- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Design
- Picture Quality
- Motion
- Inputs
- Sound Quality
- Smart Features
- Sizes and Variants
- Compared
- Conclusion
- Discussions
Reviewed on Sep 16, 2016
By Daniel O'Keeffe
, Eric Bousquet
Sony X700D
TV REVIEW
This tv was replaced by the Sony X720E
The Sony X700D is a 4k LED TV, with slightly above average picture quality. It isn't good in a dark room due to the low native contrast ratio. On the upside, it can be enjoyed even from a wide angle, and it handles motion well. It also supports a wide range of inputs with low input lag which is good.
Test Results
| Design | 8.5 |
| Picture Quality | 7.0 |
| Motion | 8.3 |
| Inputs | 8.2 |
| Sound Quality | 5.9 |
| Smart Features | 8.0 |
- Great color accuracy at an angle
- Low motion blur
- Poor blacks in a dark room
- Peak brightness could be better
Check Price
Design
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
The X700D has the same design as the larger model X750D. It is similar to many of the Sony TVs released in 2015. It looks quite good, with all black plastic borders and a simple metallic stand.
Picture Quality
Score components:
- 11% Contrast
- 6% Local Dimming
- 6% SDR Peak Brightness
- 6% HDR Peak Brightness
- 6% Gray Uniformity
- 7% Viewing Angle
- 4% Black Uniformity
- 2% Gradient
- 4% Pre Calibration
- 1% Post Calibration
- 6% 480p Input
- 9% 720p Input
- 11% 1080p Input
- 6% 4k Input
- 4% Color Gamut
- 4% Color Volume
- 1% Image Retention
- 5% Reflections
- <1% 3D
Score distribution:
The Sony X700D have an above average picture quality. The IPS used have a poor native contrast with a below average black uniformity. There is no local dimming feature to help the dark scene performance on this set and the peak brightness is average, but remains the same no mater what is shown on screen. There is no wide color gamut feature but the 10 bit panel used is very good at displaying all the range of color without introducing banding. Finally, the viewing angle is one of the best we have seen in an LED TV.
6.0
Contrast
What it is:
Brightness difference between white and black. This is the main component of picture quality.
When it matters:
Always, but especially when watching dark scenes.
Score components:
- 100% Native Contrast
Score distribution:
Native Contrast
:
992 : 1
What it is:
Ratio of the white brightness divided by the blacks measured on our checkerboard test pattern with a white target of 100 cd/m².
When it matters:
Dark scenes in a dark room.
Good value:
> 3,000
Noticeable difference:
500
Score distribution:
The contrast ratio is bad. This TV has an IPS panel which generally have worse contrast than VA panel, but for the X700D, this is on the lower end. Blacks appear gray when seen in a dark room.
0
Local Dimming
What it is:
The lights behind the LCD layer adapt to the picture displayed, improving the contrast ratio.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
Local Dimming
:
No
What it is:
Whether it has a feature that controls the LEDs behind the LCD layer, to match the picture and darkens the dark portion of it.
When it matters:
On LED TVs only. Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Backlight
:
Direct
What it is:
Configuration of the lights of the backlight.
When it matters:
Effectiveness of the local dimming.
Good value:
Full-array/direct lighting is better for local dimming. As for the uniformity of the screen, it depends on the implementation. Some edge-lit TVs have more uniform blacks than some full-array TVs.
The X700D doesn't support local dimming, but we have included the video for reference.
7.7
SDR Peak Brightness
What it is:
How bright the screen can get. Measured with local dimming and with SDR content.
When it matters:
Bright living rooms; bright objects; SDR content.
Score components:
Score distribution:
SDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
:
363 cd/m2
What it is:
The maximum luminosity the TV can obtain while playing a movie or while watching a TV show. This scene was selected to represent a more regular movie condition. All measurement are made with the TV set to be as bright as possible, but with a 6500k white. Measured with local dimming, max backlight and over SDR signal. Scene: here.
When it matters:
When watching movies or watching TV show in SDR.
