The Russian representative office of Sony held an official presentation of the new generation of BRAVIA smart TVs based on the Android 5.0 Lollipop platform. Most of the new 2015 Sony TV models are already available in Russian retail, the rest will be available in the coming weeks. We managed to "touch" the new items and learn the details first-hand.
Text: Vladimir BAKHUR.
Sony BRAVIA 2015 TVs: How to Distinguish Them Now
Nearly the entire 2015 BRAVIA TV lineup, including the W75, W80, W85, X83, X85, X93, X94, X9 and S8 series, has received improved picture quality, a new design and an Android TV user interface. Only the most elite "top" remained unchanged in the form of the flagship models X95 (X9500B) and S9 (S9005B) with a large screen - the functionality of these TVs will not become obsolete soon, and a number of the most budgetary models like the 32-inch HD Ready TV R303C and 40- inch Full HD TV R353C.
In addition, not all new models received 3D support, Ultra HD resolution, a new One-Flick remote in the kit and a number of other options. So now we will consider all the innovations in order, and at the same time we will figure out which series of new products they are directly related to.
Most of the new 2015 BRAVIA TVs are equipped with the new Sony X1 Image Processor, which detects and analyzes content, guarantees true 4K / Ultra HD clarity on their respective TVs, has an advanced adaptive noise reduction system, and in addition provides high quality color reproduction with dynamic contrast enhancement.
A characteristic feature of most modern 4K TVs is support for scaling content with a lower resolution to Ultra HD resolution, from the quality of the algorithms used in this, a varying degree of realism of the image on an ultra-clear screen is obtained. With the advent of the Sony X1 processor, the new 2015 BRAVIA TVs have the ability to analyze and identify content using the new Super Resolution algorithm, for which an updated and expanded database is used.
It is also worth noting that the Sony X1 processor now scales up to 4K resolution with a fairly high quality, clarity, contrast and color saturation of the image not only of Full HD video, but also of standard and low Internet quality.
Among the 2015 BRAVIA TVs, Ultra HD models are available in the X83, X85, X93, X94, X9 and S8 series (they are also part of the Android TV subset). Today, the choice of 4K content is still small, but today there is something to watch on YouTube, and by the end of the year many large broadcasting Internet services are expected to appear with their 4K IPTV channels.
Thus, 4K content, of course, will appear, but the very principle of its transmission over the Internet will, as before, impose strong restrictions on the bitrate of the video stream. This, in turn, will require high performance from the processing units in TVs. The new Sony X1 processor, equipped with Digital Noise Reduction and 4K Reality Pro enhancement, is specifically aimed at decoding signals with AVC / H264, HEVC / H265 and VP9 codecs in real time, allowing you to get rid of artifacts, noise and color loss even on the most dynamic scenes.
Without exception, all TVs based on the Sony X1 chip support Triluminous Display technology, which allows you to significantly improve the color reproduction of the picture and expand the dynamic range without losing saturation and contrast. Completely new shades of familiar colors appear on the screen, previously unavailable even on premium models.
Additional dynamic range expansion is provided by X-tended Dynamic Range with XDR (doubling dynamic range) and XDR Pro (tripling dynamic range) modes, which works with any type of content regardless of its original dynamic range.
Stereo 3D: a return to the old strategy
Since 2015, Sony has completely returned to the concept of active-shutter technology in stereoscopic 3D, which allows each eye to see a full Full HD image 60 times per second (as opposed to passive polarization, where each eye sees only half of the lines). Thus, the passive technology has remained today only with the X9 series TVs.
At the same time, the lineup with 3D support will be significantly limited, mainly premium models. So, for example, from now on, only TVs of the X93 and X94 series will be equipped with two pairs of free 3D glasses. 3D support will also be implemented in the S85, X85, W85 and W8 series TVs, however, 3D glasses for these models will have to be purchased additionally.
Personally, I really liked the new compact Sony One-Flick remote control (RMF-TX100E). In addition to the standard buttons for basic control of the user interface and the still outlandish built-in microphone for voice commands, the One-Flick remote is equipped with a convenient touch pad, thanks to which the control of an Android TV becomes comparable to that of any Android gadget.
The Sony One-Flick remote control will be available as standard on the X9, X93, X94, S85 and X85 series TVs. You can also use this remote control with the X83, W85, W8 and W75 series models, but you will have to purchase it separately for this.
2015 BRAVIA Ultra Slim Design: Mounting and Fastening Methods
Almost all new Sony TVs have lost weight this year: the slim case with the Slim design has become the hallmark of most BRAVIA-2015 series, and the thinnest 4K-TVs of the X9C series with the Ultra-Slim design are just 4.9 mm thick. the envy of many smartphones.
The BRAVIA X9C series models, along with the standard VESA wall mount, also have a unique wall mount that comes as standard. An ultra-thin TV with such a mount does not even look like a picture on the wall, but like a real digital window with super-quality Ultra HD.
All modern Sony BRAVIA TVs, without exception, are equipped with table stands and all support wall mounting using the VESA standard. The bottom-flaring Wedge design remains unique to the X94 series, but the superb built-in speakers for which it was made is well worth it.
Let there be sound
The new TVs with Sony X1 processor support High Resolution Audio, with higher quality than a standard CD. Most new BRAVIA TVs support DSEE HX audio processing technology, which automatically converts all dialogue in movies and music into a format close to the most realistic High Resolution Audio, allowing you to hear the sound exactly as it was intended when it was recorded.
