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Sony R420B TV Review

Tested using Methodology v0.9
Reviewed May 29, 2014 at 12:00 am
Sony R420B Picture
7.0
Mixed Usage
Value for price beaten by
: Not at the latest test bench
This TV has been discontinued.

The Sony KDL32R420B LED TV is an inexpensive TV, but its picture quality is also inferior. The contrast ratio is sub-par, it reflects a lot of light, and it has more motion blur than average. At least it has a good viewing angle.

Our Verdict

7.0 Mixed Usage

Overall, the Sony KDL32R420B LED TV isn't a very good TV. Unless you can find it at a steep discount, it is worth spending a little bit more to get a better TV.

Pros
  • Great viewing angle with consistent colors.
Cons
  • Low input lag, which is great for fast-paced games. However, it has quite a bit of motion blur.
  • Low contrast ratio. In a dark room, the blacks are gray.
  • Significant amount of reflections. It also doesn't get very bright, so it is not suitable for daytime viewing in a room with windows.
  • 7.0 Mixed Usage
  1. Updated May 29, 2014: Review published.
  2. Updated May 27, 2014: Our testers have started testing this product.

Test Results

Design
Design
Design

The KDL32R420B looks very bland. Its frame and depth are thicker than average, even for this price range.

Design
Stand

This TV has a standard stand that doesn't swivel.

Design
Borders

0.87" (2.2 cm)

Design
Thickness

2.83" (7.2 cm)

Picture Quality
7.2
Picture Quality
Contrast
Black 0.066 cd/m²
White 100.9 cd/m²
Contrast 1,529 : 1

The contrast ratio of the Sony KDL32R420B isn't very good. In a dark room, you will notice that its blacks are gray. At least the default color calibration is quite good.

8.0
Picture Quality
Black Uniformity

While its blacks aren't very deep, the uniformity of black scenes is good. The corners are slightly darker, though.

6.0
Picture Quality
Gray Uniformity

They uniformity of the gray color is better than average, but it is significantly darker around the edges.

7.1
Picture Quality
Viewing Angle
Viewing Angle 30°

The viewing angle of this TV is good. The colors stay the same even if you sit off-axis.

7.5
Picture Quality
Average Room
Reflection 1.9%
Surface Type Semi-gloss

The Sony R420B reflects more than average, but the reflections still are under control (unlike the LG 32LB5800, which has a yellow tint when you have a few lights on).

6.0
Picture Quality
Bright Room
Max white 138 cd/m²

This TV doesn't get bright. In conjunction with the higher than average level of reflections, this TV is less than ideal in a room with a few windows.

0
Picture Quality
3D
3D No
Picture Quality
Pixels
4k No

Motion
7.0
Motion
Motion Blur

The Sony KDL32R420B has a long motion blur trail. Fast moving footage appears a bit blurry on it. Therefore, it isn't the best for sports or video games.

Motion
Motion Interpolation
Motion Interpolation N/A
Inputs
8.7
Inputs
Input Lag
Input Lag 34 ms

The input lag of this TV is good; it won't be noticeable even in fast video games.

Inputs
Side Inputs

1 USB
2 HDMI

Inputs
Rear Inputs

1 Headphone Output
1 Composite Input
1 Component Input
1 Digital Optical Audio Out
1 RF In

Smart Features
0
Smart Features
Smart TV

Smart Features
Remote