Sony KDL-40HX723 review

A super-smart TV, with active 3D, but let down by lacklustre colour Tested at £650

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A super-smart TV thanks to a wealth of video content and Sony frills – and it’s only let down by a lacklustre colour palette

Pros

  • +

    Strong smart TV content offering

  • +

    natural, subtle picture

  • +

    good detail

  • +

    solid Freview HD tuner

Cons

  • -

    Colours lack punch and dynamics

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Don’t be thinking that affordable billing means that the Sony KDL-40HX723 is remotely basic.

Not only does it feature HD tuners, smart TV applications and 3D playback, but this Sony is in fact one of the better-specified models in Sony’s entire range.

It’s a ‘Dynamic Edge LED’ screen, which means it’s an edge-lit display with local dimming of individual groups of LEDs – which, in theory, means better performance.

It also has a 200Hz refresh rate and comes with Sony’s Motionflow XR 400 and the X-Reality Pro engine.

The HX range means business, then. A full HD, active-shutter 3D screen, it’s also wireless-ready (with optional dongle) and sports (the seemingly standard) four HDMI, two USB and one digital optical output, amongst plenty of other connections.

Sony’s internet TV offering is one of the strongest in the market, though you have to look for it. Divvied-up around different parts of the interface you’ll find BBC iPlayer, Demand 5 and the Sky News app.

As well as LoveFilm and YouTube you’ll also find Sony’s Unlimited Video and Music services, giving you another way to stream movies and music. There are apps for Skype and social networking, too.

Solid motion, but colours lack punch
Watching the Freeview HD tuner certainly gets us off to a good start, providing the necessary detail and subtlety to enjoy, say, Bargain Hunt to its fullest. Sky Sports News shows the Sony is no slouch with motion, either.

Colours aren’t the boldest but on most occasions this more measured touch works fine.

The Blu-ray of the excellent Attack The Block has testing low-lit scenes and plenty of dynamic action, and only here we do start to want for a little more punch in brighter scenes; the colours are a little too subdued.

The lacklustre feeling of the picture isn’t helped by tentative black levels. Still, pictures are sharp and clean, and the level of detail is good.

It’s more of the same with 3D. The effect is smooth, and delivers a good sense of depth while remaining relatively comfy to watch and largely free of crosstalk. But drained of the punchiest colours, the picture can look a little limp.

This is another solid and affordable screen, and ideal if some of the latest internet-enabled functions or the Sony-specific frills appeal.


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What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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