- Sony has announced its new range of Bravia 4K and 8K TVs ahead of CES 2021.
- The new smart TVs have an upgrade of the processor, HDMI 2.1 ports and the new Google TV UI.
- Sony will announce the price and availability of the TVs in the spring.
Every year at CES, Sony announces a new series of TVs which then drop to different markets throughout the year. It’s the best forerunner of Sony and is the firm’s main series of premium televisions that go head-to-head with rivals Samsung and LG.
This year, Sony announced a number of 8K LED, 4K OLED and 4K LED TVs. Below is a breakdown of all the model numbers and screen sizes:
- Master Series Z9J: 85 inch, 75 inch 8K LED TVs
- Master Series A90J: 83-inch, 65-inch and 55-inch OLED TVs
- A80J: 77-inch, 65-inch and 55-inch OLED 4K TVs
- X95J: 85 inch, 75 inch and 65 inch 4K LED TVs
- X92 and X90J: 100 inches, 75 inches, 65 inches, 55 inches and 50 inches 4K LED TVs
At the core comes all the new Bravias with the new XR processor. Sony is finally moving forward from the X1 Ultimate that powered its flagships for 2019 and 2020 to a new “cognitive processor” that promises to improve image quality in real time by focusing on specific zones in a scene.
As TV sizes increase, Sony says that our brain does not see the whole of a screen and rather focuses on parts of it where the action takes place. In a close-up shot, the new XR processor will try to deliver the most realistic skin tones. In larger shots, it will focus on different elements in the scene and it improves to attract viewers.
Unfortunately, we do not get the chance to really see it in action, as CES is virtual this year, but Sony TVs are some of the best in the market in terms of picture quality and we do not expect these new flagships to disappoint. .
Related: The best 65-inch TVs – what are your options?
The next major upgrade comes in the form of HDMI 2.1 features across the board. All five new Bravia XR models feature 4K 120fps input, variable refresh rates, an automated low-latency gaming mode and e-ARC. It was previously only available on last year’s X900H 4K LED model.
Another notable addition is that of the new Google TV UI. The refreshed Android TV skin is currently only available on the latest Google Chromecast. Sony’s new Bravia range is the first in the world to get the Google TV UI, which means you can expect to get personalized content recommendations, create watchlists and basically have a more intelligent media hub in your living room compared to your current Android TV.
Elsewhere, the new Sony TVs, like last year, have hands-free Google Assistant, compatibility with smart speakers, including Amazon Alexa devices, and a new Bravia Core streaming service that will deliver content from Sony Pictures and some IMAX-enhanced movies.
Sony will announce prices and availability of the new Bravia XR models sometime in the spring.