Sony adds spice to CES 2022 with an updated TV lineup that has some impressive new offerings. For example, Sony is the first to offer the latest in OLED technology, RGB QD-OLED, in its A95 series. And there is a new flagship 8K Z9K that utilizes a mini-LED-based “Backlight Master Drive.”

Each of these TVs uses a distinctly different technology to light up the pixels, with QD-OLED offering per-pixel control and improved color saturation in bright tones, as well as superior off-axis viewing performance without the color shifts that were still present in WRGB OLED (OLED TVs that utilize a white pixel to achieve their peak brightness).

With QD-OLED viewers will get more out of their HDR content, which is mastered in a wide color gamut. With previous OLEDs, the use of the white pixel negatively impacted what’s known as color volume, which is how well the TV can express tonality and saturation at any given brightness level. TVs typically do fine with midtone color volume and struggle with color volume toward the deep shadows and in highlights. By limiting the white pixel, QD-OLED maintains color volume even at its brightest.

The Z9K is an 8K LCD TV that uses individually controlled mini-LEDs for its backlight, which offers finer control than zone-based FALD backlight schemes. This is what Sony refers to as Backlight Master Drive. This reference-class display comes in 85-inch and 75-inch sizes.

As compared to the Sony A95K QD-OLED, what an owner can expect from the Z9K is superior brightness that goes way beyond what even the very latest OLED TVs are able to achieve. This is useful both for overcoming ambient light in bright settings and reproducing the highlights of HDR that is mastered to either 1000 nits, or 4000 nits of peak brightness (OLED has yet to reach 1000 nits).

Despite their drastically different display Technologies, with OLED being emissive with per-pixel control and mini-LED LCD being transmissive and relying on modulating the backlight array to enhance the native contrast of the panel, there are many features shared between these two TV series, and one of them is support for the multi-talented, but strictly optional BRAVIA Cam.

Direct from Sony's CES 2022 press release, here are feature highlights for 2022 Sony MASTER SERIES TVs

MASTER SERIES Z9K Features (information provided by Sony)

• Cognitive Processor XR understands how humans see and hear, providing a revolutionary experience that completely immerses viewers in their favorite content.
• XR Backlight Master Drive precisely controls our latest generation Mini LED backlight for extraordinary contrast of high brightness and deep blacks.
• XR Triluminos™ Pro and XR Contrast Booster combine to express billions of accurate colors with exceptional black contrast.
• X-Anti Reflection minimizes reflection for a distraction-free viewing experience.
• X-Wide Angle™ technology provides vivid real-world colors from any angle while retaining more color and brightness.
• BRAVIA CORE Calibrated Mode2
• Acoustic Multi-Audio™ uses four frame tweeters at the top and either side of the TV, in addition to front-firing speakers and dual subwoofers, to elevate directional sound sources, ensuring pictures and sound are in total harmony for a more cinematic experience.
• Acoustic Center Sync optimizes sound output from the TV and soundbar for a better audio experience.
• BRAVIA CAM6 and Ambient Optimization Pro15
• Quick access to an array of content and services with Google TV.
• Hands-free voice capabilities.
• Premium Remote
• Minimalist One Slate design with Seamless Edge and a single pane of tempered glass keeps users focused on the picture for a truly immersive big screen viewing experience without distraction.
• Three-way stand provides three stand position options, including a narrow position for a smaller footprint, standard position to eliminate distractions and soundbar position to elevate the TV and integrate a soundbar system.

A95K Features Provided (information provided by Sony)

• Cognitive Processor XR understands how humans see and hear, providing a revolutionary experience that completely immerses viewers in their favorite content.
• XR OLED Contrast Pro adjusts brightness for higher peaks in glare and deeper blacks in shadow while new XR Triluminos Max can access the widest palette of color to reproduce natural shades with every detail.
• New OLED (QD-OLED) panel boosts color brightness by up to 200% compared to
conventional TVs.
• Acoustic Surface Audio+™ uses special actuators to turn the screen into a multi-channel speaker so the sound matches precisely with what’s on screen. The TV includes two large actuators and two subwoofers.
• Acoustic Center Sync optimizes sound output from the TV and soundbar for a better audio experience.
• BRAVIA CORE Calibrated Mode
• BRAVIA CAM6 and Ambient Optimization Pro
• Quick access to an array of content and services with Google TV.
• Hands-free voice capabilities. Feature requires a future firmware update.
• Premium Remote
• Dual Style offers two different viewing formats – ‘front position’ brings the screen forward for the most immersive experience while ‘back position’ allows users to set the TV close to the wall, so it blends seamlessly with the room.