Sony is making waves in the home entertainment world once again, and this time, it’s all about reintroducing HDR technology in a big way. Toshiyuki Ogura, Sony’s chief distinguished engineer and an HDR technology veteran, is leading the charge to reshape the future of HDR with the company’s latest LED TV tech. At Sony’s home theater spring showcase, Home Theater Review got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at their 2024 lineup, unveiling some exciting new developments.
One of the standout changes this year is Sony’s decision to streamline its 2024 home theater lineup. Gone are the confusing A-series and X-series distinctions for OLED and LED TVs, respectively. Instead, all new TVs, regardless of panel type, will carry the BRAVIA series moniker.
Leading the pack is the flagship BRAVIA 9 mini LED TV, a successor to last year’s X95L. Following closely is the revamped BRAVIA 8 OLED TV, formerly known as the Bravia A80L. Then, there’s the Bravia 7, another mini LED offering, and finally, the budget-friendly BRAVIA 3 LED TV. Sony says the new naming system aims for simplicity.
Sony’s latest mini LED TVs boast several enhancements over their predecessors, including increased brightness and more precise backlight control. During our hands-on experience, we witnessed firsthand the improved backlighting technology in action.
The incredible demos revealed brand new LCD panels of the new Bravia A9 alongside last year’s Samsung QN90C and Sony engineers demonstrated the remarkable responsiveness of the A9’s backlighting in comparison. Enhanced object recognition enables smarter and more efficient LED operation, resulting in clearer and more vibrant images.
In terms of performance, the A9 impresses with up to 50 percent higher brightness and up to 325 percent more dimming zones compared to last year’s models. With rich colors, deep blacks, and Sony’s renowned image processing, the A9 delivers a truly immersive viewing experience bringing the director’s intent straight to your new Bravia 9 television.
The A8 OLED TV, with its perfect black levels and vibrant colors, remains a top contender in the OLED space. While it receives a modest 10 percent brightness boost, its stunning contrast and sharpness make it a standout choice for cinephiles.
Meanwhile, the A7 mini LED TV offers impressive backlighting capabilities at a more affordable price point. With up to eight times more dimming zones and 30 percent higher peak brightness than its predecessor, the A7 delivers exceptional value without compromising on quality.
In addition to its TV lineup, Sony also unveiled a new range of soundbars designed to complement its home theater experience. While the smaller form factor of the Theater Bar 8 may raise questions about performance, the Theater Bar 9 impresses with its punchy audio and Dolby Atmos support.
However, the real star of the show is the Bravia Theater Quad system, which promises unparalleled audio immersion. With its innovative design and powerful sound output, the Quad system offers a glimpse into the future of home audio.
Beyond consumer electronics, Sony showcased its cutting-edge professional tools, including the Pixomondo modular crystal LED production system and the HX3110 mastering monitor. These tools not only push the boundaries of creativity but also ensure that content creators can deliver the highest quality visuals and sound preserving the director’s intent.
As we dive deeper into Sony’s latest offerings, it’s clear that the company is committed to pushing the boundaries of home entertainment. With innovative technologies and a renewed focus on user experience, Sony is poised to redefine the way we enjoy movies, games, and music in our own living rooms.
