Android TV review: let's get acquainted with Android OS for TV using the example of a Sony TV. The best applications for Sony Android TV Sony TV on Android

The Russian representative office of Sony held an official presentation of the new generation of BRAVIA smart TVs on the Android 5.0 Lollipop platform. Most of the new 2015 Sony TV models are already available in Russian retail, the rest will be available in the coming weeks. We were able to “touch” the new items and find out the details first-hand.

Text: Vladimir BAKHUR.

Sony BRAVIA-2015 TVs: how to distinguish them now

Almost the entire range of BRAVIA TVs for 2015, including the W75, W80, W85, X83, X85, X93, X94, X9 and S8 series, received improved image quality, a new design and Android TV user interface. Only the most elite “top” remained unchanged in the form of the flagship models X95 (X9500B) and S9 (S9005B) with a large screen - the functionality of these TVs will not become obsolete soon, and a number of the most budget models like the 32-inch HD Ready TV R303C and 40- inch Full HD TV R353C.

In addition, not all new models received 3D support, Ultra HD resolution, a new One-Flick remote control included, and a number of other options. So now we will look at all the innovations in order, and at the same time we will figure out which series of new products they are directly related to.

Most of the new 2015 BRAVIA TVs are equipped with the new Sony X1 image processor, which detects and analyzes content, guarantees true 4K/Ultra HD clarity on eligible TVs, has an advanced adaptive noise reduction system, and in addition provides high-quality color reproduction with dynamic contrast enhancement.

A characteristic feature of most modern 4K TVs is support for technologies for upscaling content with a lower resolution to Ultra HD resolution; the quality of the algorithms used in this case results in varying degrees of realism of the image on an ultra-clear screen. With the advent of the Sony X1 processor, the new BRAVIA-2015 TVs now have the ability to analyze and identify content using the new Super Resolution algorithm, which uses an updated and expanded database.

It is also worth noting that the Sony X1 processor now scales to 4K resolution with sufficiently high quality, clarity, contrast and color saturation of images not only in Full HD video format, but also in standard and low Internet quality.

Among the 2015 BRAVIA TVs, models with Ultra HD screen resolution are presented in the X83, X85, X93, X94, X9 and S8 series (they are also included in the subset of models running Android TV). Today, the choice of 4K content is still small, but today there is something to watch on YouTube, and by the end of the year many large Internet broadcast services are expected to appear with their 4K IPTV channels.

Thus, 4K content, of course, will appear, but the very principle of transmitting it over the Internet will, as before, impose strong restrictions on the bitrate of the video stream. This, in turn, will require high performance from the processing processors in TVs. The new Sony X1 processor, equipped with Digital Noise Reduction and 4K Reality Pro quality enhancement functions, is specifically focused on decoding signals with AVC/H264, HEVC/H265 and VP9 codecs in real time, allowing you to get rid of artifacts, noise and color loss even on the most dynamic scenes.

Without exception, all TVs based on the Sony X1 chip support Triluminous Display technology, which can significantly improve the color reproduction of the picture and expand the dynamic range without losing saturation and contrast. Completely new shades of familiar colors appear on the screen, previously unavailable even on premium models.

Further expansion of the dynamic range is provided by the X-tended Dynamic Range function with XDR (double dynamic range) and XDR Pro (triple dynamic range) modes, which works with any type of content, regardless of its original dynamic range.

Stereo 3D: return to previous strategy

Since 2015, Sony has completely returned to the concept of active-shutter technology for stereoscopic 3D imaging, allowing each eye to see a full Full HD image 60 times per second (as opposed to passive-polarizing, where each eye sees only half the lines). Thus, passive technology remains today only on TVs of the X9 line.

At the same time, the model range with 3D support will be significantly limited, mainly to premium models. For example, from now on only TVs of the X93 and X94 series will be equipped with two pairs of free 3D glasses. 3D support will also be implemented in TVs of the S85, X85, W85 and W8 series, however, 3D glasses for these models will have to be purchased additionally.

