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You are here: Home / 2015 / Archives for September 2015

Archives for September 2015

HDR Support for Sony 4K Ultra HD TV Unveiled w/Amazon Video

09/15/2015 By Hakan Can

Sony 65 Inch X850C 4K Ultra HD TV with Android OS

More Sony 4K Ultra HD TVs with HDR Streaming Now Available

When the biggest names in consumer electronics said that 2015 would be the year for High Dynamic Range (HDR) content in 4K Ultra HD, they weren’t kidding around. It did take until mid-2015 for the firmware upgrades to begin, followed by more announcements this month, but the day is finally upon us. Three of the biggest players, LG, Samsung, and Sony, now have HDR-compatible 4K Ultra HD TVs available in the USA. Even better, HDR content has begun to make itself available via Amazon Video, and pricing on TVs has begun to fall. The brands have done their part. Now the question is should you invest in a Sony 4K Ultra HD TV w/HDR capability? Only you can answer this.

Updated December 2017: This post has been updated to include a firmware upgrade announcement that “Google Home users can now use voice control to stream music and video to several models of new and existing Chromecast built-in Android TV Sony 4K HDR televisions.”

Sony 4K Ultra HD TV Model X910CAccording to Mike Fasulo, President and COO of Sony Electronics, “you can get the awesome sound and video quality of Sony products working together with Google Home. This functionality is available for the Chromecast built-in Android TV Sony 4K HDR televisions consumers already have at home, or plan to purchase for the holidays.”

Although IFA 2015 expo ended two weeks ago, the show which billed as the CES of Europe, did not disappoint. Sony Electronics had much to unveil in Berlin, Germany. Days later, it was announced here that HDR streaming is coming to three more models. Sony models X910C/X900C/X850C have a firmware update to make them HDR capable. The X940C/X930C models already have HDR capability. Additional information on firmware updates is below.

Google Home users can now use voice control to stream music and video to several models of new and existing #Chromecast built-in #AndroidTV Sony 4K HDR televisions. Click To Tweet

Via streaming through the Amazon Video App, numerous Amazon original titles, The Man in High Castle, Mozart in the Jungle, and Transparent, along with the pilot episode of the comedy Red Oaks are available in High Dynamic Range 4K Ultra HD. It won’t be long before Amazon Video adds more original titles to their HDR content list. Netflix can’t be far behind with their HDR content. And Ultra HD Blu-ray players have just begun to hit the market.

Sony 4K Ultra HD TV Model X910C with PlayStation Now

According to Mike Fasulo, President and COO of Sony Electronics, “Sony is pleased to be expanding HDR compatibility for our 4K Ultra HD televisions. Sony has always been a leader in HDR, from our HDR-enabled professional cameras, to Sony Pictures produced and edited HDR content, to our expanded line of HDR compatible TVs, only Sony can bring you the full HDR viewing experience from the lens to the living room.” As someone who attended the “King of TV” event at CE Week, and saw Sony’s X940C in action, Mike couldn’t be more correct.

Additionally, Man Jit Singh, President of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) said “We are proud to be on the forefront of next-generation technology bringing the first feature films available to stream in 4K with HDR to Sony televisions.” For a limited time this fall, customers who purchase a compatible Sony 4K Ultra HD TV will receive up to $100 of HDR content via the Amazon Video app. See the SPHE films listed below:

  • The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Men in Black 3, After Earth, Fury, Elysium
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Pricing and Availability for 2016 “D” Models

Z9D Models:

  • 65″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR65Z9D – $3,499.99 (Originally $5,999)
  • 75″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR75Z9D – $6,999.99 (Originally $9,999)
  • 100″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR100Z9D – $59,999.99

For a list of Sony authorized online retailers for these Z9D models, click here.

X940D/X930D Models:

  • 55″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR55X930D – $1,699.99 (Originally $3,299)
  • 65″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR65X930D – $2,799.99 (Originally $4,999)
  • 75″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR75X940D – $4,999.99 (Originally $7,999)

For a list of Sony authorized online retailers for these X940D/X930D models, click here.

