Sony announced their flagship television for 2017 called the XBR-A1E BRAVIA 4K HDR OLED TV (also known as the new A-series OLED). It will come in 55-inch, 65-inch and 77-inch screen sizes (models XBR-55A1E, XBR-65A1E and XBR-77A1E respectively). The XBR-A1E marks Sony’s first TV to use OLED technology for the living room. It appears Sony clearly doesn’t want to seed the high-end TV market to LG. Sony’s OLED TV boasts a unique, cutting-edge stand-less form factor with the world’s first Acoustic Surface sound system. Meanwhile, Sony claims unprecedented black levels, rich and lifelike color, dynamic contrast, blur-less image and a wide viewing angle. The 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme makes it work like magic by keeping track of 8 million self-illuminating pixels.
The Sony BRAVIA XBR A1E series uses the first of its kind audio technology to emit sound from the screen itself. Taking advantage of the OLED’s backlight-less structure, Sony developed a new Acoustic Surface sound technology. Thanks to the ingenious design, the entire screen resonates with rich sound emanating directly from the screen itself. This allows a perfect unification of picture and sound unattainable by conventional TVs. It produces a wide sound and image synchronization from all angles, even off to the sides. Together with OLED’s exceptionally wide viewing angle, the A1E series offers unmatched visual and aural experience regardless of viewing position. The Acoustic Surface technology lends to cutting-edge design of the A1E 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.
It’s powered by Android TV, which brings movies, TV shows and thousands of apps into the home in an instant. And with Google Home compatibility, customers can voice-control the TV and ask it to perform commands via the Google Home device, for a smarter connected home. Android TV also provides access to PlayStation Vue, a live TV streaming service of premium content, including sports, news and more, with no annual contract, as well as Ultra, a 4K HDR streaming service. Dolby Vision the HDR format from Dolby Laboratories is also supported.
Features
- OLED display technology: 8 million self-illuminating pixels brings a significantly enriched visual experience with unprecedented black levels, authentic color, blur-less image and a wide viewing angle.
- 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.
- 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme provides the ultimate 4K HDR viewing experience by incorporating three picture-enhancing technologies: object-based HDR remaster, Super Bit Mapping 4K HDR and dual database processing.
- Vibrant, expanded color with TRILUMINOS Display, further enhanced for color 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 broadcasting, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Internet video and digital photos.
- The Acoustic Surface technology lends to cutting-edge design of the A1E 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, including PlayStation Vue and Ultra services. Voice Search to find content, ask questions and control your TV. With Chrome Cast built-in, you can easily send content from your smartphone or tablet to the TV. With access to Google Play, you can enjoy what they like to do on a smartphone or tablet, from their TV. With Google Home compatibility, voice-control the TV via the Google Home device for a smarter connected home.
- HDR compatible to receive and process the new video standard signal with higher brightness, higher contrast and more vibrant colors via Internet video services, HDMI and USB port. Supports Dolby Vision HDR format.
Price and Availability
- Sony XBR55A1E (55-inch) BRAVIA OLED 4K HDR Smart TV – $3,999.99
- Sony XBR65A1E (65-inch) BRAVIA OLED 4K HDR Smart TV – $5,499.99
- Sony XBR77A1E (77-inch) BRAVIA OLED 4K HDR Smart TV – $7,999.99
These original Sony OLED TVs (2017 models) have been discontinued. For current Sony OLED TVs, check Amazon or Crutchfield for availability.
(Why is the logo on the left, when it’s always been in the middle? Could it be bothersome or hardly noticeable? Why didn’t they go borderless like LG?)
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