Personally, I really liked the new compact Sony One-Flick remote control (RMF-TX100E). In addition to the standard buttons for basic user interface controls and the still weird built-in microphone for voice commands, the One-Flick remote is equipped with a convenient touch pad that makes controlling your Android TV comparable to controlling any Android gadget.

The Sony One-Flick remote control will be available as standard for buyers of the X9, X93, X94, S85 and X85 TV series. This remote control can also be used with models of the X83, W85, W8 and W75 series, but for this you will have to purchase it separately.

Ultra-thin design BRAVIA-2015: installation and fastening methods

This year, almost all new Sony TVs have lost weight: a thin body with a Slim design has become the hallmark of most BRAVIA-2015 series, and the thinnest 4K TVs of the X9C series with an Ultra-Slim design are only 4.9 mm thick - by the envy of many smartphones.

In addition to standard VESA wall mount capability, the BRAVIA X9C Series also features a unique wall mount as standard. An ultra-thin TV with such a mount looks on the wall not even like a picture, but like a real digital window with super-Ultra HD quality.

All modern Sony BRAVIA TVs, without exception, are equipped with tabletop stands and all support wall mounting using the VESA standard. The Wedge design, which flares out towards the bottom, remains only in the X94 series, but the ultra-high-quality built-in acoustics for which it is made are worth it.

Let there be sound

New TVs with the Sony X1 processor support an enhanced high-resolution audio format - High Resolution Audio, with quality higher than that of a standard CD. Most new BRAVIA TVs support DSEE HX audio processing technology, which automatically converts all dialogue in films and music into a format close to the most realistic High Resolution Audio, allowing you to hear the sound exactly as it was intended when it was recorded.

Models of the X94C and X93C series with the above-mentioned Wedge design that widens towards the bottom stand apart from other new BRAVIA models, since they were created with special emphasis on connoisseurs of high-quality sound. In addition to supporting High Resolution Audio, the X94C and X93C series also feature a unique built-in 6-way speaker system with high-quality, full-range ferrofluid speakers flanking the screen at the front.

The flagship series TVs use special non-standard wideband speakers with acoustic labyrinth technology and a separate additional HF tweeter. Thanks to this technology, the sound of the embedded system is very high quality despite the closed design of the closed housing.

It is necessary to mention that almost all series of Sony BRAVIA TVs from 2015 (with the exception of the very budget R5/R3) can be equipped with a branded optional subwoofer. This is not included in the package with any model, so you will have to buy it additionally.

Sony Android TV: features of the new platform

The choice of the Android TV software platform for BRAVIA TVs is not accidental; Sony representatives explain it very simply: the widespread use of mobile devices running Android OS itself implies that the vast majority of potential owners of new TVs are well versed or at least familiar with the new interface.

Relentless statistics from IDC suggest that at the end of 2014, the share of Android mobile devices was 77%. In addition, today more than 50% of viewers, while watching TV shows and other content on the TV screen, use mobile devices for one reason or another - surf the Internet, stream content, or simply use the gadget as a remote control. So there shouldn’t be any problems using the Sony Android TV platform, and many will enjoy the familiar design from the very beginning.

Despite some differences between Android TV and the classic Android mobile shell, the vast majority of the functions of the television platform are almost identical. And above all, it means full support for any games and applications from the huge collection of Google Play: all this is available on a large TV screen, all under a single Google ID account. The viewer has access to a huge number of Google Play applications for Android TV; in the Smart TV section, films, TV series, documentaries, TV programs and much more are also available from well-known providers such as ivi.ru, Megogo, Tvigle, applications from STS and Peretz channels. , Okko and many others.

Many will appreciate the voice search feature standard on the new BRAVIA Android TVs, with which you can not only find the information you need on the Internet, but also receive answers in the form of special Google information cards. The built-in microphone in the new One-Flick remote control also lets you search for content and control your TV using voice commands.

Using the Google Cast extension built into Android TV, you can broadcast content from a smartphone or tablet to the screen of the new BRAVIA-2015 TVs with one touch. However, in the new BRAVIA Android TV models this is done on a completely different principle than before. So, if in the previous generation of TVs the same YouTube video was indeed first received by the smartphone and then broadcast to the TV, then in new models the smartphone actually acts as a remote control, transmitting to the TV the address of the video and the mark from which to continue playing, and downloading and buffering content already produces the TV itself.