X850D Models:

  • 55″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR55X850D – $1,199.99 (Originally $2,499)
  • 65″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR65X850D – $1,799.99 (Originally $3,499)
  • 75″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR75X850D – $3,299.99 (Originally $4,999)
  • 85″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR85X850D – $4,999.99 (Originally $9,999)

For a list of Sony authorized online retailers for these X850D models, click here.

X800D/X750D/X700D Models:

  • 49″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR49X700D – $649.99 (Originally $999)
  • 55″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR55X700D – $799.99 (Originally $1,499)
  • 65″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR65X750D – $999.99 (Originally $2,299)
  • 43″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR43X800D – $649.99 (Originally $1,299)
  • 49″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR49X800D – $799.99 (Originally $1,499)

For a list of Sony authorized online retailers for these X800D models, click here. For a list of Sony authorized online retailers for these X750D/X700D models, click here.

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Pricing and Availability for 2015 “C” Models

X950B Models:

  • 65″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR65X950B – $2,999.99 (Originally $5,499)
  • 85″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR85X950B – $14,999.99 (Originally $19,999)

For a list of Sony authorized online retailers for these 65″ and 85″ models, click here.

X940C/X930C Models:

  • 65″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR65X930C – $2,499.99 (Originally $3,799)
  • 75″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR75X940C – $4,999.99 (Originally $6,999)

For a list of Sony authorized online retailers for these 65″ and 75″ models, click here.

X910C/X900C Models:

  • 55″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR55X900C – $999.99 (Originally $2,499.99)
  • 65″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR65X900C – $1,599.99 (Originally $3,299.99)
  • 75″ Class Flat LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR75X910C – $4,999.99 (Originally $5,499.99)

For a list of Sony authorized online retailers for these 55″, 65″ & 75″ models, click here.

X850C Models:

  • 55″ Class LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR55X850C – $1,099.99 (Originally $1,499.99)
  • 65″ Class LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR65X850C – $1,999.99 (Originally $2,499.99)
  • 75″ Class LED 4K Ultra HD TV w/3D, 2160P, 120 Hz, XBR75X850C – $3,499.99 (Originally $3,999.99)

For a list of Sony authorized online retailers for these 55″, 65″ & 75″ models, click here.

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Specifications

Interested parties often ask me ‘are these prices expensive?’ The short answer is No. To make this answer even better, pricing continues to fall as the product category matures and technology improves. Because High Dynamic Range is in its infancy, feature improvements like colors with deeper blacks and crisper whites will be among us in months, not years.

Looking at the X940C/X930C for example, Sony provides the following features with full product specifications here:

  • The 4K Processor X1™ featuring:
    • X-tended Dynamic Range Contrast
    • 4K X-Reality Pro™ Clarity
    • Triluminos® Color Display
  • Android TV OS with Opera Web Browser
  • High-Resolution Audio Sound
  • 3D Readiness
  • HDCP 2.2 Compatibility
  • Sony Playstation® 3 & 4 Capability

Sony’s 2016 4K Ultra HD TV Models Z9D/X940D/X930D/X850D meet Consumer Technology Association’s (CTA) HDR guidelines.

Sony’s 2015 4K Ultra HD TV Models X940C/X930C/X910C/X900C/X850C meet Consumer Technology Association’s (CTA) HDR guidelines.

Additional Information

Now, there is still plenty of confusion out there on the definitions of 4K and Ultra HD. Here are some basic answers to put you at ease. The high majority of 4K Ultra HD TVs available now and in the current future are actually Ultra HD. This means they have a resolution of 3840 x 2160. These TVs display an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 (16:9). Ultra HD is a consumer display and broadcasting standard.

On the other hand, 4K has a greater resolution of 4096 x 2160. This produces an aspect ratio of 1.9:1. See, 4K is a professional production and cinema standard. When you see a film on the big screen labeled as 4K, this is the resolution you see.

