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First shown off at CES back in January, Sony’s 2015 TV line up is now available in Australia, with a heavy focus on 4K and the Android TV operating system.
Out of the 18 new TV models that Sony will sell in Australia, 14 will run on Android TV, while half will offer the 4K Ultra HD picture resolution of 3,840 x 2,160.
Screen sizes range from 32 inches up to 75 inches for the flagship X9400C, which is out now for AU$11,999. The X9400C has every bell and whistle that Sony can jam in, from the brand new X1 image processor through to the Pro version of Sony’s X-tended Dynamic Range (XDR).
This is the company’s proprietary local dimming technology — essentially what allows a backlit TV to produce blacks. While it can’t match OLED technology, which can literally switch off pixels to create genuine black, Sony did show a short bit of the movie Interstellar to prove that the X9400C can produce a very remarkable image.
Sarah Tew
Sony has also elected to offer a smaller-sized ‘starter’ 4K TV, the X8300C, which has a 49-inch screen as well running Android TV, all for AU$2,299.
For the average shopper looking to upgrade, however, it’s the 65-inch models that will attract the most interest. The best of these is the X9300C, out now for AU$6,999. This the non-Pro version of the XDR tech, but otherwise packs in all of the same features, including the magnetic fluid speaker, complete with a wireless sub-woofer unit.
The more budget-minded might look at the 65-inch X8500C: You’re not getting XDR or the magnetic fluid speakers, but you are getting everything else. And at AU$4,999 you’re also saving a couple grand.
At first glance, the Android interface is clean, easy to navigate and very familiar. There’s a solid app selection, including games, with more on the way. You’ve also got access to Google Movies and Music and the rather cool Google Cast, which is the functionality of Chromecast already built into the TV.
We’re getting hands on with a Sony Android TV soon and we’ll compare to the likes of LG’s WebOS to see which one stands out. Full pricing for the Sony 2015 Android TV range is below.
| Bravia Model | Screen Size | Price | Availability |
| W800C | 43-inch | AU$1,399 | Now |
| W800C | 50-inch | AU$1,799 | Now |
| W800C | 55-inch | AU$2,099 | Now |
| W850C | 65-inch | AU$3,299 | Now |
| W850C | 75-inch | AU$5,699 | Now |
| X8300C | 49-inch | AU$2,299 | Now |
| X8500C | 55-inch | AU$3,299 | Now |
| X8500C | 65-inch | AU$4,999 | Now |
| X8500C | 75-inch | AU$7,299 | Now |
| X9300C | 65-inch | AU$6,999 | Now |
| X9400C | 75-inch | AU$11,999 | Now |
| X9000C | 55-inch | TBC | August |
| X9000C | 65-inch | TBC | August |
| X9100C | 75-inch | TBC | August |
