Reviews are saying this is a tremendously fantastic TV, taking LG’s OLED panel and adding a stack of Sony smarts that make this TV state-of-the-art.
Going into stores this week — rather than making consumers wait weeks or months — is Sony’s latest Bravia OLED A1 Series 4K HDR TVs.
Garnering solid reviews from the first that have arrived, with plenty more yet to come, there are things the reviewers didn’t like – but there’s plenty they did, too, including stunning colour and amazing HD to 4K upscaling. Check TechRadar and AFR for a start.
Sony has taken what is the world’s best OLED panel and has added its own 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme, whole also offering “the world’s very first in-screen sound system in a large screen TV over 55-inches” which meant invisible speakers yet with a powerful sound, as was seen at the Bravia A1’s launch last night in Sydney, Australia.
{loadposition alex08}Sony says its X1 Extreme chip “has been widely acclaimed for its ability to produce lifelike picture with superb texture, depth, colour, and contrast, bringing a significant leap forward in the space of HDR”, and it was true – the images displayed were razor sharp and utterly colourful.
The launch video is embedded at the end of this article, which continues directly below!
With the OLED panel are “eight million self-illuminating pixels” which Sony says “provide the A1 series with a significantly enriched visual experience offering unprecedented blacks, authentic colour, fast paced motion and a wide viewing angle”, with Sony stating its X1 Extreme precisely controls “the tremendous number of pixels and extends the capability of OLED to deliver an exquisite 4K HDR picture".
Naturally, Sony proudly boasts that its “BRAVIA OLED’s innovations do not end with incredible picture performance".
As noted, the A1 series is the world’s first large screen TV above 55-inches “which can emit sound from the screen itself".
Sony did this by taking advantage of the OLED’s backlight-less structure, which meant Sony’s engineers were able to develop “a new Acoustic Surface technology which can emanate sound directly from the screen itself".
As you’d expect, Sony bills this as allowing for “a perfect unification of picture and sound unattainable by conventional TVs".
This means it “produces a wide sound and image synchronisation even off to the sides”, and “together with OLED’s exceptionally wide viewing angle, the A1 series offers unmatched visual and aural experience regardless of viewing position".
Of course, there’s more.
We’re told that “the Acoustic Surface technology lends to the cutting-edge design of the A1 series by doing away with conventional speakers usually located around the TV. The result is a unique stand-less form factor, with no distraction from the picture".
“The stunning design of A1 series was recently recognised at the The Red Dot Awards, one of the world’s largest and most renowned product design competitions. The A1 Series was awarded the 'Best of the Best' honours, which celebrates the finest in product design around the globe.
"The new A1 series will additionally support Dolby Vision, the HDR format from Dolby Laboratories, which when paired with Sony’s unique technologies further enriches the visual experience.’
So, here’s a summary of the new Sony TV model and key features if offers:
- A1 Series (65” and 55” Class model) 4K HDR OLED TV.
- Features OLED display. Eight million self-illuminating pixels brings a significantly enriched visual experience with unprecedented blacks, authentic colour, blur-less image and a free viewing angle.
- Features Acoustic Surface technology: the entire screen resonates with great sound emanating directly from the screen itself. This allows a perfect unification of picture and sound that conventional TVs cannot deliver.
- Features 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme, providing the ultimate 4K HDR viewing experience by incorporating three new technologies: Object-based HDR remaster, Super Bit Mapping 4K HDR and Dual database processing.
- Features vibrant, expanded colour with TRILUMINOS Display, further enhanced for colour accuracy.
- Uses 4K X-Reality PRO to produce stunning detail with Sony’s unique algorithm of reality creation database for any content, such as TV broadcasts, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Internet video and digital photos.
- The Acoustic Surface technology lends to the cutting-edge design of the A1 series by doing away with conventional speakers usually located around the TV. The result is a unique stand-less form factor with no distraction from the picture.
- Android TV lets you explore a world of movies, music, photos, games, search, apps and more. Voice Search to find content, ask questions and control your TV. With Chromecast built-in, you can easily send content from your smartphone or tablet to the TV. With access to Google Play, you can enjoy what you like to do on a smartphone or tablet, from their TV.
- Sony’s exclusive Content Bar user interface allows you to comfortably browse content quickly and intuitively without disrupting your TV viewing.
- HDR compatible to receive and process the new video standard signal with higher brightness, higher contrast and more vibrant colours via Internet video services, HDMI and USB port. Supports Dolby Vision HDR format.
The A1 series will be available in all major retailers in Australia and at Sony’s online store from 11 August.
Sony says the “suggested retail price for the A1 series is $7499.00 for the 65" and $4999.00 for the 55" model.”
Here is the Australian launch video: