Introduction

The excitement of having online features is now just wearing off. We were ecstatic that a TV could be so much more than just a display for a cable box; something to connect to the internet and therefore the world!

Now that the fiery honeymoon period has fizzled to a dull glow, we have the clarity to judge these systems as they are. Some Smart TVs are incredibly useful. They provide the content and control to supplant our urge to use the tablet or Smartphone sitting next to us. Others, are clunky, slow, and confusing. The Smart TV label on these second types is merely a marketing feature, more type to put on a box, not more to offer the consumer.

The Sony Bravia KDL-40EX640 ($899 MSRP), is a 2012, low-end, 1080p Smart TV. We like that Sony has put out a cheaper Smart TV to give online features to the masses, but we don't like their execution. Check out our Software and Internet section of the review to see how Sony has improved, but not quite perfected, their Smart TV interface.