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 2% Window
:
450 cd/m2
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright highlights, present on screen for a short time; especially for SDR content.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 10% Window
:
450 cd/m2
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright objects, present on screen for a short time; especially for SDR content.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 25% Window
:
450 cd/m2
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms; bright objects in SDR video.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 50% Window
:
450 cd/m2
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Peak 100% Window
:
450 cd/m2
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 2% Window
:
450 cd/m2
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright highlights, persistent throughout a scene; especially for SDR content.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 10% Window
:
450 cd/m2
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright objects, persistent throughout a scene; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 25% Window
:
450 cd/m2
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms; bright objects in SDR video.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 50% Window
:
450 cd/m2
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
SDR Sustained 100% Window
:
450 cd/m2
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over SDR signal.
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 400 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
The SDR peak brightness is average for the Sony X700D. Since it does not have local dimming, all the different sized windows have the same level of brightness and at 450 cd/m² it should be good enough even for a bright room.
8.0
HDR Peak Brightness
What it is:
How bright the screen can get. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright living rooms; bright objects; HDR content.
Score components:
Score distribution:
HDR Real Scene Peak Brightness
:
450 cd/m2
What it is:
The maximum luminosity the TV can obtain while playing a movie or while watching a TV show. This scene was selected to represent a more realistic movie condition. All measurement are made with the TV set to be as bright as possible, but with a 6500k white. Measured with local dimming, max backlight and over HDR signal. Scene: here.
When it matters:
When watching movies or watching TV show in HDR.
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 2% Window
:
496 cd/m2
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright highlights, present on screen for a short time; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 10% Window
:
497 cd/m2
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright objects, present on screen for a short time; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 25% Window
:
496 cd/m2
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms; bright objects in HDR video.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 50% Window
:
494 cd/m2
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Peak 100% Window
:
496 cd/m2
What it is:
The maximum luminosity, even if only maintained for a short time, of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 2% Window
:
496 cd/m2
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 2% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright highlights, persistent throughout a scene; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 10% Window
:
497 cd/m2
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 10% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright objects, persistent throughout a scene; especially for HDR content.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 25% Window
:
496 cd/m2
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 25% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms; bright objects in HDR video.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 50% Window
:
494 cd/m2
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 50% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
HDR Sustained 100% Window
:
496 cd/m2
What it is:
The lowest maximum luminosity (usually after it has stabilized) of a white square covering 100% of the screen, with the TV set to be as bright as possible. Measured with local dimming and over HDR signal (if supported).
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Good value:
> 1000 cd/m2
Noticeable difference:
100 cd/m2
Score distribution:
The peak brightness is better than average. There is no local dimming, so the result is the same across all window sizes and does not vary over time. The whole screen brightness is enough to deal with glare even in a bright room.
Update 10/20/2016: We have retested the peak brightness with the newest firmware update which enables HDR10.
7.0
Gray Uniformity
What it is:
Evenness of colors onscreen (not just gray).
When it matters:
Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.
Score components:
- 40% 50% Std. Dev.
- 40% 50% DSE
- 10% 5% Std. Dev.
- 10% 5% DSE
Score distribution:
50% Std. Dev.
:
4.319 %
What it is:
Average squared difference of pixels when displaying a mid 50% gray.
When it matters:
Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.
Good value:
< 2.5%
Noticeable difference:
1%
Score distribution:
50% DSE
:
0.207 %
What it is:
High-frequency variance of uniformity. Dark spots on the screen.
When it matters:
Solid colors. Sports, panning shots.
Good value:
< 0.165%
Noticeable difference:
0.025%
Score distribution:
5% Std. Dev.
:
0.654 %
What it is:
Average squared difference of pixels when displaying a mid 5% gray.
When it matters:
Dark scenes.
Good value:
< 1.15%
Noticeable difference:
1%
Score distribution:
5% DSE
:
0.091 %
What it is:
High-frequency variance of uniformity. Dark spots on the screen.
When it matters:
Dark scenes.
