LCD and plasma TV: Compare features & prices Sony Bravia KDL-40Z4500 

Launch date
We test new TVs every month

Type of TV
Traditional LCD displays are illuminated by a handful of backlight lamps. On the very latest models the lamps have been replaced by hundreds of smaller LEDs (light emitting diodes). LEDs are also more energy efficient than traditional bulbs and the brightness of individual LEDs can be controlled according to the content on different parts of the screen. Plasma TVs do not have backlights but illuminated by the brightness of individual gas cells.

Freesat
Combine a built-in Freesat HD tuner with a suitable dish, and you can receive high definition channels without monthly fees.

Screen size (inches)
This is the size of the screen in inches, measured diagonally across.

Native resolution (pixels)
The number of pixels the TV can display (horizontal x vertical)

Aspect ratio
This is the shape or 'aspect ratio' of the screen (height x width). Widescreen TVs normally have an aspect ratio of 16:9 and old style box TVs are 4:3. Many small LCD displays are not true widescreen models and stretch tor squash the picture to fit the screen. Digital TV is broadcast in a 16:9 widescreen format.

HD ready 1080p
All the full-size TVs we review are 'HD-ready' and suitable for watching 1080i HDTV broadcasts via Sky, Virgin or Freesat. The 'HD-ready 1080p' logo means the TV has a 1,080 line screen resolution, and can process a 1080p/24 signal used on Blu-ray DVD movies - although this is not a guarantee of the best HD picture. Older 'HD-ready' sets will switch to a 1080i picture when used with high-definition DVD, but are more likely to suffer from a slight picture judder on panning shots.

1080p/24
The TV doesn't boast the highest screen resolution needed for the 'HD ready 1080p' label but it is still capable of displaying the highest quality 1080p HD signal and ideally 'refreshing the screen' at the same frame-rate recorded on Blu-ray movie discs - 24 frames per second. Older 'HD-ready' sets will switch to a 1080i picture when used with high-definition DVD, but are more likely to suffer from a slight picture judder on panning shots.

Net TV
Allows you to access a handful of widgets over the internet, providing snippets of news, weather and finance. More advanced widgets include Youtube and Flickr applications.

Audio description
This means the TV can decode an audio description signal. Found on some Freeview programmes, this is an additional narration for visually-impaired people that describes significant visual information, such as body language and scenery.

Scarts
Scart sockets are the standard way to connect recording devices, DVD players, and set-top boxes. RGB is the highest quality video signal that can be carried on a Scart and is your best bet for a good picture.

Scart link
TVs with Scart link can control a compatible recording device when connected via the relevant Scart socket. For IDTVs this can be used to trigger a VCR or DVD recorder into 'record mode' using the EPG or timer. Details of which sockets support the facility and the particular name used by the manufacturer are given. Most TVs can also trigger recording equipment via a video signal but usually have to be left in standby to work.

HDMI
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It's for receiving HD video and audio signals from high-definition equipment, like a Blu-ray DVD player, Sky HD or Freesat HD box.

HDMI widescreen switching
This means the TV can detect and select the right way to display both standard (4:3) and widescreen (16:9) pictures when connected to an an external source via the HDMI input. Widescreen switching is pretty universal on Scart sockets but is often missing on HDMI sockets.

HDMI auto-source selection
This means the TV detects which input is 'on' and automatically defaults to that setting when activated. Auto-source selection is pretty universal on Scart sockets but is often missing on HDMI sockets.

HDMI CEC
Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) allows you to control other bits of CEC enabled AV equipment, connected together by HDMI, via just one remote control. Maunufacturers sometimes imply that their TVs will only work with similarly branded equipment. This is often true for advanced functions but basic functionality (e.g. on/off) usually works between brands.

Computer connection
Some TVs can be connected to your PC and double as computer monitors. This can be via either a traditional analogue VGA input or a digital connection - usually an HDMI input configured to support PC screen resolutions.

Independent picture settings
Allows you to set and save different picture settings for different inputs (for instance Scart and HDMI) on your TV. Useful if you've fine tuned your picture to different settings, for watching DVDs or a Sky HD box, for example.

Component
High quality video input made up of three sockets coloured red, green and blue. Also known as YPbPr, it splits the video signal into three separate parts for an improved picture. Unlike Scart sockets they don't carry the widescreen switching signal or trigger recording equipment, but are useful for connecting to a games console, for instance.

Stereo phono sockets
Red and white phono sockets can carry stereo sound to a HiFi.

Surround sound output
These outputs let you hook up your TV to an external surround sound system. There are two types - Coaxial (wire) and Optical (fibre optic) so make sure your home cinema's digital connection matches your TV. Both can carry stereo signals too.

Audio sources routed through digital outputs
Digital optical and coaxial outputs are only really useful if they route digital audio surround-sound from all sources (DVD player, Sky box etc). Surround-sound is virtually non-existant on Freeview, so models that only route audio from the digital tuner are of limited use (except for listening to stereo).

Headphones
Socket for plugging in headphones. The most versatile allow you to control headphone volume independently from the main speakers.

Headphone volume control
The most versatile headphone inputs allow you to control headphone volume independently from the main speakers.

USB port/SD card slot
Means you can view photos from various digital camera memory cards or a USB socket on the big screen. High resolution digital photos viewed this way usually look very good.

Formats supported on USB/card slot
Some of the latest TVs sport card slots or USB ports that can playback not only digital photo files but audio and video files too.

Ethernet port
This allows connection to a local home server (a computer network in your house).

Ambient light sensor
If selected the light-sensor automatically adjust the brightness of the picture according to how light or dark the room is. Viewing in darker rooms with the light sensor switched on can dramatically reduce power consumption.

Radio screen blanking
This handy power saving feature blanks the screen when listening to digital radio via your TV.

Annual running cost (nearest £).
Based on TV switched on for 5 hours a day and left in standby for the rest of the day. Electricity priced at 12.5p per k/w.

Power consumption - normal viewing (Watts)
Based on our ideal picture settings when viewing in normal (16:9) mode. An energy efficient 32-inch LCD should use less than 90 watts. Larger 42-inch plasma TVs will use more than twice that amount of power.

Standby (Watts)
During standby after 2 hours and/or using ECO mode. Ideally this should be below 2 watts to meet the Energy Saving Trust recommendation

Brightness
Ideal brightness setting as used by our expert viewing panel in a dimly-lit room. Settings may vary slightly from sample to sample.

Contrast
Ideal contrast setting as used by our expert viewing panel in a dimly-lit room. Settings may vary slightly from sample to sample.

Colour
Ideal colour setting as used by our expert viewing panel in a dimly-lit room. Settings may vary slightly from sample to sample.

Picture profile
Ideal picture profile setting as used by our expert viewing panel in a dimly-lit room. Settings may vary slightly from sample to sample.

Sharpness
Ideal sharpness setting as used by our expert viewing panel in a dimly-lit room. Settings may vary slightly from sample to sample.

Other settings
Other settings as used by our expert viewing panel in a dimly-lit room. Settings may vary slightly from sample to sample.

Games mode
Some TVs feature a picture mode specifically designed for playing games.

Back