Sony KDL26S550
The basics
The Sony KDL26S550 is a 26-inch, HD-ready LCD screen with three HDMI ports round the back. It has a 1366x768 resolution, a 24p True Cinema & Theatre mode, a contrast ratio of 33,000:1 and plenty of connections, including: PC connectivity, 1x component, 2x SCART, and a USB port.
The good
Squeeze one of Sony’s luscious 768-pixel panels down to just 26 inches and the close-up detail is pin-sharp. But bear in mind that to get the full befefit of HD on this 26-incher, you'll need a viewing position that's quite close to the set.
Triple HDMI inputs and Virtual Dolby Surround make this Bravia a stunning secondary gaming telly.
This is a perfect budget-conscious bedroom set, and the contrast ratio of 33,000:1 means your eyes shouldn’t get too tired, and a 24p True Cinema mode promises that it’s no slouch at movie playback either.
The bad
The Bravia isn't as cheap as many 26-inchers, especially as you’ll need to shell out a few more for a good HDMI cable. Otherwise, pretty much a perfect backup television.
The bottom line
It might be expensive, but think of the 26S5500 as an investment in your visual future and this colourful gaming telly suddenly doesn’t seem so pricey. Highly recommended.
User comments (11)
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Moo22 August 2009
The Sony Bravia TVs get better and better. HD looks pin-sharp up close. Well worth buying especially considering the PS3 slim which can be controlled by the TV remote!
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Paulgrimes02 September 2009
Bought the V264500U after reading the shows review. Didn't know how good it was until I switched it on Fantastic !!!! well done Sony and The Gadget Show money well spent.
Report as inappropriateatacnly06 October 2009
seems a good set .I would like to see a review ot 32" to40" sets
Report as inappropriateMarc Kirkwood15 October 2009
You don't need to spend a lot on a "good" HDMI cable, as the presenters of the show proved in tests themselves! I paid less than £5 for a v1.3b cable (or it might be "b", can't remember) on the 'net. All digital...
Report as inappropriateAgnes01 November 2009
Hi! I do like the Sony TV. I would like to bay but you can't fund in any Shop. Help... Where I can buy my dream TV. Please...
Report as inappropriateHelgar08 December 2009
Can you record one Freeview channel whilst watching another with this integrated setup? Anyone know please?
Report as inappropriatecamilo21 December 2009
reading reviews from other sites there were a lot of them that said this tv set is quite good, however,the not so good ones metion that every time left in standby for longer that few hours (e.g. overnight) the remote did not operate and neither did the on/off button on the side of the TV. The only way to get it to work again was to unplug the TV and then plug it in again. anyone having this problem here?
Report as inappropriatealex law08 November 2010
This tv is ok but not perfect the blacks arnt very good and the freeview picture is lacking but on the good side hd pictures are pin sharp brilleint gaming screen.
Report as inappropriateMark Waller21 December 2010
As a show I really enjoy the Gadget show but there are times where the lack of research and more importantly bad advice is very worrying: "The Bravia isn't as cheap as many 26-inchers, especially as you’ll need to shell out a few more for a good HDMI cable." This is absolute rubbish; the signal is digital 1s and 0s; it is either 'On' or 'Off' and if the signal get's there then THAT IS IT. You shouldn't not be proliferating the myth that expensive HDMI cables are needed. With the exception on very long lengths eg over say 5m at which point you can get occasional signal clocking/timing issues that may cause picture issues; other than that any cheap well made HDMI cable that often retail for less than £10 will be perfect. I know this will fall on deaf ears but I am happy to offer my services as a researcher on your show.
Report as inappropriatePhilip Ray-Jones13 September 2011
I read Mark Waller's comments about 'good HDMI cable'. I remember a programme a couple of years ago and Jon Bentley testing HDMI cables and saying that there was no point in paying for an expensive HDMI cable as the cheapest was just as good.
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