Sony KDL40EX703 Review

Like it or lump it, consumers’ apparent love for slim LED-sidelit LCD televisions probably isn’t going to go away any time soon. Samsung have aggressively pushed the concept, and so far we’ve seen other manufacturers introducing their own sidelit products to claim their share of the profits. The KDL40EX703 is the first LED sidelit LCD HDTV we’ve reviewed from Sony, who have lately been producing some nice (albeit slightly overpriced) displays. As well as the slim design, the second most notable attribute on the Sony KDL40EX703 is probably the power-saving Presence Sensor, which promises to save power by shutting off the LCD panel when nobody’s in the room to watch it.

The KDL40EX703 is also the first Sony-branded HDTV we’ve reviewed that uses a Sharp UV2A panel, rather than the Super PVA type which Sony has been manufacturing with Samsung for half a decade now. It’ll be interesting to see if Sony’s new business partners can meet or exceed the generally high quality images that are characteristic of SPVA panels, while at the same time, keeping the chassis slim. Let’s see how the Sony KDL40EX703 stacks up!

Note: The specific model we tested was the Sony KDL40EX703U, i.e. the 3-pin-plug United Kingdom version. The terms Sony KDL40EX703 and Sony KDL40EX703U will be used interchangeably throughout this article to refer to the same LED LCD TV.

Design

The Sony KDL40EX703 betrays its slim design by featuring a somewhat thick, gloss-black bezel around the screen. We’ll be curious to hear what other users think (the comments section is below!), but we psychologically associate the thick, sharp-edged, almost slab-like gloss black borders with large, heavy displays. In reality, the Sony KDL40EX703U is neither.

Sony KDL40EX703

The bottom part of the Sony KDL40EX703 is another story though: it has a “brushed steel” look (although touching it suggests that it’s plastic, the eye typically can’t tell the difference). The stand shares the somewhat cheap-looking gloss black finish as most of the TV’s bezel. Finally, the build quality is much better than cheaper Sony televisions: everything feels locked tightly in place.

Connections

The Sony KDL40EX703U features 4 HDMI inputs in total, which are divided equally between the back panel and the recessed side panel. There’s also Component video inputs, an analogue RGB “VGA” input for PCs, 2 SCART terminals, a LAN port for internet/network connectivity, and also the RF aerial input which feeds the built-in PAL/DVB-T/DVB-T2 tuner and allows our UK readers to receive Freeview HD.

As well as featuring 2 of the 4 HDMI inputs, the side panel features a USB input, the Common Interface slot, and Composite Video/Stereo Audio inputs. There’s also a headphone output here.

Rear connections on Sony KDL40EX703
Rear: 2 x HDMI, VGA, component, 2 x Scarts, aerial, ethernet & audio outs
Side: Common Interface, USB, 2 x HDMI, Composite video, headphone socket

Operation

Like all of the Sony models we’ve reviewed recently, the KDL40EX703 features the Xross Media Bar menu system (it’s pronounced “Cross”). In previous reviews, we’ve usually said that the menu interface is usable enough, but not preferable to traditional top-to-bottom designs. We’ve finally been able to verbalise exactly why this is: most manufacturers place the most critical options (Picture settings) near the top, with extra “added value” features at the bottom of the menu stack. With the XMB menu, Sony places the Picture controls at the far left, but the default “starting position” is always on the far right, meaning that users have to scroll through columns they may have no interest whatsoever in, in order to reach the important controls. Couple that with the fact that the XMB is sightly slower to react than more basic menus, and well, you get the idea. It’s a minor point, but we’re sure UI design experts would attest to the idea that every little detail counts.

The [Settings] column houses the [Picture] and [Screen] categories, which contain many of the adjustments we’ll be adjusting to wring the best image quality out of the Sony KDL40EX703U LED LCD. All of the controls here are in good working order, including the more Sony-specific entries: [Motionflow], which lets the user choose from two levels of motion interpolation strength, and [Film Mode], which is more than just a film deinterlacing switch, as we’ll find out later.

[Picture] menu [White Balance] menu
[Picture] menu [White Balance] menu

The [Advanced Settings] screen is, like previous Sony displays, mostly redundant. There’s a “Gamma” control which may prove useful in getting the most accurate distribution of dark-to-light from the Sony KDL40EX703, and the [White Balance] screen, which houses the controls we need to calibrate Greyscale. There are still no colour calibration controls, but interestingly, the [Live Colour] control appears to have been implemented slightly differently on the Sony KDL40EX703U. On previous Sony TVs, this has simply over-cooked Luminance levels, effectively doing the same thing as simply turning up the TV’s basic [Colour] control. On the Sony KDL40EX703, the three different “on” settings (Low, Medium, and High) each produce slightly different hues, rather than only exaggerating the colours. Most noticeably, “Medium” pushes the colour of Yellow closer to Red. It’s likely that the control is still a gimmick, but we’ll find out if there’s any use for it during calibration.

