One of the mysteries of CES 2023 was the fact that neither Samsung nor Sony displayed any new TVs on the show floor. Samsung displayed its TVs off-site at another venue, but Sony didn’t show any of its 2023 model TVs.
Speculation centered on whether supply chain issues were involved or perhaps Sony didn’t want to take attention away from its “big” electric car announcement.
However, whatever the reason, it looks like Sony is indeed still in the TV game with some high-profile entries for 2023.
Tip: Sony’s top-of-the-line A95L QD-OLED and A80L OLED TVs for 2023.
In this report, we’re focusing on Sony’s affordable lineup for 2023, which includes Mini LED and LCD 4K TVs; including the X95L, X93L and X90L sized from 55 to 98-inches (diagonal).
Tip: Learn the difference between Mini LED and LED/LCD TVs.
Shared Features
All of Sony’s LCD-based XR Bravia TVs include the following features unless otherwise indicated.
Cognitive Processor XR: The latest version of Sony’s Cognitive Process XR provides XR Clear Image, which improves noise reduction and clarity with motion, reducing blur and creating scenes bursting with action. The Cognitive Processor XR enables better backlight control for increased local dimming zones, increased brightness, and decreased blooming.
Triluminos Pro: For added color and contrast support, Sony XR Triluminos Pro provides a more accurate color display, and XR Contrast for a more accurate grayscale display.
XR 4K Upscaling: Not everything you watch is in 4K, when needed, XR 4K upscaling detects lower resolution content and provides precise upscaling algorithms to make the image look as good as possible on the TV’s 4K UHD display panel.
HDMI Inputs: 4-inputs total (2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 2.1)
Tip: HDMI 2.1 Features include 4K/120Hz, eARC, 4K/120Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Audio Low Latency Mode).
Viewing Modes: Support for Dolby Vision/HDR,Imax Enhanced, and Netflix Calibrated viewing modes.
Dolby Atmos: All XR Bravia TVs include Dolby Atmos decoding.
Works with PlayStation 5: All three TVs are designed to help gamers take PlayStationm5 gaming to the next level with exclusive features such as Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode.
Game Menu: This provides preference settings, such as turning VRR on or off, and quick access to Motion Blur Reduction. The Game Menu also allows users to increase the brightness in dark areas to easily spot objects and opponents with the Black Equalizer and can easily take aim at their opponents with six types of crosshairs. A Screen Size feature to concentrate gaming with a smaller, focused area.
Acoustic Multi-Audio: This provides a more immersive TV audio listening experience by optimally placing speakers in the TV cabinet to best direct sound to the listener that matches the action on the screen.
Acoustic Center Sync: Optimizes sound output from the TV and compatible Sony soundbar (when used together) for a better audio experience. In this setup the TV functions as the center channel.
360 Spatial Sound Mapping: This feature generates phantom speakers and sound field optimization.
Tip: The X95L features Acoustic Multi-Audio+TM, which uses frame tweeters to elevate the sound that more accurately matches the image on the screen.
Bravia Core: This is a streaming service offered only to owners of select Sony Bravia XR TVs. Content is selected from the extensive Sony Pictures film library and is accessible via credits given to each TV owner. The number of credits varies by Bravia XR TV model.
Bravia Cam (Optional): Bravia Cam recognizes where you’re sitting and optimizes the picture and sound accordingly. Gesture control is also supported, along with video chat, and other capabilities. The Bravia Cam can be turned off when not in use or disconnected from the TV to accommodate privacy concerns.
Google TV: This combines elements of Android TV with several thousand streaming services and built-in Chromecast, so you can cast content directly from compatible smartphones instead of using a plug-in chromecast media streamer.
Google Assistant: Use voice search to find content, manage apps, control TV settings, answer questions, and control other google-assistant compatible smart home devices.
Wireless Features: WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Apple Homekit compatibility are included.
X95L & X93L MiniLED TVs
The X95 and X93 series incorporate MiniLED backlighting with XR Backlight Master Drive technology.
TVs that use Mini-LED backlight are still LCD TVs, but the LED light bulbs are much smaller than traditional LED bulbs, providing more control of the light passing through the pixels.
Powered by Cognitive Processor XR™, the XR Backlight Master Drive uses a Sony-developed local dimming algorithm to control thousands of tiny, ultra-dense Mini LEDs with absolute precision and independence, delivering extraordinary brightness, impressive dynamic range, deep blacks, and natural colors.
Sony also includes X-Wide Angle technology. LCD-based TVs typically have narrow viewing angles. This results in viewers noticing color and contrast fading when sitting off-axis from the center seating position. Although X-Wide Angle doesn’t eliminate this problem entirely, it does widen the angle where color and contrast facing becomes visible.
Speaker Complement (X95L): Midrange x 2, Frame Tweeter x2, Subwoofer x 2
Speaker Complement (X93L): Midrange x 2, Tweeter x2, Subwoofer x 2
- XR-85X95L (85-inches): (Available to pre-order on 5/8/2023) $5,799.99 (US ) / $6,999.99 (Canada)
- XR-65X93L (65-inches): $2,399.99 (US) / $3,099.99 (Canada)
- XR-75X93L (75-inches): $3,299.99 (US) / $4,199.99 (Canada)
- XR-85X93L (85-inches): $4,999.99 (US) / $6,299.99 (Canada)
X90L LED/LCD TV
The X90L is a 4K UHD LED/LCD TV that employs more traditional Full-Array LED backlighting. Full-Array backlighting isn’t as precise as the Mini-LED/Backlight Master Drive system used on the 4K X95L or X93L series TVs, but most TV viewers will still see very good results as XR Triluminos Pro and XR Contrast Booster are also used.
Speaker Complement: Full Range Bass Reflex x 2 Tweeter x 2
- XR-55X90L (55-inches): (Available to pre-order in June) $1,299.99 (US) / $1,599.99 (Canada)
- XR-65X90L (65-inches): (Available to pre-order in June) $1,599.99 (US) / $1,999.99 (Canada)
- XR-75X90L (75-inches): (Available to pre-order in June) $2,199.99 (US) / $2,799.99 (Canada)
- XR-85X90L (85-inches): (Available to pre-order in June) $3,299.99 (US) / $3,999.99 (Canada)
- XR-98X90L (98-inches): (Available to pre-order in July) $9,999.99 (US) / $13,999.9 (Canada)
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