Sony Electronics Inc. has finally launched its latest BRAVIA XR TV lineup for 2023 here in Australia. The new lineup can be easily distinguished by the L label and includes three models: X90L Full Array LED, A95L QD-OLED, and A80L OLED. These models are packed with the latest and greatest TV features, a new, exclusive Bravia Core streaming service and finally, a Game bar dashboard for us gamers.
The highlight of the 2023 BRAVIA XR TVs is the updated Cognitive Processor XR, which introduces the new XR Clear Image technology. This technology enhances noise reduction and clarity with motion, resulting in reduced blur and scenes bursting with action. The Cognitive Processor XR also enables better backlight control of local dimming zones, increased brightness, and decreased blooming.
Additionally, each model in the lineup offers Acoustic Centre Sync, allowing users to combine the TV and a Sony soundbar for richer bass and a wider sound field, delivering the ultimate immersive audio experience. Additionally, Sony soundbars can work with the models to provide 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, creating phantom speakers and optimizing the sound field. The A95L and A80L models take it a step further with Acoustic Surface Audio+, featuring actuators that vibrate to produce sound from the entire screen, perfectly matching the on-screen action.
And for us gamers, the 2023 BRAVIA XR TVs are taking gaming much more seriously with some cool tricks that will benefit PlayStation 5 owners. This includes Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, which automatically optimize picture quality while gaming and streaming. No more hours fiddling with HDR sliders. The TVs also finally have an easy-to-use Game Menu, allowing gamers to customize settings such as VRR or Motion Blur Reduction with quick access. This feature has existed on LG and Samsung TVs for years and its good that Sony has caught up.
The Game Menu also offers the ability to increase brightness in dark areas with the Black Equaliser and provides six types of crosshairs for precise aiming. Additionally, the upcoming Screen Size feature will allow gamers to concentrate gaming on a smaller, focused screen. The A95L model goes a step further with Multi-View, enabling users to watch walk-throughs and gameplay guides side-by-side while playing their favourite titles.
BRAVIA to the CORE
Lastly, all the new BRAVIA XR TVs come with Sony’s brand new streaming service — BRAVIA CORE. The app is preloaded on the TV’s and offers 4K Bluray streaming quality thanks to a new compression tech called Pure Stream. Users will be able to redeem up to 10 current release or catalogue feature films like Spider-Man No Way Home and Blade Runner 2049. Additionally, users get 24-months of unlimited streaming of dozens of older titles in the back catalogue. The service promises brand new movies added to the catalogue just 6-8 weeks after cinema release which is really exciting. However, the service is exclusive to BRAVIA XR TVs and can’t be used elsewhere.
However, the new BRAVIA XR TVs are all running the latest version of Google TV OS which has been tweaked and optimised for much better performance, fluidity and Google smarts. Users get access to thousands of Google apps and over 700,000 movies and TV episodes provided by all the streaming services you can think of. Google TV allows the BRAVIA XR to use voice commands, manage smart home devices and so much more.
In addition to the impressive features, Sony is committed to sustainability through its Road to Zero initiative. The company is reducing plastic usage by approximately 60% in the manufacturing of BRAVIA XR TVs, as well as implementing smaller and lighter packaging for transportation to reduce emissions by approximately 15%. Sony is also focused on energy consumption during product use and provides the new Eco Dashboard on all 2023 models, allowing users to easily customize energy-saving preferences and settings, leading to potential savings on energy bills over the product’s lifecycle.
BRAVIA XR L-series Pricing and availability.
Starting the lineup of TV’s is the new Sony BRAVIA XR X90L, a 4K HDR Full Array LED TV. It’s 30% brighter than last years X90K with improved backlighting control for richer contrast and HDR performance. The X90L starts at $2,999 for the 55-inch model with the option for 65-inch($3,599), 75-inch($4,699), 85-inch($5,899) and a massive 98-inch($13,999).
Next is the BRAVIA XR A80L 4K HDR OLED which is 10% brighter than the A80K it replaces. The A80L comes in 55-inches($4,099), 65-inches($5,299), 77-inches($8,299) and a new 83-inch model($12,199). You learn more about the A80K here
Lastly is the king of the hill, the BRAVIA XR A95L 4K HDR QD-OLED. The enhanced Quantum Dot OLED is capable of 200% more colour brightness than a conventional OLED. Like the A80L, the A95L also features the Acoustic Surface Audio+ with Dolby Atmos support that essentially makes the display itself an additional speaker. Pricing for Australia is unavailable at the time of this writing but we will update when it officially launches later in the year but you can see more about the A95L here.
We had a chance to go hands on with some of these new TVs and we can definitely say Sony is here to play with the big boys. Keep it locked to PowerUp! for our reviews of these new TVs in the coming months.
