Customer Reviews
One Day and Happy 
2008-05-06
I had been researching lcd tv's for quite a while (months). I had narrowed it down to Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, and Sharp. What finally pushed me over into the Sony M-4000 corner is that it has a 178 degree vertical and horizontal viewing range, decent contrast, and the Sony Bravia Engine 2.
The tv is connected to basic cable and I have found the ghosting to be minimal and the hd stations are satisfying to watch.
PC input is excellent...dual monitors is new for me, and it's great for watching online shows, esp. when having pc audio linked to the tv.
The speakers work for me, our tv viewing is limited to when our son is asleep, so no need for thunderous booms, etc.
All in all, it has the features I thought important at a reasonable price. Channel switching is fast; the most often used functions are a button away. I'm content.
Power Problem 
2008-05-02
After having the set for 10 days the set went blank and Standby light flashed 2 times in sequence. Called Sony Tech Support and it was decided that a repair would be necessary. Checked online for comments on this type of failure and found it was a problem with the circuit board and that LCD TV's have this problem although not sure how common. I decided to return the set for a replacement rather than a repair. In the past I have avoided buying extended warranties but now are wondering if it might be a good idea for LCD TV's.
Good Sony quality, but it's entry level shows... 2008-05-02
I just bought this model, and I also own a Sony 40" S model. I was tempted to get Sony's S model in this size, but the M is a newer model, and $50-$80 cheaper. Picture quality is, overall, equal to my larger set, (though fleshtones are more natural on the "S") which cost twice as much. However, I was surprised that it does not come with the stand attached. Not a big deal, but I've never seen this practice before. Also, unlike the S series classy flat black matte finish, this M model has the "Samsungy" glossy piano black finish. Again,not a big deal..but still. Anyway, despite all my nitpicking, it is the picture that really matters, and in that area, this set delivers in Sony tradition..excellent. For the money, a great set, a great value, but it will remind you it is entry level, something the S models did not do...of course, Sony's least, is still better than it's competitors best.
Excellent so far 
2008-05-02
I received my Sony Bravia KDL-26M4000 a few days ago.
Picture quality is excellent. Rich colors, high contrast, & a nicely sharp picture. It was correctly adjusted at the factory. It appears to offer a good range of custom picture adjustment, which I haven't explored yet. Viewing angle makes little difference, as long as you're somewhere in front of it.
Sound quality is good, not great. Small tv speakers are never going to produce great sound, but it's definitely listenable. I plan to connect it to some stereo speakers, but haven't done that yet.
The set appears to be very well built. I'm using the included stand, which seems plenty sturdy. It was easy to attach the screen to the stand.
I found the initial setup a nuisance, because it took a very long time to scan for channels - however, I use a cable box, so there's only the one channel for it to receive. Scanning for other channels was a total waste of time. I don't mark that against the tv, since it only happens once. But it does seem to me that a more intelligent setup process would be helpful. A person can't really hold that against the tv, it's a decision by the designers.
I intend to try it as a second monitor for my laptop computer, but I can't comment on that now, since I don't have the hookup cable yet.
(Edited to add -- I got the cable, to use this Sony with my Powerbook G4, and it works fine. Also, I discovered it works with my little old 12" iBook, that I've kept as a backup laptop. The iBook is limited in its ability to handle this Sony as a display, but it does work.)
In sum, I'm glad I bought this Sony, and I do recommend it. At the current price, especially, I think it's an outstanding buy.
Buggy HDMI with Comcast HD DVR 
2008-07-18
I like the picture but I don't think the bugs are worked out of this one yet. I can't use HDMI to connect to my Comcast Motorola HD DVR box without a huge popping sound when changing channels. Component works fine, but what's the point of having HDMI if it's glitchy? Also, the picture is noticeably better with HDMI.
Comcast swapped boxes and I still had the problem. I sent it to a Sony repair center and they couldn't figure out what was wrong as the HDMI checked out o.k. at the shop. The repair tech returned the TV to me and brough along a a 19" Samsung to hook up to the Mot box via HDMI as a test. The Samsung changed channels quicker and without any popping sounds. Sony is stumped and I'm tired with dealing with it.
Excellent TV for the price 2008-07-15
like all Sony Displays of good Bravia line you will not be disappointed in the quality of the picture you get out of this set also bonus about this pitucular set even though it is listed as a 720p it can and will display 1080i which means it will give you a 1920X1080 interlaced HD picture perfect for all of the HD Broadcast currently on the market. My only nick pick about this TV is the Vivid color sensor, when set the TV to this mode you will get the most vibrant colors out of this display. However when screen has a lot of dark shades or even black it fades down to the colors you get in Cinema mode, other than that it is golden .
First disappointment with Sony 2008-07-11
After buying many Sony products over the years, I find this KDL26M4000 wholly undeserving of Sony's respect for quality. The screen colors are next to impossible to stabilize, the sound volume so weak it requires full volume for adequate hearing, and the viewing angle less than optimal.
True, I'm a senior with fundamental deficiencies, the major one being the inability to handle the stress of tech support or packaging and returning the unit.
Great TV, best viewing angle in class 2008-05-22
I just bought this TV and am very happy with my decision. The picture is sharp and contrasty (though component input isn't perfect), sound quality is OK and features are more than plenty for my purpose. I especially like the selection of inputs and the ability to relay audio out to my stereo. But the clincher for me was the viewing angle: It is much better than the Samsung 26A450, which is the main competitor in terms of image quality (face-on the Samsung seems a little better). We have the TV set on a shelf, higher than the seating position, and there is literally no difference in picture for a large range in vertical (and horizontal) viewing angles. There is no discernible color shift or shadow loss, both of which are clearly visible for most of the competition. This suggests to me that this TV is using a high quality S-IPS panel, though it might be hard to believe at this price point.
Vic from NY, NY 2008-05-22
I use this TV mostly as a computer monitor. It makes sense (if you are not a gamer) because price tag of this item is almost the same as most 26" lcd monitors but TV has nice features: you may see tv channels in small window (PIP) while you work on PC applications, much higher contrast ratio, and quality of picture is really nice, and very good sound.
Plus you have HD channels and plenty input options comparing to PC monitor. Also USB service connector is a good option to update firmware if needed. Unfortunaly, USB port can be used to display pictures from memory stick.
Cons: bulky design, bezel is too wide, it makes it 26.5" wide instead of 24" top as most monitors. Adjustable stand could be nice addition too. Remote is not lightened.
