Sony's new firmware update (v6.1288) finally brings HDMI 2.1 VRR and ALLM to X900H and XH90. Here are direct download links for Europe, North America, and other regions.
Update 27.10.2021: Second VRR firmware is now out together with the new PS5-centric features:
Sony X900H/XH90: New firmware with official VRR mode & HGiG rolling out.
Update 6.10.2021: The update is now officially available from the
Sony UK support page and
Sony USA support page. It will also start rolling out over-the-air to your TV's built-in update function but it may take a while before it reaches all Sony X900H / XH90 TVs.
Update: In statements made to FlatpanelsHD Sony warns that the first VRR firmware is not final: "VRR has not been officially released for BRAVIA TVs. You can choose the VRR mode in the TV menu, but you may experience bugs. For the smoothest experience, we recommend waiting until VRR is officially released on BRAVIA TVs later this year," said Sony. The first update will be pushed out between October 6 and 13, and the second update for VRR will arrive later this year.
As for VRR on other models, Sony said: "The timing is still under consideration, but we can assure you that the update will arrive later this year."
Finally, but...
The new firmware is officially out in China. Sony has yet to hit the announcement button for North America, Europe and other regions but the firmware is already online, as discovered by reddit user Nathaniel_Wu.
Firmware version 6.1288 brings to X900H and XH90 official support for HDMI 2.1 VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) that allows the Sony TV to adjust its refresh rate in realtime to match the frame rate output of the PC or game console, for a smoother low-lag gaming experience. VRR range is 48–120Hz. Xbox supports VRR but Sony has not yet delivered on its promise to bring VRR to PlayStation 5.
After the update you will get a new 'Enhanced format (VRR)' option for HDMI3 and HDMI4 that must be enabled to engage VRR. The first user reports say that 4K120 resolution bug is still present, Dolby Vision is disabled, and that local dimming gets effectively disabled in VRR mode, which is not surprising since local dimming typically requires a certain amount of video processing. All current LCD TVs disengage or reduce local dimming to a minimum in VRR mode, which is why the picture looks flatter (lower contrast, poor blacks) and less punchy.
Sony's 2021 models also require a firmware update to enable VRR and there is still no news regarding that update.
Android 10 and HDMI ALLM
The new firmware also enables ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) which lets the TV automatically switch into game mode when it detects a game signal from an ALLM compatible console or PC. Xbox supports ALLM but it is not yet supported on PS5.
Furthermore, the update upgrades Android to version 10. In the US, Android 10 was introduced with a firmware update in June but in other regions Sony XH90 was still running Android 9.
The firmware update is not yet available over-the-air through the TV's menu or on Sony's support websites, but we have included direct links to the firmware below. You must download the version corresponding to your region and load the zipped file onto a USB stick. Multiple users report that it works as intended but we have not been able to confirm yet. Proceed with caution.
Sony VRR, ALLM, Android 10 firmware – v6.1288 changelog
| Firmware v6.1288 download files:
- North America: Firmware v6.1288
- Europe: Firmware v6.1288
- Asia Pacific: Firmware v6.1288
- Latin America: Firmware v6.1288
Improvements with v6.1288:
- Android version upgrade to Android 10
- Adopt the new version of the user main interface
- Support VRR function
- Support ALLM function
- New "Mobile Phone Freelink" app function: You need to install the corresponding APP on the mobile phone to achieve this. |
FlatpanelsHDSony X900H / XH90 – specifications
FlatpanelsHD
