By Android TV, I do not mean Google TV gadgets, as well as Chinese TV 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 buttons on the remote control.
Android TV is an operating system for televisions, which is not similar to the mobile version of Android OS and is an independent platform, “tailored” specifically for televisions, since it takes into account the large screen of the device without touch control, as well as other features of modern Smart TVs. In turn, Android TV, unlike regular Smart TVs, is distinguished by the presence of Google services and other interesting features of the Android operating system.
Android TV benefits:
- one Google account for all devices;
- access to Google Play services, Google Movies, Google Music, etc.;
- integrated Google voice search;
- Google Cast support – broadcasting content to TV with one touch;
- a decent collection of games for Android;
- connecting peripheral devices (keyboards, gamepads and remote controls with a gyroscope, etc.);
- the ability to install various applications, not limited to the Google Play service.
Sony BRAVIA-2015 TVs: how to distinguish them now
Almost the entire range of BRAVIA TVs for 2015, including the W75, W80, W85, X83, X85, X93, X94, X9 and S8 series, received improved image quality, a new design and 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 budget 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 control included, and a number of other options. So now we will look at all the innovations in order, and at the same time we will figure out which series of new products they are directly related to.
Sony X1 Image Processor
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 eligible 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 technologies for upscaling content with a lower resolution to Ultra HD resolution; the quality of the algorithms used in this case results in varying degrees of realism of the image on an ultra-clear screen. With the advent of the Sony X1 processor, the new BRAVIA-2015 TVs now have the ability to analyze and identify content using the new Super Resolution algorithm, which uses an updated and expanded database.
It is also worth noting that the Sony X1 processor now scales to 4K resolution with sufficiently high quality, clarity, contrast and color saturation of images not only in Full HD video format, but also in standard and low Internet quality.
Among the 2015 BRAVIA TVs, models with Ultra HD screen resolution are presented in the X83, X85, X93, X94, X9 and S8 series (they are also included in the subset of models running Android TV). 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 Internet broadcast services are expected to appear with their 4K IPTV channels.
Thus, 4K content, of course, will appear, but the very principle of transmitting it 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 processors in TVs. The new Sony X1 processor, equipped with Digital Noise Reduction and 4K Reality Pro quality enhancement functions, is specifically focused on 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 can 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.
Further expansion of the dynamic range is provided by the X-tended Dynamic Range function with XDR (double dynamic range) and XDR Pro (triple dynamic range) modes, which works with any type of content, regardless of its original dynamic range.
Stereo 3D: return to previous strategy
Since 2015, Sony has completely returned to the concept of active-shutter technology for stereoscopic 3D imaging, allowing each eye to see a full Full HD image 60 times per second (as opposed to passive-polarizing, where each eye sees only half the lines). Thus, passive technology remains today only on TVs of the X9 line.
At the same time, the model range with 3D support will be significantly limited, mainly to premium models. 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 TVs of the S85, X85, W85 and W8 series, however, 3D glasses for these models will have to be purchased additionally.
Main selection criteria
Finding a quality model that fully meets certain requirements can be a difficult task. It is important to know some selection criteria that will help you find the perfect TV much faster.
Screen diagonal
This characteristic has a direct impact on TV viewing. Taking into account the size of the room in which the TV will be located, its diagonal is selected.
To watch terrestrial television, a model with a 21-inch screen is sufficient. To get a home theater, pay attention to copies with a display larger than 32 inches.
Contrast and Brightness
Today, Sony produces equipment with the highest possible picture quality. The devices are characterized by an ideal ratio of contrast and brightness levels.
Previously, it was believed that, unlike LCD, plasma versions have a better contrast ratio. But after the appearance of LED and OLED screens on the market, the situation changed dramatically. Be sure to compare these two options before purchasing.
Permission
If the TV will only be used for watching DVDs, a resolution of 600 pixels in the horizontal direction is sufficient. To play high-definition video, it is recommended to choose a device with a display resolution of more than 720 pixels, for Full HD - 1080 pixels.
Control
Some models, even those from 2021, may be equipped with a classic remote control without voice search capabilities. Managing Smart TV will not be very convenient.
