2015 Sony 4K UHD TVs
Monday, January 5, 2015 at 4:56PM Updated on May 25, 2015: added new images, hardware information, and pricing details
Sony's 2014 4K ultra high-definition (UHD) televisions rank as some of the very best I've tested to date, and the company's 2015 lineup is looking to expand upon its premium offerings with new models in its XBR family of LCD TVs.
The new XBR televisions are scheduled to arrive in the spring time frame, and all will feature the following specs:
- 4K UHD screen resolution (3840x2160 pixels)
- "4K Processor X1" to "improve color accuracy, contrast, and clarity" of HD/UHD video
- Support for HEVC and VP9 codecs
- Google Android TV operating system for voice search, access to Google Play, and Google Cast
- PlayStation Now game streaming
Sony's most affordable XBR series covers the smaller sized screen options that are ideal for closer viewing distance or for supersized PC display use.
- Screen sizes: 43-inches, 49-inches
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Backlight system: edge-lit LED
- 4 HDMI, 3 USB
- Audio power: 10W + 10W
- Speakers: 2-channel (30mm x 80mm drivers)
Similar to the X830C series but with larger screen size options and enhanced color capabilities.
- Screen sizes: 55-inches, 65-inches, 75-inches
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Backlight system: edge-lit LED
- 4 HDMI, 3 USB
- Active 3D display technology
- TRILUMINOS display technology for expanded color palette and accuracy
- Audio power: 10W + 10W
- Speakers: 2-channel two-way (30mm tweeters, 40x100mm woofers)
XBR-X900C/X910C Series
The X900C/X910C series televisions bring Sony's 4K UHD technology to ultra slim TV designs that measure 4.9mm at its thinnest part (55-inch and 65-inch models). These TVs also minimize the bezel to "virtually frameless" widths for an even more impressive visual experience.
- Screen sizes: 55-inches (X900C), 65-inches (X900C), 75-inches (X910C)
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Backlight system: edge-lit LED
- 4 HDMI, 3 USB
- TRILUMINOS display technology for expanded color palette and accuracy
If you are wondering how one goes about wall mounting a TV as thin as the X900C, Sony has created a custom U-shaped bracket that slips into slots on the backside of the chassis providing a hang point for a smallish bracket that fastens to the wall. The thicker lower portion of the TV's chassis that would make contact with a wall surface is vented along the top and bottom edges for adequate cooling. Also, HDMI ports are located so that cables stay out of the way in a wall mount configuration.
2015 Vizio M-Series 4K UHD TV Preview
The X930C and X940C televisions are similarly specced save for screen size and backlight technology. The X940C receives Sony's X-tended Dymanic Range Pro local dimming backlight system while the X930C gets the non-Pro version. Local dimming enhances contrast by adjusting backlight brightness across a fixed number of zones based on video content. Sony typically reserves the "pro" level of its backlight control naming scheme for full-array LED local dimming while the non-pro moniker goes to televisions equipped with edge-lit LED local dimming.
- Screen sizes: 65-inches (X930C), 75-inches (X940C)
- TRILUMINOS display technology for expanded color palette and accuracy
- Fixed magnetic fluid speakers
The 75-inch XBR75X940C pictured above marks the continuation of Sony's fixed side-speaker design with magnetic fluid suspension technology that trumps the audio quality of most soundbars.
This article will be updated as information is gathered at the 2015 CES.
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