Always technically very capable, not to mention aesthetically stunning, we take a look at some of the key features in this year’s latest TV models from Japanese tech giants Sony.
Despite their obvious charms, Sony’s TV ranges have struggled to keep up in the sales war that has been dominated primarily by the South Korean brands in the past 5 or 6 years. But that needn’t worry you if you’re looking for a new TV. Build quality, innovation, practicality, and importantly, picture quality are the only factors that should determine your purchase, and a Sony TV will always rank highly in these areas.
Android TV comes to Sony screens.
Android TV OS
Easily the biggest wholesale change to Sony’s 2015 screens is their move to an Android-based operating system. Alongside the apps that have featured on Sony sets for the past few years, users can now find the likes of Google Cast, Google Play and Voice Search. It’s not quite as flexible as a full Android OS but it does open a world of possibilities for viewing and sharing media if you already have an Android device – you can still play music, films and games directly via the Google Play app. The potential that this switch provides is huge, and it’s hopefully something we’ll see a great deal more of.
X1 – 4K Processing
All TV sets feature some form of image processing, both for native (full resolution) and scaled content. Without advances in this type of technology, TV picture quality would never improve. Sony have pulled out the big guns this year and unveiled an entirely new chipset – the X1. Using impressive (and daft sounding) algorithms such as Noise Crusher, Flat Area Detection and Super Resolution, Sony claim this new hardware is their best yet. With Precision Colour Mapping, featured models are able to optimise colours in real time and on an individual basis, while the Dynamic Contrast Enhancer aims to do the same for black levels and brightness. Very fancy!
Enjoy more freedom with Youview.
‘Scroll back’ TV Catch-up with Youview
Whilst it hasn’t quite made it in time for the first wave, one of the key features for Sony will launch this summer is Youview. Similar to Freetime which was popular with Panasonic sets last year, this aerial-based feature allows viewers to watch shows with all the major catch-up services. What’s great is you can access old shows directly through the TV guide, meaning you won’t need to trawl through separate apps. If you’ve ever gotten all the way through iPlayer’s content page to find that the programme you missed was on 4oD, your prayers are answered. Look out for the free software download this summer, this is definitely a great scoop for Sony.
Signal to Sound Architecture
With TVs becoming thinner by the year, it’s almost a given that the built-in speakers won’t quite match the scale of what’s going on on-screen. The soundbar market may have benefited from this but it’s nice to see a manufacturer trying to squeeze as much as they can out of the inbuilt setup. Using their Signal to Sound Architecture, Sony have brought together numerous technologies to clean up the sound, providing much clearer dialogue and separation in the process, with the impression of a wider sound space too.
Hopefully this raft of new tech changes will have you as excited as we are, and hopefully marks a big year ahead for the Japanese giants. Either way, full credits awarded for effort and innovation, it’s great to see the brand coming back so strong once again. If you want to experience any of our fantastic new Sony TVs for yourself give us a call or pop into your local Richer Sounds branch!
Author: Chris, Liverpool store
Hi
What do you guys think of the Sony s9 bbu curved 4k 65″ TV when compared to Samsung 65″ suhd curved TV?
Great question! Each TV has its benefits, and I would agree with most reviews out there that both sets are fantastic. The price on the Sony’s would be a good incentive for most, as would its sturdy sound quality and cinematic screen. The Samsung, however, features a fantastic SUHD panel. The benefits of this include truer colours and a much brighter image. Have a read of our Samsung round-up here ..and take a trip to your local Richer Sounds to see our fantastic range in action.
Many thanks.
They still have those peculiar stands which look odd when the TV is placed on top of a sound base. You can’t fit a Sky box underneath either.
The only TVs which I have seen where it is possible to put one box under the screen without getting in the way of the TV stand are by Philips.
Can it be done with any others?
Sal
Unfortunately the only real guarantee to finding out which TVs could accommodate your Sky box directly underneath them is to try them out. However, it would be a shame for this to stop you from choosing one of these fantastic models. A curved TV stand could provide a neat and stylish alternative to safely storing your sky box and any other devices you might wish to add at a future date, we’ve got a wide a range of TV stands available here.
Many thanks.
When will the updates take place any one got any info please don’t say the summer im waiting to probably buy a Sony 49×8305 but want to see it up and running before hand at this rate I might buy other ?
Thanks for your comment Chris. The 8305 series is available in stores or online in sizes 43″ and 49″, however I’d recommend you call your local store to check that they have them in stock before you plan on visiting.