It is possible to select a third-party remote control for your Sony TV, but you have to buy it separately. Some models include a wireless mouse and keyboard. By installing a special application on your smartphone, you can control the TV via your phone.
Interfaces
The ideal choice is a TV with the maximum number of inputs/outputs. Models from the Japanese manufacturer have USB 3.0, HDMI ports and 5 GHz Wi-Fi support.
Sony also equips its TVs with a 3.5mm audio jack. Pay special attention to the location of the ports, as if installed vertically or horizontally, there may be problems with accessing them.
Smart TV
Almost all modern Sony TV models are equipped with Smart TV. Users are given the choice between Linux and Android. The latter option supports a large number of third-party software, but does not always provide fast operation, has less memory and an outdated version of the OS.
In recent years, models with Linux have increasingly appeared. There are few programs that are optimized for TV, but they provide high speed.
New One-Flick remote control
Personally, I really liked the new compact Sony One-Flick remote control (RMF-TX100E). In addition to the standard buttons for basic user interface controls and the still weird built-in microphone for voice commands, the One-Flick remote is equipped with a convenient touch pad that makes controlling your Android TV comparable to controlling any Android gadget.
The Sony One-Flick remote control will be available as standard for buyers of the X9, X93, X94, S85 and X85 TV series. This remote control can also be used with models of the X83, W85, W8 and W75 series, but for this you will have to purchase it separately.
Ultra-thin design BRAVIA-2015: installation and fastening methods
This year, almost all new Sony TVs have lost weight: a thin body with a Slim design has become the hallmark of most BRAVIA-2015 series, and the thinnest 4K TVs of the X9C series with an Ultra-Slim design are only 4.9 mm thick - by the envy of many smartphones.
In addition to standard VESA wall mount capability, the BRAVIA X9C Series also features a unique wall mount as standard. An ultra-thin TV with such a mount looks on the wall not even like a picture, but like a real digital window with super-Ultra HD quality.
All modern Sony BRAVIA TVs, without exception, are equipped with tabletop stands and all support wall mounting using the VESA standard. The Wedge design, which flares out towards the bottom, remains only in the X94 series, but the ultra-high-quality built-in acoustics for which it is made are worth it.
Let there be sound
New TVs with the Sony X1 processor support an enhanced high-resolution audio format - High Resolution Audio, with quality higher than that of a standard CD. Most new BRAVIA TVs support DSEE HX audio processing technology, which automatically converts all dialogue in films 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.
Models of the X94C and X93C series with the above-mentioned Wedge design that widens towards the bottom stand apart from other new BRAVIA models, since they were created with special emphasis on connoisseurs of high-quality sound. 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 flanking the screen at the front.
The TVs of the flagship BRAVIA X94 use special non-standard wideband 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 housing.
It is necessary to mention that almost all series of Sony BRAVIA TVs from 2015 (with the exception of the very budget R5/R3) can be equipped with a branded optional subwoofer. This is not included in the package with any model, 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 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 Android mobile 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, stream content, or simply use the gadget as a remote control. So there shouldn’t be any problems using the Sony Android TV platform, and many will enjoy the familiar design from the very beginning.
Despite some differences between Android TV and the classic Android mobile shell, the vast majority of the functions of the television 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; in the Smart TV section, films, TV series, documentaries, TV programs and much more are also available from well-known providers such as ivi.ru, Megogo, Tvigle, applications from STS and Peretz channels. , Okko and many others.
Many will appreciate the voice search feature standard on the new BRAVIA Android TVs, with which you can not only find the information you need 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 control also lets you search for content and control your TV using voice commands.
Using the Google Cast extension built into Android TV, you can broadcast content from a smartphone or tablet to the screen of the new BRAVIA-2015 TVs with one touch. However, in the new BRAVIA Android TV models this is done on a completely different principle than before. So, if in the previous generation of TVs the same YouTube video was indeed first received by the smartphone and then broadcast to the TV, then in new models the smartphone actually acts as a remote control, transmitting to the TV the address of the video and the mark from which to continue playing, 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 today’s 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 cover this issue during detailed testing of one of these TVs.
Android TV Apps
Considering the fact that the Google Play store is integrated into the new Smart TV system on Android OS, we cannot say that there is a small assortment of applications, although there are still fewer of them than on mobile devices, since in the store from the store you can only install those that which are optimized for TVs.
