Review: Sony Bravia KDL46EX1

WIRELESS TOO: The black levels are impressive on the Sony Bravia KDL46EX1.

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With the release of the EX1 series ($8999), Sony has become the first company to bring wireless connectivity to a commercial television product.

Instead of plugging all your cables into the back of the EX1, you connect all your devices to a "media transmitter" box.

This box communicates wirelessly to the TV and can even sit out of sight. The only cable running to the television is the power cord, which makes for a cleaner look for hanging the EX1 on a wall.

We tested the 46-inch version, which sits in the middle of the three-model line-up that also includes 52- and 40-inch sizes.

Apart from taking a few seconds to connect to the media transmitter when powered on, the EX1 works like any other television. The media transmitter features three HDMI ports with an additional one on the television unit. The external box also carries the digital television tuner, single component input as well as a composite and a computer monitor port.

The media transmitter can be placed up to 20 metres from the television, so you don't even have to put the cabinet near the television.

Unlike its more expensive ZX1 cousin (using the same wireless technology), the EX1 isn't super-slim and has a "picture frame" design.

The white bezel is framed with silver edging but the speakers have been placed around the back to achieve the clean look. As a result, the sound quality has been compromised and it's often difficult to make out the dialogue unless you turn up the volume.

It's one of the few flaws in what is otherwise a very impressive piece of cutting-edge technology. Picture quality is excellent - especially when matched to a Blu-ray player -and the wireless technology is capable of keeping up with fast-action high-definition video.

Black levels are particularly impressive for an LCD television. It's expensive, of course, but it's sure to spark an exciting new trend in home entertainment.

More at www.sony.co.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News