Sony BRAVIA KDL40EX520 40-Inch 1080p LED HDTV

6:45 PM  ,  

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Clever Designs
     Sony unveiled the BRAVIA EX520 earlier this year as a Full-HD offering which makes it markedly superior to its HD-ready EX420 counterpart. Physically, the EX520 makes for a distinguished character with its glossy black and gun-metal frame. On that note, Sony's choice of a matte panel surface also ensures a less annoying and "reflective" experience when gazing at this screen during the day. As far as the battle for skinniness goes, Sony beats Samsung to the punch with its 29.5mm slim frame. The EX520 swivels like most good TVs do. And to live up to its eco standards, the BRAVIA EX520 also comes ambient and unique presence sensors. One adjusts the intensity of the backlights depending on the ambient lighting, while the other powers the EX520 off when no one is watching the TV. Ports wise, this model features a rear and side IO panel with four HDMI inputs in all. Its side fixture, while it's a little recessed, includes an USB port, HDMI slot, headphone jack and VGA input.

Intelligent Features
     Sony's latest bravia user interface does resemble its former Xross Media Bar in some aspects. What's different, however, is the new preview screen and additional tabs such as Favorites and Applications. The EX520 carries its own web browser, and of course, Sony's internet video platform. As we know it. Sony does not possess an app store at present, although new applications can be added or existing ones patched with software updates. The web browser didn't impress, given its awkward interface and issues with Flash content.
     Internet video truly lives up to its namesake though it only caters mostly to video streaming sites like YouTube, WIRED and Style.com among others. Besides these streaming apps, it is also possible to view live feeds from
Facebook and Twitter whilst watching a TV program, It took us a while to locate them, but News links are housed mainly under the RSS Podcast selection. As for media playback, the EX520 embraced MPEG4 and AVI files agreeably, including most of the Xvid and DivX codecs, but ultimately failed to detect the MKV file format

DisplayMate and HQV Benchmarks
DisplayMate Color Ramp Test: Smooth gradients are rare occurrences on LCD TVs with edge-mounted LEDs, but Sony has made this a speciality with the BRAVIA EX520.

DisplayMate: Like many of its edge-lit adversaries, the EX520 struggled with uneven textures as well as contrast shifts at wider viewing angles. What it excelled in, however, was its accurate color renditions and compression-free gradients.
HQV: The BRAVIA features a general noise filter plus MPEG and Dot Noise options. The EX520 demonstrated outstanding noise reduction and de-interlacing skills. However, it wasn't quite a natural when dealing with 24p pulldown despite Sony's Cinema Drive feature.

Blu-ray Audtion
Corpse Bride: The BRAVIA is undoubtedly one of the top guns for sharp aid natural-looking images. However, it was unfortunately marred by marginal backlight blooming right around the corners. On another note, careful use of its enhancements such as Black Corrector Black and Advanced Contrast Enhancer can do a great deal for the TV's picture quality.

Vantage Point: While the EX520 may totter with 24p playback, Sony's basic
50/60Hz panel was adept at displaying accurate colors and moving images without introducing motion artifacts. Audio wise, Sony's S-Force Front Surround processing were able to provide a wider soundstage, although vocals and effects still sounded less punchy and distinct compared to the LV5500.

REMOTES AT A GLANCE
     Sony's RM-GD020 remote may be a little bulky, but its concise layout is a definite incentive. The wand also comes with buttons for Sony's Internet Video as well as iManual with operational instructions.

Sony BRAVIA EX520 Series 1080p LED HDTV
     FEATURES
  • Brilliant Full HD (1080p) picture quality
  • LED backlit for incredible contrast & slim design
  • X-Reality™ Engine for a clear, vivid, life-like picture
  • Internet TV for widest variety of internet content
  • ECO features including power-saving sensors
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Source : hardware magazine.