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Sony KDL-40X3500
Firstly, a quick word about the KDL-40X3500's price - we've quoted Sony's own figure, but you can pick this set up for far less if you shop around.
However, even at the best price you can find, the 'X3500 - which we loved when we first saw it - now looks a touch too expensive. New-season sets, including the superlative Sony KDL-40W4000, are redefining flatscreen value.
Heavy and Bulky
The first thing to bear in mind about this model is that it’s pretty huge. The glass surround is a classy touch, but it makes the set much bigger than it strictly needs to be. It’s also very heavy, and lacks a swivel stand, so you’d best make sure you get it into the correct position first time.
As soon as you power up the ‘X3500, it’s clear that it’s cut from the same cloth as the ‘W4000, as there are many commonalities in picture performance. The 2001: A Space Odyssey Blu-ray benefits from an exceptionally clean, sharp and detailed performance. Much like the ‘W4000, deep blacks combine with punchy whites to great effect, and colours are equally impressive.
The auto-backlight feature is less impressive on this set though, and try as we might, we couldn’t turn it off entirely, which is a little disappointing. It’s also fair to say that the ‘X3500 lacks the very last iota of detail and definition that the ‘W4000 finds.
Very impressive stability for a 1080p set
The reverse is true when it comes to DVD performance. The ‘X3500 digs up just a smidge more detail from Atonement next to its baby brother, and it’s perhaps a touch cleaner, too. It also has equally balanced colours and very impressive stability for a 1080p set.
The ‘X3500 is also just as impressive with Freeview pictures, which are clean, stable and naturally coloured, and sound performance is comparable between the two sets, with this one offering a wider soundstage, but less punch.
It’s interesting that Sony has decided to continue selling this TV at a higher price than the ‘W4000, as overall, it’s no better than it, and that’s why it’s joining the four-star club.
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