The EX503 series from Sony is the first of a new generation of TV's to arrive in the UK with built in Freeview HD tuners.

While the High Definition programmes currently available only amount to the BBC trial HD channel and ITV's equivalent, Channel 4 will be added later this year. The content on offer from each of the three terrestrial broadcasters represents a selection of programmes from their regular full schedule.

Although there isn't a huge amount of content on offer, the range of Freeview HD programmes will expand over time and the announcement is good news for those who prefer not to have a satellite installed for the only other source of subscription free HD, Freesat.

Bear in mind that Freeview HD services are currently being rolled out across the UK, so it is important to check via Freeview whether they are available in your area.

The EX503 is available in 32in, 37in, 40in, 46in and 55in sizes. The new screens get Sony's core pictures processing in the shape of Bravia Engine 3 along with MotionFlow 100Hz, Scene Select, live Colour, Cinema Mode and Ambient Sensor.

Scene Select allows you to optimize picture and sound by type of screen content. You can choose to select settings best suited for General, Cinema or Sports viewing, or Gaming, Photos, Music or Graphics.

HD video streaming is also available via an optional Wi-Fi USB dongle, or a built-in Ethernet port. The EX503 gets YouTube and Dailymotion (a YouTube competitor) support and a range of other on line services. An interesting service comes in the shape of Sony is blip.tv, providing an online 'channel' for 'quirky' independent TV series (some in HD).

Elsewhere, there are four HDMIs, USB 2.0 input for MP3, JPEG and AVC/AVCHD/DivX/MPEG4 video file playback.

Sony KDL-37EX503

Sony KDL-55EX503

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