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Sony has taken to CES 2021 to announce its new 2021 line of smart TVs. These new Sony TVs are fully embracing Google TV, making it the first TV set we’ve seen with Google TV on it. And it also has HDMI 2.1 across the entire lineup. Embracing the new PlayStation 5 (as well as the Xbox Series X|S).
Sony announced new Bravia XR 4K and 8K TVs today at CES 2021. Which all support 4K at 120Hz, as well as VRR (variable refresh rate) and ALLM (auto low latency mode). There is also support for eARC. This is all available out of the box, meaning you won’t be waiting for any firmware updates to use these features.
The big buzzword for Sony this year is “cognitive intelligence” when it comes to TVs. These TVs are powered by a new Cognitive Processor XR chip. Which Sony says its new system goes beyond traditional signal processing. Something that Sony TVs have really excelled at over the years. Sony says in its press release, “While conventional artificial intelligence (AI) can only detect and analyze picture elements like color, contrast and detail individually, the new processor can cross-analyze an array of elements at once, just as our brains do.” “By doing so, each element is adjusted to its best final outcome, in conjunction with each other, so everything is synchronized and lifelike — something that conventional AI cannot achieve.”
The new Master Series TVs which include an 8K LCD and 4K OLED, are using a new sensor for detecting color temperature of the ambient light in your room. This allows these TVs to adjust the TVs white balance to match. And you can turn this off if you wish.
Sony was one of the first to fully adopt Android TV, now it does the same with Google TV
The same Google TV interface that we saw on the Chromecast last year, is going to be available on these new Sony Bravia XR TVs this year. Which makes it the first TV set and also first device to use Google TV, outside of the Chromecast. Considering Sony was first to adopt Android TV across all of its TVs, this shouldn’t be a surprise.
This means that customers that buy these new Sony TV models will be able to fire up Google TV and use a much more intuitive system for finding something to watch. As Google TV shows you what is available, based on what subscription services you have. And that can be super useful.
No word yet on whether Sony plans to bring Google TV to its older Android TV models via a software update.