What They Say
Sony announced the new Bravia XR TV before the start of the virtual CES. The Bravia XR is described as the first ‘Cognitive Intelligence TV’ and based on a new processor that is said to have a new approach. The processor cross-analyses multiple picture elements combined with focal points to create a ‘human perspective’ that allows the optimisation of the audio and video. There are also new services designed to deliver better experiences for movies and games. The Bravia Core video service will bring content with ‘lossless streaming’ up to 80Mbps (the same bandwidth as UHD Blu-ray) with a technology called Purestream. There is optimised content from IMax as well as SPE with HDR and DTS.
The XR processor, for example could highlight faces and other items that are likely to be the focal point, and Sony said that as screens get bigger, the need to do this becomes more important. It produces 5.1.2 sound.
There are five models with the XR processor:
- X90J – UHD FALD LCD mainstream (50″/55″/65″/75″)
- wX95J – UHD FALD LCD (65″/75″/85″)
- Z9J – 8K FALD LCD top of the line (75″/85″)
- A80J – mainstream UHD OLED (55″/65″/77″) (last year’s 48″ will carry on for now)
- A90J – High brightness UHD OLED – two display-based audio actuators for sound from the screen. (55″/65″/83″)
(after highlighting five models, Sony’s website also covered the X94J and we have seen reference to the X93J 50″/55″/65″/75″/100″. These are, alternate names for the X90J, as far as we can see)
In terms of design, the aim is to use the design of the stand and frame to suggest the lines to a vanishing point within the image.
Android TV has now been re-branded as Google TV and Sony supports that platform on these sets. There is an integrated microphone system for Google Assistant searches.
The new sets will feature up to two HDMI 2.1 ports with support for 4K120P with VRR and ALLM (via firmware update). The A90J and A80J are Calman ready and have ambient optimisation technology.
Sony didn’t give out any details on zones for its FALD, or provide any detail on any changes to its wide-viewing technology.
What We Think
There were moments in the videos that I watched through when the cheesy and repetitive Q&A format was helping me lose the will to live, but I stuck with it so you didn’t have to – such sacrifice!
I have some concerns that the XR processing may intrude into the ‘creators intent’, but I assume that Sony will allow the system to be switched off for those that want to see the unprocessed content.
We really shouldn’t be surprised to see the Sony Bravia Core service, although limiting it to the new sets will restrict the audience. On the other hand, Sony has said for decades that its ownership of content and devices was a real advantage, whereas my view has been that it hasn’t demonstrated that and at times there are real conflicts of interest between content creators and set makers.
The service will offer ten viewing credits and two years of free service for the top two models and five credits with one year of service for the others. (BR)
