Besides the A1 OLED and HDR-capable Full HD TVs, Sony will in 2017 launch the X94E, X93E, X90E, and X85E ranges. All four will feature Android TV. X94E and X93E will support Dolby Vision.

Sony 2017 LCD TVs
Sony will have quite the TV line-up in 2017. Last year’s Z9D will carry over and represent flagship LCD, whereas the new A1 will represent flagship OLED.

Just below the two flagship TVs are the X94E and X93E models (XE94 and XE93 in Europe). And in the mid-range segment we get the X90E, X85E and X80E (XE90, XE85 and XE80 in Europe) ranges.


X94E and X93E are sucessors to last year’s X94D and X93D models. The former will feature full-array local dimming – just like last year – and the latter will feature edge LED with a limited local dimming system.

Sony told FlatpanelsHD that it has increased the number of zones on X93E by using a new ”quad-edge LED backlighting system” and an ”improved zone structure”. X94E has more or less the same number of zones, Sony told us but it has higher peak brightness and a larger ”color volume”. The latter refers to how colors are reproduced at all luminance levels.


- “Alongside the X1 Extreme processor, the new X93E series features Slim Backlight Drive+, an improved LED backlight technology allowing more precise and accurate local dimming control compared to Slim Backlight Drive. With its quad-edge LED structure and X-tended Dynamic Range PRO local dimming and boosting technology, it brings superior brightness and exceptional contrast – in fact it will deliver 10 times the XDR contrast of conventional LED TV,” Sony wrote in its press release.

Both X94E and X93E support the HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats. HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) will be added to all 2017 models through a firmware update later this year, Sony confirmed to us.


As usual, Sony refused to talk numbers but did tell us that peak brightness has been increased over last year’s models. How much is anyone’s guess but last year’s TVs came close to the 1000 nits requirement set by the ”UHD Premium” certification. Sony is still not interested in using the UHD Premium logo on any of its TVs, even if they can pass the tests.



Processor X1 and Android TV
Stepping down into mid-range territory X90E and X85E both feature Sony’s ”4K HDR Processor X1”, which has previously been exclusive to the flagship TVs.

X90E also features the ”X-tended Dynamic Range PRO”; Sony’s marketing term for the much brighter panel required for HDR.

The most affordable 4K HDR model in the line-up announced at CES 2017 is the 80 series. It has been confirmed for Europe but not yet for the US. It comes with more basic features but still supports 4K and HDR.


All of Sony’s 2017 4K models will feature Google’s Android TV platform. From the app store you can download apps and games. The built-in Chromecast function lets you use the TVs just like you would use a Chromecast.

Sony tells FlatpanelsHD that all 2017 models will ship with Android TV version 6.0 and that version 7.0 will be added through a software update later this year.

We have included information from the London office in the table below. 

Sony’s 2017 LCDs will be available in spring 2017. Pricing details were not announced.

 
94 & 93 Series:
  
75” model - XE94
65” and 55” models - XE93
Features Slim Backlight Drive+ with a unique quad-edge LED structure, allowing precise local dimming control which provides exceptional brightness and deeper blacks than a conventional full-array LED TV in an ultra slim design. (XE93 only)
The XE94 is built in with full-array direct LED backlight.
 
Features 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme providing the ultimate 4K HDR viewing experience by incorporating three new technologies: Object-based HDR remaster, Super Bit Mapping 4K HDR and Dual database processing.
 
X-tended Dynamic Range PRO. It enhances HDR and non-HDR content by boosting and dimming the backlight levels precisely for each zone of the screen with a unique backlighting algorithm. (10 times XDR contrast)
 
Features vibrant, expanded colour with TRILUMINOS Display, further enhanced for colour accuracy.
 
Uses 4K X-Reality PRO to produce stunning detail with Sony’s unique algorithm of reality creation database for any content, such as TV broadcasting, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Internet video and digital photos.
 
The ultra slim design allows for flush with the wall mounting and clean cable management for table top mount.
 
Wall mount bracket with swivel included in selected countries.
 
