14 DAY TRIAL // Having already covered the 4K media player and 4K UHD OLED displays, we are left with the UHD TVs that Sony revealed during the NAB 2013 trade show: XBR-55X900A and XBR-65X900A.
These aren't OLED-based products. Instead, they are normal LCDs with LED backlighting, insofar as 4K displays can be considered normal.
One of them has a diagonal of 55 inches (XBR-55X900A) and the other is even bigger, at 65 inches (XBR-65X900A).
Not the largest TVs we've ever seen, but they aren't supposed to be. One might even say the whole point of their creation was to offer 4K TVs with affordable prices.
We'll let buyers decide if $4,999 / 4,999 Euro and $6,999 / 6,999 Euro are affordable. We'll just say they are definitely low compared to the $25,000 demanded by the 84-inch TV of last year.
“These new models [...] are sure to bring the enhanced viewing experience of 4K TV to a whole new audience,” said Mike Lucas, senior vice president, Sony Electronics home division.
“Our TVs deliver a vibrant and natural picture that is four-times clearer than high definition. As for content, these new sets enhance all of the video people are watching today, and this summer our 4K media player, followed in fall by the video distribution service will demonstrate how Sony continues to lead in bringing the 4K entertainment experience to viewers.”
Sony's new TVs will start showing up in stores on April 21. They have a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels (not the 4096 x 2160 pixels of the 4K UHD OLED Monitors).
They also use the company's own two-chip 4K X-reality PRO picture engine, plus TRILUMINOS Display (extra good image quality).
Furthermore, the dynamic edge-lit LED backlighting will enhance contrasts as well.
Add to that Full HD 3D support and an S-Force front-facing, magnetic fluid speaker system, and all bases are covered, and then some.
Finally, WiFi connectivity built right in allows for video content from the Sony Entertainment Network.