According to Sony representatives, the built-in multimedia players in the new BRAVIA-2015 TVs are truly “omnivorous” and work with most of today’s current formats, containers and codecs of multimedia content, such as MPEG1, MPEG2PS, MPEG2TS, AVCHD, MP4 Part10, MP4 Part2, AVI(XVID), AVI (MotinJpeg), MOV, WMV, MKV, WEBM, 3GPP, MP3, WMA, LPCM, JPEG and FLAC. We will definitely cover this issue during detailed testing of one of these TVs.

On the road: once again about series, functions and prices

When choosing a new TV for their living room, kitchen or cottage, the buyer is usually guided by a list of key characteristics, such as price, screen diagonal and resolution, the presence of a modern digital tuner, and design. Many people, out of old habit, perceive a TV as a simple TV receiver, or even just a large monitor with various interfaces. Many people still, when choosing a TV, often completely ignore the features of the user interface, the type of Smart TV platform, although when choosing a smartphone or tablet, one of the most important questions, of course, will be the version of the operating system.

In our short excursion into the new model range of new Sony BRAVIA TVs for 2015, we have already examined all the key innovations, and now, in conclusion, we will mention these innovations in relation to each model range, and at the same time recall the approximate prices of the new products.

The most inexpensive series - Sony R30C TVs - will be available as a 32-inch model BRAVIA R303C with HD Ready resolution (1366 x 768) and a 40-inch Full HD model, both with direct LED backlighting. Despite the low price, these TVs are equipped with a built-in FM tuner, support photo frame mode and play multimedia files from external USB drives. Clear Resolution Enhancer and MotionFlow XR 100 Hz technologies are used to improve the image, and Clear Phase technology provides clear sound. Price from 20 thousand rubles.

Entry-level 40-inch Full HD TV BRAVIA R453C with LED backlighting, Edge LED has approximately comparable functionality, but is housed in a fairly thin body with a maximum width of no more than 65 mm. Price from 30 thousand rubles.

The R50C family consists of three models - 32-inch HD Ready, 40-inch and 48-inch BRAVIA R553C, all with Edge LED lighting. These TVs are made in a thin body and have a good range of basic IPTV services, including support for Opera, a built-in Wi-Fi interface, access to YouTube and other online services. Price from 24 thousand rubles.

A completely unusual new product for the lineup - a TV with... a 24-inch diagonal! As Sony representatives said at the presentation, the appearance of such a new product in the range is associated with increased interest in such a diagonal: not everyone wants to be homesick at the dacha with an old picture tube. Despite its small dimensions, the functionality of the new product is impressive:

The family of Full HD TVs comes in 32-inch, 40-inch and 48-inch diagonals. TVs in this series have a slim design and are equipped with a stylish stand. Sound processing is provided by X-Reality Pro and MotionFlow 200 Hz technologies, good sound is provided by ClearAudio+ technology. There is Wi-Fi and Screen Mirroring (Miracast), an MHL interface, and supports video recording to an external hard drive via USB and the One-Flick remote control. Price from 28 thousand rubles.

Sony Full HD TVs on the Android TV platform

The most affordable 43-inch series (KDL-43W750C) supports all the features of Android TV, plus X-Reality Pro and MotionFlow 800 Hz technologies, MHL, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, Ethernet, etc. The price is about 50 thousand rubles. 50-inch model KDL-50W750C about 70 thousand rubles.

A series of Android TV models with Full HD resolution are represented by diagonals of 43 inches (KDL-43W80*C, about 53 thousand rubles), 50 inches (KDL-50W80*C, about 73 thousand rubles), 55 inches (KDL-55W80*7C, about 85 thousand rubles). Ultra-slim design, 3D support, built-in Bass Reflex subwoofer plus everything mentioned above.

Finally, the flagship of the Sony lineup on the Android TV platform with Full HD resolution is a 65-inch TV (KDL-65W850C, about 180 thousand rubles). All the above characteristics combined with a large diagonal.

