Sony W600D  TV Review

Review updated Mar 01, 2017 at 06:31am
Tested using Methodology v1.0 
Sony W600D
5.3
Mixed Usage 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

3.1
Movies 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

5.8
TV Shows 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

6.4
Sports 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

6.0
Video Games 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

4.7
HDR Movies 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

4.7
HDR Gaming 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

5.9
PC Monitor 
Value for price beaten by

Not at the latest test bench

 0
 TV Settings
The Sony W600D Series 720p LED TV has poor picture quality. Even if it doesn't have the sharpest picture, sports looks decent and it is okay to play video games. For movies though, it isn't good. The picture leaves to be desired, especially when watched in a dark room. To its merit though, the picture stays good when watched from the side.

Our Verdict

5.3
Mixed Usage 

Poor TV for mixed usage. Picture quality is bad due to low native contrast ratio and poor uniformity. Supports up to 1360x768 content. Thankfully it handles motion well with little blur, and the image remains accurate when viewed at an angle.

Pros
  • Good for sports and video games.
  • Picture is good when watched from the side.
Cons
  • Poor movie experience, especially in a dark room.
  • Screen reflections can be harsh.
3.1
Movies 

Bad for movies in a dark room. Low native contrast ratio so blacks appear gray, and uniformity is poor with visible flashlighting.

5.8
TV Shows 

Poor choice for watching TV shows in a bright room. Picture quality is bad, but remains accurate when viewed at an angle. Okay at handling reflections in an average room but will have issues in a bright room, compounded by the low peak brightness which can't fight glare.

6.4
Sports 

Decent choice for watching sports. Fast motion is handled well with only a short trail of blur, and the image remains accurate when viewed at an angle. Gray uniformity is below average so some dirty screen effect is visible.

6.0
Video Games 

Decent for gamers. Picture quality is poor, and limited to a low resolution. Luckily motion is handled well and input lag is always fairly low.

4.7
HDR Movies 

Doesn't support HDR10 or Dolby Vision. Poor picture quality and also can't get very bright or produce saturated highlights.

4.7
HDR Gaming 

No support of HDR gaming. Picture quality is poor due to low native contrast ratio and poor uniformity. Can't get very bright or produce vivid highlights.

5.9
PC Monitor 

Bad PC monitor. Resolution is low, and picture quality is poor. The sides of the picture do remain accurate when viewed from up close though, and TV feels responsive due to low input lag and little motion blur.

  • 5.3
    Mixed Usage
  • 3.1
    Movies
  • 5.8
    TV Shows
  • 6.4
    Sports
  • 6.0
    Video Games
  • 4.7
    HDR Movies
  • 4.7
    HDR Gaming
  • 5.9
    PC Monitor
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Mar 01, 2017: Review published.
    2.  Updated May 04, 2016: Our testers have started testing this product.
    3.  Updated May 04, 2016: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    The Sony KDL32W600D is available in one size only, 32".

    If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their Sony W600D doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review.

    Size Model UK LCD Type
    32" KDL-32W600D KDL-32WD603 IPS

    Popular TV Comparisons

    Comparison picture

    Top row, from left: Sony W650D (KDL-40W650D), Sony W600D (KDL-32W600D), TCL FS3800 (40FS3800). Bottom: Vizio D Series 1080p 2016 (D50-D1). Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.

    The Sony W600D is a good TV for watching sports or playing video games but is not ideal when it comes to watching movies. More versatile, and sometime cheaper options are available on the market.

    How We Test TVs
    How We Test TVs

    We buy and test dozens of TVs yearly, taking an objective, data-driven approach to deliver results you can trust. Our testing process is complex, with hundreds of individual tests that take over a week to complete. Most of our tests are done with specially designed test patterns that mimic real content, but we also use the same sources you have at home to ensure our results match the real-world experience. We use two main tools for our testing: a Colorimetry Research CR-100 colorimeter and a CR-250 spectroradiometer.

    Test Results

    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    6.0
    Style
    CurvedNo

    The Sony KDL32W600D doesn't boast a fancy design like the higher end Sony models. The TV has somewhat large borders and its black frame and stand are bulky. This is not to say it looks particularly bad though, it just won't turn heads.

    Stand

    The stand is bulky and the TV feels very sturdy on it.

    Footprint of the 32" TV stand: 22" x 7.5"

    Back
    Wall MountVESA 200x200

    The back of the TV is also bulky and not attractive. Some of the connections will be available if the TV is wall mounted.

    Borders
    Borders0.83" (2.1 cm)

    Borders look larger on a 32" TV. They are made of plastic.

    Thickness
    Max Thickness2.36" (6 cm)

    The TV is fairly thick and might look a little odd if wall mounted.

