Sony Bravia M-Series KDL-26M4000 26-Inch 720p LCD HDTV

I had been researching lcd tv's for quite a while (months). I had narrowed it down to Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, and Sharp. What finally pushed me over into the Sony M-4000 corner is that it has a 178 degree vertical and horizontal viewing range, decent contrast, and the Sony Bravia Engine 2.

The tv is connected to basic cable and I have found the ghosting to be minimal and the hd stations are satisfying to watch.

PC input is excellent...dual monitors is new for me, and it's great for watching online shows, esp. when having pc audio linked to the tv.

The speakers work for me, our tv viewing is limited to when our son is asleep, so no need for thunderous booms, etc.

All in all, it has the features I thought important at a reasonable price. Channel switching is fast; the most often used functions are a button away. I'm content.

After having the set for 10 days the set went blank and Standby light flashed 2 times in sequence. Called Sony Tech Support and it was decided that a repair would be necessary. Checked online for comments on this type of failure and found it was a problem with the circuit board and that LCD TV's have this problem although not sure how common. I decided to return the set for a replacement rather than a repair. In the past I have avoided buying extended warranties but now are wondering if it might be a good idea for LCD TV's.

I just bought this model, and I also own a Sony 40" S model. I was tempted to get Sony's S model in this size, but the M is a newer model, and $50-$80 cheaper. Picture quality is, overall, equal to my larger set, (though fleshtones are more natural on the "S") which cost twice as much. However, I was surprised that it does not come with the stand attached. Not a big deal, but I've never seen this practice before. Also, unlike the S series classy flat black matte finish, this M model has the "Samsungy" glossy piano black finish. Again,not a big deal..but still. Anyway, despite all my nitpicking, it is the picture that really matters, and in that area, this set delivers in Sony tradition..excellent. For the money, a great set, a great value, but it will remind you it is entry level, something the S models did not do...of course, Sony's least, is still better than it's competitors best.

I received my Sony Bravia KDL-26M4000 a few days ago.

Picture quality is excellent. Rich colors, high contrast, & a nicely sharp picture. It was correctly adjusted at the factory. It appears to offer a good range of custom picture adjustment, which I haven't explored yet. Viewing angle makes little difference, as long as you're somewhere in front of it.

Sound quality is good, not great. Small tv speakers are never going to produce great sound, but it's definitely listenable. I plan to connect it to some stereo speakers, but haven't done that yet.

The set appears to be very well built. I'm using the included stand, which seems plenty sturdy. It was easy to attach the screen to the stand.

I found the initial setup a nuisance, because it took a very long time to scan for channels - however, I use a cable box, so there's only the one channel for it to receive. Scanning for other channels was a total waste of time. I don't mark that against the tv, since it only happens once. But it does seem to me that a more intelligent setup process would be helpful. A person can't really hold that against the tv, it's a decision by the designers.

I intend to try it as a second monitor for my laptop computer, but I can't comment on that now, since I don't have the hookup cable yet.

(Edited to add -- I got the cable, to use this Sony with my Powerbook G4, and it works fine. Also, I discovered it works with my little old 12" iBook, that I've kept as a backup laptop. The iBook is limited in its ability to handle this Sony as a display, but it does work.)

In sum, I'm glad I bought this Sony, and I do recommend it. At the current price, especially, I think it's an outstanding buy.