Sony’s new X930 and X940C will be the “world’s first” TVs to support HD audio (24-bit/96kHz). Sony has also announced two new soundbars with HD audio.
Sony takes first step into HD audio
If you want one of the thinnest TVs available you should go for Sony’s X90C that is just 4.9 mm at its thinnest point. However, it comes with obvious compromises in audio quality. That is why Sony will continue to sell high-end TVs with powerful “magnetic fluid” speakers.
The X94C and X93C are the first TVs with support for HD audio, Sony said at CES 2015. It is still hard to find music or audio in the HD 24-bit/96kHz format, but the TVs are prepared.
Sony says that all audio sources will be “upscaled” to HD audio, but you obviously need it in the source to really benefit. A wireless subwoofer can be added to improve sound further.
Sony also announced two soundbars with support for HD audio as well as Google Cast. The HT-ST9 soundbar is a 7.1 channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer. It also has a HDMI port that supports 4K. The HT-NT3 is a new 2.1 channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer. It too, supports 4K pass-through over HDMI.
The new TVs and soundbars will be available in spring 2015. No pricing details have been announced yet.