Sony Bravia KDL-32EX523 review

The slick new user interface (which replaces the XMB design of recent years) felt very responsive and easy to navigate. It’s now much easier to access the numerous web TV features within Bravia Internet Video. As well as access to YouTube video streaming, movies on demand from LoveFilm and social networking through Twitter and Facebook, you can catch up on any TV programs you’ve missed with BBC iPlayer and Demand 5 (Channel 5’s service).

You can also record programmes if you have an external hard disk, using one of the two USB ports. The only caveat is that you have to watch the same program you want to record, as there’s only one Freeview HD tuner. You can also use either port to play multimedia content from a USB memory stick or hard disk.

You’re also in luck if dragging files on to an external hard disk sounds like too much hard work. As with most of Sony’s 2011 line-up, the EX523 supports DLNA media streaming from any compatible device connected to your home network. The system was quick to browse through folders and supports all the major file formats, so you should be able to play all your content without hassle.

There’s no question that the EX523 is a great mid-range TV; it has plenty of features, great styling and a fantastic display for the price. The only problem is that the cheaper CX523 has the same feature set and its CCFL backlight still produces a great quality image. If you’re after a reasonably priced TV, the CX523 is the better choice. If you’ve got more to spend, the Samsung 6 Series D6530 range is a better alternative to the EX523 models.