LED TVs
LG 49UJ701V
LG 55SJ850V
LG 55SK8500PLA
LG OLED55B7V
Panasonic TX-58EX750B
Samsung QE55Q7C
Samsung QE55Q7F
Samsung QE55Q8C
Samsung UE49MU6500
Samsung UE49MU7000
Samsung UE49NU7100
Samsung UE50NU7400
Samsung UE50NU7470
Samsung UE55NU7400
Samsung UE65MU7000
Sony KD-55XE8596
Sony KDL-42W829B review
| Review: June 2014 | ||
Last updated July 2014 Rating: In a nutshell: The Sony Bravia KDL-42W829 is a mid-range 42 inch TV with an attractive design. Picture quality isn't the best and audio is weak, but for good value family viewing with catch-up TV it offers excellent value for money. |
Review
This year, Sony seems to be most interested in 4K TVs of size 55 inches or larger. Of course we'd all like one of those, but for those of us who live in the real world, what's more interesting is an affordable 42 inch TV. That would be the clumsily-named Sony Bravia KDL-42W829B.
Design & looks
Despite its position in Sony's W8 series, the KDL-42W829 is almost the same TV as last year's 42W653A mid-range model. It has an airy and contemporary design, with a very narrow bezel surrounding the screen and an open-style chrome stand. An illuminated core situated below the screen adds subtle lighting effects (this can be switched off if desired.) The top half of the screen is very slim, but it bulges out at the back in the lower half, although that's largely invisible. Overall it's a pleasing, contemporary design.
A conventional remote control is supplied with the TV and an optional One-Flick remote can be purchased as an extra, for use with Smart TV.
Picture quality
This year's W8 series consists of a confusing range of TVs in different sizes and with different specifications. This 42 inch model uses what we deduce to be an IPS panel, probably manufactured by LG (the 50 and 55 inch models use a different type of screen).
As this is a mid-range model, it's missing out on Sony's Triluminos technology, instead using a conventional LED-backlit LCD panel. The panel has relatively wide viewing angles, confirming that it's an IPS screen, but as expected, contrast levels aren't as high as we'd like them to be. Native blacks are not as dark as Samsung's Series 6 televisions, and the lack of backlight dimming makes the dynamic range relatively poor. The TV is best viewed in a brightly lit room, as its problems become more obvious with the lights turned out.
The responsiveness of the panel is pretty good, with an effective 400Hz reaction time, so there's little sign of ghosting when images move across the screen. As usual, Sony's X-Reality PRO processing engine does an excellent job of displaying input from a variety of sources, from upscaling standard definition broadcast material to displaying high quality Blu-Ray.
To be fair, the picture quality is not worse than many other TVs at this price, and for typical family viewing during daytime, the shortcomings probably won't be apparent. In Game Mode, input lag is low, so this TV is an excellent choice for Playstation/Xbox gaming.
Passive 3D
3D performance is better than average on this screen. The passive 3D system ensures flicker-free images, and there's little sign of crosstalk problems or other artifacts.
Two pairs of 3D glasses are included with the TV, and additional pairs are cheap to buy.
Audio quality
The audio quality of the W829B didn't wow us. The compact bass reflex speaker struggles to deliver immersive sound with just 8Wx2 power output. We'd strongly recommend adding in one of Sony's wireless subwoofers that are designed for use with their television range, or perhaps a soundbar for better results.
Smart TV
The W8 series TVs come with integrated Wi-Fi and an ethernet connection, so they're easy to connect to the internet, giving you full access to Sony's Smart TV functions. These include Catch-up TV from the BBC iPlayer and Demand 5, YouTube, Twitter, Netflix and Amazon Instant.
TweetView lets you watch what people are tweeting about the current programme - you don't need a Twitter account to use this.
You can add an optional camera and microphone if you'd like to use your TV for Skype calls over the internet.
Connectivity
We have no issues with the range of connectivity options available. As well as Wi-Fi and ethernet (including Wi-Fi Direct), there are 4 HDMI and 3 USB ports, ARC compatibility, plus a good range of legacy connections.
Both Freeview HD and Freesat HD tuners are included, and the TV also has the benefit of NFC display mirroring with compatible smartphones.
Conclusion
We've tentatively awarded the Sony 42W829 4 stars. At the RRP of £700 it's over-priced, but at £600 it's good value and if the price falls as low as £500 it'll become an outstanding buy.
In its favour it offers an attractive design, a good-sized 42 inch screen, average picture quality (above average in 3D), low input lag, good Smart TV and excellent connectivity. It's a versatile TV for family viewing.
Alternatives include one of Samsung's mid-range Series 6 TVs, which outperform the Sony in terms of picture quality, although they have smaller 40 inch screens.