Good value:
< 0.116%
Score distribution:
The Sony X700D has an average gray uniformity. Both sides are a bit darker and there is also a warmer horizontal band in the middle of the screen. Even with this little imperfection, the screen is pretty even and dirty screen effect should not be too much of a problem.
7.7
Viewing Angle
What it is:
Color accuracy when viewed from the side.
When it matters:
Large living rooms with multiple viewing positions.
Score components:
- 20% Color Shift
- 40% Brightness
- 40% Black Level
Score distribution:
LCD Type
:
IPS
What it is:
Type of LCD technology used by the TV.
When it matters:
Different technologies have different viewing angle properties.
Good value:
IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle.
Color Shift
:
44 °
What it is:
Angle where the colors noticeable shift compared to when viewed from directly in front of the TV. 0 ° means directly facing the TV. Measurements are up to a maximum of 75 °.
When it matters:
Large living rooms with multiple viewing positions.
Good value:
> 50°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Score distribution:
Brightness
:
54 °
What it is:
Angle where the brightness drops to 50% of the brightness directly in front of the TV. 0 ° means directly facing the TV. Measurements are up to a maximum of 75 °.
When it matters:
Large living rooms with multiple viewing positions.
Good value:
> 50°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Score distribution:
Black Level
:
75 °
What it is:
Angle where the black level drops to 50% of the black level directly in front of the TV. 0 ° means directly facing the TV. Measurements are up to a maximum of 75 °.
When it matters:
Large living rooms with multiple viewing positions.
Good value:
> 50°
Noticeable difference:
10°
Score distribution:
When viewed at an angle, the picture quality remains very similar. For those with wide seating this is a great TV.
6.4
Black Uniformity
What it is:
Evenness of blacks.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Score components:
- 100% Native Std. Dev.
Score distribution:
Native Std. Dev.
:
2.419 %
What it is:
Average of the squared difference of the blacks.
When it matters:
Dark scenes viewed in a dark room.
Good value:
< 2%
Noticeable difference:
1%, but keep in mind that it varies a lot by unit, even of the same model; yours likely will not end up exactly like ours.
Score distribution:
Black uniformity is below average for an LED TV and is comparable to its bigger sibling the X750D. Even if there is a lot of clouding on our test picture, the clouding is pretty much even on all the screen and when viewing normal content, the picture quality is still good and you can't really notice it. That being said, we have seen a lot worse on other IPS TVs.
9.0
Gradient
What it is:
How finely levels of color can be displayed.
When it matters:
Details in shadows, sky and skin tones. Matters more for HDR content.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
Color Depth
:
10 Bit
What it is:
Number of bits per pixel to represent a specific color. Note: we consider 8-bit with dithering to be equivalent to 10-bit, as long as the 10-bit gradient looks smooth.
When it matters:
HDR content like UHD Blu-ray players. Won't matter for cable TV, regular Blu-ray movies, video game consoles or content displayed from a Windows PC. Those are limited to 8-bit color.
Good value:
10-bit.
Noticeable difference:
1 bit.
The Sony X700D has a good 10 bit panel and the color reproduction is pretty even. There is not really any obvious banding problem that can be seen on our test picture that could cause a problem when watching movies.
7.3
Pre Calibration
What it is:
TV's color accuracy before a full calibration. Only the picture mode and backlight level were changed.
When it matters:
All video on an uncalibrated TV. This represents most people's use cases.
Score components:
- 50% White Balance dE
- 50% Color dE
Score distribution:
White Balance dE
:
5.24
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Overall color temperature of all video.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Score distribution:
Color dE
:
4.40
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of colors.
When it matters:
All colors.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Score distribution:
Gamma
:
2.09
What it is:
Brightness of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Shadows.
Good value:
Between 2.1 and 2.3 (our target is 2.2)
Noticeable difference:
0.1
Prior to calibration the results are average. There are some more significant issues in the white balance, especially at 80 - 100 IRE. For most people this should be fine, but a calibration definitely helps to fix some of the more significant issues.
9.2
Post Calibration
What it is:
TV's color accuracy after a full calibration with a spectrophotometer.
