Since Sony launched its Android based TVs in mid-2015, it has promised to add recording and PiP functionality through a software update. That update has finally arrived.
Recording & PiP features
The update has been delayed several times and some customers have had to wait for more than eight months. It is now finally rolling out across Europe, except for the UK.
Sony says that firmware update version 3.317 is available to download over the air on all 2015 TVs based on Android TV. Besides some minor performance improvements it adds recording and “twin picture” functionality.
In order to record TV shows on your Sony TV you first need to connect a USB hard drive. If you own one of the models with a twin tuner you can record one show while watching another.
The twin picture feature includes PiP (picture-in-picture) and PaP (picture-and-picture). This way you can watch two different pictures on the same screen.
Sony explains its twin picture feature like this:
”Picture-in-Picture: The ability to display the main content from your PC via HDMI, while displaying your TV (tuner) in a smaller window.
”Picture-and-Picture: The ability to display your Blu-ray Player /DVD or other consumer electronic device via HDMI, and your TV (tuner) – side-by-side – simultaneously. ”
However, there are some limitations in twin-picture mode. It is not possible to combine browser/tuner or tuner/tuner. Sony adds that the “Twin Picture functionality only supports Digital RF (2K) and analog RF signals”.
