Sony Bravia 40NX500 LCD TV

This LCD TV is being launched right now in Delhi, as I’m writing this. Thanks to my super Labs Manager Rajesh D’Souza for getting us the 40 inch size demo product so early, for the review. It’s the latest LCD by the HDTV stalwart Sony, so without wasting any more time let’s get to it.

Design and features
The bezel is a gloss monster, also with a highly reflective panel. This is actually due to the fact that the bezel itself has a flat glass panel married to its surface across the width, edge to edge. The stand is a monolithic rectangular base, with a similar gloss black finish. So fingerprints will make their way onto this part for sure - make sure you have a soft cloth handy at all times. Also the high reflectivity of the panel is a no-no for darker scenes: your own face can be distracting during Silence of the Lambs.

The design looks good for sure; in fact that is one of the USPs of this new line. It’s quite sleek and sexy. The connections available are 4 HDMIs (1 Side/ 3 Rear), 1 component, 3 composite video and one VGA in. There is one USB 2.0 in, with full capabilities of MP3s, JPEGs and MPEG1, MPEG2 TS and PS for video. Notice no MPEG4, thus DivX/XviD won’t play.

The TV comes with the usual array of Bravia features like the Bravia Engine 3, 24p film mode, ambient light sensor and Live Color. The native res is Full HD 1920 x 1080, and the funny thing is no ratings for brightness, contrast or response time is given. We will have to gauge this subjectively for now, in the performance section.