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To try to better understand how long a TV should last, we're running 100 TVs through an accelerated longevity test for the next two years. We've just posted our 1-year video update with our latest findings on temporary image retention, burn-in, and more!

Sony W950B TV Review

Tested using Methodology v0.9
Reviewed Jun 26, 2014 at 12:00 am
Sony W950B Picture
7.8
Mixed Usage
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
This TV was replaced by the Sony W850C

The Sony W950B is not a bad TV, but the contrast ratio is poor and its glossy finish reflects slightly more light than average. Gamers will at least appreciate its very low input lag, as well as its special low motion blur mode.

Our Verdict

7.8 Mixed Usage

This TV is for gamers who wants the lowest input lag possible and plan on using its Impulse mode. If you plan on using the TV for other things, the Samsung H7150 is superior in every way, except for the viewing angle.

Pros
  • Extremely low input lag. You won't notice any delay, even in very fast games.
  • Great viewing angle. The colors stay the same even when viewed from the side.
Cons
  • Average amount of motion blur. However, if you don't mind a darker screen and flickering, it has a special impulse mode that reduces blur considerably, without increasing input lag.
  • Low contrast ratio. The blacks appear gray in a dark room.
  • Poor black uniformity. The flashlighting issue was really noticeable.
  • 7.8 Mixed Usage
  1. Updated Jun 26, 2014: Review published.
  2. Updated Jun 24, 2014: Our testers have started testing this product.
  3. Updated Apr 07, 2014: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Video

Test Results

Design
Design
Design

The Sony W950B is a beast. It is heavy and thick. From the side, it is shaped like a triangle. The bottom is a lot thicker than the top.

Design
Stand

The stand has two configurations, the close one that we used, and a wide one where the two feet are placed on either side. You really need a wide table if you plan on using the wide configuration.

Design
Borders

0.71" (1.8 cm)

Design
Thickness

3.26" (8.3 cm)

Picture Quality
6.3
Picture Quality
Contrast
Black 0.111 cd/m²
White 104.6 cd/m²
Contrast 942 : 1

The Sony W950B LED TV has low contrast because it uses an IPS panel. Even if you have one or two lights on, you will notice the poor blacks.

6.0
Picture Quality
Black Uniformity

Our unit suffered from a significant flashlighting issue. This was really noticeable as soon as the scene displayed was even a little bit dark.

6.5
Picture Quality
Gray Uniformity

At least the gray uniformity was excellent. The top and bottom edges were slightly darker, though.

7.5
Picture Quality
Viewing Angle
Viewing Angle 34°

The viewing angle is great. The colors stay saturated even off-axis.

8.5
Picture Quality
Average Room
Reflection 1.8%
Surface Type Glossy

The finish is glossy. It reflects about twice as much as the Samsung H7150, which is also glossy.

9.2
Picture Quality
Bright Room
Max white 362.1 cd/m²

It can get very bright, but its glossy screen makes reflections an issue.

10
Picture Quality
3D
3D Yes
Picture Quality
Pixels
4k No
Motion
8.0
Motion
Motion Blur

The motion blur is average-good. Compared to the W800B, the transition from red to cyan is shorter, but it is longer from white to red. The space between the letters of our logo is pinker. Like the W800B, it has a special mode to reduce the blur even further (more details in the Q&A section).

Motion
Motion Interpolation
Motion Interpolation Yes
Inputs
10
Inputs
Input Lag
Input Lag 17.8 ms

The input lag is the best that we've tested so far. Sony did a really great job with this.

Inputs
Side Inputs

3 USB
4 HDMI
1 RF In

Inputs
Rear Inputs

1 Component In
1 Composite In
1 Ethernet
1 Digital Audio Optical Out

Smart Features
8.0
Smart Features
Smart TV

Sony's smart features aren't very good. The W950B comes with a camera. Check out our review of Sony's 2014 Smart TV platform.

Smart Features
Remote

It comes with two remotes; one standard, and a special one. Unlike the remote of the Samsung H7150, it is only a touchpad; no motion control, pointer, or microphone.