Android TV lets you explore a world of movies, music, photos, games, search, apps and more. Voice Search to find content, ask questions and control your TV. With Chrome Cast built-in, you can easily send content from your smartphone or tablet to the TV. With access to Google Play, you can enjoy what you like doing on a smartphone or tablet, from your TV.
Sony’s exclusive Content Bar user interface allows you to comfortably browse content quickly and intuitively without disrupting your TV viewing.
 
HDR compatible to receive and process the new video standard signal with higher brightness, higher contrast and more vibrant colours via Internet video services, HDMI and USB port.
 
Supports Vision HDR format.
 
90 Series:
  
75”, 65”, 55”, and 49” models
Features 4K HDR Processor X1 reproducing more depth, textures and natural colours with Object-based HDR remaster and Super Bit Mapping 4K HDR technology.
 
X-tended Dynamic Range PRO. It enhances HDR and non-HDR content by boosting and dimming the backlight levels precisely for each zone of the screen with a unique backlighting algorithm. (5 times XDR contrast)
 
Features vibrant, expanded colour with TRILUMINOS Display, further enhanced for colour accuracy.
 
Uses 4K X-Reality PRO to produce stunning detail with Sony’s unique algorithm of reality creation database for any content, such as TV broadcasting, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Internet video and digital photos.
 
Android TV lets you explore a world of movies, music, photos, games, search, apps and more. Voice Search to find content, ask questions and control your TV. With Chrome Cast built-in, you can easily send content from your smartphone or tablet to the TV. With access to Google Play, you can enjoy what you like doing on a smartphone or tablet, from your TV.
 
Sony’s exclusive Content Bar user inter face allows you to comfortably browse content quickly and intuitively without disrupting your TV viewing.
 
HDR compatible to receive and process the new video standard signal with higher brightness, higher contrast and more vibrant colours via Internet video services, HDMI and USB port.
 
85 Series:
  
75”, 65”, and 55” models
Features 4K HDR Processor X1 reproduces more depth, textures and natural colours with Object-based HDR remaster and Super Bit Mapping 4K HDR technology.
 
Features vibrant, expanded colour with TRILUMINOS Display, further enhanced for colour accuracy.
 
Uses 4K X-Reality PRO to produce stunning detail with Sony’s unique algorithm of reality creation database for any content, such as TV broadcasting, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Internet video and digital photos.
 
The ultra slim design comes with sleek rear design and clean cable management for table top mount.
 
Android TV lets you explore a world of movies, music, photos, games, search, apps and more. Voice Search to find content, ask questions and control your TV. With Chrome Cast built-in, you can easily send content from your smartphone or tablet to the TV. With access to Google Play, you can enjoy what you like doing on a smartphone or tablet, from your TV.
 
Sony’s exclusive Content Bar user inter face allows you to comfortably browse content quickly and intuitively without disrupting your TV viewing.
 
HDR compatible to receive and process the new video standard signal with higher brightness, higher contrast and more vibrant colours via Internet video services, HDMI and USB port.
 
 
80 Series:
  
55”, 49”, and 43” models
Features vibrant, expanded colour with TRILUMINOS Display, further enhanced for colour accuracy.
 
Uses 4K X-Reality PRO to produce stunning detail with Sony’s unique algorithm of reality creation database for any content, such as TV broadcasting, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Internet video and digital photos.
 
The ultra slim form factor comes with sleek rear design and clean cable management for table top mount.
 
Android TV lets you explore a world of movies, music, photos, games, search, apps and more. Voice Search to find content, ask questions and control your TV. With Chrome Cast built-in, you can easily send content from your smartphone or tablet to the TV. With access to Google Play, you can enjoy what you like doing on a smartphone or tablet, from your TV.
 
Sony’s exclusive Content Bar user inter face allows you to comfortably browse content quickly and intuitively without disrupting your TV viewing.
 
HDR compatible to receive and process the new video standard signal with higher brightness, higher contrast and more vibrant colours via Internet video services, HDMI and USB port.