As always with Sony devices, a separate “Sony Select” section contains applications recommended by the company itself: from its own services to applications from online cinemas Okko or ivi.ru. By the way, in older models these applications were the basis, even despite the inability 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 about it on MediaPure, read more here. 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 control, so if this is your main multimedia center, then you don’t have to bother with other control devices that are only needed for web surfing or games.
On the road: once again about series, functions and prices
When choosing a new TV for their living room, kitchen or cottage, the buyer is usually guided by a list of key characteristics, such as price, screen diagonal and resolution, the presence of a modern digital tuner, and design. Many people, out of old habit, perceive a TV as a simple TV receiver, 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 questions, of course, will be the version of the operating system.
In our short excursion into the new model range of new Sony BRAVIA TVs for 2015, we have already examined 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 the new products.
The low-cost series itself, the Sony R30C TVs, will be available as a 32-inch BRAVIA R303C with HD Ready resolution (1366 x 768) and a 40-inch BRAVIA R353C with Full HD resolution, both with direct LED backlighting. Despite the low price, these TVs are equipped with a built-in FM tuner, support photo frame mode and play multimedia files from external USB drives. Clear Resolution Enhancer and MotionFlow XR 100 Hz technologies are used to improve the image, and Clear Phase technology provides clear sound. Price from 20 thousand rubles.
The entry-level 40-inch Full HD TV BRAVIA R453C with Edge LED backlighting has approximately comparable functionality, but is housed in a fairly thin body with a maximum width of no more than 65 mm. Price from 30 thousand rubles.
The R50C family consists of three models - the 32-inch HD Ready BRAVIA R503C BRAVIA R553C , all with Edge LED backlighting. These TVs are made in a thin body and have a good range of basic IPTV services, including support for Opera, a built-in Wi-Fi interface, access to YouTube and other online services. Price from 24 thousand rubles.
A completely unusual new product for the lineup - the BRAVIA W600ABR with... a 24-inch diagonal! As Sony representatives said at the presentation, the appearance of such a new product in the range is associated with increased interest in such a diagonal: not everyone wants to be homesick at the dacha with an old picture tube. Despite its small dimensions, the functionality of the new product is impressive:
The BRAVIA W70C (W705CB) TV family with Full HD screen is available in diagonals of 32 inches, 40 inches and 48 inches. TVs in this series have a slim design and are equipped with a 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), an MHL interface, and supports video recording to an external hard drive via USB and the One-Flick remote control. Price from 28 thousand rubles.
Multimedia capabilities
The built-in media player on my Sony X8505C TV handles Ultra HD video (10-bit HEVC encoding) without any problems. Other formats in Full HD are also easily reproduced by the TV, including the now familiar MKV. I immediately replaced the built-in Opera browser with Google Chrome, but for full web surfing you must connect a keyboard to the TV, and if you have a TV model with a regular remote control, then it is better to buy a keyboard with a touchpad, since the cursor movements are not very smooth. Overall, the browser works quite quickly and displays content without problems, including embedded videos and other interface elements.
Conclusion
I've had the Sony X8505C TV model for more than a month now, so I can say with full confidence that Android TV is one of the best shells for modern TVs. The low-functionality Smart TV system of previous Sony models left much to be desired, so the alternative with Android from Google has become 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 in addition to the already familiar high-quality image and sound, a universal operating system was added.
Sony Full HD TVs on the Android TV platform
The most affordable 43-inch BRAVIA W75 (KDL-43W750C) supports all the features of Android TV, plus X-Reality Pro and MotionFlow 800 Hz technologies, MHL interfaces, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, Ethernet, etc. Price about 50 thousand rubles 50-inch model KDL-50W750C about 70 thousand rubles.
BRAVIA W8 series of Android TV models with Full HD resolution is presented with 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 support, built-in Bass Reflex subwoofer plus everything mentioned above.
Finally, the flagship of the Sony lineup on the Android TV platform with Full HD resolution is the 65-inch BRAVIA W85 (KDL-65W850C, about 180 thousand rubles). All the above characteristics combined with a large diagonal.
