Sony intros Bravia XR Google TVs with cognitive intelligence

Sony has announced a new range of 4k and 8k flatscreens for 2021 with Cognitive Intelligence, an upgraded AI processing engine said to create more lifelike imagery. The new models have been announced ahead of Sony’s virtual CES 2021 conference on January 11.

Cognitive Intelligence will debut on its Bravia XR televisions, led by the Master Series Z9J 8K LED and A90J and A80J OLEDs, as well as the X95J and X90J 4K LED Tvs.

The idea is that the Cognitive Processor XR processor replicates the ways humans see and hear, by concentrating on natural focal points in the image. The screen is divided into zones and detects where the ‘focal point’ is in the picture. It then focuses its image processing on those aspects of the picture.

The Cognitive Processor XR will also enhance audio, analyse the sound position within a signal to match what’s on the screen. It also upconverts any sound to 3D surround sound.

“Sony’s intent is to constantly innovate in the TV technology to offer the most immersive viewing experience possible” says Masaomi Ando, head of Sony Europe’s TV business unit. “The new Bravia XR TVs convey reality better than ever, thanks to the processing power of the world’s first cognitive processor, which goes beyond conventional AI.”

All Bravia XR TVs will feature HDMI 2.1 compatibility, including 4K 120fps, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and eARC.

In collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony is also launching its own streaming service, which will be available exclusively to owners of Bravia XR sets. Bravia Core will offer owners a choice of new and classic titles, and use Pure Stream technology, to achieve near lossless UHD BD equivalent quality with streaming up to 80 Mbps.

Sony will migrate from Android TV to the new Google TV platform on these models as well, the first TV manufacturer to announce a Google TV rollout.

Sony's new XR TV range in depth:

MASTER Series Z9J (85” and 75” models) 8K LED TV features:
* Cognitive Processor XR understands how humans see and hear, providing a revolutionary experience that completely immerses viewers in their favourite content
* Combined with the precision of a Full Array LED panel, XR Triluminos Pro, XR Contrast Booster and XR 8K Upscaling delivers supreme 8K realism with deep blacks and intense brightness
* Latest XR Motion Clarity technology cross-analyses data to ensure action stays smooth, bright and clear with no blur
* X-Wide Angle technology provides vivid real-world colours from any angle while retaining more brightness
* Acoustic Multi-Audio technology delivers cinematic surround sound and accurate sound positioning, providing pictures and sound in perfect harmony
* Bravia Core
* Google TV
* Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support.
* Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
* Hands-free voice search works alongside Google Assistant to provide a smarter viewing experience
* X-Anti Reflection minimises reflection for a distraction-free viewing experience
* HDMI 2.1 feature compatibility, including 4K 120fps, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)7, Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and eARC
* Support for Dolby Vision® HDR and Dolby Atmos® immersive audio will transform entertainment with ultra-vivid picture quality and incredible moving sound.
* Ambient Optimization optimises picture and sound quality in any environment
* Netflix Calibrated Mode and IMAX® Enhanced
* Calman Ready offers advanced calibration capabilities and the ability to fine-tune adjustments simply not possible through conventional picture settings

MASTER Series A90J (83”, 65” and 55” models) OLED TV features:
* Cognitive Processor XR
* XR OLED Contrast
* XR Motion Clarity
* Bravia Core
* Google TV
* Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit
* Netflix Calibrated Mode and IMAX Enhanced
* Calman Ready
* XR 4K Upscaling technology upscales 2K signals close to true 4K quality for incredibly real and detailed pictures
* HDMI 2.1 feature compatibility
* Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology


A80J (77”, 65” and 55” models) OLED TV features:
* Cognitive Processor XR
* XR OLED Contrast
* XR Motion Clarity
* Acoustic Surface Audio+
* Bravia Core
* Google TV
* AirPlay 2 and HomeKit
* Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
* XR 4K Upscaling
* HDMI 2.1 feature compatibility
* Netflix Calibrated Mode and IMAX Enhanced
* Calman Ready offers advanced calibration capabilities and the ability to fine-tune adjustments simply not possible through conventional picture settings


X95J (85”, 75” and 65” models) 4K LED TV features:
* Cognitive Processor XR
* X-Wide Angle snd Full Array LED panel, with XR Triluminos Pro and XR Contrast Booster
* XR Motion Clarity
* Acoustic Multi-Audio
* X-Anti Reflection and XR 4K Upscaling
* HDMI 2.1 feature compatibility
* Bravia Core
* Google TVNetflix Calibrated Mode and IMAX Enhanced
* Calman Ready

X90J (75”, 65”, 55” and 50” models) 4K LED TV features:
* Cognitive Processor XR
* Full Array LED panel, with XR Triluminos Pro and XR Contrast Booster
* XR Motion Clarity
* XR 4K Upscaling
* HDMI 2.1
* Acoustic Multi-Audio
* Bravia Core
* Google TV
* Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit
* Netflix Calibrated Mode and IMAX Enhanced
* Calman Ready