Sony KDL-46HX703 review

Following hard on the heels of its 46 inch sibling, this 40 Sony LCD is an accomplished performer with great detail and clarity Tested at £1500.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Form and functionality combine to superb effect in this latest Sony TV

Pros

  • +

    Smart design

  • +

    a doddle to use

  • +

    excellent Freeview HD tuner

  • +

    pictures and sound excel

Cons

  • -

    Very little

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‘Follow that', chirped the Sony KDL-46EX503 in August 2010 as it waltzed-off with a five-star verdict and a Supertest win under its belt.

So here's the 'HX703 to try and live up to its sibling's success. The key differences are the inclusion here of 200Hz Motionflow technology and the ‘Monolithic design', Sony's latest flush 'n' flat style statement.

This LCD offers a host of features including Freeview HD, Bravia Internet Video, four HDMI inputs and DLNA networking.

Connect via ethernet or add a wi-fi dongle to access Internet TV applications, one of the most exciting of which is the LoveFilm app that allows members to stream films straight to the set. The newly designed remote is tidy, and we're navigating the XrossMediaBar in no time.

Clearer, substantial sound
For once we're happy to praise the sound quality of this set – noticeably clearer and more substantial than predecessors.

And there's more good news as we settle down to enjoy the picture, with the Blu-ray of Avatar looking every bit as stunningly alien as it should, the Sony uncovering every inch of detail with taut clarity.

Ponyo is a high-quality DVD and the 'HX703 excels, passing the test with realistic, involving skin tones, deep black shades and super-smooth motion processing.

Flick to off-air broadcasts and the tuner is stable, crisp and clean, and capable of fine HD images.

Sitting somewhere in the middle of the 46in price range, this set easily justifies the outlay.

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What Hi-Fi?

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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