Our Top TV, Sony EX503, Also Comes in 55''

Amongst our TV reviews, the star of the moment is undoubtedly the Sony Bravia EX503, which offers an excellent quality picture for a reasonable price.  When we tested it a few weeks ago, we noted that it came in three sizes: 32'', 40'' and 46''.

If you do a little digging online, though, you'll find some even larger versions, going right up to 60'' in the US.  We're glad to say that a 55'' version of the EX503 is now available in the UK:

Backlighting: CCFL Screen size: 55 inches (140 cm) Thickness: 10.5 cm Motionflow: 100 Hz Connectivity: HDMI (x4) · SCART (x2) · Component · Composite · VGA · USB Online services, WiFi (optional), DLNA, media player

Sony Bravia KDL-55EX503 Our Test: 40EX503

The specs of the 50 inch version are identical to the 40 inch model we tested.  Both TVs have Bravia Engine 3, a PVA display at Motionflow 100 Hz to improve the fluidity of rapid movements in films.  That means you can expect similar results for contrast, black levels, colour reproduction, ghosting and upscaling from this larger version.

The only thing that can change slightly from one size to another is the evenness of the whole display, although again, the risk is very small.  We had been surprised to see Sony remaining loyal to CCFL backlighting, rather than switching to LEDs, but the former technology has a distinct advantage on larger TVs like this.  When Sony, or any other TV manufacturer for that matter, uses LED backlighting, the LEDs are usually arranged around the outside of the screen.  The Edge LED system is complemented by a panel that is supposed to spread the light evenly across the whole screen, but that doesn't necessarily always work perfectly.  Here, though, fluorescent lamps that run the length of the display avoid the risk of differences in brightness between the edge and the centre of the screen.

> Test: Sony Essential Bravia KDL-40EX503

> TV Reviews: Compare 40'', 42'', 46'' and 47'' Full HD TVs

> Buyer's Guides: Our Pick of The Best Products