The X8500 series represents Sony’s mid-range 2015 4K UHD LCD TVs and expands the Ultra HD experience to multiple screen sizes, including 55”, 65” and 75-inches. The X8509C sports a nice, svelte design and comes equipped with Sony’s new X1 with 4K X-Reality PRO processing. It also Supports Google’s latest Android TV operating system, making it easy to stream videos and function as a gaming device and Google Cast will provide users with greater connectivity than ever before by enabling them to cast content from mobile devices. The X8509C comes ready for the latest 4K new spec “HEVC” and “VP9” which can receive 4K UHD distribution services and YouTube in 4K UHD. It will also supply an expanded colour palette, with TRILUMINOS Display which is further enhanced for colour accuracy by the new engine.
This is a preview of the upcoming X8509C model and will be replaced with the full in-depth review as soon as we have measured, reviewed and fully assessed the final retail sample. In the meantime here is a summary of the features we can expect to see.
The new 4K Processor X1 is built to enhance colour, contrast and clarity while improving the streaming quality of images that 4K content providers supply. Combined with the advanced 4K X-Reality PRO upscaling Algorithm technology, these televisions will analyse and upscale 4K resolution.
With screens that provide a 3,840 x 2,160 4K resolution, these products also include TRILUMINOS display to accurately reproduce shades of red, green and aqua blue. Sony says it’s their widest colour range ever, and dynamic colour correction attempts to ensure colours are as consistent and accurate as possible every single time.
The latest 4K UHD TVs from Sony utilise the Android OS for their Smart TV platform, which could be a really good move and make the experience familiar to anyone who uses a smartphone or tablet. Features like Google Cast; allowing iOS, Android and PCs to share music, photos and video straight onto the big screen. You can also use the controller to play games from the Google Play store, which also gives you access to all the latest movies and TV shows to stream. The one flick remote has been upgraded to allowing you to use the 'Google Now' search assistant, which is great news.
Also, from Summer 2015, Sony will integrate the YouView platform in to their 2015 4K TVs, allowing owners to to watch their favourite TV shows from BBC iPlayer, 4oD, ITV Player and Demand 5 as well as live TV using the lovely YouView interface with no need for a separate set-top box. Sony customers will get access to YouView’s library of more than 12,000 titles of on demand TV programmes and the search facility integrates both live and on demand content. Of course, one of the major selling points of YouView is in its ‘Scroll-back’ programme guide, which gives you 7 days of catch-up to browse.
Specifications:-
Display LCD
Backlight Type Edge
Display Format 4K Ultra HD
Screen Size 55 In
Resolution 1920 x 1080 Pixels
1080p24 Support Yes
Smart TV Yes
HDMI Type HDMI
HDMI with ARC
HDMI with MHL
HDMI 1.4
HDMI 2.0
Analogue Audio Out Yes
Wi-Fi Built-in