Sony KDL-40EX400

The benefits of 1080p or Full HD continue to pile up since their introduction back in 2005. Many people are starting to realize the improvements in picture quality especially when viewed in 40-inch displays and larger. The latest generation of video game consoles is also thriving as more games support the 1080p resolution so gamers can get the best experience possible. Many desktops and laptops also have HDMI ports so these large screens can be used as computer monitors for both PC gaming and regular productivity. Some people haven’t invested in these displays because they are quite pricey. The 40-inch Sony KDL-40EX400 hopes to make a good impression by sporting some new technologies for an affordable price.

Sony KDL-40EX400

Technical Features

This 40-inch HDTV is ideal for viewing the latest Blu-ray titles thanks to the 1080p specification. Like other Sony BRAVIA models, it is optimized for Sony Blu-ray players and Sony’s very own Playstation 3 console. Sony media players and the Playstation 3 do not have to be the only devices that can be connected to the display as it has 7 HD inputs with 4 of them being HDMI inputs. Two HD inputs are component while the last input is HD-15 so a computer can be connected to it.

Technologies

Unlike other HDTV manufacturers, Sony isn’t very open about their contrast ratios. However, Sony claims that their new KDL-40EX400 models are bright and ready for any type of content. It is equipped with a couple of sensors that detect changes in lighting and make automatic adjustments so the viewing experience isn’t hampered.

The first technology is the LightSensor technology which is primarily in charge for the unit’s brightness. As the room lighting changes, the TV’s backlight makes the necessary adjustments to the screen’s brightness. This feature is highly useful reducing the power consumption. It also gives the KDL-40EX400 Energy Star compliance.

The other sensor is the Ambient Sensor which ensures that the picture stays natural looking under any lighting condition. This means that it is possible to watch movies in their natural colors during the night time. The Ambient Sensor does the work in adjusting the picture color. When the room’s lighting increases, the same sensor acts to adjust the color settings accordingly.

The BRAVIA Engine 2 also deserves some credit for producing very sharp and vibrant images by reducing the noise and optimizing the contrast and color simultaneously. This engine is powered by a digital processor that should last for a long time. While there are no specific anti-blur technologies, the BRAVIA Engine 2 does a fine job in rendering high-speed frames at 60 Hz.

Extra Features

Since the KDL-40EX400 is on the inexpensive side, there are not many major extras featured in the device. Fortunately, there are some extras that ordinary consumers would like.

The most significant extra is the USB input that significantly expands the ways the TV can be used. The KDL-40EX400 does not feature any form of card reader either which is commonly used by photographers. The ideal method is to take out the camera’s USB cable so the pictures can be viewed directly. Other supported devices include MP3 players as the TV can also play back audio formats. Any standard USB flash drive should also work so any stored photos can be seen on the big 40-inch display right away.

Those that own several Sony products will benefit from the BRAVIA Sync feature. As long as the Sony product is BRAVIA Sync Compatible, the product can be controllable using the TV remote control. Even surround sound systems and camcorders can be controlled using the same remote. Those that are planning to buy this model and do not have a major stereo system should consider getting a complete Sony home theater system.

Bottom Line

The only downside of the KDL-40EX400 is the calibration process, but that is only needed for serious movie and gaming enthusiasts that cannot settle for anything less than near-perfection.  Calibration discs like the DVD THX Optimizer simplifies the process. The rest of the features are good and the KDL-40EX400  provides all the basic needs along with some minor extras. The $649 price tag encourages users to ditch their old CRT models or 720p units.

Average User Rating:

Actual User Reviews:
• “I bought this TV from a big box store and have been loving every min of it. I used to have a 27″ CRT that weighed 40lbs and needed 2 people to lift, this thing probably weighed half of that and I set it up by my self (from un-boxing to lifting onto the stand).I have it hooked up to an upscaling dvd player, a Yamaha amp (surround sound) and then an Xbox. Everything looks fantastic. The blacks are black and there is no light bleed from around the corners. Even though it isn’t the fastest refresh rate (hertz) as some of the other TVs, the picture is fine, even on fast paced driving or shooting games I have no light trails/drag.Use the picture settings that someone has posted here on a different review for best color and have all of your equipment go to into the TV with HDMI, then optical cable out of it to your surround sound and you’ll never be happier.” – B. McGuignan(San Francisco, CA)

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• “I have a 52″ Samsung Plasma TV that does NOT outperform the 40″ Sony. The picture quality on the Sony is superb and at a price that is one of the selling points of this TV. I have owned this one for only a few weeks, but I have had NO PROBLEMS with it so far, and I really expect to have no problems in the future. I have purchased other Sony products and find them to be very dependable and problem free. My only criticism of this purchase is that the TV DID NOT come with an HDMI cable in the box! I would think that in this age of High Def all TV producers would include the proper cables for HDTV in the box! The fact that it comes decked out with no fewer than FOUR HDMI fittings indicates that Sony knows you want HDMI… so include at least ONE cable… okay guys! Performance wise, this TV is a home run!” – Justin(USA)

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