One other point to note is that the KDL40EX703U uses Sony’s “Scene Mode” menu, which lets the user choose from different video/audio setting combinations, such as “Sports”, “Music”, “Cinema”, and “Game”. Since we will be calibrating for picture accuracy, we’ll have no use for jumping between different modes (except for “Game” mode, which should be useful in cutting down video processor delay with games consoles). We put the Sony KDL40EX703 into “Cinema” mode and left it this way at all times during the review, except for when testing Gaming performance.

Calibration

Note: Our Sony KDL40EX703U review sample was calibrated using Calman Professional, the industry-leading video calibration software.

Greyscale

Without any further adjustments made beyond selecting the “Cinema” mode, the Sony KDL40EX703’s Greyscale quality was passable, but the excess of blue in the image was just about visible to the trained eye.

Pre-calibration CCT
Pre-calibration CCT in [Cinema] mode
Pre-calibration RGB Tracking
Pre-calibration RGB tracking and delta errors (dEs)

We pulled up our test patterns and began measuring, and quickly managed to correct high-end Greyscale tracking, to remove the blue tint from brighter areas of the image. However, although our first calibration attempt looked good on charts, the story was different in real-world situations: at around 5% stimulus (not typically measured), the image was visibly red. As a result, we had to set Calman Professional to measure in jumps of 5%, to help us avoid errors in the darkest parts of the image (which would be catastrophic for black level).

Post-calibration CCT in [Cinema] mode
Post-calibration CCT in [Cinema] mode
Post-calibration RGB Tracking in [Cinema] mode
Post-calibration RGB tracking and dEs in [Cinema] mode

We eventually managed to achieve the above, highly satisfactory result: overall excellent Greyscale tracking, but with a small excess of blue in dark areas. Fortunately, we didn’t find this hugely noticeable or objectionable with real-world material. It’s noteworthy that this is a common quirk, and in fact, the last Samsung LCD TV we reviewed featured a bias in dark areas – however, that TV featured a more precise 10-point Greyscale feature which let us remove the error. Although this result is very good, Sony shouldn’t be sitting still considering that LG and Samsung are both offering more advanced Greyscale controls, theoretically allowing for perfection.

Gamma curve in [Cinema] mode Gamma tracking in [Cinema] mode
Gamma curve in [Cinema] mode Corresponding gamma tracking

Gamma is excellent. No adjustment was needed to get a result very close to 2.2 on the Sony KDL40EX703U. The Greyscale inaccuracy at 10 IRE is also visible here as a slight over-emphasis of shadowed areas, but as is typically the case with slight Gamma inaccuracies, it is very hard to actually notice.

Colour

We mentioned earlier in the review that whilst they don’t offer any real colour management controls, Sony have implemented the [Live Colour] control in a way which allows for a very small amount of choice in Chromaticity. Of course, this control is designed to unnaturally emphasise colour, so it boosts the Luminance levels of the colours noticeably. In any case, we measured all three settings and noted that none brought any benefit in terms of accurate chromaticity, so it’s still best left Off.

All is not lost, however: we do at least have the basic [Hue] control, which, surprisingly, is effective with all signal types, not just composite NTSC video. Unlike some Sony TVs, the user is also allowed to adjust it when using the set’s built-in Digital TV tuner. Of course, this affects all colours rather than targeting just one like a real Colour Management System would, but we still managed to improve accuracy very slightly (especially with Magenta) by shifting it three notches towards green.

Post-calibration CIE chart in [Cinema] mode
Post-calibration CIE chart with reference to HD Rec.709
Post-calibration Luminance levels in [Cinema] mode
Post-calibration colour luminance (coloured bars = targets; black bars = measured values)

As the charts show, the resulting colour reproduction was of a high standard. The largest error was with red, which was pushed slightly towards orange, with this colour looking less “deep” as a result. (This may be slightly problematic when combined with the viewing angle deficiencies which all LCDs suffer from to some extent, but more on that later). None of the other colours are far enough out of standard to be noteworthy, and while the result is very good, we hope Sony will add proper control in their next round of displays.

Benchmark Test Results

Dead pixels None
Screen uniformity Slight “banding” in dark grey shades
Overscanning on HDMI 0% with [Display Area] set to “Full Pixel”
Blacker than black Passed
Calibrated black level 0.04 cd/m2
Black level retention Stable with [Advanced Contrast Enhancer] Off
Primary chromaticity Very good
Scaling Good
Video mode deinterlacing Below average, jaggies visible on HQV test sequence
Film mode deinterlacing Excellent – Passed 2:2 PAL and several NTSC cadences
Viewing angle Good for an LCD TV; hue shift from sides
Motion resolution 300 normally, 600 with [Motionflow] enabled
Digital noise reduction [Noise Reduction] offers temporal smoothing; optional
Sharpness Defeatable edge enhancement
Luma/Chroma bandwidth Full Luma, Chroma horizontally blurred except in [Game] mode
1080p/24 capability Accepts 1080p/24 video signal; no telecine judder
Input lag 31ms in “Game Mode” compared to lag-free CRT
Full 4:4:4 reproduction Yes, in “Game” mode!

Power Consumption

Default [Normal] mode 79 watts
Calibrated [Cinema] mode 57 watts
Standby 1 watt

When we calibrate displays at HDTVTest, we attempt to set their peak light output to around 120 cd/m2, so that Black Level depth measurements are comparable from review to review. The Sony KDL40EX703 is a very bright display, so we had to set the [Power Saving] feature (found in the System Settings > Eco menu) to its “Low” setting, combined with a [Backlight] setting of “Minimum”. Users in very bright rooms would not want to drop light output to this level, but in a dimmer home cinema environment, this allows the Sony KDL40EX703U to produce the excellent black level we measured.

It’s also worth discussing Sony’s “Presence Sensor”, which is a very smart feature. A small sensor on front of the Sony KDL40EX703 detects when there is absolutely no movement in front of the TV, and shuts off the LCD panel (and LED lighting), to save power. Sound is still played from the speakers, making this an almost invisible power saving feature for anyone who, for example, half-watches current affairs or news programmes whilst moving between rooms. In fact, the Presence Sensor saved electricity at many points during the review process when we simply forgot to turn the Sony KDL40EX703U off. This feature is so useful and so unobtrusive that we hope it becomes standard on all TVs some day.

Picture Performance

Black Level

We were somewhat concerned that Sony’s movement away from SPVA panels would harm their TVs’ ability to produce satisfyingly deep black levels. SPVA is renowned in the LCD world for its contrast performance, and this is the first Sony BRAVIA display we’ve reviewed that features a competitor’s panel instead. The good news is that once we configured peak luminance output to our usual target, black level on the Sony KDL40EX703 measured at 0.04 cd/m2. This is a very nice result which is slightly deeper than Sony’s SPVA-based TVs, and all but identical (to the eye) as Samsung’s darkest.

Like other Sony LCDs, the KDL40EX703 does indulge in a bit of unobtrusive dimming, where the LED lights dim, and then cut out entirely, if the TV detects a fully black video signal for a short length of time. We timed this behaviour, and found that when fed with an all-black screen, the Sony KDL40EX703U would dim to approximately half brightness after 7 consecutive seconds, and then cut the LED lighting off entirely, usually after about another 20 seconds. This will rarely impact itself on actual programme material, and we imagine it was done purely for power saving reasons. Compared to Samsung’s slim LED LCDs, which immediately dim the light output with so much as a hint of darkness on screen, this is a relief.

We were happy to see that, after calibration, there was also none of the clouding that plagues some LED LCD TVs. We checked the Sony KDL40EX703 out with a screen that was entirely black, (except for our BD player’s “Pause” icon, to avoid triggering the aforementioned dimming) and noticed only very subtle non-uniformity, which is totally characteristic of LCD. Sony’s panel isn’t free of uniformity issues, of course – like other sidelit LED LCDs, there’s some banding to be seen, as well as some unevenness at the very top of the screen. This is only really visible in dark grey shades, but personally we think this is preferable to “clouding” infesting black areas.

Viewing Angle

All LCD-based screens – whether they’re LED sidelit, LED backlit, or the “old faithful” CCFL backlit type – suffer from viewing angle falloff to some extent. With an LCD-based TV, the richest picture is always had when the viewer is facing the TV at an angle of 0 degrees; viewing from the sides will always result in some sort of compromise to the picture. Fortunately, the different LCD panel types do at least give us some “wriggle room”, and armed with the knowledge of what’s inside the TV, we can get a good idea of how the picture changes from the sides and “pick our poison” accordingly.

The Sony KDL40EX703 is pretty typical in terms of viewing angle falloff. Contrast suffers somewhat when viewed off-axis, reds take on a slightly more purple-ish tint, other colours look less saturated, and on the whole it would be a lie to say that viewing angle is not still an issue. Of course, this is no different from any other LCD TV; the only way to avoid issues like these are to go with an alternative display technology. IPS panels still fare best from the sides (just ask Panasonic), but these have a weaker black level and also aren’t totally immune.

One other thing to note: the Sony KDL40EX703U’s panel has a slight gloss coat. In a bright room, this helps mask viewing angle issues, essentially replacing them with room reflections, which bizarrely, might actually look better, depending on your perception. This is one extra thing to be wary of if you demo the Sony KDL40EX703 (or any other using a glossy panel) in a brightly lit store.

Motion Resolution

The Sony KDL40EX703 reproduced around 600 lines of motion resolution when the [Motionflow] setting was on either the “Standard” or “High” settings. Unlike previous Sony displays, Standard versus High made no difference in the amount of flickering motion artefacts in the scrolling test chart, but we set this to “Standard” to err on the side of caution, since “High” didn’t bring any visible benefit anyway. These are good results from an LCD TV. There is still a little bit of visible delay in the pixels changing, but it’s only really noticeable with large areas of extreme change – for example, large areas of black against a white background moving around will leave small after-images.

