If Sony’s big announcement at CES 2022 was the arrival of the first QD-Oled TV on the market, the Japanese manufacturer has not forgotten the rest of its TV range with the presentation of two Mini-Led models – the Z9K ( 8K) and X95K (4K Ultra HD) – not to mention the upgrade of other LCD devices.
Sony Z9K: 8K Ultra, Mini-Led, anti-reflective filter, Bravia Cam and integrated microphone
Available in 75 and 85 inch versions, the Sony Z9K is equipped with an 8K 120 Hz VA panel, associated with a Mini-Led backlighting system capable of increasing maximum brightness and reducing the phenomenon of blooming (halo effect around luminous objects on a dark background). Thanks to the Sony XR Cognitive Processor video processor, this TV delivers a very detailed picture, which is far from negligible on this 8K model with very little native 8K content.
In addition, the Sony Z9K benefits from the very powerful anti-reflective filter already seen on the Sony XR-75Z9J that we tested. It also houses the Acoustic Multi-Audio sound system and its two downward-facing full-range speakers, two side-facing tweeters, two upward-facing tweeters, and two subwoofers. The TV offers full HDMI 2.1 compatibility with support for 4K / 120Hz, VRR, ALLM and eARC, as well as the Google TV system with all of its apps. Not to mention the integrated microphone for hands-free use of Google Assistant. An Auto HDR Tone Mapping mode for PlayStation 5 is also part of the game. The console can thus detect the model of Sony television used and automatically select an HDR preset suited to the capabilities of the panel.
Simply called Bravia Cam, the webcam can be used for conversations on Google Duo, but not only. Indeed, Sony uses it to optimize the brightness of the image and the audio balance according to the position of the user. If several people are facing the TV, optimization is done for the one in the center. The camera is also used for gesture control to turn up the volume, change channels, pause or even turn off the TV with a simple wave of the hand. Off by default, Proximity Alert displays a warning when the user is too close to the TV, causing children to step back. Finally, the power saving mode automatically reduces the brightness of the screen when there is no one in front.
More anecdotal, the remote control loses the numeric keys and becomes more compact, going from 49 to 25 keys only. It retains the backlight and is enriched with a very practical function that allows it to be easily found by asking the television: “OK Google, where is the remote?” ; simple, but you had to think about it.
Sony X95K: Ultra HD, Mini-Led, anti-reflective filter and Acoustic Multi-Audio
The Sony X95K is satisfied with a 4K Ultra HD 120 Hz panel, but retains the Mini-Led backlighting system as well as the high-performance anti-reflective filter. The Sony XR processor is still in the game, but the Acoustic Multi-Audio system loses the two tweeters placed on the top of the panel. Still on the program, the hands-free microphone, HDMI 2.1 with features specific to the PlayStation 5 such as Auto HDR Tone Mapping and, of course, the Google TV system. However, this model does not include the Bravia Cam, which can be purchased separately.
The Sony X95K will be available in 65, 75 and 85 inch versions with adjustable feet in three positions: at each end of the device, in the center, or at the ends in the high position in order to install a sound bar without obscuring the picture. These televisions are expected in the second quarter of 2022 at prices not yet communicated.