Sony BRAVIA KDL-55HX823 Pro Reviews

If we had to sum up Sony’s LCD (and LED LCD) output for the last few years in one word, we’d probably choose “decent”. And so it goes with the KDL-55HX823… other than the unusually slow menu interface, there’s nothing really wrong with it in terms of performance when compared to other LED TVs, but also nothing hugely exceptional about it, either. Like many HDTV displays based on this technology, it produces decent black levels and an accurate picture, and suffers from the usual positives and negatives of LED LCD: in exchange for low power consumption and the ultra-slim profile, users will have to accept uneven brightness distribution across the screen, and some viewing angle limitations. The going rate for the Sony KDL-55HX823 online appears to be around £1300, which places it in a similar price bracket to the Samsung UE55D7000, an edge LED TV which shares very similar strengths and weaknesses. Users who are concerned primarily with picture quality, and who want a large-screen display, are still better served by Plasma televisions from both Panasonic and Samsung, in our opinion. LED LCDs have their benefits, most notably their very low power consumption and ability to produce very bright images, but picture quality appears to be lower down the list of priorities with this display type. If LED LCD is your thing, then the Sony KDL-55HX823 is one of many good choices in this category.

We’ve seen virtually all Sony have had to offer in terms of their display ranges this year, from the cute little EX320 to the extremely impressive VW95 projector and they’ve garnered an almost as extensive range of verdicts from the AVForums review team. Consistently letting the side down, early in 2011, was Sony’s efforts in producing an effective 3D presentation mechanism whilst charging comparatively premium prices for the privilege of purchasing products performing sub-par for extra-dimensional purpose. Things on that front have been on the up however, in the latter half of the year, and we’ve been consistently impressed by the, all-important, 2D images. With the Winter Sales upon us and Sony offering a potential £150 cashback against the product, the Sony KDL-HX823 might prove something of a bargain. Just because we’re in the Festive Season doesn’t mean we’ll be unnecessarily charitable as we’ll be putting the Sony through the usual punishing work-out; can it hold up or will it flounder on the AVForums treadmill?

Sony’s KDL-55HX823 is billed as a premium 3D-enabled screen, so the fact it comes with no 3D glasses seems to be taking the mickey a bit. That faux pas apart, the Sony is a talented and hugely desirable TV. Its styling is dramatic and purposeful, and Sony’s OptiContrast panel has been designed to help minimise the effects of glare on the screen. The front of the set comprises a sheet of toughened, scratch-resistant Gorilla glass, similar to that used on consumer electronics such as the iPhone 4. It spreads from corner to corner, leaving only the slimmest of bezels running around the edge.

Sony’s latest is for perfectionists who want a super-slim 3D screen. Slightly better pictures can be got for less if you head for a top-end (and slightly plumper) plasma. But there’s a lot here to get excited about, including superb upscaling of dodgy web video, superb 3D and USB recording from the best-looking Freeview HD system in the business.

With smooth and clear 3D that isn't blighted by crosstalk, blur-free 2D detail and a packed and nicely upscaled Bravia Internet Video smart TV service, this 55-inch LED-backlit LCD TV hugely impresses. Whether it's more capable than a much cheaper plasma TV is questionable, but one thing is for sure; the remarkably slim Sony KDL-55HX823 blurs the lines between the two technologies with rare sharpness.