What you need to know about cloud backup

Without Wi-Fi, the EX703 relies on wired networking through a standard 10/100Mb/s Ethernet port, which I hooked up to a powerline adaptor to connection with my router. The EX703's PlayStation-derived XMB user interface is ready for the net, with a handful of online content sources built in, including the inevitable YouTube and, if you're a subscriber, Lovefilm on-demand movies. It's a shame Lovefilm's selection of available titles is poor, not even matching its PC-based streaming service, let alone the range of DVDs it has on offer.

Nice remote, but the Home, Guide, Options etc buttons are too close to the navpad

Selecting them exposes some lag in the TV's responsiveness. Hit Guide on the remote to call up the eight-day Electronic Programme Guide, and there's a second or so of delay while the EX703's processors calls it up. Once a UI section - menu, guide, online manual even - is on screen, navigation is a little more responsive, but not nearly as quick as it should be.

Moving around the UI and changing channels is easy with the EX703's large remote, which sports a second power key on the underside. Its face is oddly convex, and the battery compartment is exposed by sliding the entire lower side of the remote away from the upper side. Only Sony's decision to bend four buttons around the circular navpad, which means it's too easy to hit the Guide, Options, Info, Home, Favourites or back key rather than the directional control, disappoints.

Reg Hardware's power meter revealed that the EX703 draws 14-15W on standby, rising to between 66W and 68W when it's operating.

Verdict

The Bravia KDL-32EX703 is not only packed with features but is displays a darn fine picture too. Even the sound isn't half bad. It's pricey, but not well beyond its rivals, and there are cheaper family members if you're happy to forego LED backlighting and 100Hz interpolation. ®

Cloud based data management