Sony Electronics is introducing at CES 2022 its second generation Bravia XR television lineup, including Master Series Z9K 8K and X95K 4K Mini LED models, an all-new Master Series A95K based on hybrid QD-OLED technology, along side all new more traditional 4K WOLED model series in the Master Series A90K and A80K and the X90K 4K LED-LCD TV series.
Among the technological highlights of its show announcements is the introduction of some of the first QD-OLED hybrid-panel-based TV models, and Sony’s first full-array backlit LCD TVs using Mini-LED technology capable of brighter, more precise lighting and color handling. Sony is also continuing to offer lines of 4K OLED and LCD based models, including OLED lines using more traditional WOLED panels, as well as lines of full-array LED-LCD backlit models with more traditional and value-oriented price points.
Throughout its lines, Sony is again employing its Cognitive Processor XR, first introduced in 2021 to perform image processing designed to excite the human visual system to elicit a greater sense of emotion in viewers. The processor also supports specially produced Bravia Core streaming content from Sony’s new premium streaming service.
For 8K, Sony’s Master Series Z9K offering will also use a proprietary XR Backlight Master Drive technology to precisely control thousands of Mini-LED backlights. Sony will also offer a 4K full-array Mini-LED series in the X95K.
The new 4K QD-OLED models will appear in the Bravia A95K series. This new panel technology is based on a hybrid implementation combining the color enhancement and brightness boost from Red and Green quantum dot converters in tandem with a self-emissive blue OLED panel to give off a quantum effect in color vibrancy and accuracy. The technology’s self-emitting OLED panel also affords very wide viewing angles with high contrast , brightness and color performance.
Sony said that the Cognitive Processor XR will further the A95K’s new picture performance with its XR Triluminos Max color processing. This is said to deliver the company’s “widest color palette” that reproduces “naturally beautiful shades and hues.” The technology uses millions of individual, self-illuminating pixels to generate bright, direct light and high color volume.
For sound, Sony will continue to use its enhanced Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology for OLED models and Acoustic Multi-Audio for LED backlit LCD models. These applications are designed to line up the position of the sound with the images on the screen so that sounds and dialog seem to follow people and objects around as they move within the frame. The lineup also includes new features that customize and enhance at-home entertainment, including one of the first implementations of Netflix Adaptive and Calibrated Mode, which automatically adjusts image processing based on ambient light, so users’ favorite shows and films look as the creator intended, under changing room lighting conditions, the company said.
Additionally, Sony’s new Bravia Core/Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode will automatically adjust the image quality on screen to better align with the filmmaker’s original vision.
Bravia Core is a Sony streaming content service designed to deliver special higher quality images and sound using the television’s Cognitive XR Processing and IMAX Enhanced picture and sound processing and content. The video service is included with eligible TV models to access a range of new releases and classic films, including the largest IMAX Enhanced movie collection and lossless UHD quality content with Pure Stream.
In addition, all 2022 Bravia XR televisions will also be designated “Perfect for PlayStation 5” devices. This assures pairing a Bravia XR TV with a PlayStation 5 console to get an optimum gaming experience by automatically adjusting and optimizing the picture to the best settings for the PlayStation 5 console, regardless of the type of content played. Support for HDMI 4K/120fps, as specified in HDMI 2.1, further provides smooth and clear movement for highly responsive game play.
Perfect for PlayStation 5 also assures support for new PS5 exclusive features including Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, both of which are designed to automatically adjust key picture settings to the type of content on screen. The Auto HDR Tone Mapping feature will boost color and color luminance levels from HDR content to match the highest capabilities of the display. This will become available through forthcoming firmware updates to both PlayStation 5 consoles and supporting TVs. Updates can be installed automatically or via a user-generated option. To activate Auto Tone Mapping, the feature must be enabled when pairing the TV and PS5 for the first time, Sony said. Otherwise, users will need to disconnect the TV and PS5, perform a factory reset and enable the feature during initial setup.
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The HDR Auto Tone Mapping feature will be supported only when a PS5 and the TV are directly connected. Applicable models include all Bravia XR models, as well as X85K, X85J, X80K, X80J, X900H.
Auto Genre Picture Mode will become active following firmware updates on both PlayStation 5 consoles and TVs, installed either automatically or via manual user initiation depending on if the products’ auto firmware update setting has been turned on by the user. This function works only when the PS5 and TV are directly connected. Applicable models include all Bravia XR models, plus the X85K, X85J, X80K, X80J, X900H series models.
“Sony’s purpose is to fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology. By leveraging our product innovation and the creative community, we bring that to life,” stated Neal Manowitz, Sony Electronics president and chief operating officer. “It is through working with our partners and the creators themselves that we can support their vision and deliver that to the consumer.”
Also new for 2022, Sony is introducing in select TV models a newly developed original camera device, called Bravia Cam, which is designed to pickup and recognize where users are seated around the screen to optimize the picture and sound settings for the best impact at each position. The proprietary camera is also designed to pickup gesture control commands, help viewers engage in video chats and to perform other other new experiences. Other than the video chat function, most of the Bravia Cam features will be available via a future firmware update, Sony said.
Finally, for 2022, Sony said all of its products were developed around a global environmental plan its calls Sony’s “Road to Zero.” global environmental plan that strives to achieve a zero environment footprint by 2050.
The following is a list of Sony’s premium 2022 TV series with screen sizes and feature listings. Suggested retail pricing and availability will be announced in spring 2022.