When it matters:
All video on a TV that has been professionally calibrated. This isn't that useful, because most TVs can achieve a pretty good calibration if you spend enough time on them.
Score components:
- 50% White Balance dE
- 50% Color dE
Score distribution:
White Balance dE
:
0.29
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Overall color temperature of all videos.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Score distribution:
Color dE
:
2.50
What it is:
Average inaccuracy of colors.
When it matters:
All colors.
Good value:
< 3
Noticeable difference:
1
Score distribution:
Gamma
:
2.19
What it is:
Brightness of shades of gray.
When it matters:
Shadows.
Good value:
Between 2.1 and 2.3 (our target is 2.2)
Noticeable difference:
0.1
The calibration works well to fix issues with the white balance, by adjusting the 2 and 10 points method. There are still some issues with the colors which could not be fixed, but for most people this is not a problem. You can see our full picture settings here.
6.8
Color Gamut
What it is:
How many colors the TV can display.
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos and UHD Blu-rays.
Score components:
- 25% DCI P3 xy
- 25% DCI P3 uv
- 25% Rec 2020 xy
- 25% Rec 2020 uv
Score distribution:
Wide Color Gamut
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV has an option to enable wide color gamuts.
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos and UHD Blu-rays.
DCI P3 xy
:
75.30 %
What it is:
Coverage of the DCI P3 colorspace on CIE 1931 xy.
When it matters:
DCI P3 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Score distribution:
DCI P3 uv
:
84.58 %
What it is:
Coverage of the DCI P3 colorspace on CIE 1976 u' v'.
When it matters:
DCI P3 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Score distribution:
Rec 2020 xy
:
53.08 %
What it is:
Coverage of the Rec.2020 colorspace on CIE 1931 xy.
When it matters:
Rec.2020 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Score distribution:
Rec 2020 uv
:
59.25 %
What it is:
Coverage of the Rec.2020 colorspace on CIE 1976 u' v'.
When it matters:
Rec.2020 content. Includes HDR, UHD Blu-rays.
Good value:
> 90%
Noticeable difference:
5%
Score distribution:
The X700D doesn't support a wide color gamut. The supported color space is only enough for Rec. 709 content.
4.4
Color Volume
What it is:
How many colors a TV can display at different luminosity levels.
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
Score components:
Score distribution:
Normalized DCI P3 Coverage
:
45.968 %
What it is:
How much of the DCI-P3 colorspace a TV can display at different luminosity levels
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
Good value:
80 %
Noticeable difference:
5 %
Score distribution:
10,000 cd/m² DCI P3 Coverage
:
29.263 %
What it is:
How much of the DCI-P3 colorspace a TV can display at different luminosity levels when compared to an ideal 10,000 nit TV
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
Normalized Rec 2020 Coverage
:
35.042 %
What it is:
How much of the Rec. 2020 colorspace a TV can display at different luminosity levels
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
Good value:
80 %
Noticeable difference:
5 %
Score distribution:
10,000 cd/m² Rec 2020 Coverage
:
22.043 %
What it is:
How much of the DCI-P3 colorspace a TV can display at different luminosity levels when compared to an ideal 10,000 nit TV
When it matters:
HDR content. Includes some streaming videos, UHD Blu-rays and HDR games.
0.1
Image Retention
What it is:
How much a static image is retained on a TV screen after a certain amount of time.
When it matters:
When watching TV show, playing video games or when using your TV as a PC monitor.
Score components:
Score distribution:
IR after 0 min recovery
:
14.971 %
What it is:
Image retention measured right after the static image exposure, without recovery time.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
IR after 2 min recovery
:
5.599 %
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 2 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
IR after 4 min recovery
:
2.866 %
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 4 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
IR after 6 min recovery
:
1.526 %
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 6 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
IR after 8 min recovery
:
0.804 %
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 8 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
IR after 10 min recovery
:
0.328 %
What it is:
Image retention measured after a recovery time of 10 minutes.
When it matters:
When changing channels while watching TV, right after changing the type of content (i.e. stopping playing video game to watch a movie) or changing input.
