Sony KDL40EX403

This is a review of the Sony KDL40EX403 - a LCD TV that is one of Sony's line of Bravia televisions. The EX403 is one of a series of improved-over-last-year liquid crystal display televisions, all of which have been upgraded from their 2009 predecessors. And even though it's rated as a so-called entry-level LCD TV, Sony's made sure to pack it full of useful functions and features at a good price, by the way.

Sony has actually priced the TV to be very competitive, with many online retailers able to sell the unit at around 675 British pounds, with the value added tax included. The Sony KDL40EX403 offers full high definition in 1920 by 1080p, meaning that it's really and truly high definition and not just "high definition ready." It's also able to display in 720p and lower, all the way down to standard definition range.

Sony has also included its Freeview tuning filter, which has been upgraded to HD. With Freeview HD, a viewer will be able to access a wide range of UK-specific satellite channels in high definition on the Sony KDL40EX403, which is an improvement over 2009 models, which either didn't feature the tuning filter at all or featured it in only non-HD configurations.

The standard motion control engine included in almost all value-priced Sony Bravias is the Bravia Engine 3, which is a very capable processor. It helps to smooth out extreme motion and fast moving imagery such that there's little or no evidence of any artifacts or blurring, no matter how quickly an object passes by on the screen. This gives the television a very nice display under almost all circumstances.

With a screen size of 40 inches, this Sony KDL40EX403 can do double-duty, serving as either the primary television for a small-to-medium-sized household or a very nice second television for use in a bedroom or den or study and the like. It comes close in a glossy piano black casing that looks extremely modern and very competent, sitting on its extremely functional and sleek stand.

The Sony KDL40EX403 also features four separate HDMI input ports and several other ports and connections that allow for the hooking up of any number of different electronic components, such as a stereo, home theater or DVR/DVD player. And with a thickness of only 33.3 mm, nobody would ever accuse the Sony of looking portly or in need of a quick weight loss diet, it must be said.

When it comes to picture and sound combined, Sony's included its well-known and well-regarded 24P True Cinema technology as well as a very nice 3D surround sound system that Sony calls S-Force. Even without being hooked up to a nice home theater system, those watching the television in a darkened room won't be able to help but remark favorably upon the picture and sound combination, in truth.

To conclude our mini review, the Sony KDL40EX403 LCD TV is a good looking 40-inch liquid crystal display television from one of the best manufacturers of consumer electronics in the world. It's value-priced at about 675 British pounds (including VAT) after voucher discounts, and it comes with all of Sony's Bravia-specific technology functions and features. Given that, it's sure to be an instant hit among consumers.