Got the 55X8005C on Amazon lightning deal.
And what a fantastic TV this is!!
Did a lot of research prior to buying this set and sadly there is little in the way of professional reviews for this set online.
Was in the market for a decent 4K 50inch+ on a tight budget <£800
The set is to last for the next few years until OLED becomes more affordable.
Looked across all the big 4 manufacturers:
Samsung - previous sets all been excellent/reliable
Sony - family members own this, also excellent/reliable
LG - increasing popularity, with some strong sets and great passive 3D
Panasonic - previous Viera sets have been superb, strong black levels
In the end it came down to either the Samsung or the Sony.
Based on reviews and personal experience, sets from these 2 brands typically have great response rate (less motion blur) and strong up-scaling capabilities, which is essential as 4K content is still very thin on the ground with the majority of content still on 1080p or even SD.
Went for the Sony in the end, due to better pricing and with Android TV, a higher feature set, which I will describe later in the review.
For those who don't want to read the full details, here is a short summary:
Pro's
- Excellent picture (strong blacks, great colour, excellent motion handling, 4K resolution)
- Good sound quality (clear dialogue, decent volume without distortion)
- Great connectivity (4x HDMI2.0, 2x USB2.0, 1x USB3.0, Twin Freeview/Freesat tuner, LAN+Wifi, built in ChromeCast +Miracast)
- Android TV (future proof)
- Nice design
- Sony Brand
- Value for money
Con's
- Plastic bezel, looks less premium than others
- No 3D capability
- No HDR
- Missing USB Recording function
- Android TV (some slow down)
Overall, the best budget 4K big brand TV.
Aesthetics:
The TV is all black, with a glossy slim bezel. (think piano black)
Looks nice, but some may prefer a metal/aluminium frame.
The Sony next range up x830 and x850, has an alu frame.
Still the TV seems well built.
The stand is a neat slim compact design and is made from metal, with a black brushed aluminium effect.
Due to the slimness, the TV can wobble a bit more than other sets.
There is a multi colour LED hidden behind a silver chrome bar, just under the Sony badge, which improves on the premium look of the TV.
White - On
Cyan - Wireless mobile device connected
Pink - Recording mode
Amber - Timer set
It flashes when responding to commands from the remote control.
Round the back, whole back panel is made from quality plastic.
Ventilation slots are present on the ridge that houses the back-light and electronics.
All in all the design should not allow dust to easily get inside of the TV
Remote:
You only just get the standard basic remote.
It does the job but could be better.
Initial setup:
On pressing power on for the first time, the front White LED came on.
But gave a blank screen.
Nervously waited for about 5 minutes.
I've heard all the stories about the problems with the set and momentarily thought I have got a dud one. Pressed the power again.
This time, was greeted with some revolving coloured balls.
Again, waited for about 5 minutes and I thought that it's hung again.
So pressed the power button for a 3rd time, then the coloured balls merged, and transformed, presenting itself as AndroidTV.
Being a techie, I rarely read the manuals, but had I done that, it does mention that on initial start up, there can be a delay and you should press the power button again.
The TV was already plugged into the LAN port to the router and the first thing that popped up, was a message regarding an update (this is Sony's December update).
Just hit okay and let it update itself.
Took around 30mins to download (~1.2Gb) and to install to the TV.
When the firmware was updating, you get a symbol for not to disconnect the power to the TV.
Time to hold your breath and pray there is no power cut in your neighbourhood!
AndroidTV:
Really nice clean interface, where tiles are grouped together.
Thankfully I have had no crashes or issues to report on.
There have been some occasions where it was a little slow to respond on the menus.
Reading around, it has been reported that it is dual core design, but it has not been confirmed.
I suspect that the CPU is Sony's custom build and hence the need for the tweaks to optimise it for AndroidTV.
Either way, clearly the design must be specced to handle 4K.
Used BBC iPlayer, YouTube and Amazon Prime apps, they played the appropriate HD streams, which looked fantastic on the TV.
Loved being able to cast from my smartphone to the TV.
I have a ChromeCast dongle for my old TV and it's great to have this feature built-in.
Tested with BT Sport which I casted and looked great on this set.
Downloaded VLC player, to play some MKV files, this worked great at playing files which the standard video player on the TV can't open.
I used it to play a few 4K sample videos which really got to show off the set's abilities.
For watching TV, I have a Virgin set-top box connected.
This may help reduce the complexity or burden on the TV and hence keep the TV responsive.
Again both SD and HD content looked really good.
I also have avoided installing the YouView feature/app, as it's not needed in my setup.
So far, have been really happy with TV's functionality.
