CES 2022

Sony released details of its Bravia XR TVs for 2022 one day prior to the official start of CES. The new lineup features the company’s first 4K and 8K LCD TVs to use Mini-LED backlight technology, along with a new 4K OLED model featuring QD (Quantum Dot) OLED tech. All of Sony’s new premium TVs are equipped with Cognitive Processor XR, the company’s next-gen video processor which works in the background to intelligently optimize color, contrast, and image depth.

Mini-LED TVs

Sony’s Mini-LED TV range is led by the Master Series Z9K 8K models, which will be available in 85- and 75-inch screen sizes. The X95K lineup comprises its 4K Mini-LED offerings, and will be sold with 85-, 75-, and 65-inch screen size options.

The new top-of-the-line 8K and 4K sets are powered by Sony’s XR Backlight Master Drive, a feature allows for high-precision local dimming via dynamic backlight control and an intelligent anti-blooming function. The result is “incredible brightness” with “unprecedented dynamic range,” according to the company.

OLED TVs

Available in 65- and 55-inch screen sizes, Sony’s Master Series A95K models will lead its OLED offerings for 2022. These sets feature an XR Triluminos Max, otherwise known as QD-OLED, panel. While traditional OLED panels emit white light and use color filters to deliver the red, green, and blue components of images, with QD-OLED a blue OLED light source combines with Quantum Dot emissive layers to reproduce the red and green components. According to Sony, the ability of Quantum Dots to “scatter” light results in images with optimal color vibrancy and brightness even when viewed at extreme off-angle positions. Sony also says that its XR OLED Contrast Pro feature in A95K models “prevents image retention, increases peak and overall image brightness, and improves color contrast.”

Sony’s other OLEDs for 2022 are the Master Series A90K models which will be available in 48- and 42-inch screen sizes aimed at gamers, and the A80K series (77-, 65- and 55-inch screen sizes). These sets also feature XR OLED Contrast Pro, along with a minimalist one slate design and flexible stand (two-way for A90K models, three-way for A80K models).

Full Array LED TVs

The X90K series will be Sony’s top full-array LED offering for 2022 and will ship in 85-, 75-, 65-, 55-inch screen sizes. These models also feature a minimalist one slate design and a flexible two-way stand.

New features found throughout Sony’s new TV lineup include a Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode that provides greater flexibility by adapting to ambient lighting conditions, and a Bravia Core Calibrated Mode that will “automatically adjust the image quality on screen to better align with the filmmaker’s original vision” when watching movies streamed directly by the set from Sony’s Bravia Core service.

All 2022 Bravia XR TVs alo feature HDMI 2.1 inputs with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and are “Perfect for PlayStation 5.” This basically means they offer a pair of features exclusive to the PS5 platform: Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode.

Sony’s top-end Z9K, A95K, A90K models will also feature a redesigned remote control with a minimalist keypad layout and a finder function that emits sound when you ask “Hey Google” to locate it. The Z9K and A95K sets ship with a bundled Bravia Cam that sits on top of the screen and can be used to optimize A/V performance, and also provides gesture control and video chat features. Bravia Cam is available as an add-on option for other Sony TVs.

Ship dates and pricing for Sony’s 2022 TV lineup will be announced in Spring.

Master Series Z9K 8K Mini-LED (85- and 75-inch screen sizes)

Master Series X95K 4K Mini-LED (85-, 75-, and 65-inch screen sizes)

Master Series A95K OLED (65- and 55-inch screen sizes)

Master Series A90K OLED (48- and 42-inch screen sizes)

Master Series A80K OLED (77-, 65- and 55-inch screen sizes)

X90K 4K Full Array LED (85-, 75-, 65-, 55-inch screen sizes)