The models in the X94C and X93C series with the aforementioned wedge-flared design stand out from other new BRAVIA models as they were created with special emphasis on the lovers of sound quality. In addition to supporting High Resolution Audio, the X94C and X93C series also feature a unique built-in 6-way speaker system with high-quality full-range ferrofluid speakers brought out to the front on the sides of the screen.
The flagship series TVs use special non-standard broadband speakers with acoustic labyrinth technology and a separate additional HF tweeter. Thanks to this technology, the sound of the embedded system is very high quality despite the closed design of the closed case.
It is imperative to mention that almost all series of Sony BRAVIA TVs of the 2015 model (with the exception of the very budgetary R5 / R3) can be equipped with an optional branded subwoofer. It does not come with any model in the delivery set, so you will have to buy it additionally.
Sony Android TV: features of the new platform
The choice of the Android TV software platform for BRAVIA TVs is not accidental, Sony representatives explain it very simply: the widespread use of mobile devices running Android OS in itself implies that the vast majority of potential owners of new TVs are well-versed or at least familiar with the new interface.
Relentless statistics from IDC suggest that at the end of 2014, the share of mobile Android devices was 77%. In addition, today, more than 50% of viewers, while watching TV shows and other content on the TV screen, use mobile devices for one reason or another - surf the Internet, transmit content, or simply use a gadget as a remote control. So with the use of the Sony Android TV platform, problems should not arise, and many familiar design will be pleasant from the very beginning.
Despite some differences between Android TV and the classic Android mobile shell, the vast majority of the functions of the TV platform are almost identical. And above all, it means full support for any games and applications from the huge collection of Google Play: all this is available on a large TV screen, all under a single Google ID account. The viewer has access to a huge number of Google Play applications for Android TV, films, series, documentaries, TV programs and many others from well-known providers such as ivi.ru, Megogo, Tvigle, applications of STS and Peretz channels are also available in the Smart TV section. , Okko and many others.
Many will appreciate the voice search feature, which is standard on the new BRAVIA Android TVs, which will not only find information on the Internet, but also receive answers in the form of special Google information cards. The built-in microphone in the new One-Flick remote also allows you to search for desired content and control your TV using voice commands.
With the Google Cast extension built into Android TV, the new BRAVIA 2015 TVs can stream content from a smartphone or tablet with one touch. However, in the new Android TV BRAVIA models, this is done in a completely different way than before. So, if in the previous generation of TVs the same YouTube video was really first received by the smartphone and then broadcast to the TV, then in the new models the smartphone actually performs the function of a remote control, transmitting to the TV the address of the video and the mark from which to continue playback, and downloading and buffering content already produces the TV itself.
According to Sony representatives, the built-in multimedia players in the new BRAVIA-2015 TVs are truly "omnivorous" and work with most of the most current formats, containers and codecs of multimedia content, such as MPEG1, MPEG2PS, MPEG2TS, AVCHD, MP4 Part10, MP4 Part2, AVI (XVID), AVI (MotinJpeg), MOV, WMV, MKV, WEBM, 3GPP, MP3, WMA, LPCM, JPEG and FLAC. We will definitely reveal this question during detailed testing of one of these TVs.
For the road: once again about series, functions and prices
When choosing a new TV for their living room, kitchen or summer cottage, the buyer is usually guided by a list of key characteristics, such as price, screen size and resolution, the presence of a modern digital tuner, and design. Many people, out of old habit, perceive the TV as a simple TV set, or even just a large monitor with various interfaces. Many people still, when choosing a TV, often completely ignore the features of the user interface, the type of Smart TV platform, although when choosing a smartphone or tablet, one of the most important issues, of course, will be the version of the operating system.
In our short tour of the new lineup of new Sony BRAVIA TVs in 2015, we have already reviewed all the key innovations, and now, in conclusion, we will mention these innovations in relation to each model range, and at the same time recall the approximate prices of new products.
Most inexpensive series - Sony R30C TVs, will be available as a 32-inch model BRAVIA R303C HD Ready (1366 x 768) and 40-inch Full HD models, both with direct LED backlighting. Despite the low price, these TVs are equipped with a built-in FM tuner, support the photo frame mode and play multimedia files from external USB drives. To improve the picture, Clear Resolution Enhancer and MotionFlow XR 100 Hz technologies are used, clear sound is provided by the Clear Phase technology. Price from 20 thousand rubles.
Entry-level 40-inch Full HD TV BRAVIA R453C with LED backlighting Edge LED has approximately comparable functionality, however, it is made in a rather thin case with a maximum width of no more than 65 mm. Price from 30 thousand rubles.
The R50C family is available in three models - 32 "HD Ready, 40" and 48 " BRAVIA R553C, all with Edge LED backlighting. These TVs are made in a thin case and have a good set of basic IPTV services, including Opera support, built-in Wi-Fi interface, access to YouTube and other online services. Price from 24 thousand rubles.
A completely unusual novelty for the lineup - a TV with ... 24-inch diagonal! As representatives of Sony said at the presentation, the appearance of such a novelty in the assortment is associated with an increased interest in such a diagonal: not everyone wants to yearn in the country with an old picture tube. Despite its small size, the functionality of the novelty is impressive:
The Full HD TV family is available in 32 ", 40" and 48 "sizes. This series has a slim design and stylish stand. Sound processing is provided by X-Reality Pro and MotionFlow 200 Hz technologies, good sound is provided by ClearAudio + technology. There is Wi-Fi and Screen Mirroring (Miracast), MHL interface, video recording to an external hard drive via USB and One-Flick remote is supported. Price from 28 thousand rubles.