AndroidTV can only get better with future updates.
I understand that there are still missing features, most notable USB HDD recording, which is promised by March 2016.
But these omissions don't affect me, as I already have TiVo.
So overall very happy with the TV features that I do need to use.
Pictures:
What can I say, for the price, the quality is exceptional and the TV punches well above it's weight.
I don't have a pixel peeper, but judging from the viewing angles (more narrow compared to a LG when I viewed them both in a shop).
This is likely a VA panel (Samsung sourced?) and therefore you do get excellent contrast levels.
Most impressive is the black levels, even without local dimming, it's very good once calibrated.
Colours are vibrant and resolution is superb.
The upscaling works incredibly well and watching a 1080p, it's easy to mistake it for 4K!
Downloaded some 4K demo samples, which I put on a USB stick and these simply looks stunning.
The amount of detail is incredible and as someone has already well described it as like looking through an open window, it really feels that realistic.
With the latest update, there is an 'Enhanced HDMI' option that offers, 4K 60p 4:4:4, 4:2:2, and 4K 60p,4:2:0, 10-bit. (that last detail seems to suggest that panel is a 10-bit panel and judging from the colours, I certainly see no reason to doubt that)
Even watching SD TV programmes, these are also handled well, despite looking slightly soft.
Onto MotionFlow 200Hz...
Hardly use it, as even with it turned off, the TV handles fast paced motion amazingly well.
I can't confirm if the panel is native 60Hz or 120Hz, I suspect the former.
But watching football on the TV, I can see no evidence of ghosting, or motion blur.
I got a 4K clip of Barcelona vs Athletico, and you can practically smell the grass!
At the very least you can make out each blade...
Can't wait for Euro 2016 now.
Brilliant!
There are a few picture presets included.
Vivid - mainly for shops and demoing 4K content
Standard - good setting, but easily highlights the flaws in SD content
Custom - I like to tinker and tend to use this, you can have a different set of custom settings per an input, so you can match it up to your source
Cinema pro - a great setting for watching movies in the dark
Cinema home - very similar to above, only slightly brighter
Sports - I don't use this, as it makes the picture quite grainy
Game - used for gaming and reducing the input lag
Connectivity:
There are 4x HDMI 2.0 ports, each capable of 4K @60fps, with Chroma 4:4:4 with the latest firmware update.
One of the HDMI(4) is ARC (audio return channel) for use with an AV amp.
One of the HDMI(2) is MHL (Mobile High Definition Link) capable, so you can screen mirror with compatible devices, like smartphones/tablets.
There is an Ethernet LAN and Wifi for connecting to your home router.
2 x USB 2.0 ports and 1 x USB 3.0 port
Twin FreeviewHD tuner and Twin FreesatHD tuner, this will allow you record one channel whilst watching another, or potentially record 2 different channels, whilst watching a pre-recorded show. Note that this feature is not available yet and we will have to see what options Sony will provide.
CAM Slot - Common Access Module for watching encrypted paid TV channels
A legacy RBG Scart and Component input.
There is also an Optical audio out socket to plug into a soundbar / amplifier.
Overall the TV is fantastically well connected and surprisingly so, given it's entry level status.
Sound:
It's clear and has decent volume.
Due to the TV panel being slightly thicker than others.
This has really helped the speakers give more body to the sound rather the typical tinny offerings.
If you want to really add to the set, then you can invest in a soundbar / sub combination.
Conclusion:
Honestly this TV had exceeded my expectations.
Reading around, there has been a lot of criticisms, mainly over AndroidTV and I was certainly apprehensive in making the purchase.
But I'm glad that I did.
Because, for me what I need a TV to have is fantastic pictures and decent enough sound with good range of connection options.
If I want the Android experience, I've got a tablet that can fulfill my needs and can hook up to this TV.
If I want to browse the internet, send instant messages/twitter, got it covered in a smartphone/laptop and again can connect up to this TV for a bigger viewing pleasure.
This TV has delivered on what I see as the 'core' responsibilities of a TV.
And that's what matters in the end.
There are better sets out there, but at significantly more cost.
Can you justify and be able to appreciate that additional expenditure?
That's a personal question which you need to answer yourself.
But my own opinion, is that you won't find a better entry level 4K set right now.
Overall an amazing TV set and happy with my purchase.
More time to return.
Buy today, and get extra peace of mind with extended Returns until 31st Jan 2022. See conditions.
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From the manufacturer
Enjoy high clarity, colour and contrast
See every scene sharper and more lifelike with the advanced 4 K Processor X1 and discover experiences with Android TV.
