Sony KDL26EX302U

Bought the KDL26EX302U for my mother, on the basis that an earlier flat screen model Sony 26inch TV (which we still own and use) is very good. However, we are sooooo disappointed with the KDL26EX302U, and embarrassed that it has turned out to be a very poor selection for my mother.

The KDL26EX302U picture is permanently "washed out", no matter how many of the colour settings we try to change, in whatever combination. Furthermore, you cannot use it to record TV programmes to a DVD recorder, not even a Sony one!!!

It is phenomenally limited in functionality, and is irritating enough to put us off buying a Sony TV in the future. Sony have obviously cut corners to drive down costs.

We were looking for a TV for our bedroom and didnt want a small 20-22" one as the room is large enough that it becomes quite difficult to see the picture, but we equally didnt want a 32" TV as it really overpowers the room.

We decided 26" would be ideal, however, there seems to be a real lack of 26" TV's on the market (I guess people either want large or small?)

We found the KDL26EX302U and took a look at it in store and were quite impressed. Ideally Id have liked to have found a TV without the piano black round the outside, however, its near impossible to do this.

The KDL26EX302U does have piano black, but it isnt quite as plasticy as some of the other TV's out there (eg the Samsungs) plus the bottom of the TV is a more acceptable grey material.

The picture quality is really quite good (even compared to our main TV which is a £1,250 top of the range Philips TV) and the sound, whilst not amazing, is entirely acceptable for the price range.

An added bonus of this TV is that its very light - which means that we can sit it happily on top of the Sky+ box without fear of it breaking (saves having to source a decent TV stand for the bedroom)

I would say this TV would actually be a good TV for a main TV in the sitting room. As a spare TV in the bedroom its absoultely excellent and I'd highly recommend it.