Sony Full HD TVs with Android TV
The most affordable 43-inch series (KDL-43W750C) supports all the features of Android TV, plus X-Reality Pro and MotionFlow 800 Hz technologies, MHL, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, Ethernet, etc. The price is about 50 thousand rubles. 50-inch model KDL-50W750C about 70 thousand rubles.
A series of Android TV models with Full HD resolution is represented by diagonals of 43 inches (KDL-43W80 * C, about 53 thousand rubles), 50 inches (KDL-50W80 * C, about 73 thousand rubles), 55 inches (KDL-55W80 * 7C, about 85 thousand rubles). Ultra slim design, 3D ready, built-in Bass Reflex subwoofer plus all of the above.
Finally, the flagship of the Sony lineup on the Android TV platform with Full HD resolution is a 65-inch TV (KDL-65W850C, about 180 thousand rubles). All of the above characteristics are combined with a large diagonal.
Sony 4K TVs on Android TV
Series BRAVIA X83 represented by the 43-inch model KD-43X830 * C (about 78 thousand rubles) and the 49-inch model KD-49X830 * C (about 98 thousand rubles). Sony X1 processor, support for all 4K image enhancement and downscaling to Ultra HD, plus VP9, HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 digital content protection technology.
4K TVs of the series are represented by the 55-inch model KD-55X850 * C (from 128 thousand rubles), the 65-inch model KD-65X8505C (from 230 thousand rubles) and the 75-inch model KD-75X8505C (from 350 thousand rubles). Superior ultra-thin 3D TVs with unique Long Duct Speaker (65 "and 75" models), full capabilities of Sony X1 processor plus VP9, HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 and full range of Android TV capabilities.
The series, represented by a diagonal of 55 inches (KD-55X9305C, about 220 thousand rubles) and 65 inches (KD-65X9305C, about 360 thousand rubles) - these are the very super-thin Ultra HD models with the included unique wall mount that allows the screen almost merge with the wall. Magneto-dynamic speakers, Hi Rez Audio, active 3D, MotionFlow 1200 Hz, Android TV and further down the list.
Finally, the flagship among 4K TVs with Android TV is the 75-inch model KD-75X9405C from the series (about 700 thousand rubles) - the same design expanding at the bottom with powerful 6-way acoustics for true music lovers.
Android TV platform is a kind of analogue of Smart TV, opening up a number of wide possibilities for users with “smart” Sony TVs. However, do not forget that, first of all, the TV is designed for watching TV shows and movies, so most applications are designed for this very purpose.
Nowadays, DVD stores and even movie downloads have receded into the background, as thanks to Smart technologies and connecting TVs directly to the Internet via cable or Wi-Fi, you can watch anything online. Sony TVs running Android TV require special applications to play files. Using the device is not possible without these applications.
In addition to media applications, there are many others that it makes sense to install in order to use the functionality of Android TV to the fullest. Sony's interface on this platform is divided into zones. One of them contains what the user is recommended, taking into account his preferences, then all other recommendations, games, sources and settings are located. Such distribution is visually convenient and allows you to spend less time searching for what you need.
Platform functionality
An interesting feature of the Sony TV on the Android TV operating system is the excellent integration of voice search. The most convenient way to interact with your TV is to use the One-Flick touchpad remote and microphone. As for the microphone itself, it is usually immediately included in the kit when buying expensive Sony models. If not included, the microphone can be purchased separately.
In this case, the microphone is needed not for karaoke lovers, but just in order to dictate their search queries, and not dial them from the remote control. However, it is also important that the One-Flick remote control is not always included in the kit, since the owners of modern smartphones can install a special application in it - TV SideView. This program will allow you to use the smartphone screen in the same way as a remote control with a touchpad. This approach is even more convenient and does not require the purchase of a special microphone, since the mobile device with the required application has both a keyboard for input and a built-in microphone that can be used for voice control.
Moreover, TV SideView serves as both a recommendation center and a TV program at the same time. That is, you can watch the same programs directly from your mobile device as through your Sony TV.
How to find the programs you want
To install applications on Sony's Android TV, you need to use the Google Play search service, where you can select and download any of the existing programs. If the user needs a specific application, you can dictate its name by voice so as not to type from the keyboard and not scroll through the pages in the search. At the same time, if voice control is not available or is not always convenient, no one forbids using standard tools, turning your TV almost into a personal computer.
Speaking of applications developed specifically for the Android TV platform, Google Play has many more options than for the same Smart TV, which means that the possibilities of the owners are wider. So, you can install yourself IPTV, special browsers for surfing the Internet, games, radio and much more directly through the TV. Apk files are also available.
When using the search for films or any information of interest on the Internet, you should know that when you send a voice request, the system will also respond with a voice, duplicating what was written. The platform itself works smoothly and fairly quickly. In addition, the developers are constantly improving it, but you still cannot use the Android operating system without applications.
Game services
The porting of games on the Android platform should be noted separately, among the list of which you can find the most popular. Fans will appreciate this move, since playing on a large Sony TV screen is much more interesting and convenient than on a smartphone.
The Google Play store is divided into thematic zones by its structure, which include settings, applications, home page and games. The main page contains all the most interesting and new, including programs, series, films and other entertainment, categorized by topic (video, music, news channels, utilities, etc.). The zone with games is also divided into collections (recommended applications, tops) and genres.
The more applications a user installs, the more they can use. In addition, it should be borne in mind that sometimes even when installing a certain program, not all of its functions may be available, which are opened when installing an additional file.