Good value:
0 is perfect.
Noticeable difference:
0.015%
Score distribution:
The Sony X700D does present some image retention. The retention is pretty strong and you can easily make out the original picture from the test video. Some retention is still present after 10 minutes of recovery, even if it is very faint. The image retention is not permanent, but is definitely lasting longer than on other IPS TVs.
This is one of the worse image retention that we have seen on a LED TV. The image retention will be visible after watching a TV show in 4:3, a letter box movie, a news TV show with a static banner and even sport channel with static scoring banner. Note that the image retention will fade completely with time.
8.0
Reflections
What it is:
How much light is reflected by the TV.
When it matters:
Bright rooms.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
Reflection
:
1.8 %
What it is:
Ratio of ambient light reflected by the TV.
When it matters:
Ambient light in the room.
Good value:
< 1%
Noticeable difference:
0.5%
Screen Finish
:
Semi-gloss
What it is:
Type of coating on the screen.
When it matters:
Bright objects in the direct reflection path (for example, opposite the TV).
Good value:
Glossy is good for ambient light, but not for direct reflections.
Deals quite well with reflections. Semi gloss finish diffuses direct reflections on the screen, but works quite well to reduce their intensity. For an average room this is a good result and should not be a problem.
0
3D
What it is:
Optional 3D video capability on TV.
When it matters:
3D movies and videos.
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
3D Type
:
No
What it is:
The 3D technology used by the TV.
When it matters:
3D movies & videos.
Good value:
Active have better resolution, but flickers. Passive is more comfortable, but loses half the vertical resolution.
2D to 3D
:
No
What it is:
Feature that converts 2D content to 3D.
When it matters:
If you want to watch 2D content in 3D. Note that the quality is not as good as that of native 3D.
This TV does not support any 3D features.
Motion
Score components:
- 72% Motion Blur
- 7% Image Flicker
- 14% 24p Playback
- 7% Motion Interpolation
Score distribution:
The X700D has great motion handling. Fast moving objects only have a very short trail following them, which should be great for fast paced content. Movies appear smooth when watched from a Blu-ray player or DVDs. Those that are sensitive to judder may notice it when watching movies on cable TV. There is a motion interpolation option for those who enjoy the soap opera effect.
8.7
Motion Blur
What it is:
Amount of blur on fast movement.
When it matters:
Sports, video games.
Score components:
- 80% Response Time
- 20% Overshoot
Score distribution:
Response Time
:
12.5 ms
What it is:
How quickly pixels can change color.
When it matters:
Fast movement.
Good value:
< 20ms
Noticeable difference:
10ms
Score distribution:
Overshoot
:
1.6 ms
What it is:
When TV’s pixels adjust too far; how quickly they come back.
When it matters:
Fast movement.
Good value:
< 10ms
Noticeable difference:
10ms
Score distribution:
The response time is great, and results in very little motion blur following the logo. Some slight overshoot is visible as a lighter trail following. The backlight does not flicker on this set.
10
Image Flicker
What it is:
Luminosity pattern when displaying images
When it matters:
Sports, video games, when TV is used as a PC monitor
Score components:
- 40% PWM Dimming Frequency
- 40% BFI Frequency
- 20% BFI In Game Mode
Score distribution:
PWM Dimming Frequency
:
0 Hz
What it is:
Flickering pattern at different luminosities.
When it matters:
For people sensitive to flickering.
Good value:
N/A or high frequencies (> 300 Hz)
BFI
:
Yes
What it is:
Option to turn screen black between frames
When it matters:
Reduces eye tracking blur in sports or video games
Good value:
Yes
BFI Frequency
:
60 Hz
What it is:
Lowest possible frequency of flickering pattern
When it matters:
Reduces eye tracking blur in sports or video games
Good value:
60 Hz
BFI In Game Mode
:
Yes
What it is:
Option to insert black frames when in the best settings for gaming
When it matters:
Reducing eye tracking blur for video games
Good value:
Yes
The X700D is able to flicker the backlight by increasing the 'Clearness' slider. This helps to clear up motion blur caused by eye tracking.