Sony KDL-42W829B features include:
- 42 inch LED-backlit screen
- 1920 x 1080 resolution
- X-Reality PRO processing engine
- Advanced Contrast Enhancer
- Motionflow XR 400 Hz
- 3D Ready (passive 3D), 2 pairs of TDG-500P glasses included
- Game Mode
- Freeview HD & Freesat HD
- Sony Entertainment Network
- Audio: Dolby Digital Plus, S-Force 3D surround effect, 8W x 2 sound output (RMS)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet (LAN) x 1, NFC screen mirroring, HDMI x 4, USB x 3, headphone x 1, component in (Y/Pb/Pr) / composite in (AV) x 1, digital audio out (optical) x 1, Audio In x 2, PC in x 1, Scart x 1, RF In (Terrestrial / Cable input) x 1, DLNA
- RM-ED058
- Energy efficiency class: A+
- Typical power consumption: 50W - 99W
- Size without stand (WxHxD): 958 x 563 x 64 mm
- Size with stand (WxHxD): 958 x 600 x 170 mm
User questions
Sorry - questions and comments on this page are now closed.
How do we connect to Wi-Fi, also Freeview HD and Freesat HD?
Asked by Grant
Humphreys
from Gt Britain
on 14th Sep 2017
What is the best sound
bar for use with kdl42w829b?
Asked by Ray
from England
on 2nd Jan 2017
Sony KDL-42W829B user reviews
Sorry - reviews and comments on this page are now closed.
Average rating from 11 reviews: 
Reviewed by ray hewitt
from united kingdom
on 5th Jun 2016
I have hated this tv since it was installed. It does it's own thing
regardless of what we want, it mutes at will, changes to different
modes, tries to get analogue tv when it is not available, refuses to
connect to teletext, the list goes on. It uses subtiltles when not
requested and also voiceovers. The 3d element is good, but does not
overcome the other problems.
Rating: 
Reviewed by gary
from uk
on 22nd Jan 2016
comes with only 1 control?
Rating: 
Reviewed by Aaron
from UK
on 9th Oct 2015
Great TV, great picture, just GREAT! Better than my Samsung Smart TV
which I bought last year for over £400! Can't complain as I got
this TV at a steal for £112 as it was reduced to clear! Happy
Customer!!
Rating: 
Reviewed by Wayne Bridgen
from England
on 9th Aug 2015
V good value for money and the rest of the tvs are lot more expensive
wbridgen13@gmail.com
Rating:
Reviewed by Wayne Bridgen
from England
on 15th Jul 2015
V good just wish tv was better.
Rating:
Reviewed by Anthony
from United kingdom
on 21st Jun 2015
Decent TV. looks good. Nice PIC strait out of box. With little
tweaking .to suit taste .get a very good PIC. Can't ) complain at
price of £399.99p.
Rating:
Reviewed by Nick
from Czech
on 20th Feb 2015
So sorry, after some setting changes the viewing angles are much
better, then must add one star.
Rating:
Reviewed by Nick
from Czech
on 18th Feb 2015
Im a new owner, just a little bit dissapointed. My Tv has probably VA
panel, since black is good, just viewing angles are bad. There is only
small area directly in the front of the screen, where the picture is
perfect. When moved about 80cm any direction the colors and contrast
is noticeably affected, its like fog over all screen. It begins from
the corners, when moved by a 30cm, especialy in dark scenes. It means
2 or more people watching at the same time can not see the same
picture. When compared with Samsung 5 years old VA Tv, samsung is 50%
better in this regard, also text is better on Sam. Except of this the
picture is fine.
Rating: 
Reviewed by Simeon Cheshmedjiev
from Bulgaria
on 6th Feb 2015
Truly stunning picture George! Thank you so much for the calibration
settings. Lovely TV by the way.
Rating:
Reviewed by john winsley
from England. UK
on 24th Dec 2014
well I've had quite a few tv,s in my time and I must say for the price
it's a nice looking TV set I give it five stars thank you.
Rating:
Reviewed by Roderick Jones
from UK
on 18th Sep 2014
Only had it a week. Model KDLW428b Picture is a problem. In vivid its
too white on some scenes. Natural is too dark. Not as good in my
opinion to the Samsung. I've always had Sony and this one is
disappointing.Anyone out there that has any ideas on how to improve
picture please?
Sound isn't too bad.
Rating:
Reply by Rad
from uk
on 28th Nov 2014
check yours screen setting etc
Reply by George
from Bulgaria
on 6th Dec 2014
These settings should produce a stunning picture on your tv:
picture mode - standard
baclight 6
contrast 90
brightness 50
colour 41
hue 0
color tempetature - cool
sharpness 50
noise reduction - low
mpeg noise reduction low
dot noise reduction - auto
reality creation - auto
smooth gradation - low
film mode - auto
ADVANCED SETTINGS:
black corrector - medium
adv. contrast enhancer - low
gamma o
auto light limite - low
clear white - low
live color - low
WHITE BALANCE (V.IMPORTANT):
G Gain - minus 1
B Gain - minus 1
B Bias - minus 1
(all other settings in white balnce should be zero)
detail enhancer - low
edge enhance - low
skin naturaliser - on
LED motiom mode - off
sound mode - cinema
