Sony KDL-40EX403

The Sony KDL-40EX403 LCD TV is another true high-definition liquid crystal display model that's offered by Sony, one of the world's largest manufacturers of high quality consumer electronics. It's a part of the maker's new line of EX400-series TVs and it brings a host of features to the party, including a number of different ways to connect to other devices, including PCs and laptop computers.

The EX line of televisions is intended by Sony to be its so-called "budget" line of high-definition TVs. In this regard, the maker truly does deliver a large amount of features at a relative bargain price (in the UK, it can be found online for about 750 British pounds, including value added tax). It's perhaps better, though, to say that it's value-priced because the television delivers quality and price sensitivity in a very attractive package.

All LCD TVs are rated by the quality of their picture display -- value-priced or not -- and the Sony KDL-40EX403 delivers ably across almost all performance criteria. It puts its picture out at a 1080 pixel rate (1080p), which is true high-definition (720p is actually "higher definition" than standard-def TVs) and it uses Sony's Bravia Engine 3 to do so. As well, a decent 50Hz processor keeps the on-screen action refreshed nicely.

All together, everything on this 40-inch television's screen will look crisp and clear and Sony has ensured that it stays that way through use of a couple of different proprietary technology suites. There's the maker's True Color capability which helps to ensure that colors on the screen are realistic and appropriate for the action on the screen as well something called "Ambient Sensor."

Televisions (especially plasma and LCD) are often affected by the environments in which they're placed. Lighter or darker rooms can create conditions where it's hard to makes out certain aspects of the display. With Ambient Sensor, the KDL will automatically adjust picture brightness or darkness across a spectrum of environmental factors to deliver the best-looking picture available.

As with many of the better LCD TVs in Sony's UK lineup, this particular Sony KDL-40EX403 model comes with its Freeview tuning filter, which allows for the viewing of over 100 satellite channels broadcast in the UK free of charge. It's a nice feature to have, as are the 4 HDMI inputs and single USB 2.0 port. The Sony's even capable of picking up WiFi with the addition of an optional WiFi dongle (it connects to the TV via a USB adapter).

Sony includes its True Surround sound system capability and it pumps out its sound through the use of two 10-watt speakers that integrate so well into the television's casing that one would never know they're there. Standard audio features include S-Force Front Surround and Dolby Digital Plus as well as the TV maker's up-to-date 5.1 Output suite.

The Sony KDL-40EX403 LCD TV features a solid surround sound delivery system and numerous other technology and convenience features that combine to make it a good choice for those wanting a big-screen TV at a value-priced level that's sure to last for quite a long time. It presents itself in an attractive black casing and it sits on a solid stand that helps to give the TV a very competent and reassuring look. In all, there's much to like about it.