Google Cast technology will also be very useful, allowing you to broadcast videos from your smartphone directly to the TV screen. It is very convenient to find interesting things from your mobile device and view them on the big screen.
Adaptation of devices and applications
Many applications have been adapted for the Sony Android TV operating system, the most popular of which are the following:
| Why install | Name and capabilities |
|---|---|
| Watching terrestrial television |
Online TV player through which more than seventy Russian TV channels are available. |
|
Cinemas online |
VideoMix, HDRezka Client, Tree, VideoBox, FS VideoBox, HD VideoBox. |
|
System Utility |
ES Explorer - looks like a single-pane file manager with Internet access; Network ADB for Windows - for working with Android file systems in Windows; TV Bro Browser - a web browser specifically for Android TV; App Cloner - to create shortcuts to application versions; Tv App Repo is an application for creating shortcuts to your favorite programs. |
|
Multimedia |
Kodi is a program for dividing media files into categories and playing them; SBP TV - online TV system for free and by subscription, more than two hundred TV channels; Forkplayer - for watching videos from different network resources. |
In addition to the above, you should pay attention to the applications:
Torrent Stream Controller for watching movies and TV shows in ACE Stream technology;
TranslucentClock is a handy gadget in the form of a transparent clock with a date that is constantly displayed on the TV screen.
Many programs are provided for use free of charge.
Introduction
In recent years, we have become accustomed to the fact that the TV has become not only a means for watching TV programs, but a full-fledged multimedia device. It is no longer surprising to surprise anyone with the opportunity to watch your favorite movie online or the ability to surf the Internet directly from your TV.
Packaging and equipment
The TV comes in a cardboard box, in which we are used to seeing TVs from Sony. And only the modest inscription "Android TV" tells us that the inside is not an ordinary Sony TV.
In the box you will find the TV itself, a stand for desktop installation, a classic remote control, a power supply, equalizers for installing a TV on VESA brackets and documentation.
I got a model in a silver case, and not in the classic black for the industry. Looks very nice: thin bezel, nice-looking stand, perfectly matches the body. Sony adheres to a laconic design in its TVs and it succeeds to its glory: such a handsome man will look great in any interior, both on a table stand and on a wall bracket.
The TV, which is very thin at the top (1 cm), thickens at the bottom, where the interfaces, motherboard and other electronics are located. At its widest point, the TV is 5.9 cm thick.
The TV has all the interfaces necessary for a modern device:
- 4 HDMI ports (1 port with MHL support for transferring images from a smartphone and recharging it, 4 port supporting ARC, for connecting a home audio system).
- 3 USB ports (an external hard drive can be connected to port # 2 for digital TV recording).
- AUDIO OUT (standard 3.5 jack to which you can connect headphones or an audio system).
- OPTICAL Connector for an optical cable, another option for connecting an audio system, but with better quality, I would advise you to connect additional sound through it.
- RJ45 connector for connecting the Internet with a cable.
- SCART and Component IN (tulips) Connectors for connecting older VCRs and DVD players.
-There is also a connector for an indoor antenna and a separate connector for connecting a satellite dish.
I would like to pay special attention to the bracket adapters that come with the kit. They are designed for wall mounting the TV. Compatible with any VESA 400x400 mounts. Due to the fact that the rear wall of the TV is uneven, it may seem that it will not work to hang the TV on the bracket, but, as you can see, Sony engineers thought about this.
TV control
Let's move on to the interface and control of the TV. Since the TV is equipped with wireless Bluetooth and WiFi modules, in addition to the usual IR remote control that comes with the kit, you can connect more convenient control devices to the TV. Here's what I used for this review:
1. The main device that makes controlling your Sony BRAVIA TV with Android TV as convenient as possible is Sony's One-Flick Remote or RMF-TX100E. A proprietary device from Sony that allows you to more conveniently control your TV and use voice control. It is not included in the set of this TV model, but it can be purchased separately and connected to the TV via WiFi.
2. Logitech K400 keyboard. All Sony BRAVIA Android TVs are equipped with a Bluetooth module and support third-party keyboards, mice and joysticks. Therefore, as a keyboard I used one manufactured by Logitech. It works great with this TV, its advantage is that from one USB adapter we get both a keyboard and a touchpad. With it, it is very convenient to surf the Internet through a web browser, and also with its help you can fully control the TV.
3. And of course I used a gamepad for games, I got another device from Logitech - the F710 wireless controller.
You can use any other keyboards and mice that will be at your fingertips, be they usb or Bleuetooth. When connected, they will work as usual. The same goes for joysticks, but of course a PS3 or PS4 possessed can simply plug in a gamepad from their console and play on the TV with their favorite joystick.
First turn on
And so let's turn on this handsome man and see what the new Android TV OS can offer us!
Upon initial launch, we are greeted by pleasant music and a beautifully designed initial setup screen. Here we are offered to choose a language, set up Wi-Fi, activate your Google account, and also set up channels. Please note that the TV offers to use your account from a phone or laptop, which greatly speeds up the registration process! You will be prompted on your smartphone or laptop to follow the specified link and enter the registration code. Once you've done that - voila, your TV is already connected to your Google account!
Also, at the first start, the TV offered to update the software. The procedure takes from 20 minutes to an hour, it all depends on the speed of your Internet provider, it took me about 30 minutes. If you are impatient, then you can skip this step and further update the TV through the settings, or download the latest version of the firmware from the official website - http://www.sony.ru/support/ru. On the site, in the search bar, it is enough to drive in the model of your TV and you will be redirected to the corresponding page, where you can download the latest software, as well as reference materials and manuals. 