Sony Bravia W80C smart TV review: Android is now on your TV
The equipment can be described in two words: a metallic stand and a remote control. Some models also come with a One Flick touchscreen remote control, which makes it easy to navigate through the menu. However, any Android smartphone is quite capable of replacing it - for this there is a TV SideView application on Google Play. After installing it, the screen of your mobile device turns into a touchpad. Supports TV SideView and voice control (and this is one of the main features of Android TVs), but you will need to download a special plugin. In this sense, with the proprietary One Flick remote control, everything is a little simpler, and the smartphone’s battery will not be discharged again.
I will note one more nuance. Sony TVs in this line are distinguished by uneven body thickness. At the bottom they have a kind of influx where all the hardware is located. Therefore, it will not be possible to attach the VESA system bracket strictly parallel directly to the case. To do this, the kit includes two elements that need to be installed on the thin part. They look very similar to the batteries for the remote control, so don't get confused! This is a joke, of course, but only partly.
The TV has a modern frameless design. Of course, there is a frame, but it is almost invisible, aluminum, black. The design is typical for the Bravia line: very strict, no frills. The only decoration is the white LED at the bottom, which starts to light when you turn on the TV.
Despite its external lightness, the device turned out to be quite weighty - its weight is 13.7 kg without a stand, and the elegant base will add about 0.9 kg. During testing, I mounted it both on a pendant and on a stand, and I can’t say that using the stand inspired me: the design did not seem very reliable. I know that wall mounting is discouraged by many fans of the genre, but it is clearly more convincing here.
An important feature of the 50-inch model is the external power supply. Exactly the same as we are used to seeing in laptops. I can’t say that this is very convenient when mounted on a wall, but when installed on a stand it does not interfere.
The back surface of the Sony Bravia W80C is made of matte black plastic. On the left side there is a block of control buttons - just in case. Of course, using it regularly is not very convenient.
On the back surface there are various ports and connectors. Among the most significant for users are three USB ports and four HDMI ports, and there is also an Ethernet port. For me, as a user of an LG TV, it was a very pleasant surprise that some of the ports on Sony are located on the side - this makes it much easier to connect additional devices such as drives, headphones, etc. The remaining ports (there is even SCART!) are located down or into the wall, and It is better to connect to them before the final installation of the TV. They are useful for stationary devices: Blu-Ray players, game consoles, etc. By the way, these TVs can work with gamepads from the PS4 console - DualShock 4. In particular, you can’t do without a gamepad if you suddenly want to play games from Google Play. It’s possible with a regular remote control, but it’s downright torture—you won’t get any pleasure.
The main feature of this line, as already mentioned, is that the TV is equipped not with a proprietary operating system, but with Google Android 5.1 OS. This significantly expanded the capabilities of users, in particular, it gave them access to the Google Play store. Therefore, formally, you can install any desired application. Moreover, it is important to note that it is possible to obtain directly from the store only those applications that are declared to support Android TV, i.e. the developer has checked a special box in the settings. In addition, it is possible to install the desired application from an APK file downloaded to an external USB drive. But since the system by default only understands multimedia content, to do this you will have to download some kind of file manager from Google Play and, of course, unlock the installation of third-party applications. Everything is exactly the same as on any Android smartphone.
Since there is Google Play, there is also Google Music, as well as Google Movies. In addition, a pre-installed set of applications for various online cinemas like the already mentioned Netflix, OKKO, Megogo and others like them. So there is no problem where to get the content. Even if you, like me, don’t have a common antenna in your apartment for a long time.
There are also applications that allow you to watch broadcasts of over-the-air channels or at least archives. Don’t forget that if you have a gaming console, such as Xbox One, then it contains its own pool of pre-installed content services.
There are no problems with playing video from media. The system has a completely omnivorous player installed, which, thanks to the good hardware of the TV and the set of available codecs, is ready to show even 4K video. However, I am a VLC fan, so I immediately downloaded this player. I note that all content from applications for Smart TV is provided in Full HD quality, which seems natural given the screen resolution.
