With the Master Series label, the Sony A90K therefore has two references, the Sony XR-42A90K (42 '', 107 cm) and Sony XR-48A90K (48 '', 122 cm). As you can see, Sony therefore considers its new Oled A90K TVs as its premium models for 2022, in addition to the Sony Z9K 8K Ultra HD TV series (presentation coming soon in our columns) and the Sony A95K.
Sony A90K Oled TV, Woled technology
The main differences between the Sony A95K and Sony A90K TV series, in addition to the diagonals, concern the nature of the Oled panels, QD Oled signed Samsung Display for the first named and Woled (White Oled) signed LG Displays for the second.
XR Cognitive Processor Phase 2, Depth Control and new color algorithm
Sony announces for its XR Cognitive Processor Phase 2 (or evolved) chip an improved display of colors with a multitude of new hues thanks to an adjustment not only of the luminance but also of the saturation. The relief of the images would also be improved through finer management of the objects in the foreground which concentrate most of the video processing (precision, color, etc.) vs. those in the background managed with a bokeh effect again very sophisticated for a greater global realism and similar to human vision.
Sony A90K, XR Oled Contrast Pro
If no value is given on the luminous peak of Sony A90K televisions, Sony specifies however that it is more or less similar to that of the 2021 Sony A90J TVs thanks to the use of the exclusive XR Oled Contrast Pro technology Sony. This uses 100% of the four sub-pixels present in the White Oled panels: white, red, green and blue. In addition to increasing the luminosity, this technique makes it possible to preserve the density of the colors with a larger available Color Volume. However, in the absence of aluminum foil to dissipate heat from the diodes and avoid the grid (to avoid scarring or burn-in), do not expect miracles.
Sony A90K: XR Cognitive Processor and XR Triluminos Pro
For the rest of the specifications, we of course find within these two broadcasters the advanced XR Cognitive Processor chip, the most powerful ever developed by the brand, alongside a 10-bit native 100 hertz panel.
The capabilities offered by the 2022 XR Cognitive Processor have enabled Japanese engineers to refine the XR Upscaling 4K technology (formerly X-Reality Pro). This new algorithm, associated with the third image database dedicated to textures, detects and analyzes each object making up an image. These are individually optimized to display a sharper texture, greater depth for the purpose of increased naturalness and reality. Of course, the XR Smoothing process to greatly reduce (or even eliminate) the posterization phenomenon is still on the menu.
Sony A90K TVs also incorporate XR Motion Clarity motion compensation and the exclusive XR Triluminos Pro feature for richer, brighter and more precise colors. All within a large color space. Of course, Sony A90K TVs are compatible with HDR10, HDR HLG and HDR DolbyVision.
Smart Google TV
On Sony 2022 Smart TVs, we find the Google TV operating system which gives pride of place to content. Much like Android TV, Google TV consolidates and organizes all your streaming apps and subscriptions in one place. But, while with Android TV, the applications are at the top of the menus, here it is the content that takes precedence, displayed next to each other by theme. More than 6,500 applications are concerned, including Disney +, Netflix, Canal +, France TV or YouTube and read 700,000 films. And you no longer have to juggle from one service to another to find what you want to watch: the hundreds of thousands of films and series are organized and searchable by genre, whatever their origin.
Precision, the advanced XR Cognitive Processor is of course also used for the Smart TV functionality, for improved ergonomics through almost immediate fluidity and responsiveness. Finally, Sony A90K TVs immediately integrate the Google Assistant function and a dual microphone, one on the remote control and the other on the TV. It will then be possible to exchange vocally directly with the screen without using the remote control. Works with Alexa certification (need for an Amazon Echo-type connected speaker) is also part of the game, ditto for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit.
Bravia Cam Function
Google Duo is part of the game (optional camera to connect via USB) and a new function appears "Find remote control" in addition to a new backlit remote control of reduced size (-36%) with many fewer buttons (25 against 49 on the zappette 2021). Thus it is possible to command aloud the search for the remote control if it is lost, the latter then appearing. Smart. And of course, via the optional camera, gesture control is back.