Android TV menu and settings
And now, having finished with the settings, we finally got to the main menu. The voice search icon is located in the upper left corner. How can you do without it in your Android device! The menu itself contains six sections:
1 - Recommended content based on your Youtube subscriptions, favorite channels and frequently used applications.
3 - Inputs. More precisely, switching between HDMI ports, analog and digital TV, and other connectors that we discussed above.
4 - installed applications, that is, all applications that you installed from the Google play store.
5 - Games! The section that shows the games installed on your TV! And I want to note that these are really games with very good graphics! This has never been on TV before! But we'll talk about games later!
6 - and at the very bottom - a section with settings.
In this video, you can see how smoothly and quickly the menu sections switch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04ZvTudMRII
In the setting called “About device” we can see that the TV has the latest version of Android at the moment - 5.0.2.
First of all, I set up the One-Flick remote, for this I turned to the TV settings and found the desired item:
The action takes about 30 seconds and is not difficult. Now that the remote is active, of course, you need to indulge in voice search! Pressing the voice search button activates the search for whatever you are doing, be it watching a movie or playing a game, while looking at the necessary information, you can always return to your previous occupation by pressing the Back button on the remote control.
Voice search and control
I tried a few simple voice prompts and the TV worked great! For example, I asked what awaits us outside the window today. In addition to the pop-up window, a pleasant female voice also voiced the weather :-)
Having asked the name of one of my favorite directors in the request, the TV offered me to watch his films on Google Play Movies, as well as watch videos on Youtube with his participation.
Having tried a more complicated request, I did not even expect that the TV would cope with this, but even then this handsome man did not disappoint me! If you want to install a specific application, you just need to tell the TV about it and you don't have to go to the play market and search for the game or application manually! It is also great that games and applications are installed in the background, and you can easily watch your favorite TV show while the TV downloads and installs the game or application. So, here's what I got on the voice prompt "install asphalt 8":
The same applies to already installed applications: from any window we activate voice search and look for the desired application from the already installed ones and not only!
Applications and working with them
Let's now take a look at the Google play app store. It is optimized for TV, there is a division into groups. Everything looks very nice and works very quickly.
Another feature that I really like about this platform is that now you can use your google account on the TV, and if you have ever bought applications or games on your smartphone or tablet, you can download them now without the need to re-purchase. ...
All this is adapted to the big screen and overall it is done very nicely.
There are settings in the app store, as well as in the mobile version, here you can attach a bank card for quick purchases. Set up parental controls to prevent your child from seeing games you don't want them to play. And you can also set up automatic updating of already installed applications and games.
This is how the Google Play app store on Android TV works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVuxsnG6VCg&feature=youtu.be
Of course, a huge advantage of the Android TV-based system is full access to the file system, for me personally it is not something extremely important and necessary, but many will like it. In the google play store, several file managers are already available for download, optimized for android TV, I chose for myself - “ES Explorer” I have known for a very long time, probably from my very first Android device. When launched, we see a familiar and familiar interface, the application looks exactly the same as on tablet phones.
Going to the device selection, we see that the TV has 16 GB of its own memory, of which 8 are available to the user. Of these, I have already managed to occupy 5GB with various games and applications, and at the moment an 8GB USB drive and a 465GB hard drive are connected to the TV.
The first thing I tried was moving files between devices. The TV coped with the task without any problems, a small video easily spread from the flash card to the hard drive. This gives us complete freedom of action, you can download your favorite music and photos, and indeed any files directly to the TV's memory, store them there and view them at any time.
And, of course, access to the file system allows us to install third-party applications, as well as applications not yet optimized for the TV platform, which are not available in Google Play for Android TV. For example, I chose 2 applications that are not available for installation from the Google play store on the TV. This is the most popular AnTuTu benchmark that will measure the overall performance of a TV. And also an application for watching IPTV provided by my Internet provider.
The installation process takes place, just like on any Android-based device.
AnTuTu identified my device as BRAVIA 2015, even though there is no official support for this application yet, all the controls function perfectly.
Testing took about 10 minutes and the result, in general, I was satisfied. Considering that the TV is mid-range and the youngest Android TV in Sony's 2015 lineup. Of course, in terms of the number of points scored in AnTuTu, he is far from top smartphones and tablets, but for a TV processor, this is a very good indicator!
On closer inspection, we see that the TV is focused on multitasking, as well as on 3D graphics in games.
The second application that I installed, PeersTV, also works adequately, even though it is optimized for smartphones, it is easy to operate, it switches channels without problems and supports the input of the channel by numbers from the remote control, which pleased me pleasantly.
Games
One of the most interesting and unusual innovations is support for games, and not 8-bit tanks, but really high-quality products available on android devices. Here everyone will find something to their liking, games are presented for every taste, from simple puzzles to cool shooters and racing games.
I tested 4 different games:
- Asphalt 8
- The Walking Dead: Season One
- SoulCraft 2 - League of Angels
- Badland
The impressions from the games remain positive, it is very comfortable to play, of course, for the first three games named above, a gamepad is needed (the TV supports any USB and bluetooth joysticks). For the last game, a regular remote control is enough. Asphalt 8 can also be played with a remote control, but I would still recommend a gamepad if you don't want to get cramps in your fingers from an uncomfortable grip. Actually, as the AnTuTu test showed us, the TV is perfectly optimized for games, for several hours of playing I did not find any lags, brakes or crashes.
When playing with TV, we get a good advantage over rivals in games that support online mode, since it is still much more convenient to play from a gamepad than using a sensor on a smartphone, but this is perhaps a plus only for avid gamers.
