Sony BRAVIA KDL-47W805A Pro Reviews

The Sony KDL47W805 doesn’t quite scale the heights of the top-end W9, but is a great example of a TV that makes the best of IPS LCD/ passive 3D technology. It delivers quite accurate pictures after calibration, and handles HD, SD and 3D content with aplomb. Native black level is not as deep as VA-based LED LCD or plasma TVs, but this can be partially compensated by engaging [Adv. Contrast Enhancer] “Low“. For us, if there’s one overwhelming reason to buy the Sony W8, it must be for its unrivalled suitability for video gaming. With [Game Mode] enabled, our KDL47W805A sample not only registered the lowest input lag we have on record, but also was capable of 4:4:4 chroma reproduction. And unlike plasmas, there’s absolutely no risk of image retention or permanent screenburn. Sony has been on a roll with brilliant gaming displays from its 2013 Bravia TV range, and this will surely go down a treat with all gamers including future owners of the Japanese manufacturer’s next-generation PlayStation 4 (PS4) console.

Sony’s W805A is certainly a good looker and although its bezel is largely plain black – with just a hint of turquoise – the loop stand is certainly distinct, stylish and it swivels to boot. As is the current trend for high (or highish) end TVs, it ships with a couple of remote controls, one of which is a conventional type and the other a stripped down, feminine version whose ‘big feature’ is one-touch NFC pairing with your phone or tablet. Whilst the Menu system has undergone something of redesign, it’s new attractiveness can’t hide the XMB roots so it can still be a chore to navigate around. It’s better but not quite there yet. Sony’s Smart features largely concentrate on Video-on-Demand services, which is a good thing and all the usual suspects are there, along with their own content – which is not surprising. However, as good as it is, it’s not quite up to the likes of Samsung or LG’s offerings.

Excitement levels were extremely high for the Sony 47W805, since we fully expected it to deliver much of the performance quality of Sony's W905 series for a much lower price. However, while it retains many of that television's features bar Triluminos, it doesn't deliver anywhere near as much picture or sound quality. In fact its contrast performance is so average it's hard to believe it's coming from the same brand as the Sony 55W905. We guess this flawed contrast issue might not be too big a deal if you don't tend to be the sort of person who watches films seriously. But if you do consider yourself a bit of a movie buff, we're pretty confident that the Sony 47W805's difficulties with dark scenes will annoy you from time to time.