The Sony KDS-50A2020 has essentially the same features and performance of its big brother the KDS-60A2020, but this 50-inch set has just had an official price cut. The MSRP is about $2,000, but this set can be found online for significantly less, making it a true bargain with numerous advanced features. For those not looking for a truly massive set, the KDS-50A2020 might be a good alternative. At 50-inches this is still a lot of TV--but not too much TV. This model is about 17 and half inches deep, but that's significantly less than the depth of a 27-inch CRT only a few years ago.

The KDS-50A2020 can certainly be an ideal set as part of a home entertainment system, and it has plenty of connections to fill this role. This includes a front HDMI along with composite A/V in the front, while in the rear there are two additional HDMI inputs, as well as twin component A/V inputs. In total there are five analog audio inputs, plus a stereo analog output, along with digital audio optical output. There is also a single S-Video plus a VGA RGB PC input and cable RF/antenna inputs.

As with other Sony rear projection sets, the KDS-50A2020 is built around Sony's own version of LCoS. This re-branded rear-pro light source is called SXRD (Silicon Xtal Reflective Display or Silicon Crystal Reflective Display), and it utilizes the same three-chip processing technology, along with mirrors and a optical lens to cast the very large, and very wide image from inside of the TV. The picture results are simply spectacular with deep blacks, rich colors and are very clear and free of digital artifacts.

From the front perspective the 50-inch screen practically floats, thanks to the sleek and thin black frame casing. Thus you see very little set besides the screen and the bottom-mounted speakers. With advanced audio options including SRS TruSurround XT Audio effects and multiple sound settings the speakers do a good job of providing clear audio for TV, but they're hardly a substitute for a true surround sound system.

We were more impressed with this set's numerous picture controls, which include discrete settings for brightness, contrast and other video settings, while each of these can be saved accordingly. More notable is that the various presets can be adjusted for each input, so brightness settings can be adjusted for your different sources, and even lighting conditions. There are three color-temperature presets, multiple noise reduction settings and even controls for Sony's video processing technology.

All of this can be adjusted by the remote control, which can also take command of up to three other devices. This is a reasonable number of devices, but it seems to come up a little short considering all the various other components that you might want to hook up. Additionally, we were not impressed by the lack of illumination on the remote, which can make using it night or other low light conditions a little difficult and even frustrating. Why companies can't spring for a light in the remote, even at this price is almost unacceptable.

While the $2,000 MSRP isn't the most earth-shattering price for a 50-inch 1080p rear projection set today, it is worth noting that the KDS-50A2020 can probably be found for a bit less online. And with its advanced light engine and video processing technology, this is a great set that can easily become the center of a very nice home theater system.


Pros: 1080p, three chip SXRD Light Engine, three HDMI inputs
Cons: No illumination on the remote, remote can only control up to three up other devices

Warranty
1-year limited