Product features
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The world of 4K right in front of youTake your viewing into an exciting era. 4K images contain over 8 million individual pixels – that’s four times more detail than Full HD. Immerse yourself in 4K movies and dramas from a huge choice of 4K content. |
4K Processor X1: one chip changes everythingOur powerful 4K Processor X1 brings stunning picture quality to whatever you’re watching. Every source is intelligently analysed and upscaled to its best 4K resolution, from TV broadcasts, Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, or even 4K Internet videos. You’ll enjoy incredible 4K images with stunning clarity, more lifelike colours, and sparkling contrast. |
4K X-Reality PRO: enhance every picture up to 4KDiscover a thrilling world of extraordinary clarity. Every single pixel is upscaled beautifully by our most powerful 4K picture processing technology ever. Individual parts of each scene are analysed and matched with a special image database that independently addresses texture, contrast, colour and edges. The difference is clear with supremely lifelike detail, whatever you're watching. |
Clear Resolution Enhancer: detail without distractionFrom noisy pictures to clear viewing – you’ll enjoy fine details and textures, even in flat picture areas. Clear Resolution Enhancer scales low resolution images up to Full HD resolution without introducing additional picture noise. It does this by reducing noise before scaling the image to the panel resolution. Pictures are clear and detailed with enhanced contrast and depth. |
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Motionflow XR keeps the action smoothEnjoy smooth and sharp details even in fast-moving sequences with Motion flow XR. This innovative technology creates and inserts extra frames between the original ones. It compares key visual factors on successive frames, then calculates the split second of missing action in the sequences. Modes also include black-frame insertion for a blur-free and truly cinematic look. |
BRAVIA meets Android TVYour smart TV just got smarter. Think of all the stuff you love doing on your smartphone or tablet, now on Sony's Bravia screen. Sony's Android TV lets you connect and enjoy any content, from apps to movies, between different Android devices – the simplest and easiest way ever. |
Google Play: A world of content and appsDiscover movies and TV shows, viral videos, games and more from Google Play. Enjoy a huge and ever-growing choice of apps on your TV. |
Say what you want to see with voice searchSpend less time browsing, and more time watching. Voice search on Android TV lets you search for content across different services without ever having to pick up the remote. You can also get recommendations; asking for 'romantic comedies' for example, brings up a list of suitable options. |
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Flick, find, fast: One-Flick EntertainmentControl your world of content with BRAVIA’s quick and intuitive interface. Flick up to find TV, Internet video, apps, photos and other content you want, or flick down to show extra functions which enhance your viewing. The unique One-Flick Remote allows quick and intuitive control, all without interfering with what you’re watching. |
HDMI SupportWith up to four HDMI ports on Sony Bravia televisions, you can be sure of effortless playback for all of your content – right up to 4K 50/60p resolution. Advanced HDMI features such as Audio Return Channel (ARC) and Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) ensure even large home-theatre systems are simple to use. |
Show smartphone photos in 4K with MHLEnjoy your smartphone media and apps on this TV with Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL). Play videos and photos in 4K, use your apps on the big screen, or listen to MP3 music through the TV speakers. A single cable connects to Bravia while charging your phone’s battery. |
Turn your TV into a digital recorder: USB HDD RECStore your favourite TV shows on an external USB hard disk drive to enjoy whenever you want. USB HDD REC allows one-touch and timer recording of a digital broadcast onto any USB HDD device up to 2TB in capacity. While viewing the show, simply press REC to start recording, which will automatically stop at the end of the programme. |
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Bass reflex speaker for bigger, better bassHear more from a compact speaker box with intense, focused sound. The bass reflex speaker produces clear, rich sounds from crisp highs to extended lows. The isolated box design ensures highly efficient sound reproduction, so that every detail is heard clearly. |
Made to listen: ClearAudio+Make your listening as lifelike as your viewing. ClearAudio+ fine-tunes TV sound for an immersive, emotionally enriching experience that seems to surround you. Hear music, dialogue and surround effects with greater clarity and separation, whatever you're watching. |
Cinematic S-Force Front SurroundEnjoy an immersive sound stage that pulls you into the heart of the action. S-Force Front Surround mimics the way the brain correlates sound sources to create proper volume, time lag, and sound wave spectrum – using only left and right speaker channels. By naturally emulating three-dimensional sound fields, you’ll enjoy rich, high-fidelity audio across a wider listening area. |
DSEE restores detail to your digital musicLow-resolution Internet video, catch-up TV and other heavily compressed audio files don’t always sound so great. A large amount of information gets thrown away when digital audio is compressed. With Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) technology, lost frequency components (especially high frequencies) are restored for natural sound with a more spacious feel. |
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