Sony BRAVIA XD93 binds 4K, HDR, Android TV together

The seven new 4K TVs, shipping in early 2016, consist of 55- and 65-inch models in the XBR-X930D series, a 75-inch model in the XBR-X940D series, and 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch models in the XBR-X850D series, all with Open HDR. Previous Bravia TVs had a thin design that widened at the base.

Sony also launches 4K HDR certification for Bravia TVs, and announces a new line of 4K LCD Bravia sets with heightened color displays.

The company’s 4K HDR Blu-ray player features Open HDR, as mandated by the Blu-ray Disc Association’s specs, but it lacks Dolby Vision HDR.

Sony’s CEO Kaz Hirai also revealed that the company sold 5.7m Playstation 4 units over the Christmas period, totalling 35.9m units sold worldwide.

With the Ultra Android app, Bravo users will be able to purchase streams of 40 to 50 movies in the Sony Pictures catalog. Netflix was the first to roll out 4K content to the mainstream market and has made a commitment to providing HDR content to its subscribers. Its even come up with a new logo to be placed on these TVs denoting they are both 4K and HDR, so people looking to buy can easily see they’re getting a future proof screen.

As of right now, 4K content is pretty limited, but Sony aims to help usher in the new Ultra Definition range with its very own streaming service.

The Bravia X930D series that boasts of a new backlight layout that will enable better video contrast and “bring to life HDR’s vivid colours”.

The new TVs will support Google’s Android TV operating system, while the new XBR-X930D models will feature Sony’s new Slim Backlight Drive, which is designed to boost and dims the backlight to create deeper blacks and brighter peak highlights.

Sony’s high-res audio range, known as h.ear, included 3 newly launched products including headphones, earbuds and the world’s smallest portable wireless speakers which will be available in the United Kingdom from April priced between £190-£220. Via the TV’s UI, consumers can control a Logitech Harmony Hub along with hub-connected home entertainment products and IoT devices such as lights. Topping the range is the XD93, which is the first TV to use Sony’s brand-new Slim Backlight Drive technology to deliver first class picture quality while still keeping dimensions down to nearly OLED-sized proportions.