Sony 4K TVs on the Android TV platform

Series BRAVIA X83 presented by the 43-inch model KD-43X830*C (about 78 thousand rubles) and the 49-inch model KD-49X830*C (about 98 thousand rubles). Sony X1 processor, support for all technologies for improving 4K images and upscaling images with a lower resolution to Ultra HD, as well as support for the VP9 codec, HDMI 2.0 interface with HDCP 2.2 digital content protection technology.

The 4K TVs in the series are represented by the 55-inch model KD-55X850*C (from 128 thousand rubles), the 65-inch model KD-65X8505C (from 230 thousand rubles) and the 75-inch model KD-75X8505C (from 350 thousand rubles). Superior ultra-thin 3D TVs with unique Long Duct Speaker (65- and 75-inch models), the full range of capabilities provided by the Sony X1 plus VP9 processor, HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 and the full range of Android TV capabilities.

Series, presented with a diagonal of 55 inches (KD-55X9305C, about 220 thousand rubles) and 65 inches (KD-65X9305C, about 360 thousand rubles) - these are the same super-super thin Ultra HD models with a unique wall mount included in the kit, allowing the screen almost merge with the wall. Magnetodynamic speakers, Hi Rez Audio, active 3D, MotionFlow 1200 Hz, Android TV and the list goes on.

Finally, the flagship among 4K TVs with Android TV is the 75-inch model KD-75X9405C from the series (approximately 700 thousand rubles) - the same design that expands at the bottom with powerful 6-way acoustics for true music lovers.

Introduction
In recent years, we have become accustomed to the fact that the TV has become not only a means for watching TV programs, but a full-fledged multimedia device. You won’t be surprised by the opportunity to watch your favorite movie online or the ability to surf the Internet directly from your TV.

Packaging and equipment
The TV comes in a cardboard box, the kind we are used to seeing TVs from Sony in. And only the modest inscription “Android TV” tells us that inside is not quite an ordinary Sony TV.

In the box you will find the TV itself, a stand for desktop installation, a classic remote control, a power supply, levelers for installing the TV on VESA standard brackets and documentation.

I received a model in a silver case, and not in the industry-classic black case. It looks very nice: a thin frame, a nice-looking stand that fits perfectly with the body. Sony adheres to a laconic design in its TVs and it succeeds very well: such a beauty will look great in any interior, both on a table stand and on a wall bracket.

The TV, very thin at the top (1 cm), becomes thicker at the bottom, where the interfaces, motherboard and other electronics are located. At its widest point, the thickness of the TV is 5.9 cm.

The TV has all the interfaces necessary for a modern device:
- 4 HDMI ports (1 port with MHL support - for transmitting images from a smartphone and recharging it, 4 port supports ARC, for connecting a home audio system).
- 3 USB ports (to port No. 2 you can connect an external hard drive for recording digital television).
- AUDIO OUT (standard 3.5 jack into which you can connect headphones or an audio system).
- OPTICAL Connector for an optical cable, another option for connecting an audio system, but with better quality, I would recommend connecting additional sound through it.
- RJ45 connector for connecting the Internet with a cable.
- SCART and Component IN (tulips) Connectors for connecting old VCRs and DVD players.
-There is also a connector for an indoor antenna and a separate connector for connecting a satellite dish.

I would like to pay special attention to the adapters for the bracket that come with the kit. They are designed for mounting TV on the wall. Compatible with any VESA 400x400 brackets. Due to the fact that the back wall of the TV is uneven, it may seem that hanging the TV on a bracket will not work, but, as you can see, Sony engineers thought about this too.

TV control
Let's move on to the interface and control of the TV. Since the TV is equipped with Bluetooth and WiFi wireless modules, in addition to the regular IR remote control that comes included, you can connect more convenient control devices to the TV. Here's what I used for this review:

1. The main device that makes controlling a Sony BRAVIA TV with Android TV as convenient as possible is the One-Flick Remote from Sony or the RMF-TX100E. A proprietary device from Sony that allows you to more conveniently control your TV and use voice control. It is not included in the package of this TV model, but it can be purchased separately and connected to the TV via WiFi.