Still confused? Then check out these Wikipedia links on Ultra HD and 4K. The definitions get a bit technical, but they should help to diffuse the confusion. Just be glad I didn’t mention anything about the difference in 4:2:0 (current) and 4:4:4 color depths.

In August 2016, Sony provided firmware updates to the following models: X750D/X700D. No information is provided on the nature of the system software upgrade. In July 2016, Sony provided firmware updates to the following models: X940C/X930C, X910C/X900C, and X850C. The following improvements were made to the listed models:

  • Adds support for 4K Live / NeuLion® Sports digital video technology
  • Improves general performance of the TV

In May 2016, Sony provided a firmware update to the following model: X950B.

In Summary

Want to learn more about the 2015-2016 lineup of Sony 4K Ultra HD TV? It’s all explained here. The same goes for Amazon HDR content. After seeing numerous Sony 4K Ultra HD TVs firsthand at CES 2014 – 2016, I look forward to seeing what they have on display at CES 2017. Maybe we’ll finally get to see some with Quantum Dot technology.

To learn more, feel free to follow Sony on Twitter, Facebook as well as this very blog on Twitter and Facebook.

All photos and video are courtesy and property of PR PhotoNews/Sony Electronics.


Read:   LG Introduces 4K Ultra HD OLED TVs With HDR Streaming In Partnership With Amazon Video

Filed Under: HDTV, 4K & Beyond Tagged With: 4K, Amazon Video, Android TV, CES 2016, HDR, IFA 2015, Sony, Ultra HD 12/26/2017

LG Introduces 4K Ultra HD OLED TVs With HDR Streaming In Partnership With Amazon Video

09/04/2015 By Hakan Can

LG Electronics today announced the launch of High Dynamic Range (HDR) streaming on 2015 LG OLED 4K TVs, including the just-announced EF9500 Flat 4K Ultra HD OLED TV series (pictured).

4K Ultra HD TV HDR Streaming with LG OLED and Amazon Video is Announced at IFA 2015

Updated Oct 8: Today is was announced that LG has aggressively lowered the pricing on its EG9100 1080P and EF9500/EF9600 4K Ultra HD models of OLED Smart TVs. Pricing changes are as follows:

EG9600 Models:

  • 55″ Class Smart Curved 4K Ultra HD OLED 3D TV with webOS 2.0 – $3999 Available Now
  • 65″ Class Smart Curved 4K Ultra HD OLED 3D TV with webOS 2.0 – $5999 Available Now

EF9500 Models:

  • 55″ Class Smart Flat 4K Ultra HD OLED 3D TV with webOS 2.0 – $3999 Available Now
  • 65″ Class Smart Flat 4K Ultra HD OLED 3D TV with webOS 2.0 – $5999 Available Now

Through the end of 2015, these prices shown above (and updated to the original post) will have an additional instant rebate of $1000. These new prices of $2999 and $4999, respectively mark a 30-45% reduction from where they were just yesterday.

EG9100 Model:

  • 55″ Class Smart Curved 1080P OLED 3D TV with webOS 2.0 – $2499 Available Now

Through the end of 2015, this price shown above will have an additional instant rebate of $500, bringing the 55EG9100 to $1999. This price has already been updated at Amazon, even though this rebate is set to begin October 18. The internet giant strikes again.

LG Electronics 2015 Lineup of OLED TVs

Updated Sept 15: Pricing has dropped $500 on both 55″ models since the announcement from LG (at IFA 2015) less than 2 weeks ago.

If this news on LG’s 4K Ultra HD OLED TVs wasn’t awesome enough, LG announced yesterday that they are “working on developing a 55-inch rollable TV, which will be introduced at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2016.” Yes, you heard correctly–a flexible, rollable OLED TV. More information can be found here as reported by Kim Yoo-chul of the Korea Times.