Unlike Samsung (and now LG), Sony do not advertise explicit control over the Deblur and Dejudder parameters of the Motionflow system. What does that mean in practice? Normally, this means that if users want to reap the benefits of the higher motion clarity given by the system, they have to tolerate some degree of motion interpolation during films, which makes them look very tacky and video-like. Fortunately, closer testing reveals that this functionality actually is present here, meaning that the Sony KDL40EX703 can be configured in a way which preserves the filmic motion of movies and avoids the “soap opera effect”. Setting [Film Mode] to “Auto1” allows our Sony KDL40EX703 sample to interpolate motion to its heart’s content, giving films the unnatural video feel. “Auto2” on the other hand protects against this, and using the “Auto2” [Film Mode] alongside the Motionflow system means that users can see films as intended, and with clear motion. We tested this with all three dominant input signal types: 24p, as well as 50hz and 60hz sources, and confirmed that with this configuration, all retained their filmic look. Excellent!

Standard Definition

We input a SMPTE RP-133 resolution test pattern into the Sony KDL40EX703 to assess how well it was reproducing the finest details from a Standard Definition video signal and scaling the image to fit the HD LCD panel. With both interlaced and progressive SD input, the picture looked a little soft, with a very small amount of ringing around fine details. In particular, the horizontal lines in the pattern (which are a measure of vertical picture resolution) looked a little greyer than we’re used to seeing, but they were at least present. The scaling quality is not the best, but it’s acceptable given how soft most SD video is, anyway.

When we input Film Cadence test sequences, the Sony KDL40EX703U did a great job overall. With the [Film Mode] setting on “Auto2”, it successfully passed the PAL 2-2, NTSC 2-2, NTSC 2-2-2-4, and NTSC 3-2 cadences. This means that films showing on Digital TV will be rendered cleanly without fine details flickering (assuming the source has any fine details to start with). Since Europe does not use the NTSC TV system (or any digital variant thereof), the fact that the KDL40EX703’s video processor handles these NTSC cadences well is really only of note to owners of US DVDs and older non-upconverting DVD players. For everyone else, it’s just a non-essential sign of good engineering.

Finally, we ran the Diagonal Interpolation test, which assesses how well a television’s video processing chip can conceal diagonal line jaggedness during the conversion of Interlaced TV signals (which need to be turned into Progressive video to be shown on the LCD screen). Like most Sony TVs, the KDL40EX703 didn’t do an especially amazing job, but the results were at least passable. The fact that the scaling of SD signals is soft conceals this quite effectively, anyway.

Overall, the SD performance is passable. It’s difficult to get enthused about much SD video given how low the standards typically are (most people outside of a TV production/studio environment have never been given the chance to see how good it can really look), but the Sony KDL40EX703U does a decent, but not outstanding job. Its biggest strength is the fact that it effortlessly and almost instantly detects the PAL 2-2 cadence, which is great news for anyone who watches a lot of movies broadcast on standard-def TV.

High Definition

The Sony KDL40EX703’s HD video processing performance was basically fault-free from the tests we ran. During the review process we couldn’t spot it doing anything it shouldn’t be to 1080p/24 video from Blu-ray Disc. There was no unwanted Sharpening, no grain corruption, and no other unwanted “features” unless specifically enabled. We were also very happy to see that by default, the Sony KDL40EX703U does not Overscan (crop the edges) of 1080p input signals. More manufacturers should really follow Sony’s lead here and put an end to this inane practice, which is a holdover from the days of analogue display technology – the majority of non-techy viewers are probably getting less than the 1080p they paid for thanks to overscan usually being enabled by default.

Movie screenshot

One thing not related to video processing, but instead to the LCD panel itself, is the fact that like all panels produced by Sharp, the Sony KDL40EX703 uses a slightly unusual subpixel layout. Most LCD (and all Plasma TVs) are using a striped layout, with the Red, Green and Blue subpixels arranged in a top-to-bottom “stripe” configuration, but Sharp’s panels use an almost zig-zag like pattern. This has the tendency to make fine details in HD images look slightly “dotted” or “stippled” if you’re sitting close to the screen, something I’d recommend with HD material. Most viewers will never notice, but I personally have a preference for the striped method. It’s a minor issue, in any case.

Videophiles might be interested to know that the Sony KDL40EX703 performs some sort of advanced Chroma processing on the image at all times. Many readers will know about the 4:2:0 sampling format used by consumer video sources such as Digital TV, HDTV, and even Blu-ray Disc, where the resolution of the coloured components in the image is considerably lower than the resolution of the black and white Luminance component. This results in a small amount of colour bleed, which is only really visible with highly saturated content such as computer graphics or some animated material. Chroma subsampling became a part of the digital video standards we use today because when these were being formulated, the goal was to provide a transparent digitisation of an exisiting analogue source, not necessarily to produce a newer, better system. Furthermore, the colour bleed effects, while still very minor on today’s screens, would be all but impossible to spot on the smaller CRT screens in use at the time. The Sony KDL40EX703U cleans up coloured transitions to try and reduce the bleed, and overall the effect is subtle and pleasing. A good real-world example of it in use can be seen on BBC News 24’s on-screen graphics: compare the grey “clock” area to the red headline zone beside it, to how its displayed on most other TVs. The side-effect of this filtering is that some moiré is created on the Chroma Zone Plates pattern on the Spears & Munsil test disc, but with real-world material, we only noticed the benefits. (For comparative purposes, Samsung offers similar processing as an option on its TVs; the option is called “Edge Enhancer”).

