CCFL and spend some of the money I saved on goodies to improve the watching experience PS3, sound bar, blu-ray movies. I have a CCFL back lit LCD computer monitor that has served me well for five years and feel that this television will last me at least five or more years. The rate of satisfaction between this and other high end sets edge litLED local dimming is negligible in my opinion as they all have stunning picture quality with minor visual quirks. This mid-range TV is superb and allowed me to save a bit of money as well compared to the bleeding edge sets. You wont regret giving this TV a chance.
Review
Sony EX 500 (March 31, 2010)
| Ease of Use |
|
(5/5.0) |
|---|---|---|
| Value |
|
(5/5.0) |
| Performance |
|
(5/5.0) |
| Overall Rating |
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(5/5.0) |
Reviewed By: Wayne E. Kist - Pittsburgh, PN
First of all I would just like to say how great it is dealing with company such as Vanns.
The employees do a great answering all of your questions, and most of all they are honest with you about the products you are interested in. If they know of any problems with that product, they will let you know about it. This is the second Sony Flat Screen I have purchased from Vanns, and couldnt be happier with the Sony T.Vs. the first model was 52 W series, and now the most recent purchase was the 55 EX 500 model.
The only thing I can say is, the Sony T.V has a wonderful picture! Thank you to Vanns and their employees!
Comparison Specifications
- Screen size: 55" class (54.6" measured diagonally) LCD display / Full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution / CCFL backlight
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Viewing angle: 1787deg; x 178°
- Progressive features: Motionflow 120Hz processing
- Best video inputs: 4 HDMI v1.3 inputs (2 rear, 2 side)
- Other inputs: 1 side USB port / 1 PC + audio / 2 rear component-video / 2 composite-video (1 rear, 1 side) / 4 analog audio (3 rear, 1 side) / 1 RF
- Audio enhancements: Dolby Digital / SteadySound automatic volume control
- Built-in speakers: 10W x 2 speakers
- Mounting options: Table-top swivel stand included / VESA 400mm x 300mm wall-mounting compatible
- Remote control: RM-YD034 remote included
Additional Specifications
- BRAVIA Engine 2
- Ambient Sensor and LightSensor technology
- Outputs: 1 rear digital optical audio out / 1 rear audio out
- 24p True Cinema technology
- Advanced Contrast Enhancer
- Built-in tuners: ATSC / NTSC / QAM (digital and analog)
- USB applications: JPEG photo viewer / MP3 music player / MPEG1 video player / MPEG2 TS video player
- Efficiency: Backlight-Off mode / Dynamic backlight control / Eco settings / Power-saving modes
- Parental control
- Video features: Vivid, standard, and cinema Picture Modes / 3D comb filter / Auto Wide / Cinema Mode / Live Color technology / MPEG noise reduction
Manufacturer Specifications
- Audio features: 5.1-ch audio out / Clear Voice / Invisible speakers with sound elevation
- Sound modes: Dynamic / Standard / Clear Voice / Custom
- Surround effects: Cinema / Music / Live Sports / Game
- Convenience features: Auto photo mode via USB / Auto picture setting / Auto shut-off / BRAVIA sync / Picture-in-picture / Theater Mode
- Convenience features (continued): Channel block / Channel jump / Channel surf / Edit channel labels / Favorites / ID-1 detection / Info banner / Input skip
- Convenience features (continued): Label inputs / Picture adjustments lock / Picture frame mode / Program block / Short banner / Sleep timer
- Multiple-language display: English / French / Spanish
- Scene select: Auto / Cinema / Sports / Photo / Music / Game / Graphics / General
Dimensional Specifications
- Dimensions: 52.25" W x 31.38" H x 4.13" D, without stand / 52.25" W x 32.88" H x 13.88" D, with stand
- Weight: 58.9 lbs, without stand / 67.7 lbs, with stand
Sony KDL55EX500 Warranty Details
1-year limited parts and labor warranty