Originally Posted Sept 4: Just two months after being crowned “King of TV” at this June’s CE WEEK with their EG9600 Curved 4K Ultra HD OLED TV, LG creates a wave in Berlin, Germany with the introduction of the world’s first flat 4K Ultra HD OLED TV, the EF9500. Additionally, LG announced that all their 2015 4K Ultra HD OLED TVs will now have High Dynamic Range (HDR) content streaming via the Amazon Video App. For the moment, two Amazon original titles, Mozart in the Jungle and Transparent, along with the pilot episode of the comedy Red Oaks will be streamed in HDR. It won’t be long before Amazon Video adds more original titles to their HDR content list.LG Electronics today announced the launch of High Dynamic Range (HDR) streaming on 2015 LG OLED 4K TVs, including the just-announced EF9600 Curved OLED 4K TV series (pictured).

The EF9500 has HDR capability built-in while the EG9600 has a firmware update to make it to HDR capable.

According to Tim Alessi, Head of New Product Development at LG USA, ““LG is committed to delivering the best viewing experience, and it doesn’t get any better than HDR content on an OLED 4K display. Amazon has played an invaluable role in helping LG bring consumers the best way to enjoy streaming content and an incredible HDR experience.” As someone who attended the “King of TV” event at CE Week, I second Tim’s statement.

LG’s 2015 4K Ultra HD OLED TVs meet the Consumer Electronic Association’s (CEA) HDR guidelines.

Pricing and Availability:

EG9600 Models:

  • 55″ Class Smart Curved 4K Ultra HD OLED 3D TV with webOS 2.0 – $3999 Available Now
  • 65″ Class Smart Curved 4K Ultra HD OLED 3D TV with webOS 2.0 – $5999 Available Now
  • 77″ Class Smart Curved 4K Ultra HD OLED 3D TV with webOS 2.0 – Available Soon

For a list of authorized online retailers, click here and here for the 55″ and 65″ models, respectively.

EF9500 Models:

  • 55″ Class Smart Flat 4K Ultra HD OLED 3D TV with webOS 2.0 – $3999 Available Now
  • 65″ Class Smart Flat 4K Ultra HD OLED 3D TV with webOS 2.0 – $5999 Available Now

For a list of authorized online retailers, click here and here for the 55″ and 65″ models, respectively.

[envira-gallery id="3250"]

Are the prices currently expensive? The short answer is Yes, just like any product in a new category. The good news is pricing will fall as the product category matures. Because OLED and HDR are in their infancy, better features like even deeper, darker, crisper colors will be among us in no time. Some of the features of the EF9500 and EF9600 models are webOS 2.0, quad-core processing, 3D readiness, the magic remote, and 20W of Harmon Kardon sound.

At IFA 2015, LG also announced the addition of iHeartRadio and Rdio apps to the webOS 2.o system.

Now, there is still plenty of confusion out there on the definitions of 4K and Ultra HD. The high majority of TVs available now and in the current future are actually Ultra HD. This means they have a resolution of 3840 x 2160. These TVs display an aspect ratio of 1.78:1  (16:9). Ultra HD is a consumer display and broadcasting standard.

On the other hand, 4K has a slightly greater resolution of 4096 x 2160. This produces an aspect ratio of 1.9:1. See, 4K is a professional production and cinema standard. When you see a film on the big screen broadcast in 4K, this is what you see.

Still confused? Then check out these Wikipedia links on Ultra HD and 4K. The definitions get a bit technical, but they should help to diffuse the confusion. Just be glad I didn’t mention anything about the difference in 4:2:0 and 4:4:4 color depths.

Want to learn more about the 2015 lineup of LG 4K Ultra HD OLED TV’s? It’s all explained here. The same goes for Amazon HDR content. After seeing OLED firsthand at CES 2014 and 2015, I look forward to seeing what LG Electronics has on display at CES 2016.

To learn the latest on LG’s OLED and 4K Ultra HD OLED TVs, follow the Twitter handle @LGUS and the hashtag #OLEDisHere.

All photos are courtesy and property of PR PhotoNews/LG Electronics.

Filed Under: HDTV, 4K & Beyond Tagged With: 4K, Amazon, CEDIA, CES 2016, HDR, IFA 2015, LG, OLED, UHD, Ultra HD 07/25/2017

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