2. Logitech K400 keyboard. All Sony BRAVIA TVs based on the Android TV OS are equipped with a Bluetooth module and support work with third-party keyboards, mice and joysticks. Therefore, I used one made by Logitech as a keyboard. It works great with this TV; its advantage is that we get both a keyboard and a touchpad from one USB adapter. It is very convenient to surf the Internet through a web browser, and with its help you can completely control the TV.

3. And of course, I used a gamepad for games; I came across another device from Logitech, the F710 wireless controller.

You can use any other keyboards and mice that you have at hand, be they USB or Bluetooth. When connected, they will work as usual. The same applies to joysticks, but of course, those who owned a PS3 or PS4 can simply connect the gamepad from their console and play on the TV using their favorite joystick.

First start
So let's turn on this handsome guy and see what the new Android TV OS has to offer us!
Upon initial launch, we are greeted with pleasant music and a beautifully designed initial setup screen. Here we are asked to choose a language, set up Wi-Fi, activate your Google account, and also set up channels. Please note that the TV offers to use your account from your phone or laptop, which significantly speeds up the registration process! You will be prompted to follow the specified link on your smartphone or laptop and enter the registration code. Once you do this, voila, your TV is already connected to your Google account!

Also, upon first startup, the TV offered to update the software. The procedure takes from 20 minutes to an hour, it all depends on the speed of your Internet provider, it took me about 30 minutes. If you are really impatient, you can skip this step and later update the TV through the settings, or download the latest firmware version from the official website - http://www.sony.ru/support/ru. On the site, in the search bar, just enter the model of your TV and you will be taken to the appropriate page where you can download the latest software, as well as reference materials and manuals.

Android TV menu and settings
And now, having finished with the settings, we finally got to the main menu. In the upper left corner there is a voice search icon. How can you live without it on an Android device? The menu itself contains six sections:
1 - Recommended content collected based on your Youtube subscriptions, favorite channels and frequently used applications.

3 – Inputs. More precisely, switching between HDMI ports, analog and digital TV, and other connectors that we discussed above.

4 - installed applications, that is, all the applications that you installed from the Google play store.

5 - Games! A section that shows the games installed on your TV! And I want to note that these are really games with very good graphics! This has never happened on TV before! But we'll talk about games later!

6 - and at the very bottom - a section with settings.

In this video you can see how smoothly and quickly the menu sections switch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04ZvTudMRII

In the setting called “About device” we can see that the TV is running the latest version of Android at the moment - 5.0.2.

First of all, I configured the One-Flick remote control. To do this, I went to the TV settings and found the right item:

The action takes about 30 seconds and is not difficult. Now that the remote is active, of course you need to play around with voice search! Pressing the voice search button activates the search no matter what you are doing, be it watching a movie or playing a game, and after looking at the information you need, you can always return to your previous activity using the Back button on the remote control.

Voice search and control
I tried a few simple voice requests and the TV did a great job! For example, he asked what awaits us outside the window today. In addition to the pop-up window, the weather was also announced by a pleasant female voice :-)

Having asked the name of one of my favorite directors, the TV suggested that I watch his films on Google Play Movies, as well as watch videos on Youtube with his participation.

Having tried a more complex request, I didn’t even expect that the TV would cope with it, but even here this beauty did not disappoint me! If you want to install a specific application, you just need to tell the TV about it and you don’t have to go to the play market and search for a game or application manually! It’s also great that games and applications are installed in the background, and you can safely watch your favorite TV show while the TV downloads and installs the game or application. So, this is what I received for the voice request “install asphalt 8”:

The same applies to already installed applications: from any window we activate voice search and look for the desired application from those already installed and more!

Applications and working with them
Let's now take a look at the Google play app store. It is optimized for TV, there is a division into groups. Everything looks very nice and works very quickly.

Another feature that I really like about this platform is that now you can use your Google account on the TV, and if you have ever purchased applications or games on your smartphone or tablet, you can now download them without having to purchase them again .