I would like to note that most Android games now support the cloud save system, for example - in Asphalt 8 we can play on the way from work on a smartphone, and when we come home, continue playing on TV, from the moment of the last save.
Here is a small video cut of the above listed games, here you can evaluate the graphics, good game optimization, stable FPS, as well as various gameplay possibilities in games of different genres:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vrBkEfIu2w
As well as a complete walkthrough of the Tokio track in Asphalt 8 with a gamepad in the frame:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=407yZMsxRag
Alternative management methods... Google cast
Various possibilities of controlling the TV, I was very pleased, to be honest, I practically did not take a standard remote control in my hands, except for the initial setup. It's great that we can connect additional. remote controls, keyboards, mice or joysticks and control your TV using any of these devices. This gives us a tremendous amount of choice.
But in addition to the devices described above, we can also use our smartphone. And it doesn't have to be on Android. If you have an iPhone, it will do too! There are several options for controlling TV from a smartphone:
- control programs that can be installed from Google Play or the AppStore - TV SideView from Sony and Remote Control from Google, I personally say that the Sony application is much more functional, but in general, in terms of ease of control, both applications are similar, simple and enjoyable.
- Google Cast technology allows you to find content on your smartphone and send it to your TV in one click, while both devices just need to be on the same Wi-Fi network and no pairing is required. You can, for example, play a game, and at this moment you receive a notification on your smartphone that a new video has appeared on the YouTube channel to which you are subscribed, it will be enough to open this link on your smartphone and press the Cast button and the video will immediately start on TV screen, and the TV control functions remain on the smartphone! The same can be done with installing applications and listening to music. Here is a complete list of applications that support Google Cast technology: https://www.google.com/intl/ru_ru/cast/apps/?utm_source=g.co/castapps#?view=featured.
This is how Google Cast works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhfdkOIPWSw
DISCOVER by Sony
I would like to pay attention to a proprietary chip from Sony, which is called DISCOVER. It is used not only in Sony AndroidTVs, but also in other Sony BRAVIA Smart TVs.
Whatever you are doing at the moment, whether it is browsing the Web, watching TV, or playing a game, when you press the DISCOVER button on the remote control, we get an extra. a menu in which we can tune our favorite channels, quickly go to the recommended content on YouTube, get quick access to videos and photos stored on a USB drive and / or shared on a home network. It also allows you to add frequently used applications to quick access. A flexible configuration system allows you to make this option more convenient for yourself by removing unnecessary lines that you will not use, or add new ones. DISCOVER works like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To2ScbtS3Eo&feature=youtu.be
Playing media content
I would also like to cancel the work of the media player. The TV perceives heavy high-bitrate files perfectly, while the standard player works much better than the downloaded popular players such as VLC and MXplayer, in these players, when working with heavy FullHD films, strong brakes were noticed, but the standard player, as since it reproduces them very smoothly. 
Video comparison of media players MXplayer, VLC and pre-installed SONY media player:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW5oIx6XGqw&feature=youtu.be
Web browser
At the moment when the TV came to me, it did not have a Web Browser, but a few days later, a software update came, after the installation of which Opera appears on the TV, so in order to use the Internet in our usual mode, we need to update the TV to the most recent software version!
In general, I was satisfied with the browser, it copes with heavy sites, supports opening multiple tabs at the same time and quietly plays audio and video content online. It does not have support for the Flash player, but most modern sites have long ago moved away from this outdated technology, so in general the browser is good. The preinstalled Opera browser works like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjJOgqCiSwo
Picture
Of course, the software component is very important, but still the main thing in TVs was and will be - the image quality. And Sony never ceases to please, the TVs of this brand have always been distinguished by better image transmission than competitors. Watching anything from a simple IPTV to a quality FullHD movie on a Sony TV - the KDL-43W756C is a pleasure.
The image can be adjusted at your discretion, here we have many default modes (Bright, standard, individual, Cinema pro, cinema home, sports and animation), each of which we can adjust for ourselves by adjusting - color, contrast, smoothness of movements, brightness and much more.
The picture looks very lively thanks to the 800 Hz Motionflow XR technology. Dynamic scenes are smoothed out, and any video looks as if it was shot at 60s. I want to sit and watch all my favorite films and even have thoughts, never go to the cinema again, but wait for Blu-ray releases and get the most out of watching. Emotions from the quality of the picture transmitted by the TV are difficult to convey through text or video. This must be seen live!
Below I will provide some tests for color rendering, dynamic range and contrast. Since I do not know on which monitor you are reading this review, I see no point in taking photos of test pictures from the TV screen: the distortion of the real view of the picture on the screen of the tested TV and what you see on your monitors will be too great. Therefore, I will verbally describe the test results, and you will have to take my word for it or take these pictures yourself and do these tests in the nearest store where such a TV is sold.
The breadth of the dynamic range (the TV's ability to transmit complex shades of colors) is clearly visible on the color scale in the photo below: the more rectangles we see with distinct borders between them, the less they merge, the wider the dynamic range of the TV, and the greater the number of transmitted shades. When testing our TV, all the edges of all rectangles are clearly visible, and only in the red color 19 and 20 edges merge into one, all the rest are seen very clearly.
The level of static contrast can be assessed using the so-called chess test. In it, the more checkerboard fields we simultaneously see on the screen at a brightness of 50%, the higher the contrast level of the screen, which means that the details are equally well displayed on the screen, both in bright and dark areas.
This TV on a black background clearly showed all the squares, on white - all except 254, and 253 is barely distinguishable. An excellent indicator for a mid-range TV!
