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To try to better understand how long a TV should last, we're running 100 TVs through an accelerated longevity test for the next two years. We've just posted our 1-year video update with our latest findings on temporary image retention, burn-in, and more!

Sony R400 TV Review

Tested using Methodology v0.8
Reviewed Jul 16, 2013 at 12:00 am
6.7
Mixed Usage
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
This TV was replaced by the Sony R420B

If you can get past its limited viewing angle and motion blur, the Sony KDL-32R400A offers great contrast and very little reflection. This makes it suitable for both daylight and nighttime viewing.

Our Verdict

6.7 Mixed Usage

The Sony KDL-32R400A is a good buy, except if you have a relatively bright room. With the lights off, the picture quality is excellent, but with the lights on, it reflects too much.

Pros
  • Low input lag. This is great for playing fast-moving video games.
  • Good picture quality. The contrast ratio is above average and it doesn't have a lot of reflections.
Cons
  • Slight amount of motion blur on fast moving footage. This isn't an issue when watching TV shows or movies, but could be when playing video games.
  • Narrow viewing angle. You need to sit in front of it to fully benefit its picture quality.
  • 6.7 Mixed Usage
  1. Updated Jul 16, 2013: Review published.
  2. Updated Jul 14, 2013: Our testers have started testing this product.
  3. Updated Apr 19, 2013: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Test Results

Design
Design
Borders

0.63" (1.6 cm)

Design
Thickness

2.71" (6.9 cm)

Picture Quality
8.2
Picture Quality
Dark scene
Black 0.032 cd/m²
White 101.2 cd/m²
Contrast 3,162 : 1

The picture quality in a dark environment is very good. It shows plenty of detail in shadowy scenes.

7.0
Picture Quality
Uniformity

The screen uniformity is better than average.

9.4
Picture Quality
Dark scene in a bright room
Reflection 2.4%

Thanks to its matte panel, the Sony KDL-32R400A can be watched in a bright room without issue. It doesn't reflect a lot of light.

5.4
Picture Quality
Bright scene in a bright room
Max white 116.8 cd/m²

It is even better when watching bright scenes.

5.0
Picture Quality
Viewing angle
Viewing angle 15°

The viewing angle of the R400A LED TV is very narrow. As soon as you are off angle, the colors change. The LG 32LN530B is a better option if you often watch it off axis.

Picture Quality
Pixels
4k No
Motion
5.0
Motion
Motion blur

Unfortunately, the Sony KDL-32R400A has significant motion blur. It won't bother you in movies or TV shows, but it is a problem for gaming.

Inputs
7.7
Inputs
Input lag
Input lag 45.8 ms

It has low input lag for gaming.

Inputs
Side inputs

1 HDMI
1 USB

Inputs
Rear inputs

1 HDMI
1 Headphone Out
1 RF In
1 Component In
1 Composite In
1 Digital Audio Out (Optical)

Smart Features
Smart Features
Remote