All this is adapted for the big screen and overall done very nicely.

There are also settings in the application store, just like in the mobile version, here you can attach a bank card for quick purchases. Set up parental controls to prevent your child from seeing games that you don't want him to play. You can also set up automatic updates of already installed applications and games.

This is how the Google Play app store works on Android TV:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVuxsnG6VCg&feature=youtu.be

Of course, a huge advantage of a system based on Android TV is full access to the file system; for me personally, it is not something extremely important and necessary, but many will like it. Several file managers optimized for Android TV are already available for download in the Google Play store; I chose for myself “ES Explorer,” which has been familiar to me for a very long time, probably from my very first Android device. When we launch, we see a familiar and familiar interface; the application looks exactly the same as on phones, tablets.

Going to the device selection, we see that the TV has 16 GB of its own memory, 8 of which are available to the user. Of these, I have already managed to occupy 5GB with various games and applications; I also currently have an 8GB USB drive and a 465GB hard drive connected to the TV.

The first thing I tried was moving files between devices. The TV coped with the task without any problems, the small video was easily transferred from the flash card to the hard drive. This gives us complete freedom of action; we can download our favorite music and photos, and indeed any files, directly into the TV’s memory, store them there and view them at any time.

And, of course, access to the file system allows us to install third-party applications, as well as applications not yet optimized for the TV platform, which are not on Google Play for Android TV. For example, I chose 2 applications that are not available for installation from the Google play store on the TV. This is the most popular AnTuTu benchmark that will evaluate the overall performance of the TV. As well as an application for viewing IPTV provided by my Internet provider.

The installation process occurs exactly the same as on any Android device.

AnTuTu identified my device as BRAVIA 2015, even though there is no official support for this application yet, all controls function perfectly.

Testing took about 10 minutes and overall I was pleased with the result. Considering that the TV is middle class and it is the youngest of the Android TVs in the Sony 2015 line. Of course, in terms of the number of points scored in AnTuTu, it is far from top-end smartphones and tablets, but for a TV processor this is a very good indicator!

Upon closer examination, we see that the emphasis on the TV is on multitasking, as well as on 3D graphics in games.

The second application that I installed, PeersTV, also works adequately, even though it is optimized for smartphones, it is easy to control, switches channels without problems and supports entering the channel in numbers from the remote control, which pleasantly pleased me.

Games
One of the most interesting and unusual innovations is support for games, and not 8-bit tanks, but really high-quality products available on Android devices. Here everyone will find something to their liking; games are presented for every taste, from simple puzzles to cool shooters and racing games.

I tested 4 different games:
- Asphalt 8
- The Walking Dead: Season One
- SoulCraft 2 - League of Angels
- Badland

The impressions from the games remain positive, it’s very comfortable to play, of course, for the first three games mentioned above you need a gamepad (the TV supports any USB and bluetooth joysticks). For the last game, a regular remote control is enough. Asphalt 8 can also be played with a remote control, but I would still recommend a gamepad if you don’t want to get cramps in your fingers from an awkward grip. Actually, as the AnTuTu test showed us, the TV is perfectly optimized for games; after several hours of playing, I did not find any lags or crashes.

When playing on TV, we get a good advantage over our competitors in games that support online mode, since it’s still much more convenient to play with a gamepad than with a sensor on a smartphone, but this is perhaps a plus only for avid gamers.

I would like to note that most games on Android now support a cloud saving system, for example - in Asphalt 8 we can play on the way from work on a smartphone, and when we get home, continue the game on the TV from the moment of the last save.

Here is a short video clip of the above listed games, here you can evaluate the graphics, good game optimization, stable FPS, as well as various gameplay capabilities in games of different genres:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vrBkEfIu2w

And also a complete walkthrough of the Tokio route in Asphalt 8 with a gamepad in the frame:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=407yZMsxRag

Alternative Control Methods. Google Cast
I was very pleased with the various options for controlling the TV; to be honest, I almost never picked up a standard remote control, except for the initial setup. It's great that we can connect additional. remotes, keyboards, mice or joysticks and control your TV using any of these devices. This gives us enormous options to choose from.

