Audio Video News

Sony Unveils New Master Series Ultra HDTVs

Al Griffin  |  Aug 1, 2018

Sony introduced its new Master series Ultra HDTVs at a press event yesterday in New York City. The series consists of the A9F OLED and Z9F LCD models, both of which will arrive later this Fall.

According to Sony, the new sets were designed with “input from the creative community,” and bring a quality level that “approaches a professional monitor in post-production.” Both the A9F OLED and Z9F LCD models use Sony’s new X1 Ultimate picture processor with object-based HDR Remaster and Super Resolution. They also feature a Netflix Calibrated mode developed jointly with the company that’s said to deliver optimal picture quality when viewing Netflix’s original programs. Another new feature the A9F and Z9F series models share is a CalMAN auto-calibration mode that allows video calibration professionals to quickly and easily execute advanced adjustments via IP using a built-in Android TV app.

A9F Series OLED UHDTVs

Available in 65- and 55-inch screen sizes, Sony’s A9F OLED models feature a Pixel Contrast Booster panel controller and Acoustic Surface Audio+. According to Sony, Pixel Contrast Booster “maximizes dynamic range by widening the area of color reproduction at high brightness.” Acoustic Surface Audio+ improves on the built-in capability of Sony’s previous A1E series OLEDs through the use of an additional audio actuator at the screen’s center plus a second subwoofer channel for 3.2-channel sound. There is also a center-speaker option that lets you use the TV’s built-in audio system as a dedicated center-channel speaker in a full surround-sound setup.

Z9F Series LCD UHDTVs

Similar to the company’s previous top-of-line Z9D series LCD UHDTVs, the new Z9F models, which will be available in 75- and 65-inch screen sizes, feature a full-array LED backlight and Triluminos extended-color display. The Z9F’s X-Wide Angle feature incorporates a new optical design that dramatically improves color fidelity at off-axis viewing angles – a traditional Achilles’ heel of LCD display tech. Another feature, X-Motion Clarity, effectively reduces motion blur without brightness reduction by blinking the set’s local dimming backlight on a zone-by-zone basis. Typically, this is done by blinking the entire backlight, which has a significant effect on overall picture brightness.

Pricing for both the A9F and Z9F TVs hasn’t yet been announced. Keep an eye out for Tom Norton’s deep dive on the proprietary technology featured in Sony’s Master series models in next week’s A/V Veteran column.

COMMENTS
drny's picture
Submitted by drny on August 1, 2018 - 3:15pm

OLED displays are great in a dark room environment, but unimpressive in a well lit room.
Enter Sony's Z9F, the great all around performance hope for those of us who enjoy a bright image, with great contrast and spectacular color saturation.
Now price is going to be the problem. I suspect that sales will lag far behind LGs and Samsungs, just as they did with the outgoing Z9D.
OLED's are now competitively price with the higher end LCDs.
If Sony prices the Z9F at 20% over LG' OLED's, then most of us won't bite.

Deus02's picture
Submitted by Deus02 on August 2, 2018 - 9:16am

Frankly, with my two year old OLED, extreme brightness capability has never been an issue for me anyway, especially after a proper calibration, PLUS give me those glorious blacks, wonderful colors and superior off-axis viewing, especially for the money, I will take OLEDs any day.

There is also the issue of improving technology in that even in the last two model years, with upgraded processing chips, the brightness of OLED monitors continues to improve. All of the recently introduced monitors, including these new Sony's are still only 10 bit not 12 and do not have HDMI 2.1 capability so there are still going to be some limitations on HDR, especially Dolby Vision performance, hence, until those upgrades are made, I think I will wait.

drny's picture
Submitted by drny on August 3, 2018 - 3:42pm

My original comments regarding the short comings of OLED tvs concerning brightness are of course only one person's opinion.
My main TV is located in our family room, which has eleven oversized windows, and a glass door that leads to the patio.
Perhaps this personal information can "shed light" into my original comments. My high end Samsung falls short in comparison to your OLED in a darkened environment, but your OLED is easily overwhelmed in my enlightened room.
Thus our two varying opinions.
I am seeking a TV that comes close to the Black level and contrast of your OLED, while simultaneously exceeding the color volume and bright levels of my Samsung and your OLED.
Thus the Z9F may fit my desired niche.
We both agree in waiting for improvements.
Meanwhile, enjoy your OLED.

pw's picture
Submitted by pw on August 3, 2018 - 2:22pm

A lot of scratch for a TV that Sony may disavow next year..

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