Tour & Design
The front of the KDL-32BX300 has a clean, simple design. Although more expensive models are going for smaller or invisible bevels, this low-end model has a wide plastic bezel. At the bottom right are a number of indicators for the status of display.
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Back**
We were not able to get a photo of the back of this display, as it was firmly affixed to a wall and did not come down, no mater how hard we tugged. We suspect that it is home to the ports and other inputs of this display, though.
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Sides**
On the left side of the display are a number of input ports in a small recessed bay. On the right side are the controls.
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Stand/Mount**
We were not able to look at the stand of this model on the demo unit that was mounted on the wall without the stand. But the press shot shown below shows a standard looking plastic stand.
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Aesthetics**
The KDL-32BX300 isn't going to win any awards for innovative design, but it is a simple, functional design that does the job.
Performance Features
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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Connectivity & Media
Audio & Video Ports
The KDL-32BX300 has a moderate number of inputs and outputs: 3 HDMI, 2 component and 1 composite video inputs. There is also a VGA input, 1 analog audio input and 1 digital audio outputs. We were not able to get a photo of this, but there is one HDMI port and a composite video and analog audio input on the side of the display body, with the rest of the ports being on the back of the display body. **
Media & Other Connectivity**
The KDL-32BX300 has no media features: there are no memory card or USB ports, and no way to stream videos or audio over the Internet. **
Placement**
The ports of this display are located in two places: a panel on the back of the display and in a small recessed bay on the left side of the display body. These side ports are well located, making it easy to plug in and remove devices such as camcorders and digital cameras. **
Audio**
The KDL-32BX300 includes two small built-in speakers placed at the bottom of the case. We were not able to test these at Sony's lovely CES 2010 booth.
Controls, Menu & Remote
Remote
The remote of this model was not available for us to test, but we expect that it will be similar to removes from other low-end Sonys, such as the KDL-32L500, which came with a remote with large, easy to use buttons. **
Controls**
The controls for this display are located on the right side of the display, in a slightly recessed display. These controls are a good size and should be easy to find. After a couple of tries, you would probably be able to find and use them by touch alone.
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Menu**
We were not able to access the on-screen menus of this model.
Conclusion
Series Comparison
KDL-BX300 Series
The KDL-BX300 series is at the bottom of Sony's 2010 lineup, both in terms of price and features. There are two models in this lineup: the 22-inch KDL-22BX300 and the 32-inch KDL-32BX300 that we looked at here.
Meet the tester
Richard Baguley is a veteran writer who has written about technology ranging from Alphabet to Zip file utilities. He has contributed to pretty much every major tech publication, including Amiga Format Magazine, PC World, Wired, CNET, Toms Guide, Forbes, and many others. He lives in the Boston metro area with his wife, dog, and an indeterminate number of cats.
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