7.1
24p Playback
What it is:
Whether 24p content can play without any judder.
When it matters:
Only 24p content (mostly just movies).
Score components:
Score distribution:
Judder-free 24p
:
Yes
What it is:
Judder-free movies over 24p signal.
When it matters:
Blu-ray and DVD movies; 24 hz PC signal.
Judder-free 24p via 60p
:
No
What it is:
Judder-free movies over 60p signal.
When it matters:
Movies from streaming devices (Apple TV, Fire TV, etc.); 60 hz PC signal.
Judder-free 24p via 60i
:
No
What it is:
Judder-free movies over 60i signal.
When it matters:
Movies from cable/satellite boxes.
Watching movies from a 24fps source such as a Blu-ray player is smooth. Those that are sensitive to judder will notice it when watching movies over a 60fps source such as cable TV, or a home theater PC.
5.0
Motion Interpolation
What it is:
Also known as 'Soap Opera Effect'. It is an optional feature that increases the frame rate of the video, smoothing movement.
When it matters:
If you like the look of smoothed video. Not everyone does.
Score components:
Score distribution:
Motion Interpolation (30 fps)
:
Yes
What it is:
Whether the TV can take a 30 fps input and heighten the frame rate to at least 60 fps.
When it matters:
30 fps or lower videos. Includes movies, TV shows, some video games.
Motion Interpolation (60 fps)
:
No
What it is:
Whether the TV can take a 60 fps input and heighten the frame rate to at least 100 fps.
When it matters:
60 fps videos. Includes some video games, some sports channels.
Unlike the larger size X750D, the X700D has a 60Hz panel. It is only able to interpolate 30fps content. Those who like a strong soap opera effect will not be able to achieve it.
Inputs
Score components:
- 86% Input Lag
- 14% Supported Resolutions
Score distribution:
Whether you use your TV for gaming or as your computer monitor, the Sony X700D will be a good choice. The low input lag is great for gamers and the wide supported resolutions and chroma subsampling make it a great choice for computer enthusiasts out there.
8.2
Input Lag
What it is:
Delay between input and onscreen reaction.
When it matters:
Video games; when TV is used as PC monitor.
Score components:
Score distribution:
1080p @ 60Hz
:
31.4 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV with a 1080p @ 60Hz input.
When it matters:
Video games and also when TV is used as PC monitor.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15ms
Score distribution:
1080p With Interpolation
:
47.8 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag when the motion interpolation feature is turned on.
When it matters:
When you want to play video games with the Soap Opera Effect enabled.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15ms
Score distribution:
1080p @ 60Hz Outside Game Mode
:
47.7 ms
What it is:
Input lag in picture modes other than the specific game mode.
When it matters:
For playing video games while retaining access to all features of the TV.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15ms
Score distribution:
1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
:
31.4 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV when displaying 1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
When it matters:
PC monitor.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
4k @ 60Hz
:
32.6 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV when displaying 4k @ 60Hz.
When it matters:
Video games and also when TV is used as PC monitor.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
:
32.4 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV when displaying 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4.
When it matters:
PC Monitor
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
4k @ 60Hz + HDR
:
32.4 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV when displaying 4k @ 60Hz with HDR.
When it matters:
HDR Video games.
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 + 8 bit HDR
:
32.4 ms
What it is:
Lowest input lag possible on TV when displaying 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4 with HDR enabled at 8 bit
When it matters:
PC Monitor with an HDR capable graphic card
Good value:
< 40ms
Noticeable difference:
15 ms
Score distribution:
The 1080p input lag is quite low and is the same as the X750D, which is great. For most people, this will not be noticeable when playing game. To get the lowest input lag, set the picture mode to 'Game or 'Graphics'. The input lag stays low even in 4k.
Update 10/20/2016: We have retested the input lag with the newest firmware update which enables HDR10.
8.0
Supported Resolutions
What it is:
Different resolutions supported by TV.
