Sony KDL-40HX800 Review (Bravia HX800 Series)

This is a model in the Bravia HX800 series, and with the only differences being size, the review also applies to the 46HX800 and the 55HX800. The 40HX800 has a simple and is the smallest model in the HX800 series. Of course, smallest is in relative terms here as 40 inches is not that small. It is 3D capable and comes with Full HD 1080p resolution and a refresh rate of 240Hz. The TV is illuminated by LED lights along the edges, which is state-of-the-art these days, as it offers better brightness and thinner frames.  For an LED LCD TV, however, the Bravia is somewhat thicker than average.

A fair amount of the connectors are on the back of the television, but there are also a few along the sides, including two of the HDMI inputs and a USB port. There are an additional two HDMI inputs on the back of the 40HX800, as well as component inputs, stereo audio input/output, one D-Sub (VGA) port, optical digital audio out, an antenna jack and Ethernet.

Having access to connectors along the sides is always a plus, since it lets you easily connect mobile devices such as digital camcorders and portable media players. Just like many other high-end models, the HX 800 series also includes network support (including DLNA) that gives you access to a variety of internet-based features and updates. For example, you have instant access to Netflix and YouTube, along with other interesting entertainment apps.

The image quality is good, but calibrating the tv manually will give you a better result than what you get right out of the box. Its black levels are very impressive, although the glossy screen sometimes gives off reflections. This is particularly noticeable when watching 3D content, which is best served with the lights off.

The viewing angles are OK but could have been better. When you do watch 3D content, it is one of the best experiences currently on the market. Sony has perhaps the best 3D glasses in terms of comfort and design, but it’s incredibly annoying that you have to buy a separate kit with a remote transmitter and glasses to even use the feature. Most manufacturers include at least one pair of glasses and has the functionality built into the TV to begin with.

Sony’s remote for the HX 800 series is simple and straighforwad; the menus are simple, and switching between connected sources is fast and without the delays that you get with some televisions.

Digital and analog channels are immediately available, and you can browse your media library according to type (photos, music and video) – either locally via USB or via the network. The TV can play MP3 and WMA audio formats. For photos there is only JPEG support, but this is not much of an issue considering it’s the standard format.

It can decode MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 videos in up to 1080p, including DivX, AVI, H.264 and WMV.

On the whole, Sony’s KDL-40HX800 is a really good TV with practical, easy to navigate media features and great image quality. The blacks are particularly deep and impressive – better than most other devices in its class. Its 3D quality is also good, but Sony should have included the functionality right out of the box.

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