Testing the contrast in a bright backlight also showed an excellent result: 254 is indistinguishable, the rest are all visible!
Green on a white background are visible all, except for 253, 255, 253. On a black background, everything is visible well.
The blue ones are all clearly visible.
Thus, the width of the displayed color shades, contrast and color accuracy are some of the best parameters among those 2015 TVs that I tested using these tests!
Sound
The standard speaker sounds loud and clear, of course, like any television sound, it lacks good bass, but this was enough for neighbors to knock on the battery at maximum volume. The volume setting is very sensitive, and has several default modes (sports, standard, cinema, music), which, as in the case of the picture, can be adjusted to suit you.
Summing up, I would like to say that the Sony AndroidTV series of TVs is what I personally have been waiting for for so long. In these TVs, we get the perfect combination of a well-optimized OS with a great picture. For the past two years, I have been actively looking at what various TV manufacturers offered, but from all this huge selection, there was not exactly one that would hook my finicky nature. And now, finally, an excellent TV appeared, in which everything suits me.
I apologize if I missed some important technologies in the review: I really wanted to write about a lot, so it turned out a little chaotic and something could be left out of the narrative. If you did not find something in the text that interests you very much, ask in the comments. I will answer all your questions!
As soon as possible, I advise you to look into the nearest store and take a look at this new product with your own eyes, flip through the menu and watch a few videos. And I am sure that you will not remain indifferent to him, as I am.
Sony AndroidTV TV is a huge selection of applications for every taste, convenient interaction with a smartphone, huge functionality of Android OS and, most importantly, of course, excellent image quality!
This is a TV worth buying!
Thank you all for your attention!
By Android TV, I do not mean Google TV gadgets, as well as Chinese set-top boxes with Android OS, since the review will focus on the new Android TV platform for smart TVs based on the Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system with a customized bootloader and adaptation for control of buttons on the remote control.
Android TV is an operating system for TVs that is not similar to the mobile version of Android OS and is an independent platform tailored specifically for TVs, since it takes into account the large screen of a device without touch control, as well as other features of modern Smart TVs. In turn, Android TV, unlike ordinary Smart TVs, is distinguished by the presence of Google services and other interesting features of the Android operating system.
Benefits of Android TV:
- a single Google account for all devices;
- access to services Google Play, Google Movies, Google Music, etc .;
- integrated Google voice search;
- Google Cast support - broadcast content to TV with one touch;
- a decent collection of Android games;
- connection of peripheral devices (keyboards, gamepads and remote controls with a gyroscope, etc.);
- the ability to install various applications, not limited to the Google Play service.
Interface and control
The on / off button works both on a mobile device and on android set-top boxes, it turns off the screen and puts all processes into standby mode. The process of switching on and off is instantaneous, and the TV consumes 15 watts in standby mode. It is worth noting that using the Google Cast function, it is easy to "wake up" the TV by playing a video from YouTube (or another application that supports this technology) in the smartphone's mobile application by clicking the video stream broadcast icon.
The interface of the shell for Android TVs takes into account not only the size of the TV screen, but also the distance from which you interact with your Smart TV. Considering the fact that large diagonal TVs are viewed from an average distance of about 3 meters, the Android TV interface is designed using large icons and colorful dots that are clearly visible from a long distance, thereby making the TV interface easier to understand than a smartphone or tablet. ... The interface of the Android TV operating system is colorful and modern, does not require habit and is intuitive.
Controls on Android TV are equally convenient. For example, Sony TVs come with both a conventional push-button remote control and a touchpad with a touchpad, which is included in the older models. In both cases, menu navigation is quite convenient, but the best way to enter text is to connect a keyboard to the TV. It is worth noting that an NFC tag is built into the touch panel for pairing the TV with mobile devices and a microphone for voice search. In addition to the remote control, the TV can be controlled through a special free application for Android and iOS - Sony TV SideView for smartphones and tablets, which allows you to schedule viewing of your favorite TV show, completely replace the TV remote control, and perform voice search directly from your mobile device.
Android TV Apps
Taking into account the fact that the Google Play store is integrated into the new Smart TV system on Android OS, one cannot say about a small assortment of applications, although there are still less of them than on mobile devices, since in the store from the store you can install only those, which are optimized for TVs.
As always in Sony devices, applications recommended by the company itself are placed in a separate section "Sony Select": from its own services to applications for Okko online cinemas or ivi.ru. By the way, in older models, these applications were the basis, even though it was impossible to play paid content in IVI. You can also install third-party applications via any APK file.
KODI (XBMC) - Rightfully the best media player for Android TV. A lot has been said on MediaPure about it, read more. The player allows you to play any content from all kinds of devices on your home network, be it a NAS, laptop or personal PC, as well as find DLNA servers and act as a DLNA server itself. The Kodi interface is very convenient for controlling a regular push-button remote, so if this is your main multimedia center, then you don't have to bother with other control devices that are only needed for surfing the web or playing games.
Games on Android TV
There are quite a few games on Android TV, here the operating system for TVs is almost as good as the mobile Android OS. As users of smartphones and tablets on Android already know, in the Google Play store you will find familiar games for mobile gadgets, as well as quite serious ports from consoles and PCs. In terms of range of games, Android TVs outperform conventional Smart TV models.
You can connect both wired and wireless USB keyboards and gamepads to your Sony Android TV, making it easy to enter text and control in games. I have tested several Logitech peripherals that work with my TV without any problems, including a keyboard with touchpad, and playing with a gamepad on a large TV is a real pleasure.
