Sony has started rolling out firmware version 6.560 that introduces Dolby Vision support on the AF8 (A8F) and XF90 (X900F) models. The update also includes a few new features for Android TV.

Update 1.6.2018: The firmware is now also rolling out in the US.

Dolby Vision for Sony 2018 TVs
Sony started rolling out Dolby Vision support for select 2016 and 2017 models earlier this year. Owners of high-end 2018 models (AF8/A8F and XF90/X900F) can now – or very soon – enjoy the same benefits. The release schedule has been confirmed for Europe and we are chasing details regarding plans for the US.

- “We are pleased to announce that a new firmware update (6.560) will be released directly to your TV on the 23rd May 2018 and will roll out gradually throughout June,” Sony Europe announced. “It introduces Dolby Vision support for video streaming apps/services installed on the TV such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.”

The update was supposed to start rolling out on May 23 but was slightly delayed. There are a couple of reports of the software bricking TVs but it is not clear if it is a widespread issue.

After much confusion earlier this year, Sony has chosen its words very carefully. As you may know, Sony TVs are using a different Dolby Vision profile that requires external devices – connected through HDMI – to do additional processing. External devices such as Apple TV 4K or UHD Blu-ray players therefore need to be updated to the most recent Dolby Vision profile before being compatible with Sony TVs.



Should work with HDMI sources
Sony tells us that the Dolby Vision firmware update should work with HDMI sources, as long as the external playback device has been updated. Apple TV 4K was updated in January with tvOS 11.3 but updates for some UHD Blu-ray players are still pending.

- “After the Sony TV receives the software update, devices with Dolby Vision playback (such streaming media players and UHD Blu-ray players) that are connected to the Sony TV by HDMI will also require a software update to support Dolby Vision playback through the device. For more information on the timing of an update to a particular player, please contact the player’s manufacturer,” the company explained.

The company added that the update also “improves X-Motion Clarity control” (XF90/X900F only) and that it will include a couple of new features for 2016, 2017, and 2018 Android TVs.

Firmware version 6.560 can be downloaded via the TV’s built-in update function or manually from Sony’s support website to be installed via a USB stick. Sony expects the roll out to be completed by June.

 
Sony 2018 TVs – firmware ver. 6.560
 
 
What’s new
- Introduces Dolby Vision support for video streaming apps/services installed on the TV such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. (also see note regarding HDMI)
- Introduces the feature of adding new apps to “My Apps” on the TV menu bar

Other highlights/improvements include:
- Improves X-Motion Clarity control
 
Applicable TV model series
- Sony’s 2018 Android TVs: XF75, XF80, XF83, XF85, XF87, XF90 and AF8 Series
 
 
Sony 2017 TVs – firmware ver. 6.560
 
 
What’s  new
- Introduces the ability to add new apps to “My Apps” on the TV menu bar
- Improves the user experience when registering favourite channels using the TV menu bar
- Improves the software update confirmation screen
- And more…
 
Applicable TV model series
- 2016 Android TVs: XD70, XD75, XD80, SD80, XD83 and ZD9 Series 
- 2017 Android TVs: XE80, XE83, XE85, XE90, XE93, XE94 and A1 Series 
 
 
 - Source: Sony Europe