Sony unveils 2021 ‘XR’ OLED TVs A90J & A80J – HDMI 2.1, brighter OLED panel, more

Sony has today unveiled its new OLED TVs for 2021. The 'Master' series A90J has a brighter OLED panel and will be available in up to 83 inches. Sony is also introducing Google TV and its 'Cognitive Processor XR'.

Sony 2021 OLED TV line-up
In addition to its line-up of 2021 LCD TVs, Sony has today unveiled two new OLED TV ranges for 2021; A90J and A80J. In 2021, Sony will use the same model names across Europe and North America. J refers to the 2021 generation.

The company unveiled its new TVs as "the world’s first cognitive intelligence televisions". They will be sold as high-end 'XR' models and the XR moniker will be used widely to describe Sony's upgraded video and audio systems, including a new, upgraded video processor.

- "Powered by the Cognitive Processor XR, the brain of the new BRAVIA XR, the televisions use a completely new processing method that goes beyond conventional AI, designed to replicate the ways humans see and hear. When we see objects, we unconsciously focus on certain points. Cognitive Processor XR, powered by cognitive intelligence, divides the screen into numerous zones and detects where the ‘focal point’ is in the picture. While conventional Artificial Intelligence AI can only detect and analyse picture elements like colour, contrast and detail individually, the new Cognitive Processor XR can cross-analyse an array of elements at once, just as our brains do," said Sony.


 Sony A90J 4K OLED. Photo: Sony

Sony added that the "Cognitive Processor XR can also analyse sound position in the signal so the sound matches precisely with what’s on the screen", including the ability to upconvert sound to virtual 5.1.2 channels.

The new processing would seem to run counter to Sony's message of staying true to the "creator's intent". The company countered by saying that the TV's 'Custom' picture mode will have most of these systems disengaged.

Sony's flagship A90J will be available in 55, 65, and 83 inches and is the "brightest OLED we have produced yet" in terms of both overall and peak brightness, the company said without providing any numbers. In part due to better cooling, it explained. Last year's 48-inch A9 will carry over into 2021.

The more affordable A80J, which will replace last year's A8 (or A85/A87/A89), will be available in 55, 65, and 77-inch sizes without the brighter OLED panel.


    Sony A80J 4K OLED.  Photo: Sony

HDMI 2.1 for 4K120 and VRR
One of the biggest upgrades is HDMI 2.1 which unlocks new video capabilities with consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.  Sony introduced its first LCD TVs with HDMI 2.1 in 2020, but the OLED TVs left us in the cold.  Both A90J and A80J have two HDMI 2.1 ports, both with support for 4K120 (4K at 120 frames per second) as well as eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) for enhanced audio support, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency) mode).  VRR and ALLM need a firmware update.  These features are primarily aimed at PC / console players, with 4K120 + VRR offering smoother, tear-free gaming, and ALLM, which automatically switches to TV mode.  Sony has highlighted new video systems such as 'XR Motion Clarity' (replacing 'X-Motion Clarity') and 'XR Upscaling' (a new search table for enhanced upscaling to 4K, according to the company).  The TVs still support the features found in 2020 models, including Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, HDR10, HLG, IMAX Enhanced, Netflix Calibrated Mode, and more.  In addition, the A90J and A80J are Calman Ready for easy image calibration and can adapt to the light in your environment through an 'Environmental Optimization' feature.  A90J and A80J are equipped with an enhanced version of the built-in audio system (Acoustic Surface Audio +) that uses the ultra-thin OLED panel as speakers.  There's a new subwoofer on the front that uses the OLED panel to create invisible low frequency sound waves.  FlatpanelsHD has not yet had the chance to hear it in action because CES is an all-digital show this year.



Android TV becomes Google TV
Sony's 2021 models have a revamped user interface as Sony switches from Android TV to Google TV.  This is Google's new user interface for TVs, first introduced with the new Chromecast.  - "This series also introduces Google TV, a brand new entertainment experience that brings together movies, programs, live TV and more from apps and subscriptions and organizes it just for you. Easily find something to look at with personalized recommendations and bookmarking programs and movies." a single watchlist to keep track of what to watch. Users can even add their phone or laptop with Google Search from Google, " said Sony.  Current apps available for Android TV will continue to work on Google TV, which is still built on the Android base.  You can find more information about the link to Google TV in our article here.  The TVs also start with Bravia Core, which offers Sony's new video streaming service that offers 4K HDR and 'IMAX Enhanced' movies "UHD BD equivalent quality with streaming up to 80 Mbps".  In addition, Sony has partnered with Apple to support AirPlay 2 for the wireless transfer of media files from iOS / macOS to the TV, as well as HomeKit, which is Apple's connected home platform.  With HomeKit, you can control certain TV features from an iPhone or with Siri voice commands.  The TVs are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.  They can take hands-free voice commands through a built-in microphone.  Sony's remote control with lighting has been put together with both TV models.  Follow the links for full specifications in the TV database.