Now a few words about the hardware: Sony Bravia W80C is based on the MediaTek platform. The dual-core platform mt5890 (Cortex-A17) is used, supplemented by 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of permanent memory available to users, which, of course, is not enough. The Mali-T624 chipset is responsible for graphics processing. Although the chosen platform is not the most productive, it copes with all tasks with a bang. The TV turns on quickly, moving around the interface and launching applications is carried out without delay. Sony Bravia W80C coped with 4K video in MKV files. 3D games from Google Play also didn’t cause him any problems, but, as already mentioned, he couldn’t do it without a gamepad.
Two speakers of 10 W each are responsible for working with sound. There is a very typical set of presets. The sound quality of the speakers is typical for integrated acoustics. This will be more than enough for TV programs in an ordinary room of up to 20 m2, but if you want something more, you will have to purchase additional specialized equipment.
As for image quality, the TV is equipped with the entire package of Sony achievements. The screen is made using TRILUMINOS technology, supports X-Reality PRO and Motionflow XR 800 MHz technologies, which are responsible, in particular, for demonstrating dynamic scenes and triggering proprietary anti-aliasing mechanisms. But like all such additions, they are not without their negatives. In particular, Motionflow very noticeably reduces the screen brightness, which not everyone will like.
The choice of a model with a Full HD screen was also pleasing because there is no so-called upscaling, which “stretches” HD and Full HD images to 4K resolution.
For me, the key question was the effectiveness of using Android as an operating system. Testing has shown that this OS is effective both directly “inside” a particular TV, and significantly expands its capabilities by including it in the unified Google ecosystem, which is quite important for me personally. There were also no objections to the quality of the picture and sound. However, anything else would be strange. But as for whether to choose the 4K version or not, everyone decides for themselves. I'll probably hold off for now.
TV Sony Bravia W80C (50W805C)
Price: 74,990 rub.
Advantages:
- excellent image;
- omnivorous video player;
- access to the entire Google ecosystem.
Flaws:
- No One Flick remote control included;
- insufficient built-in memory;
- quite high price.
Conclusions: A very impressive demonstration of the capabilities of Android, coupled with Sony's proprietary developments in the production of televisions.
Sony 4K TVs on the Android TV platform
BRAVIA X83 series is 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 technologies for improving 4K images and upscaling images with a lower resolution to Ultra HD, as well as support for the VP9 codec, HDMI 2.0 interface with HDCP 2.2 digital content protection technology.
4K TVs of the BRAVIA X85 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-inch models), the full range of capabilities provided by the Sony X1 plus VP9 processor, HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 and the full range of Android TV capabilities.
BRAVIA X93 series , presented with a diagonal of 55 inches (KD-55X9305C, about 220 thousand rubles) and 65 inches (KD-65X9305C, about 360 thousand rubles) - these are the same super-super thin Ultra HD models with a unique wall mount included in the kit, allowing the screen to practically merge with the wall. Magnetodynamic speakers, Hi Rez Audio, active 3D, MotionFlow 1200 Hz, Android TV and the list goes on.
Finally, the flagship among 4K TVs with Android TV is the 75-inch model KD-75X9405C from the BRAVIA X94 (approximately 700 thousand rubles) - the same design that expands at the bottom with powerful 6-way acoustics for true music lovers.
Review of Sony Bravia with Android TV 5.1
22 Feb0 Technologies
Denis Mukhin
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This is a Sony Bravia TV with Android TV. Phones have long been smart and it's time for everything else. And now the TV is a smart gadget with a large screen.
The “Smart” prefix appeared on TV a long time ago, at the moment when they had the opportunity to go online. That's all. Only the presence of the Internet allowed us to say this.
But TVs only became truly smart now when Google introduced Android TV.
One of the first to decide to implement the system was Sony, and now Sony has the most extensive line of TVs with Android TV: in different sizes and at different prices.
This is the Bravia X85C series, a 55-inch 4K TV. It costs an average of 130 thousand rubles in Russia. In this Bravia series there are also models with 65 and 75 inch displays. Prices: 230 and 350 thousand, respectively. But there are also other lines, with a total of more than 20 models.
The TV runs on Android 5.1. The system is very reminiscent of regular Lollipop, and it is still the same Material Design, but adapted for large TV screens and for control using a remote control and voice. You can find out which version is in the standard way from the system settings.
What can you tell us about TV? There is a self-developed X1 processor, it is built on the basis of a dual-core 32-bit MediaTek MT5890, in addition - 1.5 gigabytes of RAM and Mali T624 graphics.