Console Gaming

When we first plugged an Xbox 360 into the KDL40EX703, we were expecting to be disappointed, since Sony TVs have featured a fairly noticeable amount of input lag for as long as we can remember. But upon picking up the controller with the “Game” Scene Mode enabled, we were actually pretty happy with the responsiveness, which we later measured as being 31ms – just on the right side of acceptability.

This makes sense, because the video processing delay of the previous TVs was apparently caused by the response time compensation processing, which was needed to avoid excessive motion smearing with the SPVA panel. It would appear that moving to UV2A has allowed Sony to cut input lag down to a more acceptable level.

Also noteworthy is the fact that, unlike most TVs currently on the market, the Sony KDL40EX703 can produce full resolution colour detail from a 4:4:4 input source such as a computer or video game device. Even although these sources can be set up to output full chroma resolution (rather than the half-resolution colour provided by consumer video sources such as Digital TV, HDTV and Blu-ray Disc), most TVs typically do not reproduce all of it, assuming viewers will only use chroma-limited sources on them. This leads to visible colour bleed on 4:4:4 sources. If you’re a videophile as well as an avid gamer, some celebration is in order with Sony’s full chroma support.

Conclusion

The first of Sony’s LED sidelit LCD TVs has left us surprisingly pleased. In fact, it wouldn’t be unfair to say that with the KDL40EX703, Sony has outdone Samsung at its own slim game. Although Samsung’s current ultra-slim models offer 3D support, this is still in its infancy, and given the lack of 3D content, we think that a lot of buyers will be tempted by Sony’s considerably cheaper 2D-only TV.

Normally when we sign off on reviews of Sony TVs, we always mention through gritted teeth that Samsung (who Sony, incidentally, have to thank for much of the high quality of their LCD TV range) typically sell an equal or superior product for less money. This time around, that’s not the case. On the whole, the Sony KDL40EX703 is superior to any slim LCD that Samsung has produced – it has generally better screen uniformity, marginally superior black level, and essentially no annoying auto-dimming during dark scenes. In fact, in terms of input lag and black level, it is actually better than many of Sony’s standard SPVA-based LCD sets.

With this said, Sony shouldn’t sit still, because they still have work to do in matching the features of the Korean-brand TVs. In the future, we’d love to see them add proper Colour Management controls and a 10-point Greyscale calibration feature, which would be beneficial in cleaning up overall colour quality and tints in dark areas of the picture, respectively. Additionally, they could improve the clarity of SD-to-HD scaling (as Panasonic have recently done, to great effect). For now, Sony has produced a slim LED LCD TV which for once is not outrageously expensive and is not plainly inferior to traditional models, making the KDL-40EX703 a great value, well performing choice for people who’ve caught the “slim” bug.

Recommended

42 comments

  1. Hi thanks for the great review.

    I’m interested in chroma. So are you saying 4:2:0 input on the majority of TV’s results in colour bleed due to the resolution of the colour being less than black and white? Similarly 4:4:4 input on most TV results in colour bleed due to it being sub sampled to 4:2:0. So by this logic on a samsung TV the edge enhancement feature should always be turned on, to avoid colour bleed on all sources?

    I can see on my samsung that turning on the edge enhancement seems to slightly sharpen colour detail. Is this a result of colour bleed being reduced? Also do you know if is it true that the PS3 always outputs 4:4:4 even when playing blu ray?

    Finally, this may be pushing it a bit, but do all consoles use 4:4:4 or is it just HD consoles? Basically I was wondering if the Wii uses 4:4:4 as well?

  2. Thanks for the review

    Re: 4:4:4

    What should I set the Xbox 360 to output 4:4:4 ? There are 4 choices Auto, Source, RGB or Rec 709. Thanks for your help.

  3. Hey Crape.
    From what I understand, the HDMI colour space options refer to the colour space not the colour resolution. The xbox 360 should always output 4:4:4 when playing a game.

    HDMI Colour Space, has the following options

    Auto: Automatically use RGB or YCbCr based on HDMI recommendations for resolution and content type
    Source- Automatically use RGB or YCbCr based on game or video source
    RGB-Always display games and videos in RGB format.
    YCbCr709- Always display…. YCbCr709 is typically used for Pal and HD movies
    YCbCr601- Always display……YCbCr601 is typically used for NTSC content

    My understanding is that games are made in RGB and Pal content in 709. Selecting source should output game and video in its native content, which should be best for any modern HDTV. If you only play games on your 360 then there should be no harm in just selecting RGB.

  4. Pontus Gunnarson

    Hey guys, great review as always.

    I know you keep reminding u consumers of the fact that the different sizes within each series can have quite different qualities, regarding picture performance and such. But would you say that the 32″ version of this Sony could be comparable with the 40″ one, thereby also making the smaller one a good buy? I’m particularly thinking about screen uniformity and input lag…

    Take care and keep up the good work.

