Sony KD-32W800P1

The 32-inch LED television KD-32W800, available since 2021, combines an HD Ready panel with Android TV features. Compact, it fits small spaces while integrating the Bravia Engine image processor and HDR compatibility. It’s a suitable option for secondary use or for users looking for a mid-sized smart screen.

A pragmatic design focused on the essentials

The KD-32W800 features a matte plastic frame with a brushed metallic gray finish that cleverly masks the material’s lightness. This aesthetic approach marks a change from the traditional charcoal enclosures of the Bravia range. The bezels remain relatively thick by current standards, but this becomes almost invisible once the screen is on.

The TV stands on two black plastic feet positioned at the ends, offering decent stability despite their unsophisticated appearance. The notable thickness of the rear chassis—an unusual characteristic in 2024—may surprise those accustomed to today’s ultra-slim profiles. However, this added depth is only problematic for wall mounting, with the TV remaining fully compatible with standard 100x200 mm VESA mounts.

The 31.5-inch effective LCD panel displays a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, the HD Ready standard. This resolution may seem modest, but it remains coherent for a diagonal of this size, offering sufficient pixel density for comfortable viewing at a normal distance. Direct LED backlighting with Frame Dimming ensures even brightness distribution across the entire display area.

The Bravia Engine at the service of picture quality

Image processing relies on the Bravia Engine processor—certainly less recent than the Cognitive XR in current high-end Sony models, but still relevant in this segment. This processor performs comprehensive digital processing of signals, whether analog or high-definition digital, to reduce video noise and optimize colors and contrast.

The integrated Live Colour technology works to intensify colors, creating a greater sense of depth. This chromatic enhancement is combined with Dynamic Contrast Enhancer, which automatically adjusts contrast based on the displayed content. Six preset picture modes allow quick adjustment according to the content type: Standard, Cinema, Sports, Games, Vivid, and Custom.

HDR compatibility is a notable feature for an HD Ready TV. The KD-32W800 supports HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), theoretically enabling an extended dynamic range. However, the effectiveness of this function is limited by the intrinsic capabilities of the panel and non-zoned backlighting. Adjustment options include Adaptive Luma Control and Local Contrast Control, which attempt to improve contrast by adjusting brightness by zones, as well as a Gamma setting offering two positions to manage shadow detail.

Native 24p compatibility allows films to be displayed without judder, preserving the original smoothness of works at 24 frames per second. This feature, combined with Cinema mode, optimizes film content for a more authentic experience.

Android TV: Google’s ecosystem at the core

The Android TV system turns this compact TV into a true connected multimedia hub. Unlike often limited proprietary interfaces, Android TV opens access to over 7,000 apps via the Google Play Store. Popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, MyCanal, Prime Video, and YouTube come preinstalled and are regularly updated.

Google Assistant is built directly into the included RMF-TX520E remote control, which features a microphone. This integration enables not only voice-based content search, but also control of all compatible smart devices within the Google Home ecosystem. Voice commands work in multiple languages, including French, making navigation particularly intuitive.

Native Chromecast is a major asset of Android TV. This technology allows instant casting of content from an Android or iOS smartphone, as well as from a computer, directly to the TV screen. Sharing photos, videos, or even the entire screen requires no complex setup or additional accessories.

The TV comes with 8 GB of internal memory, expandable via USB ports to install more apps or temporarily store content. While modest, this storage capacity is sufficient for common uses and can be supplemented with external media if needed.

Network connectivity and smart features

Network connection is available either via the Ethernet RJ45 port for a stable wired link, or through built-in Wi-Fi compatible with 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards. This dual option ensures maximum installation flexibility depending on your home setup. Bluetooth 4.2 rounds out the wireless connectivity options, allowing connection of audio devices, keyboards, or mice, although only one Bluetooth audio connection is supported at a time.

The built-in web browser provides full access to the internet, turning the TV into a browsing terminal. HbbTV support enhances the TV experience by overlaying interactive content onto broadcast programs. French catch-up TV services remain accessible directly from the interface, compensating for certain Android TV shortcomings in the French market.

USB recording is a practical feature often absent from entry-level TVs. By connecting an external hard drive (up to 2 TB supported) to one of the two USB ports, you can record DTT programs. The Time Shifting function lets you pause live TV and resume later, although its implementation on Android TV requires more steps than on more conventional systems.

