Sony Bravia KDL-32BX300

Display Size & Technology

The KDL-32BX300 is built around a 720p panel, with a resolution of 1366 by 768 pixels. This is combined with a conventional CCFL (Cold Cathode Florescent Lamp) backlight; this model does not have the LED backlights that are becoming more commonplace on more expensive models.

The 720p panel of the KDL-32BX300.

The image processing of this display is done by the 2nd generation of Sony's own Bravia Engine processing chip. Again, this is behind the curve: many of the other models announced at the 2010 CES show use the third generation of the Bravia Engine, which adds faster motion processing. Also missing is the 3D HDTV feature present on many high-end displays announced at this show. The only way to get 3D from this is to stick a vase full of sunflowers in front if it, put on a pair of sunglasses, and pretend you are watching a 3D documentary on Vincent Van Gogh.

Formats & Resolution

The KDL-32BX300 is a 720p display, so it is limited to a resolution of 1366 by 768 pixels. The display can cope with the higher resolution 1080i and 1080p signals that some devices output, but they will be scaled down to fit the lower resolution screen; you won't get any benefit from this processing. Again, this is somewhat behind the curve of the current state of the art: many manufacturers are now offering Full HD, 1080p displays at this size, for not a lot more money.

Brightness, Blacks and Contrast Ratio

Sony has not released any specifications for this new model, but we were able to draw some conclusions from looking at the prototype model on display at CES. We found that this display had decent, but unspectacular contrast, with the blacks in particular looking a little brighter than we like to see. It is worth remembering that the show floor of CES is not the ideal environment to be watching TV in, though, so Sony probably punched up the brightness to make the image look better. We'll know more when we get a review model in to look at under more controlled conditions.

Color

We were not able to test the color of the prototype on display, but the colors in the sample footage on show, we found that the color looked acceptable on the prototype model on display. It was not overly bright or vivid, but again we will have to wait to get a review unit in before we can say more.

Motion & Refresh Rate

The KDL-32BX300 lacks the high-speed motion processing of its more expensive cousins. It displays images at the standard 60 frames a second with no processing or other enhancements. The display does support 24 fps playback from a suitable video source, though.

Viewing Angle

We were not able to test the viewing angle of this display in our usual scientific way, but we were able to get a feel for the viewing angle that the prototype we looked at offered, and we found it to have a decent viewing angle. The contrast ratio started to fall off quite quickly from straight on, but this didn't become a real problem until we got more than 45 degrees out. However, you should remember that the performance of the final units on sale might differ from how this prototype did.