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  • Introduction

  • Tour & Design

  • Blacks & Whites

  • Color Accuracy

  • Motion

  • Viewing Effects

  • Calibration

  • Remote Control

  • Connectivity

  • Audio & Menus

  • Multimedia & Internet

  • Power Consumption

  • Vs Samsung UN46B8500

  • Vs Vizio SV470XVT1A

  • Vs LG 47LH90

  • Conclusion

  • Series Comparison

  • Introduction
  • Tour & Design
  • Blacks & Whites
  • Color Accuracy
  • Motion
  • Viewing Effects
  • Calibration
  • Remote Control
  • Connectivity
  • Audio & Menus
  • Multimedia & Internet
  • Power Consumption
  • Vs Samsung UN46B8500
  • Vs Vizio SV470XVT1A
  • Vs LG 47LH90
  • Conclusion
  • Series Comparison

Introduction

The KDL-46EX700 is currently available for about $1700.

Tour & Design

Front


The front of the TV is surrounded by a glossy black bezel along its top and sides. The bottom is a metallic band.

 

 

Back


The back of the TV keeps its ports in a cluster to the right side of the TV. For information about these ports, see our Connectivity section.

 

 

Sides


The left side of the TV has a handful of ports, and the right is where you'll find all the controls. The ports and controls are indented a good inch or so from the edge of the TV's bezel. For information about the ports on the sides of the Sony KDL-46EX700 see our Connectivity section.

 

 

Stand/Mount


The stand is a glossy black, and swivels.

 

 

Controls


The controls cover all the basics, and also feature an energy saving switch.

 

 

Remote Control


The remote is simple enough, but looks and feels quite cheap.

 

In The Box*(6.00)*


The TV came with a remote, batteries, and not much else. Assembly was fairly easy: toss the screws in the appropriate holes and tighten them.

 

Aesthetics*(9.0)*


This is a nice-looking TV. It doesn't do anything different, other than the metallic trim along the bottom, but it executes its design quite well. It's also crazy thin, which doesn't hurt.

Blacks & Whites

Black Level*(7.79)*


We measured the Sony KDL-46EX700's black level at 0.11 candelas per square meter (cd/m2). This is pretty solidly good. In fact, 0.1 cd/m2 is our current benchmark for 'pretty solidly good,' so the KDL-46EX700's black level finds itself in good company.  (More on how we test Black Level.)

 

Peak Brightness*(9.80)*


We measured the KDL-46EX700's peak brightness at 460.06, which is plenty bright. Not only is its luminance enough to give the TV a great black level, it's also bright enough to combat the reflections of external light.  (More on how we test Peak Brightness.)

 

Contrast*(8.74)*


With a good black level and a high peak brightness, the KDL-46EX700 wound up with a great overall contrast ratio: 4182:1. Our eyes sense detail based on contrast, and a high contast ratio is a good chunk of what gives an HDTV good detailing. The other chunk is greyscale gamma, which is covered below. (More on how we test Contrast.)

 

Tunnel Contrast*(9.19)*


We didn't see any issues with the consistency of the KDL-46EX700's black levels. They'll remain fairly even, regardless of how much black is on the screen.  (More on how we test Tunnel Contrast.)

 

White Falloff*(9.96)*


We also didn't see any issues with the KDL-46EX700's whites. The TV will have the same peak brightness if 5% of the screen is white, or if 100% of the screen is. LCDs typically don't have issues with tunnel contrast or white falloff.  (More on how we test White Falloff.)

 

Uniformity*(8.00)*


We didn't really see a lot of uniformity issues on the KDL-46EX700. There was some flashlighting at the corners of a dark screen, and some dimming around the corners of a bright one, but otherwise our model looked great. (More on how we test Uniformity.)

 

Greyscale Gamma*(7.29)*


We measured the TV's greyscale gamma at 2.65, which is a bit more aggressive than we'd typically like to see. As you can see in the handy graph below, the greyscale (when plotted logarythmically) is more or less a straight line. This is good: it means there aren't any areas that progress along the greyscale unevenly, which leads to lost detail. There's a bit of a flat tail towards the darker end of the spectrum (More on how we test Greyscale Gamma.)