The characteristics are like those of a mid-budget phone, so it gives about 20 thousand points in AnTuTu. Very little…
Let's just say this is clearly not a gaming story, although there are plenty of games in the Play Market adapted for Android TV. One example to follow is Sky Force, which is a great game in itself with excellent TV usability.
In general, the games are not the hardest, mostly casual and racing. Many games require a gamepad or DualShock from PlayStation 4. By the way, you can connect it, this is done from the settings.
The Bravia display has a resolution of 3840 by 2160 pixels, although the system image itself is rendered in 1080p and upscaled to 4K. But if the content is in 4K... for example, a movie. That resolution will be the original one. Plus, the processor converts the FullHD picture into 4K, the picture turns out really beautiful, because... All the adjacent technologies like Triluminus and X-Reality Pro are working on this.
The Bravia has very small bezels and is quite thin itself. By the way, there are two versions - with a black frame and with a white one.
The TV comes with two remote controls: one of a regular type, the second with a touch panel. Naturally, we are interested in the second one.
The remote control works via Bluetooth, so you don’t have to point it at the TV, even if you hide behind the sofa.
On its upper part there is a touchpad and several control buttons. “But the most important thing is this button... This is the content most suitable for TV”
In fact, it’s more common to use a regular remote control, because... The touchpad is not the most convenient thing, but the “Ok Google” button and the built-in microphone decide in its favor.
There is always a voice control icon on the TV screen as a reminder of how to use it. It is worth considering that the list of commands is quite wide, but it is worth remembering that not all applications are supported by commands.
Play Market applications can be searched from anywhere, but if we want to find a movie in MeGoGo, we must first go to the application and then click on the button.
What is the Android TV main menu?
This is the main screen. Recommended content is shown at the top: movies, music, a selection of installed applications. All this is configurable, or you can turn it off altogether.
Below are recommended apps. Some of them need to be downloaded, and some can be opened immediately. For example, the first channel application. In general, there is a feeling that this is just a web interface, that’s why everything is so simple.
Further inputs: analogue broadcasting, HDMI, AVI outputs and so on. The TV has a huge number of connectors: two USB 3.0, 2 HDMI, one of them with MHL, there is Jack 3.5. You can put an MKV movie on a flash drive, and in general movies of any format and weight; in extreme cases, there is VLC.
On the other hand, Bravia has connectors of the old format and, which is important for many, Optical Audio.
We return to the menu: even lower are all installed applications. Here is Google Play, inside a completely standard application store, however, not all Android applications are supported, but only those that are adapted for TV. Here, for example, is MeGoGo: menu on the left, Material Design, everything.
In general, there are a huge number of applications for Android TV. But if something is not found, then you can install an APK file, almost any one. The Opera browser is preinstalled here, but Chrom is not even in the Play Market, so you can install the APK.
And finally, there is a separate tab for the games that we have already talked about. Well, below are settings, network, timers and help.
Another great thing is the built-in Google Cast, i.e. The TV already has all the features of Chromecast.
At the same time, when the TV is sleeping, this function still works, so you can use it whenever you want.
Well, the last thing is sound. The Long Duct system is installed here. Loud and voluminous. By the way, it is worth considering that curved TVs from Sony do not have this. Because they are curved.
Everything is so good and wonderful, but are there any disadvantages? Undoubtedly. Firstly, Android TV was slow at first, but with the release of version 5.1, almost all the freezes disappeared. The next drawback is that controlling a trackpad does not involve a mouse on the screen, and you cannot connect a third-party trackpad, although a keyboard is possible.
And, of course, the inability to play difficult games. But Sony has the PlayStation 4 for games. Perhaps this is the rub.
So, what happens: Sony with Android TV is like a big smartphone. Google's operating system makes operation really convenient, but it is not perfect, and such TVs are quite expensive.
Is it possible to live without Android TV? It's entirely possible, and Bravia is still a good console for consuming content. In simple words, Sony’s picture is still one of the best and watching movies on this TV is pleasant and convenient, but now in addition to this there are all the services and features of Google. At the very least, it is at least more convenient and beautiful than everything that came before Android TV.
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