    Temperature
    Maximum Temperature
    35.5 °C
    Average Temperature
    31.2 °C

    Being small and efficient, the W600D does not produce much heat at all.

    Picture Quality
    5.9
    Contrast
    Native Contrast
    955 : 1

    The blacks on the Sony W600D appear grayish. As such, our contrast measurement is low.

    0.0
    Local Dimming
    Local Dimming
    No
    Backlight
    Direct

    There is no local dimming feature on this TV.

    6.7
    SDR Peak Brightness
    SDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
    199 cd/m²
    SDR Peak 2% Window
    236 cd/m²
    SDR Peak 10% Window
    234 cd/m²
    SDR Peak 25% Window
    236 cd/m²
    SDR Peak 50% Window
    237 cd/m²
    SDR Peak 100% Window
    236 cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 2% Window
    236 cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 10% Window
    234 cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 25% Window
    236 cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 50% Window
    237 cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 100% Window
    236 cd/m²

    Low peak brightness values that remain constant for all window sizes. The Sony W600D isn't able to make very bright highlights.

    0.0
    HDR Peak Brightness
    HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
    N/A
    HDR Peak 2% Window
    N/A
    HDR Peak 10% Window
    N/A
    HDR Peak 25% Window
    N/A
    HDR Peak 50% Window
    N/A
    HDR Peak 100% Window
    N/A
    HDR Sustained 2% Window
    N/A
    HDR Sustained 10% Window
    N/A
    HDR Sustained 25% Window
    N/A
    HDR Sustained 50% Window
    N/A
    HDR Sustained 100% Window
    N/A

    This TV does not support HDR.

    6.3
    Gray Uniformity
    50% Std. Dev.
    6.621%
    50% DSE
    0.19%

    The corners of the screen are particularly dark but at least there is no obvious banding problems.

    8.0
    Viewing Angle
    LCD Type
    IPS
    Color Shift
    51°
    Brightness
    55°
    Black Level
    75°

    When viewed from the side, the picture quality stays relatively good compared to most LED TVs. This is good for a wide living room.

    3.9
    Black Uniformity
    Native Std. Dev.
    3.84%

    Bad uniformity on a totally black screen. Lots of clouding and big flashlighting at the bottom left of our unit.

    8.0
    Gradient
    Color Depth
    8 Bit

    The Sony W600D has an 8 bit panel and processing as can be noticed in our gradient test pattern. The anomalies won't be such an issue in regular content except for some banding that can be seen in some scenes.

    7.0
    Pre Calibration
    White Balance dE
    5.35
    Color dE
    5.3544
    Gamma
    2.17

    Very high white balance dE with a lack of blue. Colors had it shares of problems too.

    7.0
    Post Calibration
    White Balance dE
    5.5
    Color dE
    5.3975
    Gamma
    2.18

    The above post-calibration pictures are the same as the pre-calibration ones since there is no adjustment settings available.

    Update: After the review was done, we were made aware of the white balance setting in the service menu. To access this menu, while the TV is off, press on the remote in this order: 'Display', '5', 'Volume +' and power on.

    7.5
    480p Input

    The native resolution of the Sony W600D is 1360 x 768 which doesn't exactly match standard HD format. But it isn't much of a problem for 480p content and once upscaled it looks okay.

    7.5
    720p Input

    The Sony W600D isn't a native 720p TV so content made for that specific resolution isn't matching pixel for pixel resulting in loss of details.

    0.0
    1080p Input
    0.0
    4k Input
    7.0
    Color Gamut
    Wide Color Gamut
    No
    DCI P3 xy
    76.48%
    DCI P3 uv
    88.7%
    Rec 2020 xy
    54.88%
    Rec 2020 uv
    58.24%

    The range of colors the Sony KDL32W600D can display is only good enough for Rec. 709 content.

    4.7
    Color Volume
    Normalized DCI P3 Coverage
    49.978%
    10,000 cd/m² DCI P3 Coverage
    27.778%
    Normalized Rec 2020 Coverage
    36.423%
    10,000 cd/m² Rec 2020 Coverage
    20.275%
    10
    Image Retention
    IR after 0 min recovery
    0%
    IR after 2 min recovery
    0%
    IR after 4 min recovery
    0%
    IR after 6 min recovery
    0%
    IR after 8 min recovery
    0%
    IR after 10 min recovery
    0%

    No retention at all could be notice after the 10 minutes burn-in scene on the Sony W600D IPS TV. This is a very good result for IPS a TV, since it is IPS TVs that tend to be more susceptible to image retention.

    7.0
    Reflections
    Reflection
    2%
    Screen Finish
    Semi-gloss

    The Sony W600D can have some harsh reflections on its screen. As long as it isn't in a very bright room, it should be fine.

