Sony has released the details of its 2016 range of 4K HDR (high dynamic range) televisions, following their announcement earlier this year at CES.
Sony are again relying on Google’s Android TV platform to power their TVs this year. We took a close look at last year’s models, and while this year’s feature a significantly improved viewing experience, we understand that the underlying software/platform remains familiar.
When compared against a competitor’s OLED powered panel, Sony’s 4K HDR TVs are said to produce a greater level of detail in the darker areas of the screen, which is significant, because Sony are doing this with LED backlit panels. OLEDs, which can simple switch the light off at the individual pixel level, have been lauded in the last year for producing deep, stunning blacks, but what we’re seeing here is a backlit LED that can achieve virtually the same level of black, with a higher degree of detail in the ‘almost black’ range.
In short, Sony contends that this year’s 4K HDR TV range can outperform OLED panels, and do so at a lower price; Sony’s 65-inch X9300D has an RRP of $5,999, against LG’s 4K OLED priced at $8,999.
Pricing wise, the new Sony 4K HDR range looks like this:
| Series | Model | Screen Size | Availability | RRP at Launch |
| X9300D | KD65X9300D | 65″ | Late April | $5,999 |
| KD55X9300D | 55″ | Late April | $3,999 | |
| X8500D | KD85X8500D | 85″ | TBC | $14,999 |
| KD75X8500D | 75″ | Early May | $7,499 | |
| KD65X8500D | 65″ | Late April | $4,499 | |
| KD55X8500D | 55″ | Late April | $2,999 |
In terms of specifications, you can check out the X9300D and X8500D in detail on the Sony website, but for brevity a summary of the specs can be found here:
XBR-X930D Series 4K HDR LCD TV (55″ and 65″ Class models) and XBR-X940D (75″ Class model)
- HDR compatibility to receive and process the new video standard signal with higher brightness, higher contrast and more vibrant colors.
- X-tended Dynamic Range PRO to produce ideal contrast, enhancing HDR and non-HDR content by boosting and dimming the backlight levels precisely for each zone of the screen with unique backlighting algorithm.
- New Slim Backlight Drive technology, which uses a unique grid array local dimming backlighting structure to distribute the backlight source more precisely to each specific zone of the screen while maintaining a slim display. (X930D only, the X940D is built in with slim full-array direct backlit LED.)
- Brilliant, expanded color with TRILUMINOS Display, further enhanced for color accuracy.
4K X-Reality PRO brings stunning detail using a unique algorithm from a reality creation database for TV broadcasting, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Internet video and digital still photos.
- 4K Processor X1 to improve color accuracy, contrast and clarity of HD, 4K and 4K HDR video.
- Supports Google’s Android TV operating system, making it easy to stream video, functions as a gaming device and providing enhanced features. Google Cast will provide users with greater connectivity than ever before by enabling them to cast content from mobile devices.
- Voice Search and Voice Command available through a remote equipped with a microphone. With access to Google Play, consumers can enjoy what they like to do on a smartphone or tablet, from their television.
- Sony’s exclusive Content Bar allows customers to access content quickly and intuitively without disturbing while watching TV by enhancing and shortening content direct access.
- Features an ultra-thin design that creates an expansive, borderless picture and mounts flush to a wall. When hung against a wall the television is so close, and the bezel is so thin, that it can appear to be flush with the wall.
- When the television is set on a TV stand or a cabinet its clean cable management keeps wires out of view and looks equally elegant when viewed from the back or front.
XBR-X850D Series (55″, 65″, 75″ and 85″ Class models)
- HDR compatibility to receive and process the new video standard signal with higher brightness, higher contrast and more vibrant colors.
- Brilliant, expanded color with TRILUMINOS Display, further enhanced for color accuracy.
- 4K X-Reality PRO brings stunning detail using a unique algorithm from a reality creation database for TV broadcasting, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Internet video and digital still photos.
- 4K Processor X1 to improve color accuracy, contrast and clarity of HD, 4K and 4K HDR video.
- Supports Google’s Android TV operating system, making it easy to stream video, functions as a gaming device and providing enhanced features. Google Cast will provide users with greater connectivity than ever before by enabling them to cast content from mobile devices.
- Voice Search and Voice Command available through a remote equipped with a microphone. With access to Google Play, consumers can enjoy what they like to do on a smartphone or tablet, from their television.
- Sony’s exclusive Content Bar allows customers to access content quickly and intuitively without disturbing while watching TV by enhancing and shortening content direct access.
The previous generation Sony Android TVs were good, but the addition of 4K HDR adds a new level of quality to the Sony 4K TV range. We’re looking forward to seeing these in-store when they start arriving over the next few weeks.
It’s a shame that Daniel is not only clueless about competing brands, but alas also Sony’s own offering, and what is premium in that range:
“HDR TV’s which all come with 4K HDR, with the X1 processor, in both their lower end X9300D, as well as the higher end X8500D series Televisions.
*sigh* so bummed I got the older Sony 4K tv’s with their awful Sony OS, seriously that thing lags like heck. And now most likely they’ll stop updating it. Should of waited for the android TV versions
Maybe off topic, but what “new video standard signal”?
Can I use these as a replacement for my PC’s dual screen monitor ?
I really wish manufacturers would make their high end models in a 50″ or even smaller. High end doesn’t have to mean big. Sony with their Compact line of Xperia smartphones knows this better than most manufacturers too.
Ditto!
Looks like the smallest Android TV you can get is 43″ with their current gen. Will there be a smaller than 55″ Sony Android TV?