 

Color Accuracy

Color Temperature*(9.94)*


The Sony KDL-46EX700 had a really solid color temperature. It tends to run a bit cool, but not by an amount you'd notice. The only area you would notice is towards the dark end, where it becomes noticeably warm for the briefest of stretches. No complaints here.  (More on how we test Color Temperature.)

 

RGB Curves*(8.12)*


The KDL-46EX700 performed well on our color accuracy tests. In the graph below, we've plotted how the red, green, and blue colors progress from their darkest to their brightest. All have roughly the same curve, which is good, and there's hardly any bumps along the way (bumps indicate a loss of detail, since it means two adjacent colors are either too similar or too different).  (More on how we test RGB Curves.)

We've turned the above graph into three different gradients, shown below. These gradient bars show the progression from highest intensity to lowest. Bumps will look like vertical bars that stand out from the smoothness of the gradient.

 

 

 

 

Color Gamut*(5.00)*


The KDL-46EX700's color gamut is a bit off from the rec. 709 standard (the international standard that all TV color gamuts are supposed to adhere to). The green point is very slightly underemphasized, the red point is shifted slightly towards green, and the blue point is shifted slightly towards red.  (More on how we test Color Gamut.)

Below is a chart depicting the red, green, and blue points, as dictated by the rec. 709 standard, and where we measured those points on the KDL-46EX700.

 

Motion

Motion Smoothness*(8.25)*


Typically we disable various video processing features, but in the case of the KDL-46EX700 we found it was beneficial to leave the MotionFlow feature on Standard. This will result in some slight artifacting, but it will all but eliminate motion blurring. We really saw no issues with blurring in pictures at 1080p. A moving set of color swatches showed significant blurring, however, as did a series of black and white bars. We thought this was an interesting combination: complex pictures didn't blur much, but basic patterns did. We're guessing the MotionFlow feature is simply geared towards complex images, since turning it off caused the photos to blur just as much as the other figures.  (More on how we test Motion.)

 

Motion Artifacting*(7.75)*


Artifacting was a very mixed bag. On our photo test and color chart test, we saw very minor rolling shudder. Alternating black and white lines prove a much larger challenge for the TV: the bars were wracked with blocky shuddering and acquired a slight color cast. The shuddering was much more noticeable than the smooth effect we typically see. Herringbone patterns or high contrast stripes will likely cause noticeable artifacting.

 

3:2 Pulldown & 24fps*(6.50)*


The KDL-46EX700 performed adequately in its 24fps mode. There were two main issues. First, the TV again has troubles with fine patterns. We saw some weird, randomly shifting blotches in a block of white and black stripes. Another block of stripes flashed slightly. This wasn't terrible compared to some of the other TVs we've seen, but wasn't great. We enabled the CineMotion feature and set it to Auto 1, which reduced the frequency of artifacting a bit, but didn't eliminate it. Another test video pans an empty stadium. The seats looked noisy (less so with CineMotion), like their outlines were crawling. Again, it wasn't a particularly distracting issue, but it will be annoying once you notice it.  (More on how we test 3:2 Pulldown and 24fps.)

 

Resolution Scaling*(6.35)*


There are various different standard resolutions that today's content comes in. HDTVs need to be able to display them all well. Since the TV will have to upscale or downscale content that isn't the native resolution. Below we've outlined how the KDL-46EX700 handles different formats.  (More on how we test Resolution Scaling.)

480p

The TV didn't have many issues with 480p content. There was a 3% overscan on all sides, but that was about it.

720p

There weren't any issues with 720p content either. Some lines were a bit soft, and there was a 2% overscan, but that was about it.

1080i

The TV handles 1080i about as well as the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway's *Super Chief*handled that concrete barrier in 1948, or about as well as we've handled this metaphor: train wrecks, all around. We saw crazy amounts of moire interference and some seriously blurry lines.

 

Viewing Effects

 

Formats*(10.0)*


The Sony KDL-46EX700 is a 1080p HDTV that supports 3:2 pulldown and 24p.

 

Viewing Angle*(5.50)*


We measured the TV's viewing angle at about 52°. This is decent for an LCD, but it isn't super amazing when you start bringing plasmas into the comparison. You should probably get a good picture if you're sitting on the couch, but if you're anywhere else in the room, you'll notice a drop in the contrast ratio.  (More on how we test Viewing Angle.)