  5. Been looking around reviews for like 2 months without making my mind up, as I’m upgrading from a 21″ Sony Trinitron.

    Got a couple of televisions on my ‘shortlist’ at the moment, but I’m wondering do panel types stay the same across a particular model regardless of screen size? ie will the KDL32EX703 also have this uv2a panel or will it be spva at 32″?

    (Also can’t decide amongst these for game playing and blurays – KDL 32/40 EX703U, LE40C750, TX-P42G20B, LE 32/40 C650)

  6. David Mackenzie

    @Dave: It’s very very subtle, but yes, that’s inherent to chroma subsampling, unless some more advanced processing like this is used.

    Yes, when you see coloured edges get slightly sharpened with Samsung “Edge Enhancement” on, that’s exactly what’s happening. The TV is using brightness transitions in the Luminance component to guess where the ideal coloured boundaries will lie. Sometimes the processing can go wrong and erase fine coloured nuances near borders, mistaking them for bleed. I didn’t see that happen on the Sony though.

    The PS3 outputs 4:2:2 when playing BD, I think. I’m not sure, but I can try to check.

    The Wii doesn’t have a digital video output, so it doesn’t strictly use either. The best quality output is analogue Component, and just like in digital systems like 4:2:0 and 4:2:2, analogue Component connections give the two colour difference channels lower bandwidth than the Luminance channel. But because this is analogue video, it gets expressed in Megahertz rather than pixels. It’s basically safe to say that it’s 4:2:2 or perhaps a little less, but since it’s analogue, it’s hard to say exactly. In any case, I think that when the analogue signal is fed into a TV’s video processor chip, it will probably get digitized as 4:2:2.

    Yeah, probably 4:2:2. I should really just have said that :P

    @Carpe:
    Dave has said it. When you play games by default, they’re output in RGB. RGB is always 4:4:4.

    @Pontus, thanks: it’s a safe enough guess the 32″ version will perform the same, assuming it also uses the UV2A panel. Screen uniformity should be inherently better on the smaller models because that only starts to get noticeable when light is dispersed over a larger area.

  7. David Mackenzie

    @Steve: it’d be hard to argue against the TX-P42G20B there – especially if you are coming from CRT.

  8. Thanks for this great review!

    It actually made me decide on which TV I was going to get. Unfortunately the 703 is not listed on the German or Austrian Sony-homepage – only the 700 and the 705.

    I’ve been searching around a lot today but couldn’t find any information on the panels used in those models.

    How safe is it to say that they will perform as good as the 703(especially in terms of response time)?

    Kind regards,
    Armin

  9. Great Review!

    @Armin: the only difference betwenn ex700 and ex705 is the dvb-s2 tuner for satellite-tv. so both should be like uk’s 703. if you would like to watch tv via satelitte buy the 705, if you want to go 50€ cheaper buy the ex700. (and armin, are you a famous news presenter?)

    @david: i would like to buy one of the ex600 series because of the smaller, not so cheap looking frame. it doesnt have 100hz motionflow, which is ok for me.
    but i’m not sure about the input lag. (yes i play halo too ;) )

    do you think the input lag will be like the one of the 700er series or worse like the 500er series?

  10. Haha no, I’m not :D
    Thanks a lot. However I would like to have further confirmation on this since the 503 has massive input lag(60ms in Game-Mode according to HDTVtest) and I’m rather sensitive when it comes to input lag.

  11. Excellent review (as usual). I didn’t know Sony had replaced your own SPVA panel to a Sharp one.
    I just have a suggestion: put the final settings for the unit/model reviewed (like you guys did in the past). I think it’s very helpful for a starting-point.

    Great job! Cheers from Brazil.

  12. ANTONIO FERNANDEZ RECIO

    buenos dias, he comprado el televisor 40ex700, y me gustaria remitieras la configuracion que habeis hecho
    gracias

  13. excelente revision, me gustaria saber si la escala de grises que figura es la que habeis configurado, si no es asi , se incluida vuestra configuracion como antes lo hacias. gracias

  14. I will use my TV mainly for watching movies and IPTV through my HTPC (ATI 5570 card connected to the TV). Is the Sony a better choice then the Samsung C650/C6000 because of the 4:4:4 support? Or is this also supported on these Samsung TV’s?

  15. David Mackenzie

    These are the settings we used on our own review sample:

    Scene mode: CINEMA
    Backlight: Min (depending on your viewing environment)
    Contrast: 90
    Brightness: 50
    Colour: 51
    Hue: G3
    Colour Temp: Warm2
    Sharpness: Min
    Noise Reduction :Off
    MPEG Noise Reduction: Off
    Motionflow: Standard
    Film Mode: Auto2

    Advanced: All Off, Gamma 0

    White Balance from top to bottom:
    -2 0 -11 +2 0 -2

    We also used System Setings > Eco > Power Saving: Low.

    @Alexander:
    IPTV content will be 4:2:0, so the 4:4:4 makes no difference there. You’d only see a difference with games and PC icons.

  16. Hey David!

    sorry for borthering you again. but I think you are the only one who can help me.
    I would like to buy an 32”ex603.
    but i’m not sure about the input lag.

    do you think the input lag will be like the one of the 700er series or worse like the 500er series?

    do you have any idea of the panel sony uses there (SPVA or UV2A) ?

