At CES 2016, Sony has unveiled its 2016 line-up of TVs. There are no major surprises as Sony will continue to focus on 4K HDR and Google’s Android TV. XD94 is the new flagship TV.
Sony’s 2016 TVs
If you know Sony’s 2015 line-up the 2016 line-up will feel mostly like a continuation. There are new XD94, XD93, SD85 and XD85 with Ultra HD and HDR as well as a few entry-level HD TVs.
Like last year, most of the TVs come equipped with Google’s Android TV operating system. You can download apps from the Google Play Store and “cast” content from your phone or tablet with Google Cast. There is no word on new features at this point.
XD94 is the new flagship TV with a full-array LED backlight for improved contrast. This model also features Sony’s “X-tended Dynamic Range PRO” that boosts brightness. Sony’s new XD93 uses a different “Slim Backlight Drive” backlight system, described as "a new grid-array backlighting system that was previously only achievable with full-array LED backlight systems". XD93 still boasts the “X-tended Dynamic Range PRO” system. The TV also features a new design, which is “virtually bezel-free”. Both TVs support HDR (high dynamic range).
Sony’s cheaper SD85 (Europe only) and XD85 series will also support HDR but not feature the advanced backlight and brightness systems of the flagship models. All of the 4K TVs support Triluminos, which is Sony’s word for a wider color gamut. Sony did not confirm whether its TVs are "UHD Premium" certified or not.
To get the best possible picture you will need to feed the TVs with HDR content such as the new UHD Blu-ray discs. Movies and TV series from streaming services such as Amazon and Netflix can also be enjoyed in 4K and HDR quality (Netflix later this year).
Sony’s 2016 TVs will be available in spring 2016.
Overview
Sony has released the this overview table.