 

Reflectance*(5.50)*


The KDL-46EX700 had some problems with reflectance. We were able to see each and every LED in the array we shined at the screen. Further, the light created vertical and horizontal streaks. This is very distracting. When the light isn't facing the screen directly, the streaks aren't particularly noticeable. The glossy bezel might also catch light, but is far less of an issue, especially given the size of the screen. We wouldn't recommend putting this TV in a room that catches natural light.  (More on how we test Reflectance.)

 

Video Processing*(3.00)*


The TV has a handful of processing features, most of which don't really do much.

 

Calibration

Calibration


[

](http://www.displaymate.com/)To ensure all our TVs are operating at their peak performance, we first calibrate them, using a CS-200 ChromaMeter and DisplayMate, which is a professional display calibration suite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video Modes


No new modes have been added to the 2010 models, it seems: we still saw Vivid, Custom, Standard, and Cinema modes, with no new additions. Below are descriptions of what each of these do.

 

Remote Control

Ergonomics & Durability*(5.50)*


The Sony KDL-46EX700 has an attractive but ultimately frustrating remote control. Look at the picture. It looks cool, right? It's got that slick style that Sony is (sometimes) known for. Unfortunately, it feels cheap in your hand. Part of the problem is that, in order to keep such a seamless style, the entire back of the remote slides out to accommodate the batteries. Because of this, the whole remote has an empty cavity underneath that creaks and bends every time you push a button.

Button Layout & Use*(5.0)*


The button layout on this remote is not great. The d-pad in the center works well enough, but the buttons around it are so frustratingly confusing. First of all, there are too many. We were constantly hitting the wrong button. The best remote is the one you don't have to think about. The only button you need in easy reach is the back button (called 'Return' here). Secondly, why on earth does the Menu button have two labels? It's called Menu and Home. Was it so important that Sony brand their remote that they thought two labels were necessary?  Third, the volume and channel up/down buttons are too small.

 

Programming & Flexibility*(1.0)*


The remote control can be used to control other Sony devices with the Bravia Sync branding, but not other devices.

Connectivity

  • 1 Composite Video
  • 1 VGA
  • 2 Component Video
  • 4 HDMI
  • 3 Analog Audio
  • 1 3.5mm Audio

 

 

Below is a table of not only the TV's input ports, but also other ports of note.

 

 

Output Ports*(2.00)*


The TV has two audio output ports, one set of analogs and one digital.

 

Other Connections*(3.00)*


The TV has an ethernet port for online connectivity. It's also 'wireless ready,' which means it *could *be wireless, but you'll have to connect a dongle.

 

Media*(1.00)*


The TV also has a USB port for additional media playback.

 

Placement*(8.00)*


Port placement on the KDL-46EX700 is pretty good. A great deal are on the side and very easy to access. The rest are on the back located very close to the edge, which are also very easy to reach. On top of this, the TV rotates, providing even easier access.

Audio & Menus

Audio Quality*(3.50)*


The Sony KDL-46EX700's built-in speakers aren't great, but then again, most TVs don't have great audio quality. Voices were clear enough, but overall the sound was a bit tinny and muffled.

If you feel like fiddling around with your audio, there's an equalizer, surround sound, and sound enhancer you can toggle; none of these features seem to have much of an effect on the sound, strangely enough.

 

 

Menu Interface*(6.00)*


The KDL-46EX700 features a PlayStation 3-like design. Pressing the menu button will bring up a horizontal string of icons that expand vertically when highlighted. The menu is attractive, intuitive, and not that dissimilar from any other Sony menu system.

 

Instruction Manual*(7.50)*


The KDL-46EX700's manual is average overall. It has a table of contents and a very sparse index, both of which should help navigation to a certain extent. There's tabs on the edges of the pages to aid in browsing to a particular section. The font in the book is a good size but coud be slightly bigger. The pictures are a bit on the small side and tend to be busy with arrows, but the descriptions are good enough.

You can find the Sony KDL-46EX700's manual online here.

Multimedia & Internet

 
Internet Features*(11.00)*


In 2009, we gave Sony an award for having the best set of online features. Sony currently has the best, widest array of online content providers. Even though other manufacturers are getting in on the online game, Sony still leads the pack. There are over 30 different providers, each of which are packed to the gills with content. Some of the bigger names include YouTube, Netflix, Yahoo!, Blip.tv, Wired, and NPR. The complete breakdown of every app is listed below.

