Sony's KDF-E42A10 is a relatively compact 42-inch HDTV that uses LCD projection to produce a high-quality, natural-looking picture that will stand up to all sorts of light conditions.

The wide-format flat screen is surrounded by a thin black bezel that sets off the picture beautifully. Stereo speakers are deftly concealed in the base, which also contains control buttons hidden behind a small door. This model has an integrated ATSC tuner for HD reception, a CableCARD slot that potentially eliminates the need for a cable set-top box, and PC compatibility to display computer content on the big screen.

The internal stereo speakers are rated at 24 watts of total audio output, and the sound can be adjusted using three presets or the treble, bass, and balance menus. Simulated surround sound enhances the audio output, and volume is automatically controlled to eliminate loud bursts of sound from commercials or when changing channels.

Convenience features abound, including a 16-channel favorites list, parental locks on channels or by program ratings, a sleep timer, an on/off timer that can be set for two events, video and channel labeling, and closed captions.

The inputs are designed to accommodate additional components such as a DVD player, video game system, and more. The side of the cabinet is home to a set of audio/video inputs, component video inputs, a PC input, and a headphone jack. The rear has two more audio/video inputs, an S-video input, two additional component video inputs, an HDMI interface, a digital audio output, and a fixed/variable audio output.

The universal remote control has a surprisingly simple layout, with a disc controller in the middle and volume and channel buttons near the base.

Detail is very impressive on the Sony KDF-E42A10, whether viewing HDTV, DVD, or analog content. Standard NTSC (analog) signals are up-converted through horizontal and vertical line doubling, resulting in a much richer picture. Four color temperatures are available, and the picture can be fine-tuned for video games, movies, and other content via on-screen menus.

Warranty
1 year parts and labor