Sony BRAVIA KDL-40HX803 Pro Reviews

Although our last couple of Sony LCD TV reviews have been largely positive, the company’s LCD line has been fighting to stay relevant in recent times, given that Samsung have been implementing similar LCD technology with marginally better colour accuracy and crucially, lower prices. Although Sony is still lagging behind in terms of accuracy due to their lack of colour calibration controls, the Sony KDL40HX803 LED-powered LCD TV shakes things up a little, because it is superior to Samsung’s most recent efforts – especially when it comes to 3D. Unfortunately, as we expected from an LCD-based HDTV, its 3D images are still marred by a moderate amount of crosstalk. This is a pity, because if it weren’t for this, the Sony KDL40HX803 would have been the best 3D performer yet. This all puts the Sony KDL40HX803 in a pretty favourable position. The Sony KDL40HX803U can be found online for around £1300, and although this is slightly high for a 40″ display, we think that its 3D Ready-ness and overall high image quality make it just about worth the money.

My advice to anybody considering the Sony KDLHX803, as a purchase, would be to ensure they choose a retailer that can be trusted to not put up a fight should it need to be returned. If anyone were unlucky enough to receive a HX803 beset with the backlight issues the review sample had, I'd imagine most would be seeking instant replacement or refund. That said, there aren't too many 3D ready televisions, in this price bracket, so it might be worth a gamble.

All-in it's fair to say that the Bravia KDL-40HX803 is an excellent TV. Its image quality is brilliant, although the 3D side lets the side down a little, making this an expensive choice for a 2D only set. If you just care about getting the best image quality, the Panasonic Viera TX-P42G20B is hard to beat and it's cheaper. If you want everything that the Bravia KDL-40HX803's internet portal can offer and occasional 3D movies, it's a decent choice.

In 2D, it boasts performance to rival the class-leaders – it's a shame the 3D backlight issue spoils matters

Sony's HX803 is certainly an attractive set - and it's 3D presentation is particularly impressive - but it’s annoying that you have to pay extra for both the glasses and the transmitter.

It's not difficult to see where Sony is coming from with the HX800 range. A 3D-capable model that the buyer can upgrade whenever they want makes sense. But the TV has to be keenly priced to start off with, and it needs to undercut rival screens with integrated IR emitters (there's no aesthetic plus point to having a separate emitter). So check carefully before buying.

Looked at as a 2D TV - which is actually what it is in its 'out of the box' state - the 40HX803 is pretty excellent, producing arguably the best pictures we’ve seen from an edge LED TV to date. So if you’re not interested in 3D, feel free to buy a 40HX803 and be extremely happy with your choice. If you are interested in 3D, though, the 40HX803 becomes a more considered purchase. For while its 3D pictures are far from the disaster area we’d been worried they might be, its problems with crosstalk noise still represent a substantial concern.