But in addition to the devices described above, we can also use our smartphone. Moreover, it does not have to be on Android. If you have an iPhone, that will do too! There are several options for controlling TV from a smartphone:
- control programs that can be installed from Google Play or the AppStore - TV SideView from Sony and Remote Control from Google. Personally, I will say that the Sony application is much more functional, but in general, both applications are similar in ease of control, simple and pleasant.
- Google Cast technology allows you to find content on your smartphone and send it to your TV with one click, while both devices are simply on the same Wi-Fi network and no pairing is required. You can, for example, play a game, and at that moment you receive a notification on your smartphone that a new video has appeared on the YouTube channel to which you are subscribed, just open this link on your smartphone and press the Cast button and the video will immediately start on TV screen, and TV control functions will remain on your smartphone! The same can be done with installing applications and listening to music. Here is a complete list of applications that support Google Cast technology: https://www.google.com/intl/ru_ru/cast/apps/?utm_source=g.co/castapps#?view=featured.
This is how Google Cast works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhfdkOIPWSw

Sony DISCOVER
I would like to pay attention to a proprietary feature from Sony called DISCOVER. It is used not only in Sony TVs on the AndroidTV platform, but also in other Sony BRAVIA Smart TVs.
Whatever you are doing at the moment, be it browsing the Web, watching TV, or playing a game, when you press the DISCOVER button on the remote control, additional information opens. a menu in which we can set up our favorite channels, quickly jump to recommended content on YouTube, get quick access to videos and photos stored on a USB drive and/or shared on the home network. It also allows you to add frequently used applications to quick access. A flexible configuration system allows you to make this option more convenient for yourself by removing unnecessary lines that you will not use, or adding new ones. DISCOVER works like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To2ScbtS3Eo&feature=youtu.be

Playing media content
I would also like to cancel the media player. The TV perceives heavy high-bitrate files perfectly, while the standard player works much better than downloaded popular players such as VLC and MXplayer, in these players, when working with heavy FullHD films, strong brakes were noticed, but the standard player, like Once again it reproduces them very smoothly.


Video comparison of media players MXplayer, VLC and pre-installed SONY media player:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW5oIx6XGqw&feature=youtu.be

Web browser
When the TV came to me, it did not have a Web Browser, but a few days later, a software update arrived, after installing which Opera appears on the TV, so in order to use the Internet in the usual mode, you need to update the TV to the latest software version!

Overall, I was pleased with the browser; it copes with heavy websites, supports opening several tabs at the same time, and easily plays audio and video content online. It does not support Flash player, but most modern sites have long moved away from this outdated technology, so overall the browser is good. The pre-installed Opera browser works like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjJOgqCiSwo

Picture
Of course, the software component is very important, but still the main thing in TVs has been and will be image quality. And Sony never ceases to please; televisions from this brand have always been distinguished by higher quality image transmission than their competitors. Watching anything, from simple IPTV to a high-quality movie in FullHD on a Sony TV - KDL-43W756C is a pleasure.

The image can be customized at your discretion, here we have many default modes (Bright, standard, individual, Cinema pro, cinema home, sports and animation) each of which we can customize for ourselves by adjusting - color, contrast, smoothness of movement, brightness and much more.
The picture looks very vivid thanks to Motionflow XR 800 Hz technology. Dynamic scenes are smoothed out, and any video looks as if it was shot at 60x. I want to sit and watch all my favorite films and even have thoughts about never going to the cinema again, but waiting for releases on Blu-ray and getting maximum pleasure from watching. It is difficult to convey emotions from the quality of the picture transmitted by a TV, through text or video. This needs to be seen live!

Below I will provide several tests for color reproduction, dynamic range and contrast. Since I don’t know what monitor you are reading this review on, I don’t see the point in taking photographs of test pictures from the TV screen: the distortion of the actual image on the screen of the TV being tested and what you will see on your monitors will be too great. Therefore, I will verbally describe the test results, and you will have to take my word for it or take these pictures yourself and do these tests in the nearest store that sells such a TV.

