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Sony Bravia KDL-46NX723 review

Our Rating :
Price when reviewed : £1099
inc VAT

Stunning looks and plenty of high-end features, but you can get a better picture for the money

Specifications

46in, Freeview HD, analogue, 1,920×1,080 resolution, 3D: yes, 4x HDMI

http://www.directtvs.co.uk

Sony’s monolith design series TVs are easily some of the best looking we’ve seen all year, but the NX723 can be made even more attractive thanks to its matching sound bar that doubles as a stand (part code SU-46NX1, £200). If you’re after a different size, Sony also make 40in (KDL-40NX723) and 55in (KDL-55NX723) models, both of which are compatible with the speaker stand and are £800 and £2,100 respectively.

The TV’s lack of a speaker bezel makes it seem even larger than its 46in. When turned off, the edge-to-edge glass looks absolutely stunning. Switch it on, and there’s still only a minimal border, for the smallest possible distraction from the action on-screen.

Sony KDL-46NX723

Despite its incredibly thin profile, there are still plenty of ports on the back of the set – as well as four HDMI ports, there are also VGA, component, composite and SCART for video, and analogue RCA, digital optical and 3.5mm inputs for audio. A Common Interface slot will let you watch subscription TV services and the two USB ports can be used for rudimentary PVR services or multimedia playback from a flash drive or external hard disk. We could play most of our test files, but DivX and XviD videos both refused to load. The NX723 also has you covered if you prefer to stream your multimedia files from a DLNA media server or PC – you can use the Ethernet port to run a cable from your router to the TV, or the inbuilt Wi-Fi adaptor for a wireless connection.

Sony KDL-46NX723

The Wi-Fi adaptor also lets you access Sony’s connected TV services. We’ve come to expect a comprehensive internet TV system from Sony, but the NX723 doesn’t disappoint. There’s catch-up TV from BBC iPlayer and Demand Five, movie rentals from LoveFilm and Sony’s own Video Unlimited service, social networking widgets and even a functional web browser – it doesn’t support Flash so you can’t use websites such as 4OD, but it’s still a useful way to check your email if a PC isn’t to hand.

Sony KDL-46NX723

If you prefer live television, you’ll be pleased to hear the NX723 handles both standard definition and HD footage very well. Noise and compression artefacts were kept to a minimum and we could still spot facial detail on low-bandwidth channels such as BBC News. In high definition, images looked incredibly sharp and colours were vibrant at the default settings. Black levels were also very good, with minimal bleed from the edge-lit LEDs, although very dark images still looked grey in places.

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Basic Specifications

Rating ****

Physical

Viewable size 46in
Native resolution 1,920×1,080
1080p support No
Aspect ratio 16:9
HD ready yes
3D capable yes
Speakers 4x 10W

Connections

D-sub inputs 1
HDMI inputs 4
Component inputs 1
SCART 1
Composite inputs 1
Audio outputs optical S/PDIF out, 1x stereo mini-jack
Other headphone output, CI slot, 2x USB, 1x 10/100 Ethernet, Wi-Fi

Tuner

Tuner type Freeview HD, analogue
EPG 7 day

Environmental

Power consumption standby 1W
Power consumption on 121W

Buying Information

Warranty one year RTB
Price £1,099
Supplier http://www.directtvs.co.uk
Details www.sony.co.uk

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