The D3000, the latest creation from Sony, was equipped with a number of improvements compared to the previous line. More specifically we can note the arrival of Motionflow +100Hz which is 24p compatible (called 24p True Cinema) and a new panel with Wide Gamut backlighting. It still has a response time of 8ms combined with a contrast ratio of 1600:1, which is more or less standard for this Japanese manufacturer. Also classic is the design, which doesn't match the technological performances of this television. This 32 inch is just a simple HD (1366x768 pixels) which evolved in connectivity because it offers 3 HDMI inputs which support a 1080p signal. We also find a new tuner which can be relayed to digital television signals (traditional antenna) or to cable.
What can we use this TV for?
To our surprise, we immediately saw that the result with SD sources, digital television, or DVD was truly excellent. Video noise was less than on the previous V2500 series and aliasing was slight. In short, the image is so good that we had the impression we were watching a CRT television. After these good results, we continued tests by connecting HD DVD and Blu-Ray sources. Here again, we noticed that this product set the bar higher in terms of performances. Details were rendered naturally and nuances were very rich thanks to the new backlighting. Also, what was entirely amazing was its capacity in showing depth resulting in total immersion of the film we watched. Finally, we didn't see any banding or clouding.
What can we use this TV for?
To our surprise, we immediately saw that the result with SD sources, digital television, or DVD was truly excellent. Video noise was less than on the previous V2500 series and aliasing was slight. In short, the image is so good that we had the impression we were watching a CRT television. After these good results, we continued tests by connecting HD DVD and Blu-Ray sources. Here again, we noticed that this product set the bar higher in terms of performances. Details were rendered naturally and nuances were very rich thanks to the new backlighting. Also, what was entirely amazing was its capacity in showing depth resulting in total immersion of the film we watched. Finally, we didn't see any banding or clouding.
With a PC connected in HDMI, this television perfectly transmits the image with very sharp text that allows you to surf the web as you would on a PC monitor. Supported resolutions start at 1280 x 720 in 50Hz and go up until 1920 x 1080 in 60Hz (the optimal being 1366 x 768 in 60Hz). Also, there is no overscan to worry about, which is even better.
This brings us to colors. Right away, we noticed an amazing improvement with an average delta E of 3.9 (3 or below being ideal) in default. Color temperature was slightly superior at 8800°K versus an average of 6500°K. Colors were natural and black mesmerizing with our sensor picking up a reading of 0.07cd/m² (we measured this 3 times). For comparison, no other LCD or plasma has been able to attain such a depth in black and it appears Sony has the means to eliminate a backlighting phenomenon characteristic to all LCDs, but they haven't revealed any information on this innovation.
Fine tuning this television
The OSD menu is complete and you can further optimize colors by setting the color temperature to "Warm 2". In this way we were able to attain a very honorable deltaE of 3.5 and an entirely satisfactory temperature of 6499°K. In the advanced adjustments, we find the famous Motionflow +100Hz under "improvement of movement". Here, there was a clear gain in tracking shots. In "Film" mode, however, it wasn't too efficient and we noticed skips in images in "Auto1" and "Auto2". In the end, it's best to deactivate this function.
The 8ms response time still provides very good results with no ghosting effects or doubling of the image. With a game console like the Playstation 3, there is sometimes slight afterglow but it's very subtle.
This brings us to colors. Right away, we noticed an amazing improvement with an average delta E of 3.9 (3 or below being ideal) in default. Color temperature was slightly superior at 8800°K versus an average of 6500°K. Colors were natural and black mesmerizing with our sensor picking up a reading of 0.07cd/m² (we measured this 3 times). For comparison, no other LCD or plasma has been able to attain such a depth in black and it appears Sony has the means to eliminate a backlighting phenomenon characteristic to all LCDs, but they haven't revealed any information on this innovation.
Fine tuning this television
The OSD menu is complete and you can further optimize colors by setting the color temperature to "Warm 2". In this way we were able to attain a very honorable deltaE of 3.5 and an entirely satisfactory temperature of 6499°K. In the advanced adjustments, we find the famous Motionflow +100Hz under "improvement of movement". Here, there was a clear gain in tracking shots. In "Film" mode, however, it wasn't too efficient and we noticed skips in images in "Auto1" and "Auto2". In the end, it's best to deactivate this function.
The 8ms response time still provides very good results with no ghosting effects or doubling of the image. With a game console like the Playstation 3, there is sometimes slight afterglow but it's very subtle.
Movie and game fanatics will be happy with the 24p compatibility, and you can use the PS3's 24Hz mode to render Blu-Ray in 24 images/s in dark rooms. Another notable quality is viewing angles which are the best in this domain. We finish with one small disappointment: Sony still hasn't changed its policy on dead pixels.
Pros
- Depth of image, good colors
- Rich connectivity (triple HDMI an optical input)
- Motionflow +100Hz
- 24p compatibility : movies like at the cinema
- Silent functioning
Cons
- High price for simple HD
- Primary RGB colors barely enough
- Rudimentary design, no moveable foot
- Dead pixel policy
Conclusion
It's our new reference! With good connectivity and 24p compatibility, this TV is a solid investment for the future. It's better than a plasma on many points, the price being the only handicap.
OUR SCORE
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