Multimedia capabilities
The built-in media player on my Sony X8505C TV handles Ultra HD (10-bit HEVC) video without issue. The rest of the formats in Full HD are also freely reproduced by the TV, including the now familiar MKV. I immediately replaced the built-in Opera browser with Google Chrome, but for full-fledged web surfing, it is imperative to connect a keyboard to the TV, and if you have a TV model with a conventional remote control, then it is better to buy a keyboard with a touchpad, since the cursor movements are not very smooth. In general, the browser works quite quickly, displays content without problems, including embedded video and other interface elements.
Output
I have had a Sony X8505C TV model for more than a month, so I can say with complete confidence that Android TV is one of the best shells for modern TVs. The lackluster Smart TV system in previous Sony models left much to be desired, so the Android alternative from Google was a great solution, because now users have access to a variety of content, including games, applications and online services. Android TV made Sony TVs even more attractive for me, because a universal operating system was added to the already familiar high-quality image and sound.
Android TVs existed before: in 2010, the first samples appeared under the name Google TV, and Chinese manufacturers churned out many models with a mobile Android OS. But at the end of 2014, Google announced that they were taking on the development of a new Android TV platform on the fresh Lollipop 5.0 core.
Contrary to expectations, the Android TV system is not very similar to the mobile version of Android OS. This is an independent platform, "sharpened" especially for TVs. It takes into account the large non-touch screen and other features.
At the same time, Android TV differs from ordinary Smart TVs by the presence of Google services and other interesting features.
Among the main advantages of Android TV are:
- Shared Google ID for all devices
- Access to Google Play services, Google Movies, Google Music
- Built-in Google Voice Search
- Google Cast support - one-touch streaming to your TV
- Large library of games "sharpened" for Android
- Support for peripheral devices (keyboards, gamepads, etc.)
- The ability to install third-party applications (not only from Google Play)
"Sofa" interface
The Android TV shell takes into account not only the size of the TV screen, but also the appropriate distance. Unlike mobile devices, a large TV is watched from 3 meters, or even more. Therefore, the Android TV interface consists of large icons and colorful banners that are easy to read from a distance. You don't have to strain looking at the scattering of icons like on a smartphone: the TV interface is cleaner and lighter.
In our opinion, this has been beneficial: the Android TV system looks nice and modern. You won't have to get used to it for a long time, everything is intuitive.
The same can be said about the controls: the basic Sony models on Android TV come with a regular push-button remote, while the older ones come with a touchpad with a touchpad. In both cases, navigation through the menu will be convenient, and for entering text it is best to connect a keyboard to the TV. By the way, an NFC tag is built into the touch panel for pairing the TV with mobile devices and a microphone for voice search.
The TV can be controlled via a special free application for Android and iOS Sony TV SideView for smartphones and tablets. With it, you can schedule viewing of your favorite program, control your TV instead of the remote control, or perform voice search directly from your mobile device.
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An abundance of applications
When a new Smart TV system comes out, there are often few applications for it. With Android TV, the situation is reversed: the Google Play store is integrated here, so the assortment is initially large. Although there are still fewer applications than on mobile devices: only those optimized for TVs are displayed in the store.
A separate section of Sony Select contains applications recommended by Sony. This includes the company's own services, as well as applications for online cinemas Okko and ivi.ru, applications for TV channels, and more. On previous models, this was the whole backbone, but now it is only the tip of the iceberg.
Finally, the icing on the cake is the ability to install third-party applications. With the help of simple manipulations, you can install any APK file on the TV.
It turns out that you are not limited in any way in the choice of applications. For example, we put the Chrome browser on the TV instead of the regular Opera. Ideally, you will need a keyboard, since not all applications can work with a remote control, but the field for experimentation is enormous. You have the right to install whatever you want on the TV. Including applications written for the mobile Android OS.
Lots of games
Particular emphasis was placed on games. Here Android TV is hardly inferior to the mobile Android OS. In the Google Play store, all kinds of games are presented, both in the "mobile" direction, and quite serious ports from consoles and PCs. There is plenty to choose from, in contrast to the meager assortment of mini-games on conventional Smart TVs.
You can connect wired and wireless USB keyboards or gamepads to your Sony Android TV. This greatly simplifies text entry and control in games. Several Logitech peripherals worked with the TV without any problems. Playing with a gamepad is a real pleasure.
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Multimedia power
Accurate picture and sound
Image is an area where Sony has a lot of experience behind it. Both TVs are factory set to Cinema pro, which produces very accurate color reproduction. According to our tests, the Sony X8505C 4K TV has a slightly better color rendition, and the Sony W805C came out ahead in contrast - it has a ratio of 3400: 1 versus 2800: 1 in the X8505C.
However, both TVs offer superior picture quality for side-lit LCD TVs.
When it comes to image processing and upscaling, the Sony X8505C performs well with HD and 4K formats, while the Sony W805C is better suited for terrestrial TV and low-definition signals.
Despite the slim design, both TVs delighted in detailed and focused sound. Dialogues are clearly audible even at a “night” volume. Only the lowest frequencies are missing, but this can be solved with the help of a Sony wireless subwoofer SWF-BR100 that can be added to the TV.
A win-win choice
After a long conversation with the Sony X8505C and W805C models, we are convinced that the transition to Android TV was the right step for Sony. The nondescript Smart TV system has given way to Google's shell and services. Along the way, a lot of content appeared, including a variety of games and the ability to install third-party applications. This is a great addition to the quality picture and sound that Sony TVs have been famous for in the past.
