Sony’s BRAVIA KDL-EX40B series of 1080p LCD HDTVs with conventional CCFL backlighting comes in two sizes; the 40 inch KDL-40EX40B and the 32 inch KDL-32EX40B both with an integrated Blu-ray disc player for Full HD 1080p content. This series also has; the more advanced BRAVIA Engine 3 video processor, BRAVIA Internet Video, Ethernet port, USB input for music, photo and video playback, DLNA compatibility and the latest Ambient Sensor technology for the best picture quality under any lighting type.

BRAVIA Internet Video

To make full use of its Internet connectivity, the Sony EX40B has Sony’s BRAVIA Internet Video (IPTV – Internet Protocol Television). It allows users to view TV in the same way they are used to viewing other Internet content – on-demand. BRAVIA Internet Video has a growing pool of 27 content providers. Some content sources currently available include YouTube, Netflix, and Wired.

EX40B as a Multimedia Entertainment Hub – Sharing Photos, Music and Video

The EX40B series LCD HDTV can function as a multimedia entertainment hub using a USB memory stick or other storage device connected to the USB input. There is a multimedia interface for easy access to photos, home videos for the big screen or playing music. Connecting a digital camera, MP3 player, brings up an interface to play the digital content. USB Applications: Photo Viewer (jpeg, RAW), Music Player (mp3), Video Player (AVCHD, AVC, MPEG4)

Digital content including video, photo and music files stored on a DLNA Certified media server can be accessed via a network connection.

Light and Ambient Sensors

Sony EX40B models come with both an Ambient Sensor and Light Sensor. The light sensor automatically adjusts the backlight strength to suit the room’s brightness ensuring a suitably bright picture and minimizes power consumption. The Ambient sensor works differently, adjusting the picture color to produce the most natural color for the quality of the light in the room. So, whatever the light source, whether sunlight, fluorescent or incandescent lighting, you will always see the most natural colors possible.

Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE)

The ACE uses sophisticated video processing algorithms analyze the brightness of original video signals and adjust the backlighting to optimal levels. This type of modulation does not produce the same contrast improvement achieved by the local dimming of LED backlit LCD HDTVs which modulates sub-units (areas) of the display backlighting.

CineMotion Reverse 3:2 Pulldown Technology

Movies are shot at 24 fps and broadcasters and many DVD players convert 24 fps movies by 3:2 pulldown to play on an 60 interlaced fields per second (similar process with PAL TVs). The pulldown process can introduce a form of judder called Telecine judder. Sony’s CineMotion Reverse 3:2 Pulldown Technology in an impressive feat of sophisticated number crunching by the video processor reverses the process so you can watch a movie in its native 24p. A couple of points to note however; 1) you will still have the judder resulting from the film being shot at 24 fps and 2) Telecine judder can actually reduce the harshness of the worst of the 24p judder. It is something to be tested to decide on one’s preference. For more in-depth explanation read our technology guide on judder.

24p True Cinema Technology

For those who would prefer to have movies look the same as at the cinema Sony have provided 24p True Cinema Technology. You may see this technology referred to as 1080p/24 which means 1080 lines displayed progressively (all lines for each frame) at 24 fps. The 24p is shorthand for stating that there are 24 full frames (all lines of resolution) for each second.

To maintain the cinema quality each frame is repeated by a suitable multiple for the frequency of the display. For example, dividing 120Hz by 24p gives a multiple of 5. Frames being repeated rather than performing any sort of pulldown means no associated judder is introduced. In cinemas it is common for the each of the 24 fps to be shown twice for an overall frame rate of 48.

Any judder that results from filming at the slow 24 frames per second will still be present. However, that said, some much prefer 24p playback to what they see as the unnaturally smooth motion produced by smoothing by the video processor.

Picture Quality Adjustments

The range and quantity of picture quality adjustments available with the Sony NX40B models is extensive. Apart from CineMotion, MotionFlow and 24p True Cinema discussed in detail already, other functionalities worthy of special note are: separate resets for the standard and advanced picture adjustment menus, Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE), color temperature, gamma control (7 step) and the Picture Mode (for video, cinema, still images, sports and gaming). Those who like to tweak often will appreciate the facility to apply settings to the current or all inputs.

Convenience Features

Sony include a wide range of convenience features with the NX40B models which are listed in full in the specification linked to below. Some of the more notable features include; input labelling, auto shut-off, on-screen clock, PIP (Picture in Picture), on-screen TV Guide, password locked channel block, favourites and the USB player.

The Favourites feature gives you the Web browser like capability to bookmark frequently used content for quick shortcut access. You might want to save favourite TV channels, media files, Internet content or Widgets.

Audio Features

Sony has provided an extensive range of audio features with the NX40B including 5.1 Channel Audio Out, Clear Voice for clearer dialogue, Dolby Digital, Sony Original Surround, Sound Mode (Dynamic, Standard, Clear Voice, Custom) and Surround Effect (Cinema, Music, Live Sports and Game). A full list of audio features is in specification linked to below

Connectivity

The Sony NX40B has an Ethernet connection for Internet/network access. It enables access your home network and retrieve stored movies, photos, music and videos from DLNA compatible devices and the Internet for online content.

Analog Audio Input(s) (Total) : 4 (2 Side/2 Rear)
Audio Out : 1 (Rear)
Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Input(s) : 2 (Rear)
Composite Video Input(s) : 2 (1 Side/1 Rear)
Digital Audio Output(s) : Optical Digital Output – 1 (Rear)
HDMI Connection(s) (Total) : 3(2 Side/1 Rear)
HDMI PC Input : Yes
PC In (D-Sub) + Audio In (Stereo Mini) : 1 (Rear)
RF Connection Input(s) : 1 (Rear)
USB 2.0 : 1 (Side)

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

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