When it matters:
PC monitor usage.
Score components:
- 20% 1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
- 20% 1080p @ 120Hz
- 20% 4k @ 30Hz @ 4:4:4
- 20% 4k @ 60Hz
- 20% 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
Score distribution:
1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
:
Yes
What it is:
Crisp text on 1060p @ 60 hz signal.
When it matters:
PC productivity and 60 fps gaming.
4k @ 30Hz @ 4:4:4
:
Yes
What it is:
Crisp text on 4k @ 30 hz signal.
When it matters:
PC productivity and gaming.
4k @ 60Hz
:
Yes
What it is:
60 fps 4k signal supported.
When it matters:
PC productivity and gaming.
4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
:
Yes
What it is:
Crisp text on 4k @ 60 hz signal.
When it matters:
Productivity and 60 fps gaming in 4k.
Like the Sony X750D, the X700D can display Chroma 4:4:4 at 4k @ 60Hz only on the HDMI port 2 and 3 and you need to switch the 'HDMI signal format' to 'Enhanced format'. When the picture mode is set to 'Graphics' or 'Game' the input lag is 31.4ms.
HDR10
:
Yes
What it is:
Standard HDR format.
When it matters:
Most common format. All UHD Blu-ray discs are required to have it.
Dolby Vision
:
No
What it is:
Better format, due to its dynamic nature.
When it matters:
Currently, only available via streaming.
5.1 Passthrough ARC Dolby Digital
:
Yes
What it is:
TV can receive and pass Dolby Digital 5.1 signal to receiver via HDMI ARC.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.
5.1 Passthrough ARC DTS
:
Yes
What it is:
TV can receive and pass DTS 5.1 signal to receiver via HDMI ARC.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.
5.1 Passthrough Optical Dolby Digital
:
Yes
What it is:
TV can receive and pass Dolby Digital signal to receiver via digital optical.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.
5.1 Passthrough Optical DTS
:
Yes
What it is:
TV can receive and pass DTS signal to receiver via digital optical.
When it matters:
5.1 audio on DVDs and Blu-rays.
The TV doesn't support HDR10 at time of the review, but is planned to support it in the future with a firmware update.
Update 10/20/2016: The review has been updated with the newest firmware which enables HDR10.
Sound Quality
Score components:
Score distribution:
The sound quality on this Sony TV is bad. If you care about sound, you will definitely want to invest in a separate sound system. Even a cheap sound bar is an improvement over the built-in speakers.
Note: Sound Quality test for TVs reviewed before 2017 was performed at 75dB, 85dB, and Max SPL. Starting 2017, the target SPL levels have been changed to 70dB, 80dB, and Max dB SPL.
7.0
Frequency Response
What it is:
Sound level at different frequencies.
When it matters:
For balanced sound.
Score components:
- 8% Std. Dev. @ 70
- 15% Std. Dev. @ 80
- 22% Std. Dev. @ Max
- 18% Max
- 37% Low-end Cutoff
Score distribution:
Std. Dev. @ 70
:
3.04 dB SPL
What it is:
Variance of the sound level at different frequencies.
When it matters:
70 dB.
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Score distribution:
Std. Dev. @ 80
:
3.50 dB SPL
What it is:
Variance of the sound level at different frequencies.
When it matters:
80 dB.
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Score distribution:
Std. Dev. @ Max
:
6.10 dB SPL
What it is:
Variance of the sound level at different frequencies.
When it matters:
Max volume.
Good value:
< 4 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Score distribution:
Max
:
92.6 dB SPL
What it is:
Max volume on the TV at a distance of 1 meter.
When it matters:
For listening to loud audio.
Good value:
> 90 dB
Noticeable difference:
2 dB
Score distribution:
Low-end Cutoff
:
119.87 Hz
What it is:
How low of a frequency at which the bass starts.
When it matters:
Movies; gaming.
Good value:
< 50Hz
Noticeable difference:
10Hz
Score distribution:
Decent performance. Frequency response and maximum loudness are above average, however pumping and compression will be present under heavier loads, and the TV doesn't produce a lot of bass either.