    Thanks a lot!

  17. David Mackenzie

    Hi Joe – because I’m not sure if that uses SPVA or UV2A, I can’t really guess – sorry!

  18. Hey David! Thanks for your answer! I will buy it to find out.

  19. Good review. Thanks

    It seems that the EX700 (EX703) is being replaced very soon, however. Will you do a EX710 review, too?

    About EX710: http://www.flatpanelshd.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1279884508

  20. Would you advise this TV or the LE40C580?

    The input lag appears to be 4ms higher on the LE40C580. So I assume the Sony is better for gaming, right?

  21. The difference would be negligible.
    We’ll try and get a EX710.

  22. Great review!

    How is this tv handling 1080i signals (In another review i read that the tv does a very poor job in deinterlacing the 1080i signal)?

    I’m asking because a lot of tv channles broadcast in 1080i.

    Thanx!

  23. Very useful reviews.
    I would like to buy a new set and I call your assistance. Can you tell me what kind of movie files it plays this TV: avi, mkv, mp4, mov, etc?
    In the same price range, which set would you recommend me between Samsung 55C650 and this Sony 52EX700? I watch SD material mainly, HD movies (mkv) and few games.

    Very much appreciated your opinions.

    Best regards,
    Andrei

  24. I too would appreciate a review of the soon to be updated version of the EX700 a.k.a EX710. Just incase they swap to a different panel or something.

    As it stands, the EX700 is the best ‘gaming’ option for those who like the SONY brand. Everything else I’ve seen reviewed from them has been 40ms and above (the EX600 50hz LCD is the only model I havent seen rated).

    I look back at the earlier Bravia reviews, specifically your site’s review of the 200hz Z4500, and I ask myself “why is it that their older LCDs had great input lag while the new ones don’t?” Have they cut costs and taken something out that once made the difference?

    And this from the manufacturer of the PS3. Makes even less sense.

    Of course the general direction of the TV making industry has been making little sense to me lately. They seem to introduce one thing and then do their best to undo it with another. i.e 24p HD camcorders Vs 100hz/200hz motion flow; 1080p clarity vs 3D TV blurry depth perception trickery.

    Whatever sells I suppose.

  25. Just wondering, the white balance settings that you used David, are those just for the review set you received, or would that be typical of all other KDL40EX703, so if I use your settings I really should also use the white balance settings too? As currently I’ve followed your settings, but upped Sharpness a little bit from minimum and not used the white balance settings at all.

  26. Out of all the settings, the White Balance settings will be the ones most affected by manufacturing tolerances. Different production runs of panels, LEDs, filters etc. could add a colour bias to the picture that would need different settings to neutralise. You might as well copy the settings, but it’s likely that they’ll still be wrong for your individual TV – just a different kind of wrong compared to the default settings.

  27. And other than some expensive testing equipment there really is no way to set the white balance right? Or I am being too fussy and should stick with the default white balance as there is no way to tell how my particular tv may slightly differ from your review sample?

  28. Hi, I am considering buying this TV but I’m not totally sure if it’s the best for me. I will almost only use the TV to watch HD movies either through my laptop or blu ray player and also I’m a heavy gamer.
    I was thinking about a plasma at first but then I heard about that some people might be sensitive to some flicker in the picture, and since I got a eye problem I can’t use old TVs or CRT screens without hurting my eyes so I was worried that it was a similar problem with the plasma.
    So would you consider this TV to be good for HD movies and gaming? Or would it be wise to wait for the EX710?

    Thanks

  29. @ Thomas

    I’d wait. So far none of the 2010 Sony Bravia models have scored well for gaming / input lag. Sure the EX700 has been the best so far but 31ms is hardly something to write home about. Maybe the EX710 will be better. Maybe the as yet un-reviewed EX600 could be a gamer’s delight. But I wouldnt hold your breath. If you want a BRAVIA for gaming then get in a time machine and go back about 2 years.

    If you dont need a big screen then the Panasonic TX-L37V20B LCD (LED) has a 10ms input lag (according to another reliable enthusiast review site). Thats a 2010 LED screen that does 100Hz. So what’s SONY’s excuse?

    Id suggest looking at the Panasonic V20 plasma in stores. Or find someone who has one (or a friend of a friend). See if the plasma refresh is something youre sensitive to.

    Of course if youre not THAT fussed about input lag, and some people arent, then go for the EX700.

    Here in Australia the 40inch HX700 (now discontinued) has been heavily reduced. If I was buying a bravia right now, that represents the best buy imo (200hz. CCFL. Input lag 42ms).

  30. Hi,

    I follow hdtvtest a couple of years now. It was based on the reviews i got to replace my “old” Sony Trinitron CRT Television of my living room for the SHARP Aquos LC37XD1E. This was 3 Years now, and im interested on this Sony LCD to replace the Sharp. As far as i get to know, Sony is replacing this model by the EX710, and according to some info over the internet, the new 710 will be a Samsung S-PVA panel, instead of Sharp UV2A.

