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The 40NX713 is 3D-capable via an optional upgrade, which means that you'll also need to invest in the brand's TDG-BR100B Active Shutter glasses (a not inconsiderable £99 each) and the TMR-BR100 3D transmitter (around £50). The latter plugs into the rear of the TV.
As befits the screen's networking nomenclature, Wi-Fi is built in. This is undoubtedly helpful if you don't have a wired connection to your viewing room. Connectivity is standard for a telly of this size. There's a Scart input (via adaptor) for your older kit (good news for those still using a VCR), plus four HDMIs (one of which is side mounted).
It's worth noting that the rear inputs are side mounted into a slim recess, which rules out the most heavily insulated HDMI cables.
There are also component and composite video jacks, stereo audio phonos and a D-Sub 15-pin PC input. Providing an outward-bound audio feed is a digital audio optical port. Other sundries include a USB port for local media playback, an Ethernet connector a headphone jack and an interface for a Conditional Access Module (CAM) for pay TV.
Despite representing Sony's Networking range, the TVs media streaming feature rather flounders. It seems to recognise and stream only AVCHD files, although it will play MP3s across a network. Even better, it reads and displays cover art as well.
Media file support from USB is better: the 40NX713 plays AVIs (with subtitle support) and MPEG4 files, but not, apparently, MKVs.
Other niceties on the NX713 include a Picture Frame mode that can even read GPS location data. An insert graphic from Google maps pops up to reveal where snaps were taken.
IPTV content is rapidly becoming a must-have feature on any respectable TV. The good news is that Sony offers a wide range of extra content via its Bravia Internet Video portal, as well as apps.
From the set's XMB you can browse the BBC iPlayer and Demand 5, catch up on Sky News, or watch skateboarding kittens on YouTube and Daily Motion. There's also streaming video via LoveFilm and pay-per-view (PPV) movies from Sony's new Qriocity video streaming service.
Need more? The BIV portal has a growing range of more esoteric, dedicated services including Blip TV, Ford Models, the Howcast network, Ustudio, Livestrong, Golf Link and Singing Fool.
The NX713 also offers widgets (of a sort), a consequence of Sony's short-lived dalliance with Yahoo. Sony has now moved from this relationship, leaving this particular widget Gallery high and dry. Just as well, since they're slow to load and you can only run a handful before running out of memory.
Compared to the extensive apps program run by Samsung, these are a non-responsive waste of time.
