A member of Sony's BRAVIA S-Series, the KDL-26S2000 is a 26-inch LCD HDTV that delivers fine performance and PC compatibility. The silver monitor is designed to minimize space requirements, with the stereo speakers built in below the wide-format flat screen. Button controls are lined along the upper edge of the monitor, so they're out of sight but easily accessible, while a set of composite video and S-video inputs and a headphone jack are placed on the left side of the monitor.

The picture looks sharp and lifelike, and all content is displayed at the KDL-26S2000's native resolution of 1,366X768. To help deliver the best picture possible, Sony includes advanced video processing, a 3-D digital comb filter and a sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen based on the amount of light in the room. The internal audio system is rated at 20 total watts of output, with three presets for quick adjustments and simulated surround sound to create the illusion of audio depth. The audio sounds adequate, but the positioning of the speakers leads to a less-than-optimal stereo separation.

Along with input and channel labeling and a sleep timer, the KDL-26S2000 has a full-screen picture freeze feature and memory for up to 16 favorite channels. This LCD TV will no doubt be connected to multiple components, and it is well equipped for the task. In addition to the side inputs, the rear of the KDL-26S2000 has another S-video input, two more composite video inputs, two component video inputs, an HDMI input, a PC input with audio, a standard RF input and both optical digital audio and variable/fixed audio outputs. The remote control is a slender silver model, and Sony eschews universal capabilities to make it easier to operate.

The KDL-26S2000 offers strong HD performance from a compact monitor. The audio performance lags behind that of the video, but this minor quibble aside, the KDL-26S2000 can be a smart LCD flat-panel purchase.

Pros: PC input, good video quality
Cons: Stereo separation less than ideal

Warranty
1 year parts and labor