The LED lit LCD TV Showdown: Sony vs. Samsung

HDTVs have taken a step higher with the introduction of LED edge lit LCD TVs. Two models have officially come into our market, that Samsung and Sony themselves call LED LCD TVs. Some readers got confused last time around when we reviewed the models individually, so it must be said that LED LCD TV is a term coined by these brands to market their new models, especially Samsung. Technically they should be called LED lit LCD TVs, and more precisely LED edge-lit LCD TVs. Actual LED displays are different, and were never ever made for consumers.

 Sony KLV-40ZX1.

What does this jargon mean? That the HDTVs have a lighting system made of LEDs rimming the edges, rather than conventional CCFL backlight.  Thus this means really brighter images. In this article we just want to see which is better. The 2 models in question are Samsung UA46B6000VR and the Sony KLV-40ZX1.

 Samsung UA46B6000VR

Design
In comes a sucker punch from Sony. It is the thinnest TV in the world, at about a 10 mm thick bezel. Samsung is also very thin, but design wise it’s hard to beat the Sony. The finish of Sony’s bezel is faux brushed and is singularly layered with this finish, and it looks slick, minimal and very stylish. The Samsung on the other hand does not stay down, it comes in jabbing with its Touch Of Color feature, which incorporates a mild hint of amber around the bezel outer borders, better visible in yellow light.

 Sony’s stand is cumbersome, and mainly, it comes with a media receiver separate. Thus form factor wise, there is huge difference between the two. The media receiver also is designed well, having a fold out flap that exposes some controls, and a back panel teeming with connectors, which obviously would not fit on the Sony TVs actual slender body. The Samsung on the other hand, has no receiver, it’s all HDTV. With proper connectors slotted sideways, it’s keeping the beauty of the bezel intact.

Features, Specs and User Interface
Sony is a 40-incher with a native resolution of 1920 x 1080. Having the same resolution, is the Samsung, though we received a 46-incher for the Sammy. Brightness and contrast are not rated anywhere for both the TVs, except that Samsung has a dynamic contrast rating that quotes 3,00,000:1. It's exorbitant, I know.