KDL40X3000 Sony LCD TV Review

Sony KDL40X3000 belongs to the latest top-tier LCD television from this famous Japanese electronic giant. Among other enticing technologies, it boasts a full high-definition 1080p resolution, 100Hz Motionflow and also full compatability with 24fps movie source. As with the previous generation of Bravia X-series, the Sony KDL40X3000 features a floating or "suspended-in-space" glass design around its panel, and a solid build quality that we have come to expect from the premium model from one of the most reliable brand names in consumer electronics. After spending some time with a sample set for 2 weeks, here are my opinion on the Sony KDL40X3000 LCD television that has been carefully calibrated:

Pros

• The Motion Flow 100Hz technology found on the Sony KDL40X3000 LCD TV works well enough to reduce motion blur/ ghosting without too many artefacts like halos around moving objects or visual tearing.
• The Sony KDL40X3000 continues to use an S-PVA LCD panel which gives a superb platform for some best-in-class black level performance and shadow detail delineation.
• Although there remains the option to summon the inaccurate Wide Colour Gamut (WCG) on the Sony KDL40X3000, on the whole if you use the correct settings you will find the colours on the television to be on-the-spot with top-notch chroma decoding.

Cons

• For a top-of-the-range model, the video processing (including scaling and deinterlacing) on the Sony KDL40X3000 is disappointingly average.
• The screen would suddenly become a lot darker (known as auto dimming) if the content shown on the LCD is black or very near black. Only by engaging [Game/ Text Mode] can this issue be solved.
• To get the best picture, you'll need to access the service menu for greyscale calibration because the controls are not available in the normal user menu.
• The retail and market price of the Sony KDL40X3000 is more expensive than similarly specced LCD televisions from competing brands.

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Other Televisions To Consider

If you do not think you have any need for the 100Hz Motion Flow technology on the Sony KDL40X3000, then the cheaper Sony KDL40W3000 Bravia LCD TV which retains all the essential features except for 100Hz Motionflow is a good choice. On the other hand, if you are willing to abandon LCD television and consider a plasma, the recently released Panasonic TH42PX80 Viera plasma TV may be worth a look, although be warned that its native resolution is not true HD.