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There's nothing intrinsically wrong with Sony's approach to smart TV, but it's a competitive market and there are better, more affordable options than the KDL-40HX753.
We're not convinced by SEN, which has a closed 'Sony Club' feel to it that we really don't think is much needed or wanted.
As an all-round set though, it's worth considering not least for the thoroughly easy to use – though ageing – Xcross Media Bar interface that PS3 users will know well.
We liked
Easy to use and with great colours and enough contrast to supply excellent Blu-ray discs and Freeview HD, Sony has produced a respectable all-rounder with a useful smart TV dimension and highly watchable 3D.
Most of the key apps are present, as are almost all of the video and movie apps, and everything is housed in a pleasantly unusual laid-back design.
We disliked
Ultimate black levels aren't of reference standard, upscaling is average, and audio is poor, while the TV isn't exactly super-slim.
Nor is there any support for MKV video files in a user interface that's both a tad repetitive and too corporate in its structure.
We're also worried about the lack of this year's best app – BBC Sport – which we had hoped would be on the KDL-40HX753.
Final verdict
An unremarkable effort from Sony, but in truth the slightly confused feel to the KDL-40HX753 isn't all its own fault; the all-new app-studded Sony Entertainment Network and the tried-and-tested central Xcross Media Bar clash and repeat each other to the extent that simplicity is sacrificed.
Judged purely on its video capabilities this is a distinctly mid-range performer, lacking in ultimate sharpness, upscaling prowess, and black levels, though it remains a very capable performer with HD and 3D sources.
In summary, the KDL-40HX753 is a very likeable TV, but in a high quality, competitive market comes up a notch short of greatness.
Also consider
Key sets to compare the KDL-40HX753 to from the other big brands in flat TV include Panasonic's 42-inch TX-L42ET50B, Samsung's 40-inch UE40ES6800 and LG's 42-inch 42LM670T (the 47-inch version is reviewed here).
