294wv22 Sony KLV-27HR3

6/4/05

2:21 PM

Page 052

On test

27in LCD TV G Approx price: 1,300

Sony KLV-27HR3

Sony has changed its LCD tack and launched a new range of affordable screens. John Archer finds out if the 27in version can still do the business without Wega Engine
fter a distinctly wobbly start, Sony finally raised its flatpanel game in 2004 with the arrival of Wega Engine.This proprietary processing system really lifted Sony into the premier league of plasma and LCD performers, but it only did so at a price.The top-end MRX1 models in Sonys range were comfortably the most expensive flatpanel TVs from any big-brand manufacturer in 2004 and even Sonys previous entry-level M
understated elegance: black or silver.We tested the silver one here, but have to say that the slightly more aggressive-looking black one wins our vote. We couldnt help but feel a touch disappointed by the KLV-27HR3s connections, though.We realise the HR3 models dont exactly sit at the top of Sonys range, but even so the lack of any sort of PC connection is a slightly bitter pill to swallow. Admittedly, its possible that not
to discover that its not exactly weighed down with unusual features. When it comes to pictures,the only stand-outs are noise reduction, adjustment of the backlight brightness and RGB centring.For audio,theres really just BBE processing,designed to make the soundstage appear more natural.
Gently curved edges, sensuous lines. Sony sure knows how to make a good-looking TV

ease of use

With relatively few features to handle, the KLV-27HR3s operating system is fairly straightforward. Particularly helpful is the remote control, which combines a typically (for Sony) elegant, comfortable shape with clearly labelled and spaciously laid out buttons.The onscreen menus are a touch long-winded, perhaps, and use a couple of inscrutable icons, but in general theyre nothing to be scared of.
At this moment in time, theres nothing better out there for the same sort of money
models havent managed to keep up with the frantic price erosion currently eating away at the flatscreen market. Sonys response to this, for better or for worse, is to launch a new range of mid-sized LCD screens shorn of Wega Engine, but benefiting from much more aggressive pricing. As we set about testing one of these new machines, the 27in KLV-27HR3, we cant help but wonder just how badly it will miss WEGA Engines undoubted talents many people who actually buy this TV would really use such a connection, but it would still have been nice to have had the option especially as so many rivals do offer PC compatibility. Its also a little sad that Sony hasnt found room for any digital video connections, thereby denying the KLV-27HR3 access to Sky high-definition feeds and digital feeds from the new generation of DVI/HDMI-equipped DVD players. In fact, since there arent any component video inputs either, the KLV-27HR3 cant actually be fed any sort of high-definition or even progressive-scan pictures at all. Again Sony would doubtless argue that few people buying a 27in LCD TV will be too fussed about watching high definition on it. Given the KLV-27HR3s relatively affordable price,its not too surprising

Details

FEATURES
Screen size & shape: 26in, 16:9 Tuner: analogue Sound system: Nicam stereo Resolution (pixels): 1,280 x 720 HD Ready: no Quoted contrast ratio: N/A Quoted brightness: N/A Screen dimensions: 574(h) x 698(w) x 245(d)mm Weight: 14kg Other features: teletext; Smartlink; backlight adjust; noise reduction

performance

Thankfully, while its certainly possible to see where the KLV-27HR3 misses Wega Engine, its still a very creditable performer. Particularly strong is the richness of its colours. Strident, fully saturated colours such as the logos on Sky News simply leap out of the screen at you. But crucially the KLV-27HR3 also knows how to be subtle, eking out plenty of minute greyscale shifts and tonal blends. Occasionally, the tone of peoples skin looks a little unnatural, especially in low-lit footage, but overall the set is unquestionably one of the finest LCD colour performers weve seen. The subtle colour rendering we mentioned above helps the

SOCKETS

2 Scarts (1 RGB); S-video input; stereo audio input; composite video input; headphone jack; stereo audio output; tuner input

CONTACT

www.sony.co.uk

looks and features

The KLV-27HR3 is a pretty little thing, at any rate. Sonys seemingly relentless talent for design is abundantly apparent in the lovely simplicity of the screens gently curved edges and strangely sensuous lines. Sony even gives you a choice of colour for its

TEST DATA

For a full explanation of test data, please see page 118

Key connections

Stereo audio outputs
Let you pipe stereo sound out to your hi-fi
Test Colour Geometry Frequency response
Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent

Tuner input

Unusually for Sony these days, the tuner input is analogue only
Only one of the duo of Scarts is able to take RGB
052 I What Video and Widescreen TV I Issue 294

Page 053

Also Consider >>
TOSHIBA 26WL46 More expensive, but Active Vision processing adds a bit more detail, better connectivity, and HD support Reviewed: Sep 04
PHILIPS 26PF9946 Delightfully designed, similarly affordable screen thats probably the Sonys most direct competition Reviewed: Issue 290

Remote

Typically elegant, with clearly labelled and spaciously laid out buttons a doddle to use
Looks ##### Layout ##### Overall ##### KLV-27HR3 give a very textured, layered picture too a talent further enhanced by some surprisingly (considering theres no Wega Engine) good fine detail levels. Next, while its not absolutely free of LCDs response-time-induced smearing, its certainly one of the best performers weve seen, especially at this sort of affordable

Fact file

I 27in widescreen TV I 1,280 x 720 native resolution I BBE sound processing I 2 x 10W RMS audio power I Available in silver and black
price point. Even Thierry Henry in full flow looked reasonably clean and blur-free. Another area where the KLV-27HR3 outperforms most similarly-priced rivals is contrast. Dark picture areas enjoy impressively deep black levels that help give the picture real dynamism and add further to the involving sense of image depth. We only really have two complaints about the KLV-27HR3. First of all, while black levels are deep, they do exhibit a gentle bluish glow that can make them look slightly unnatural and hollow. Secondly, bright edges can tend to shimmer a bit, especially when theres any movement involved. But really neither of these little niggles are remotely unbearable to live with given the KLV-27HR3s price. With the help of BBE processing and a respectable 2 x 10W of audio power, the KLV-27HR3s sound performs rather well too. Particularly impressive is the firm grip it keeps on speech, no matter how loud
a maelstrom is going on in the background.Theres also a fair-tomiddling amount of bass on hand for when its needed and this is delivered without excessive distortion or cramping of the mid-range.A little more treble finesse and soundfield dynamism would have been the icing on the cake, but overall, theres nothing serious to complain about.
Even without the impressive Wega Engine, the KLV-27HR3 still delivers top-notch pictures

Ratings

WHATS GOOD

Picture; design; price

conclusion
The KLV-27HR3 really cements Sonys belated arrival at the quality end of the LCD table.We already knew that Wega Engine processing could deliver the goods, but the KLV-27HR3 proves that even without it Sony can still put together a seriously able and more affordable LCD TV.Yes, theres still room for improvement when it comes to black-level tone and response time, and PC and high-definition support would have been appreciated. But even so, at this moment in time, theres nothing better out there for the same sort of money I

WHATS BAD

No HD support; no PC or digital inputs; slight glow to dark scenes
Picture Sound Features Ease of use Value
##### ##### ##### ##### #####

OVERALL VERDICT

Sony has proved that it can now stand on its own two LCD feet, even without the help of Wega Engine
Issue 294 I What Video and Widescreen TV I 053