 

 

Photo Playback*(3.00)*


The Sony KDL-46EX700 can play photos stored on USB devices. The TV will let you access the photos via the Photo option on the main menu, which we thought was a bit confusing: we expected the USB device to be listed as a separate entity. Further, it's not entirely clear that you can access additional options via the TV's Options button. Once you have all that down, however, the photo viewer has some pretty good options (the 3.00 score isn't out of ten, but rather like bonus points the TV wouldn't get without its feature set).

The photo player has just about everything you'd want from such a feature: you can create photo playlists, add music, and create different transition effects.

 

Music & Video Playback*(4.00)*


Like the photo interface, to play music from a USB device, you need to go to the appropriate submenu (Music, in this case), and select USB. Again, you can press the Options key to gain access to a handful of additional features, but you can't create a playlist on the device: you can simply opt to play a single track or all of them. Make sure you organize your playlist into a folder ahead of time. 

 

Other Media*(0.0)*


There are no other media features

Power Consumption

Vs Samsung UN46B8500

Value Comparison Summary


The Sony costs a bit more than the Samsung, but it (currently) doesn't offer the breadth of online content.

**

Blacks & Whites**


The Sony's black level isn't as deep as the Samsung's, but it is a little brighter. For all intents and purposes, both TVs have the same contrast ratio, but for all you min/maxers out there, the Samsung's ratio is slightly higher.

 

Color Accuracy


Neither TV had an issue with color temperature, and both had roughly the same performance on our color accuracy test.

 

 

Motion


The Sony had less blurring and artifacting than the Samsung.

 

Viewing Effects


The Sony's viewing angle is a bit better than the Samsung's; neither is particularly spectacular.

 

Connectivity


The one feature setting the Sony apart from its predecessors is the availability of WiFi capabilities. The drawback? It requires the separate purchase of a wireless dongle. Of course, most 2010 models will have similar functionality, so the Sony, as the newest model in the below chart, has a bit of a temporal advantage.

 

Vs Vizio SV470XVT1A

Value Comparison Summary


The Sony offers better quality and a huge array of streaming options, but it costs a bit more than the Vizio.

Blacks & Whites


The Vizio has a terrible black level and isn't particularly bright either. The Sony has a significantly higher contrast ratio.

 

Color Accuracy


Both TVs have similar color performance.

 

 

Motion


Both TVs had similar levels of motion blur and artifacting.

Viewing Effects


Both TVs had nearly identical viewing angles. You'll be fine watching a movie from your couch, but from anywhere else in the room, you'll definitely see a negative impact on the overall contrast.

**

Connectivity**


The main feature the Sony offers over the Vizio is its online connectivity. You can either hook up an ethernet cable or purchase the wireless adapter and connect to your home network to stream content. Sony's library was far and away the superior one in 2009, but this year Samsung has made some great strides towards closing—if not eliminating—that gap.

Vs LG 47LH90

Value Comparison Summary


The LG is a bit larger than the Sony, but is inexplicably pricy. If you can pick up the LG on sale, for significantly cheaper, it could make a better budget option. Otherwise, the Sony offers a whole lot more for less.

**

Blacks & Whites**


Both TVs had similar peak brightness levels, but the LG's blacks weren't nearly as deep as the Sony's. Sony's contrast ratio is over three times greater than that of the LG's.

 

Color Accuracy


The Sony's color temperature was a bit more even than the LG's which tended to drift toward cool in the brights. Both TVs had performed similarly well on our color accuracy tests, however.

 

 

Motion


The Sony has a slight motion performance advantage, but it's not any great stretch; the TVs' motion performances shouldn't be enough to sway your purchase decision.

 

Viewing Effects


Technically the Sony has a wider viewing angle than the LG, but it's not by a significant margin.

 

Connectivity


The Sony has one main advantage over the LG here: internet connectivity. You can achieve this either by connecting an ethernet cable, or by buying a wireless dongle and connecting to your home wifi network. Sony also has an incredible suite of streaming options, the great majority of which are free.

Conclusion

 

 

Series Comparison

EX7 Series


The EX7 series features a slew of streaming options, 120Hz playback, and the option to connect to your home network wirelessly, via a separately-purchased wifi dongle.

Meet the tester

Mark Brezinski

Mark Brezinski

Senior Writer

@markbrezinski

Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.

See all of Mark Brezinski's reviews

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