    0.0
    3D
    3D
    No
    Pixels
    TypeLED
    Motion
    8.8
    Motion Blur
    Refresh Rate60 Hz
    Response Time
    10.7 ms
    Overshoot
    5.1 ms

    Good response time measurement meaning there is not much blur added on fast action scenes or play.

    10
    Image Flicker
    PWM Dimming Frequency
    0 Hz
    BFI
    Yes
    BFI Frequency
    60 Hz
    BFI In Game Mode
    Yes
    0.0
    24p Playback
    Judder-free 24p
    No
    Judder-free 24p via 60p
    No
    Judder-free 24p via 60i
    No

    Even 24p sources have little judder. In fact, judder is present on all sources.

    0.0
    Motion Interpolation
    Motion Interpolation (30 fps)
    No
    Motion Interpolation (60 fps)
    No

    There is no motion interpolation option on the Sony W600D.

    Inputs
    8.7
    Input Lag
    1080p @ 60Hz
    26 ms
    1080p With Interpolation
    N/A
    1080p @ 60Hz Outside Game Mode
    26.2 ms
    1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
    N/A
    4k @ 60Hz
    N/A
    4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
    N/A
    4k @ 60Hz + HDR
    N/A
    4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 + 8 bit HDR
    N/A

    Nice input lag result. The W600D is well suited for fast action games. No matter the picture mode or 'Scene Select' settings, input lag is always this low.

    0.0
    Supported Resolutions
    Resolution720p
    1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
    No
    1080p @ 120Hz
    No
    4k @ 30Hz @ 4:4:4
    No
    4k @ 60Hz
    No
    4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
    No

    The native resolution of the Sony W600D is 1360 x 768 and as such, the above resolutions aren't supported. To get as sharp as possible when using that TV as a PC monitor, 1360 x 768 has to be used. Even then, this TV isn't well suited to use as a PC monitor.

    Side Inputs
    Rear Inputs
    Total Inputs
    HDMI2
    USB2
    Digital Optical Audio Out1
    Analog Audio Out 3.5mm1
    Analog Audio Out RCA1
    Component In0
    Composite In1
    Tuner (Cable/Ant)1
    Ethernet1
    DisplayPort0
    IR In0
    SD/SDHC0
    Inputs Specifications
    HDR10
    No
    5.1 Passthrough ARC Dolby Digital
    No
    Dolby Vision
    No
    5.1 Passthrough ARC DTS
    No
    5.1 Passthrough Optical Dolby Digital
    Yes
    5.1 Passthrough Optical DTS
    Yes
    HDMI 2.0 Full BandwidthNo
    ARCYes (HDMI 1)
    USB 3No
    HDCP 2.2No
    CECNo
    MHLNo
    Variable Analog Audio OutYes
    Sound Quality
    6.3
    Frequency Response
    Std. Dev. @ 70
    3.92 dB SPL
    Std. Dev. @ 80
    3.64 dB SPL
    Std. Dev. @ Max
    4.71 dB SPL
    Max
    88.6 dB SPL
    Low-end Cutoff
    179.59 Hz

    Average frequency response and maximum loudness. The low-end cutoff of 179Hz however, is quite poor, even for a TV. Also, at higher volumes, there will be noticeable compression and pumping artifact present.

    7.3
    Total Harmonic Distortion
    Distortion @ 70
    0.04
    Distortion @ 80
    0.01
    Distortion @ Max
    0.021

    Decent distortion performance. The interesting note here is that distortion at 75 is being reported as higher than 85 and Max results. This could be due to the 75dB test being influenced by outside noise. Also, since our scoring system gives more weight to higher frequencies to make it more perceptually relevant, and the W600D doesn't produce a lot of bass, the distortion at 75dB is being reported as higher.

    Smart Features
    Apps

    The apps selection is very limited and missing a few big names. Anyone looking for a better smart experience should either look at a different TV or buy an additional device like a Roku.

    6.0
    Interface
    Smart OSBasic

    Very limited smart features available on the Sony W600D. It is on the verge of being considered a smart TV but those who doesn't ask more than Netflix will be satisfied. For better smart features, an external device like the Roku would be recommended.

    10
    Ads
    Ad-free
    Yes
    Opt-out
    N/A
    TV Controls

    Some basic TV controls are located underneath the front of the TV which can be used to power the TV, change inputs and volume. This can be accessed if the TV is wall mounted.

    Remote
    RemoteBasic

    The remote is similar to all other Sony remotes. It is basic but functional.

    In The Box

    - Remote
    - Batteries
    - VESA spacers
    - Ppower brick & cable
    - Cable tie
    - Component adapter
    - Manuals

    Misc
    Power Consumption21 W
    Power Consumption (Max)36 W
    Firmware4.057-1.075-01