One of the more budget-oriented series in Sony's 2010 lineup, the EX500 Series lacks higher-end perks like 3D capability, Motionflow 240Hz processing, and access to the BRAVIA Internet Video platform. The EX500 Series includes screen sizes of 60, 55, 46, 40 and 32 inches. We have not performed a hands-on review of the KDL-46EX500, but here is an overview of the TV's features. This 46-inch, 1080p LCD uses Sony's BRAVIA Engine 2 processor and has a traditional CCFL backlight, as opposed to the LED-based systems found in higher-end lines. This model uses Motionflow 120Hz technology to reduce motion blur and film judder, and it has EnergyStar 4.0 certification.

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The KDL-46EX500's connection panel features four HDMI, two component video, one PC, and one RF input to access the internal ATSC and Clear-QAM tuners. The HDMI inputs accept both 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 signals, and two are located on the side panel for easy access. The side panel also includes a USB port that supports video, photo and music playback. This TV lacks an Ethernet port or internal WiFi antenna to connect to a home network for media streaming. It also lacks an RS-232 or IR port for integration into an advanced control system.

The setup menu includes a solid assortment of A/V adjustments, beginning with eight Scene Select modes that tailor video and audio settings for a certain type of content (like cinema, sports or music). In the video-only realm, you can choose from three preset picture modes and four color-temperature options. You can access RGB gain and bias controls for precise white-balance adjustment, but the TV lacks an advanced color-management system to precisely tweak the six color points. The menu includes general and MPEG noise reduction, gamma adjustment, and an Ambient Sensor that will automatically optimize the picture quality to suit the room's ambient light (this goes beyond just adjusting the brightness of the backlight). The Motionflow 120Hz menu has three options (Off, Standard and High), and this model includes Sony's Auto 1 and Auto 2 Cinemotion settings, which also affect the quality of motion in film sources. The KDL-46EX500 has four aspect-ratio options, with the ability to display 1080i/1080p sources with no overscan.

The audio setup menu includes four sound modes: Standard, Dynamic, Clear Voice and Custom. In each mode, you can adjust treble, bass and balance, and the Custom mode allows you to fine-tune the output using a seven-band equalizer. You can choose from four surround modes, and there's also steady sound and volume offset options; however, this model does not offer audio-leveling technology from a company like Dolby or SRS.

The Eco menu includes a power-saving mode to lower the backlight level, as well as the ability to set up the TV to turn itself off if it has been idle or has had no signal for a designated time. The KDL-46EX500 does not sport Sony's new Monolithic design; it has a fairly traditional aesthetic, with a glossy black frame and swiveling stand.

Read more about the high points and the low points of the KDL-46EX500 on Page 2.