The Sony NSX-40GT1 40-Inch Internet HDTV (Google TV)

Thanks to a whole bunch of new streaming media websites and the Internet's never-ending torrent of HD media, it is becoming more and more viable to get your daily HDTV viewing direct off of an Internet TV. Granted, many HDTVs these days provide Internet widgets that do allow for media streaming as well, but widgets just cannot compare to a Google TV integrated HDTV like the Sony NSX-40GT1. If you've got a very good and very fast Internet connection then this is definitely one Internet HDTV set that should be on your consideration list.

Design

The Sony NSX-40GT1's approach to design is much like something from IKEA as it definitely looks different yet pleasing in a space-saving sort of way. Basically, the HDTV panel is an ultra-thin slab of 40” screen space with a wire-frame stand. It is certainly eye-catching to say the least but may require a bit more desk or table space. The front bezels are black with rounded corners while the back panel is white, for a good degree of contrast between the two.

Features and Specifications

The Sony NSX-40GT1 is fully integrated with Google TV all the way down to the Chrome browser (which is a carbon copy of the one normally found on a computer). This includes support for Twitter, Napster, Netflix, Pandora and access to Google TV specific apps and games on the Android market (which far outnumber other brand specific Internet widgets). The handheld keypad comes with a touchpad for the mouse cursor (basically the remote) along with a QWERTY keyboard. Unlike normal HDTV Internet widgets, the Google TV integration is more seamless. The HDTV is powered by a 1.66GHz Intel Atom processor along with built-in Wi-Fi as well as the ability to link up your smartphone (for both iOS and Android) and use it as a remote control.

Google TV features aside, the Sony NSX-40GT1 offers 1920 x 1080 pixel resolutions for full HD 1080p quality viewing using 24p True Cinema technology. While the refresh rate is a standard 60Hz it still manages to pack in four HDMI ports, one component video port, one composite video port, four USB ports, one Ethernet port and various analog and digital audio connections. Like other HDTVs it also packs in two built-in 10W speakers.

Performance

While the Sony NSX-40GT1 delivers smooth full HD 1080p performance the main limitation of this HDTV is its 60Hz refresh rate. This means that general clips and movies do well on this HDTV but fast action shots may result in some motion blur. Regardless, the integrated Google TV functions are simply awesome. While some sites like Hulu do not work with it that well, you can use this HDTV in almost the same way as you would your computer. Due to the Intel Atom processor, this Internet HDTV is better suited for casual games online. Thanks to all the connections you can easily hook up practically anything including your Blu-ray player and gaming console. Audio quality is just above average but is more than enough for most needs.

Conclusion

All in all, the Sony NSX-40GT1 is an excellent convergence of Internet TV and HDTV display. The Google TV features are integrated seamlessly making this HDTV excellent for those looking to surf the Internet but don't have a desktop computer just yet.