2022 Sony TV Model Series and Key Features
Master Series Z9K [85- and 75-inch screen sizes
• 8K Mini LED full-array backlit LCD TV
• Cognitive Processor XR
• XR Backlight Master Drive precisely controls Mini LED backlight levels for high brightness and wide contrast with deep blacks
• XR Triluminos Pro and XR Contrast Booster 20 for fine black contrast detail and high color accuracy/volume
• X-Anti Reflection minimizes reflection for a distraction-free viewing experience.
• X-Wide Angle technology provides vivid real-world colors from any angle while retaining color and brightness.
• Bravia Core Calibrated Mode
• Acoustic Multi-Audio uses four frame tweeters at the top and either side of the TV, in addition to front-firing speakers and dual subwoofers, to elevate directional sound sources, ensuring more cinematic experiences.
• Acoustic Center Sync optimizes sound output from the TV and soundbar for a better audio experience.
• Bravia Cam
• Quick access to an array of content and services with Google TV and Ambient Optimization Pro
• Hands-free voice capabilities.
• Premium Remote
• Minimalist one slate design with seamless edge and a single pane of tempered glass
• Three-way stand provides three stand position options.
• Premium Remote made of aluminum with clean, simplified backlit button layout, and easy finder function
• Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode leverages Sony’s Bravia XR ambient light sensor to present Netflix content with precise colors, accurate contrast, and true motion from changing room light conditions.
Master Series A95K [65- and 55-inch models]
• New self-emissive 4K QD-OLED panel with hybrid quantum dot/blue OLED technology
• Cognitive Processor XR understands how humans see and hear, providing a revolutionary
experience that completely immerses viewers in their favorite content.
• XR OLED Contrast Pro adjusts brightness for higher peaks in glare and deeper blacks in
shadow while new XR Triluminos Max can access the widest palette of color to reproduce
natural shades with every detail.
• New OLED (QD-OLED) panel boosts color brightness by up to 200% compared to
conventional TVs.
• Acoustic Surface Audio+™ uses special actuators to turn the screen into a multi-channel
speaker so the sound matches precisely with what’s on screen. The TV includes two large
actuators and two subwoofers.
• Acoustic Center Sync optimizes sound output from the TV and soundbar for a better
audio experience.
• Bravia Core Calibrated Mode
• Bravia Cam and Ambient Optimization Pro
• Quick access to an array of content and services with Google TV.
• Hands-free voice capabilities.
• Premium Remote
• Dual Style design offers two different viewing formats – front position brings the screen
forward for the most immersive experience and back position allows users to set the
TV close to the wall.
X95K [85-, 75- and 65-inches]
• 4K Mini-LED Full-Array LCD TV
• Cognitive Processor XR
• XR Triluminos Pro and XR Contrast Booster 15
• X-Anti Reflection minimizes reflection for a distraction-free viewing experience.
• X-Wide Angle technology
• Bravia Core Calibrated Mode
• Acoustic Multi-Audio
• Acoustic Center Sync optimizes sound output from the TV and soundbar for a better
audio experience.
• Bravia Cam accessory compatible and Ambient Optimization Pro
• Quick access to an array of content and services with Google TV.
• Hands-free voice capabilities.
• Minimalist One Slate design with Seamless Edge and a single pane of tempered glass
• Three-way stand
Master Series A90K [48- and 42-inch models]
• 4K OLED TV
• Cognitive Processor XR
• XR OLED Contrast Pro
• Bravia Core Calibrated Mode
• Acoustic Surface Audio+
• Acoustic Center Sync sound optimization
• Bravia Cam accessory compatible with Ambient Optimization Pro
• Quick access to an array of content and services with Google TV.
accessory compatible and Ambient Optimization Pro
• Hands-free voice capabilities.
• Premium Remote
• Minimalist one slate design with Seamless Edge bezel and a single pane of glass.
• Flexible two-way stand provides different stand position options, including a standard
position to eliminate distractions and a sound bar position to elevate the TV and integrate
a soundbar system. Thanks to the adjustable stand with aluminum center plate, users can
place the TV and soundbar on a desktop so it can be used as a gaming monitor.
A80K [77-, 65-, and 55-inch]
• 4K OLED TVs
• Cognitive Processor XR
• XR OLED Contrast Pro
• Bravia Core Calibrated Mode
• Acoustic Surface Audio+
• Acoustic Center Sync
• Bravia Cam accessory compatible and Ambient Optimization Pro
• Quick access to an array of content and services with Google TV.
• Hands-free voice capabilities.
• Minimalist one slate design with Metal Flush Surface screen in a single
pane of glass
• Three-way stand provides three stand position options, including a narrow position for a
smaller footprint, hero position to eliminate distractions and soundbar position to elevate
the TV and integrate a soundbar system.
X90K [85-, 75-, 65-, and 55-inch]
• 4K Full-Array LED Backlit LCD TV
• Cognitive Processor XR
• XR Triluminos Pro and XR Contrast Booster 10
• Bravia Core Calibrated Mode
• Acoustic Multi-Audio includes two sound positioning tweeters, in addition to
traditionally-placed TV speakers
• Acoustic Center Sync optimization with TV and soundbar audio.
• Bravia Cam accessory compatible with Ambient Optimization Pro
• Quick access to an array of content and services with Google TV.
• Minimalist One Slate design with flush surface maximizes the screen and minimizes the
bezel
• Two-way stand provides different stand position options, including a standard position and a soundbar position to elevate the TV and integrate a soundbar system.
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