But the Bravia Cam function has many other features. In addition to gesture control, the camera triggers the display of an automatic reversing message and an audible alert if the person watches the TV too closely (very useful for children), allows energy savings by automatically lowering the brightness TV if the viewer leaves the room. Likewise
Last precision, it is possible to turn off the camera completely (via a switch) and no private data is stored on it or on the television.
Ambient Optimization Pro mode optimized
With the presence of an optional camera on the television, Japanese engineers have developed the Ambient Optimization Pro mode. In addition to automatically adjusting the quality of the image (Brightness and Contrast) and of the sound (acoustic correction according to the room, optimal position of the listening point) according to the ambient conditions (ambient light, sound environment, etc.) , another is now operated according to the distance separating the viewer from the screen. Even more strongly, the sound balance (right or left) is corrected according to the viewer's position to preserve a perfect stereo image and intelligibility of the voices.
OTT Bravia Core service
Like all Sony Bravia XR televisions, the Sony A90Ks offer the exclusive Bravia Core streaming platform (for Center of Real Entertainment). This, mainly animated by Sony Pictures productions, offers for the purchase of a Bravia XR TV the possibility of viewing for free for 24 months a selection of 10 films of the greatest films of the Hollywood studio and the largest collection of features -measures bearing the Imax Enhanced label, to be chosen from a catalog which is regularly enriched. For example, in 2022, the latter should host the feature films The Man From Toronto, Morbius, Uncharted, Where the Crawdads Sing, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, The Nightingale, I Wana Dance Somebody, Bullet Train, Kraven The Hunter… And this, with extreme quality, up to 80 Mbps speed for consumers with a suitable subscription.
Acoustic Surface Audio + and HDMI 2.1 sound function
The 2.1 sound section of the Sony A90K series is called Acoustic Surface Audio +. It uses two exciters placed behind the slab (called Actuator) with a power of 10 W each. These vibrate the surface of the slab to transmit sound information. Precision, the Sony A90K benefit from a subwoofer (5 W) for a total power delivered of 25 W (2 x 10 + 5). Support for Dolby Atmos, already on the program last year, remains of course. The same goes for the Acoustic Center Sync function. The latter proposes, like the Q-Symphony function which appeared last year on Samsung QLED TVs and from which it is inspired, to leave the TV sound system active if (exclusively) a Sony sound bar is connected to broaden the scene. sound.
If Sony has not communicated on the HDMI sockets of the A90K TVs, the 4K / 120, VRR and ALLM compatibilities argue for identical equipment to that of the A95K TVs. Only the presence of four HDMI connectors remains on the Sony XR-42A90K model. Pending confirmation, Sony A90K TVs should have two HDMI 2.1 inputs. One of them manages the VRR, ALLM, eARC and 4K / 120… functions via a 48 Gbps bandwidth, the other manages the 4K / 120, VRR and ALLM functions via a 48 gigabit bandwidth. There should also be two other HDMI obedience 2.0 connectors (18 Gbps bandwidth).
Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode and Bravia Core Calibrated Mode functions
Among the other advantages of Sony A80K TVs, in addition to Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode certifications (to enjoy series, documentaries, films, etc. on your TV with the same quality as that of Netflix post-production studios regardless of the environment, dark or bright) and Imax Enhanced, in 2022 we can see the Bravia Core Calibrated Mode. The TV adapts its settings perfectly to those of Bravia Core content for maximum picture quality.
Label Perfect for PlayStation 5
The Perfect for PlayStation 5 certification with its two features Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode is also on the program. As a reminder, the Sony A90K Bravia XR TVs automatically switch to Game or Standard mode depending on the nature of the signal sent by the PS5 console.
Otherwise, still in terms of functionalities, the Calman Ready function (for fine calibration of the TV with the tools of the same name), and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility are still part of the range of Sony A90K TVs . Last precision, the feet of Sony A90K TVs can adopt three different positions: no feet if the TV is fixed to the wall, or completely flat so that the TV touches its support, or raised to accommodate a sound bar under the screen. (see photos below).
Availability announced for spring. Indicative prices still unknown.