Audio system and acoustics

The audio setup includes two Bass Reflex speakers delivering a total power of 10 watts RMS. This 2.0 configuration produces adequate sound for everyday use, with clear vocal reproduction for dialogue. The Bass Reflex system enhances low-frequency reproduction despite the speakers’ small volume.

The TV supports Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital+ formats, ensuring broad compatibility with audio tracks in modern content. Five preset sound modes (Standard, Music, Cinema, Sports, Custom) allow quick adaptation of the sound signature to the type of program viewed.

The digital optical audio output makes it easy to connect to an external audio system such as a soundbar or a home theater amplifier. This connection transmits a lossless digital audio signal, preserving original quality for more sophisticated audio systems. The HDMI port with ARC (Audio Return Channel) further simplifies integration with modern audio equipment using a single bidirectional HDMI cable.

Connectivity and compatibility

The three HDMI 1.4 ports provide sufficient connectivity for most home setups. One of the ports includes eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) for high-quality audio transmission to an external system. Despite the absence of HDMI 2.1, these connections support signals up to 1080p at 60 Hz, more than sufficient for the TV’s native resolution.

The two USB ports allow direct playback of media files from external storage. Supported video formats include H.264, H.265/HEVC, VP9, MPEG1/2/4, VC1, and AV1, ensuring broad compatibility with modern content. FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS file systems are recognized, making it easy to use high-capacity USB drives and hard disks.

The CI+ port accepts CAM modules for access to encrypted channels via smart card, an important feature in the European market. The built-in DTT tuner compatible with DVB-T/T2 ensures reception of terrestrial digital channels in standard and high definition. The DVB-C cable tuner complements the reception options, although the absence of a DVB-S satellite tuner may limit certain uses.

Technical specifications

Picture and display

• Screen size: 32’’ (80 cm)
• Resolution: HD Ready (1366 × 768 px)
• Native panel: 50 Hz
• Backlight: Direct LED (Frame Dimming)
• Image processor: Bravia Engine
• HDR compatibility: HDR / HLG
• Picture modes: Standard, Cinema, Sport, Game, Vivid, Custom
• 24p compatibility: Yes
• Design: Slim bezels, black finish

Audio

• Audio system: 2.0 – Bass Reflex
• Total power: 10 W
• Dolby Digital / Dolby Digital+: Yes / Yes
• Sound modes: Standard, Music, Cinema, Sport, Custom

Operating system and Smart TV features

• Operating system: Android TV
• Available apps: Over 7000 apps (Netflix, Disney+, MyCanal, YouTube, etc.)
• Voice assistant: Built-in Google Assistant (microphone on the remote)
• Casting: Built-in Google Cast (compatible with Android, iOS, and PC)
• Web browsing: Yes
• HbbTV: Yes
• Cloud gaming: Compatible
• USB recording: Yes
• Time shifting: Yes
• Internal storage: 8 GB (expandable via USB)

Connectivity

• HDMI: 3 ports (including 1 eARC-compatible)
• USB: 2 ports
• Optical audio out: 1 port
• TV antenna input: 1 port
• CI+ slot: 1 port
• PCMCIA slot: 1 port
• LAN: 1 port
• Wi‑Fi: Built-in (802.11 a / b / g / n / ac)
• Bluetooth: Version 4.2

Reception and tuner

• DTT HD: Built-in
• DVB-C / DVB-T: Yes / Yes
• DVB-S: No
• CI+ slot: Yes
• HDCP: Version 1.4
• Color systems: PAL / SECAM / NTSC

Energy consumption

• Energy class: F
• Power consumption (on): 60 W
• Standby consumption: 0.5 W
• Light sensor: No
• Auto standby: Yes
• Built-in clock: Yes

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions with stand: 73.3 × 46.8 × 18.9 cm
• Dimensions without stand: 73.3 × 44.2 × 7.8 cm
• Package dimensions: 80.1 × 51.6 × 14.2 cm
• Weight with stand: 5.0 kg
• Weight without stand: 4.9 kg
• Gross weight: 7 kg

Installation and accessories

• Remote control: Model RMF-TX520E
• Batteries included: Yes (2 units)
• VESA compatibility: 100 × 200 mm
• Optional wall mount: Reference SU-WL450
• Frame and stand color: Black