The Sony TVs are getting brighter in a few years
Introducing the Bravia MiniLED TV to the Premium End of Home Theater and Implications for the Sound and Audio Performance of the Sony TVs
At the premium end of home theater, Sony TVs are about as good as it gets — and have been for several years now. The company is lauded for its image processing and penchant for delivering fantastic picture quality in both its flagship sets and lower-cost options like the X90L. So there’s pressure that comes with every refresh of the lineup. Sony is not giving up on taking some bold actions in the future.
The new A9 mini is a replacement for last year’s X95L. The Bravia A8 is the updated version of the A80L OLED TV that was released last year. Next is the Bravia A7, followed by the A3 which is the cheapest of the new brood. In a surprise move, Sony’s flagship A95L OLED TV (8/10, WIRED Recommends) won’t get an update, but will remain available as an A9 alternative.
The company has always sweated the details when it comes to creator intent. On top of Dolby Vision across the lineup, all new TVs except for the entry-level Bravia 3 support Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode and a new Prime Video Calibrated Mode. For the first time, the TV will show smoother action in live sports when the picture is adjusted across movies, shows, and even TV shows.
The Bravia 7 is another Mini LED model with overall performance that should be comparable to the X95L — but for a notably lower price. There’s a 65-inch set for $2,299.99 and a bigger 85-inch set for $3,499.99. The X90L MiniLED TV is still in the lineup. Reviewers said that it was one of the best options out there, despite the fact that it could have used some more dimming areas and the X90L might have looked darker when viewed off-angle.
Sony is also refreshing its soundbar and audio lineup with the flagship Bravia Theater: Quad wireless speaker system. You can position the four speakers wherever’s most convenient — they’re now designed for easier wall mounting — and Sony’s 360 spatial sound mapping will work its magic to get the most out of the 16 total drivers.
And if you’re a fan of more private listening — or want to watch TV without disturbing others at night — the $299.99 Bravia Theater U neck speaker might have a unique appeal of its own. You can pair it with two devices at once, and a built-in mic allows for handling phone calls while you’re relaxing on the couch.
Why Is the A9 LED TV Exactly Simplified? Comments on Ogura’s “Reintroduction of High Dynamic Range Technology”
“It’s time to reintroduce HDR,” according to Sony’s chief distinguished engineer, Toshiyuki Ogura, who has been working with and developing HDR (high dynamic range) technology since its inception. Speaking at Sony’s home theater spring showcase in March, Ogura was referring in part to the company’s latest LED TV tech, which Sony hopes will help reshape the future of HDR and bring viewers closer to the intent of creators.
I’m all for simpler names, but I’d argue the new system is actually more confusing for buyers, with no easy way to differentiate between OLED and LED. I even got the A7 mini LED and the A8 OLED TVs confused in one demo, naturally expecting the step-down LED TV to come directly after the A9 in the batting order. The A 95L has no connection at all.