3.7
Total Harmonic Distortion
What it is:
Pureness of a single frequency.
Score components:
- 20% Distortion @ 70
- 40% Distortion @ 80
- 40% Distortion @ Max
Score distribution:
Distortion @ 70
:
0.022
What it is:
Amount of distortion.
When it matters:
70 dB.
Good value:
< 0.100
Noticeable difference:
0.100
Score distribution:
Distortion @ 80
:
0.330
What it is:
Amount of distortion.
When it matters:
80 dB.
Good value:
< 0.100
Noticeable difference:
0.100
Score distribution:
Distortion @ Max
:
2.648
What it is:
Amount of distortion.
When it matters:
85 dB.
Good value:
< 0.100
Noticeable difference:
0.100
Score distribution:
Poor distortion performance. The amount of harmonic distortion at 75dB and 85dB are low. There was audible aliasing present even at 85dB. However, aliasing starts to creep in at volumes louder than 85dB. At 100dB there's a dramatic jump in the harmonic distortion, which is typical of most Sony TVs. However, these artifacts will be less audible in real-life situations.
Smart Features
Score components:
Subjectively assigned
Score distribution:
The X700D includes the latest Android TV version (6.0.1 Marshmallow). There is a huge variety of content available, due to access to the Google Play Store. It is very stable and works well. The home screen is a bit confusing to navigate though. After turning on the TV it does take a while to load, but after a few minutes this is not an issue. There are 3 USB ports on the TV, and the Android OS is able to play content directly off USB flash drives.
10
Ads
What it is:
Whether or not ads can be found on the TV's smart platform.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
Score distribution:
Ad-free
:
Yes
What it is:
The TV's ability to provide an ad-free experience.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
Opt-out
:
N/A
What it is:
Whether you can opt out of the ad services or not. A TV only passes this test if it allows you to remove them completely, not only disable the personalized advertising.
When it matters:
When using the smart features.
While no ads appear on this TV, apps and featured content are shown on the main page.
Differences between Sizes and Variants
We tested the 55" (XBR55X700D). For the most part, we expect our review to be valid for the 49" (XBR49X700D) and.
If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their Sony X700D doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review.
| Size | Model |
| 49" | XBR49X700D |
| 55" | XBR55X700D |
Compared to other TVs
Top left: Hisense H8C (50H8C). Bottom left: Samsung KU6300 (UN55KU6300). Middle: Sony X700D (XBR55X700D). Top right: Vizio D Series 4k 2016 (D50u-D1). Bottom right: LG UH7700 (55UH7700). Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.
The Sony X700D is a good TV and a great choice if you need a wide viewing angle. If you are directly in front though, there are better alternatives.
Conclusion
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Good TV for mixed usage. Picture quality is above average and remain the same even when seen from the side. It is more suited for bright room since the blacks are not that deep and tend to look more gray in a dark environment.
Below average for watching movies in a dark room. The blacks are not deep and not very uniform and it doesn't have a local dimming feature to make it better.
Good TV for watching TV in a well lit room. Picture quality is slightly above average and remain the same even when viewed from the side. Upscaling of lower resolution content is good. It can deal pretty well with reflections and glare. The smart platform is easy to use and offers a lot of features.
Great for watching sports, since it has low motion blur. The wide viewing angle is great if you have friends over to watch a game. The uniformity could be better though.
Great for video games. It has a consistently low input lag no matter the source and the motion blur is great.
Supports HDR10 with newest firmware update. Average for HDR movies. Picture quality is slightly above average but does not have wide color gamut and local dimming feature to improve further the picture quality. Contrast ratio is very low making blacks appear gray when viewed in a dark room.
Good for HDR gaming. Picture quality is slightly above average, but no wide color gamut support. No local dimming to improve dark scene performance. Input lag is low, which is great.
Good as a computer monitor. Can accept a wide variety of inputs and supports a wide range of resolutions. Input lag is good and has a great response time. Support chroma subsampling at 4k @ 60Hz.