    This is the info i got:
    https://servicesplus.us.sony.biz/groupid132601.aspx

    40HX800 LTY400HL02 Samsung S-PVA
    55EX500 LTY550HJ01 Samsung S-PVA
    52EX700 LCD PANEL Sharp 52LEST
    46EX500 LTY460HJ01 Samsung S-PVA
    40EX700 LK400D3LA4B Sharp
    40EX500 LTY 400HF06 Samsung S-PVA SLCD
    46EX500 LTY 460HJ01 Samsung S-PVA SLCD
    32EX500 LTY 320HF01 Samsung S-PVA SLCD
    37EX500 T370HW03 AUO A-MVA3
    46EX402 LTY 460HM01 Samsung S-PVA SLCD
    37EX402 T37HW03 AUO A-MVA3
    32EX402 LTY 320HM01 Samsung S-PVA SLCD
    32EX302 LTY 320AP04 Samsung S-PVA SLCD
    55EX500 LTY 550HJ01 Samsung S-PVA SLCD

    EX700 – Sharp UV2A panels
    New EX710 – Samsung S-PVA panels

    So, i have 2 questions, if you would be kind to answer:

    1 – Is this a good replacement for the Sharp? Mainly to watch movies and HD Sport
    2 – Since we are talking of 2 diferente Panel manufacteurs (Sharp and Samsung), the diferences would be fairly diferent or not?

    It would be a VERY interesting review if you guys could get the hands on a 40EX710…. quickly

    Best Rgds

  31. Well, ignore my post above. I ordered today a SAMSUNG LE40C650. Much cheaper and by the reviews, a very good set.

    tks

  32. David,

    do you know if the 52EX700 uses also the UV2A panel and if the input lag is equal to the KDL40EX703?

    Thanks and best regards!

  33. Hi David,

    Have you heard anything more about the difference between the EX700 and EX710?
    Any review of the EX710 planned?

    Thanks!

  34. Yeah I’m also wanting to read a decent review of Sony’s EX710 and the EX600. Surprised no sites have tested the EX600 given how long it has been out.

    And what about reviews of the Bravia NX series? (Also about to be slightly updated I believe).

    I’m just praying that one of these sets will be magically ‘perfect’ i.e look great and have low input lag. I’m a fan of SONY tvs and Im determined to wait until they get it right.

  35. I had the opportunity to see the new 40EX711 (same as the EX710 except for the bezel color) in a store in my hometown (in The Netherlands). At first glance I must say I was a bit disappointed by it’s picture quality. It had a demo running with several trailers as well as the Bravia Engine demo (BE3 on the left side of the screen and no BE3 on the right side).
    Where “blacks” seem to improve massively with the BE3, the “whites” seem to turn into a greyish/creamy white. Now, I don’t know if this is caused by the BE3 or the new S-VPA panel, but unless this is adjustable in the TV settings, I think the older series is better.

  36. Hi,

    i have been reading the reviews on your site in great detail and am now hung up on two tv’s. I will mainly use it to watch TV and play games on the PS3. Which one to get: Sony KDL40EX703 or Panasonic TX-P42S20B? the price is identical right now as they seem to be replaced soon.

    thanks for any advice!

  37. Dear Sir
    will u please make a review for the new model EX710
    please
    and if anyone know a site that have a review of the EX 710 plz tell me

  38. @David Mackenzie I have too choose between the sony 32ex703 and the samsung 32c530? Is sony that much better fro double the price? Also is there a chance that the input lag on the 32ex703 might be lower than the 40hx703? thanks

  39. @David Mackenzie –

    Thanks for an excellent review. I’m trying to decide on a 40″ LCD and have the EX703 and EX503 in mind, but can not decide. From what I can see they are very similar sets.

    I’ve also been reading excellent review about the Samsung LE40C650 but can not decide where to part with my money!

    Would appreciate a couple of words of advice please?

    Many thanks,
    Nav

  40. @Nav

    I am in the same dilemma (although we’ve discounted the C650 for having a shiny screen) – haven’t been able to choose a TV for about 6 months and I (currently!) have it down to the EX503 or spend more money to get an EX703.
    Worth it? God knows!

  41. hey,

    does anyone know if there is a major difference between the Sony KDL40EX703 and the Sony KDL40EX715?
    Amazon in germay only offers the 715, so i want know if im getting the same high valued tv as this one.
    thanks

  42. ?????? ????????? «Elmi» – ??? ???????? ???? ?????? ?? ???? ??????? ?????? ???????, ?????????????? ??????, ???????? ???? ? ????????. ?? ????????? ?? ????? ????????????, ??????? ???????? ?????? ???. ??? ??? ?????, ????? ?? ??????????? ???? ???????? ? ?????????. ?? ??????? ??? ????? ???? ??????

    ?? ???????? ? ?????, ?????, ?????? ?????? ? ?????? ??????? ?????? ??????.

calibration

Professional TV Calibration Service

Own this (or any other) TV? Want to get the best picture quality? Book us in to calibrate your set. Affordable price... get a quote now.

Close