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Sony KDL-46W905A review
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Sony's latest Bravia model is a high-end TV with plenty of premium features, including both Freeview HD and Freesat HD tuners, 3D, smart TV and a PVR for pausing and recording live TV. We weren't impressed by the sound quality, but can this large set make amends with its picture? Read on to find out all the answers.
The Bravia fails to justify its high price tag due to poor picture quality and weak sound. At this price level, we were expecting an awful lot more from this TV and it just does not deliver.
What is it?
It is Sony's 2013 flagship Bravia TV with a stylish design that Sony call 'Sense of Quartz'. You get plenty of high-end features, such as smart TV connectivity and 3D, along with Sony's latest picture quality technology.
What's the picture quality like?
The Bravia has Sony's Triluminos display, claimed to show more vibrant colours. But we found that it actually had disappointing and unnatural colour accuracy compared to the best high end TVs. You get plenty of picture adjustment controls, but even our extensive tinkering could not give consistently good colour accuracy on the TV.
There's good detail and resolution on Blu-ray movies and Freeview TV, but we'd expect so much more at this price level. 3D viewing is very good, but the viewing angle is one of the most restricted on a large TV that we've tested this year.
What about the sound?
Unfortunately, we have nothing positive to say about the way this TV sounds. We found that the uneven frequency range resulted in poor clarity and detail across all material we use for testing. There's not much bass and it's often hard to pick out dialogue from the muddled audio.
Is there anything I should look out for?
The standard remote control is uncomfortable to hold, with cramped navigation keys. Sony's One Touch Remote is supplied and, while it's useful for using with the smart TV features, it has no benefit beyond that - so you'll have to constantly juggle two remotes here. The web browser is fiddly to both access and use.
Is there anything else I should know?
Despite the poor remote controls, the TV is not too bad to use overall due to the well-presented and versatile EPG. You get plenty of HDMI and USB sockets. Built-in wi-fi gives access to a decent range of apps, although not as good a selection as Samsung's.
Should I buy it?
No. There are some good features here but picture and sound are not up to scratch. Better and indeed cheaper options are available, such as the Samsung F7000 or Sony's own W805.
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Pros: Good EPG, good range of features and connections
Cons: Poor picture quality, weak sound, bad remote controls
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Sony KDL-46W905A
Launch date: May 2013
Type: LED
Which? score: 59%
Top 3 of 15 retailers
PRC Direct £1,119.00
Sonic Direct £1,149.99
Richer Sounds (Stores) £1,199.00
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Specification
Digital tuner Freeview HD DVB-S2 - general purpose satellite tuner
Screen size (inches) 46
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Test results
Overall SD picture 4 stars
Overall picture quality 4 stars
Overall HD picture 4 stars
Viewing angle 1 star
Sound quality 2 stars
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