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If a TV resembling the size of a bus isn’t your cup of tea, you may want to consider a smaller model, for example the Sony KDL-20S2020 LCD, which has all the features, and the superb performance of a screen twice its size.
Design
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| There’s no chance Sony went over the design budget with the KDL-20S2020, as the only word to describe it is ‘lacklustre’. The boring and monotonously grey design is ugly and an absolute let down, in comparison with what it can do. In fact, the most exciting area on the entire TV is the back. It weighs a small 7.3kg, and measure 500 x 489 x 209mm (WHD). |
| Features |
| For a 20-inch LCD, the features list is incredibly extensive. Most importantly, the KDL-20S2020 is HD-Ready, with its HDMI connection. It also has a d
igital and analogue tuner, so you can enjoy digital TV, like Freeview, and you can use the electronic programme guide to browse and select. The picture is taken care of by the native 1366 x 768 pixel resolution and the 1200:1 contrast ratio. Never before have we seen such a huge contrast ratio on a 20-inch LCD. It has a backlight adjustment option to improve the picture performance, and if that doesn’t do the trick, you can utilise the optional noise reducer. The 8 millisecond LCD response time claims to provide a clear and smear-free motion picture performance. Sonically, the KDL-20S2020 is equipped with Viva BBE HD3D and Dolby Virtual Surround Sound; this should provide enough bass and treble to keep anyone happy. The massive menu system is great, but the only problem is how small it is, making it difficult to see from a distance. |
| Connectivity |
| For a small LCD, the KDL-20S2020 has got big connectivity. With a futuristic HDMI, 2 scarts, of which on is RGB enabled, component video input, stereo audio input, and a CI slot. We were overjoyed to see that it has a PC input too, giving you the chance to view your PC applications on screen. |
| Performance |
| Even though this LCD is only 20”, its performance is massive. That’s not to say that it was great right from the word go. After turning the TV on, and seeing the small menu we were disappointed, and slightly eye-strained to say the least. So we played around with the manufacturer’s settings, adjusted the brightness slightly, and we were off. The Sony KDL-20S2020 gave an impressive, well-rounded performance. We tried it with a DVD, Freeview, SD and HD. The HD BBC Sport programme was the ultimate test, to see if it gave this amazing source the performance it deserved, and it really did. Watching a footie match was perfect to test motion handling, which was great, and colours were realistic and full. Watching Freeview was superb too, the crisp detail made it easy on the eyes, subsequently provided a relaxed viewing session. Skin tone was great, once the brightness was adjusted, looking natural and realistic. Watching Oceans 11 on DVD, we saw some of the best black levels that we’ve witnessed on a 20” LCD to date. We would advise you to stay away from the vivid factory preset, as it provided more smearing than pledge on a duster would. The Viva BBE provided a devilish amount of sound, with enough treble and bass to blow you away. |
| Overall Opinion |
| An all-round excellent picture performance, PC compatibility, raring to go HD-readiness and a digital tuner are the perfect recipe for success. For a small LCD we hadn’t expected half the picture performance the Sony KDL-20S2020 provided us with. Check out the latest TV Coupon Codes. |
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| By Lisa Malyon |