The breadth of the dynamic range (the ability of the TV to convey complex shades of colors) is clearly visible in the color scale in the photo below: the more rectangles we see with distinct boundaries between them, the less they merge, the wider the dynamic range of the TV, and the greater the number of shades transmitted. When testing our TV, all the edges of all rectangles are clearly visible, and only in red do the 19th and 20th edges merge into one, all the rest are visible very clearly.

The level of static contrast can be assessed using the so-called chess test. In it, the more chessboards we simultaneously see on the screen at a brightness of 50%, the higher the level of screen contrast, which means the details are equally well displayed on the screen, both in bright and dark areas.

This TV clearly showed all the squares on a black background, on a white background - all except 254, and 253 was barely visible. An excellent indicator for a mid-range TV!

Checking the contrast in bright backlight conditions also showed an excellent result: 254 are not distinguishable, the rest are all visible!

Green ones on a white background are visible all except 253, 255, 253. On a black background all are visible well.

The blue ones are all clearly visible.

Thus, in terms of the width of displayed color shades, contrast and color accuracy, these are some of the best parameters among the 2015 TVs that I tested using these tests!

Sound
The standard speaker sounds loud and clear, of course, like any television sound, it lacks good bass, but this was enough for my neighbors to knock on the battery at maximum volume. The volume setting is very sensitive, and has several default modes (sports, standard, cinema, music), which, as with the picture, can be customized to suit your needs.

To summarize, I would like to say that the Sony AndroidTV series of televisions is what I personally have been waiting for for so long. With these TVs, we get the perfect combination of a well-optimized OS with great visuals. Over the past two years, I have been actively looking at what various TV manufacturers offered, but out of all this huge selection, there was nothing that would catch my picky nature. And now, finally, an excellent TV has appeared, in which I am satisfied with everything.

I apologize if I missed some important technologies in the review: I wanted to write about a lot, so it turned out a little chaotic and something could have been left out of the story. If you don’t find something in the text that really interests you, ask in the comments. I will answer all questions!

At the first opportunity, I advise you to stop by your nearest store and look at this new product with your own eyes, look through the menu and watch a few videos. And I am sure that you will not remain indifferent to it, just like me.

The Sony AndroidTV TV offers a huge selection of applications for every taste, convenient interaction with a smartphone, huge functionality of the Android OS and, most importantly, of course, excellent image quality!

This is a TV worth buying!
Thank you all for your attention!

The Android TV platform is a kind of analogue of Smart TV, opening up a number of wide possibilities for users with Sony smart TVs. However, do not forget that a TV is primarily designed for watching TV shows and movies, so most applications are designed specifically for these purposes.

Today, stores with DVDs and even downloading movies have faded into the background, since thanks to Smart technologies and connecting TVs directly to the Internet via cable or Wi-Fi, you can watch anything online. Sony TVs running on the Android TV operating system require the installation of special applications to play files. Without these applications, using the device is not possible.

In addition to media applications, there are many others that make sense to install in order to fully use the functionality of Android TV. The Sony interface on this platform is divided into zones. One of them contains what is recommended to the user, taking into account his preferences, then all other recommendations, games, sources and settings are located. This distribution is visually convenient and allows you to spend less time searching for what you need.

Platform functionality

An interesting feature of the Sony TV on the Android TV operating system is the excellent integration of voice search. The most convenient way to interact with your TV is to use the One-Flick touchpad remote and microphone. As for the microphone specifically, it is usually included immediately when purchasing expensive Sony models. If it is not included in the package, the microphone can be purchased separately.

In this case, the microphone is needed not for karaoke lovers, but just for dictating your search queries, and not typing them from the remote control. However, it is also important that the One-Flick remote control is not always included in the package, since owners of modern smartphones can install a special application on it - TV SideView. This program will allow you to use your smartphone screen in the same way as a remote control with a touchpad. This approach is even more convenient and does not require the purchase of a special microphone, since the mobile device with the desired application has both a keyboard for input and a built-in microphone that can be used for voice control.

Moreover, TV SideView functions as a recommendation center and a TV program at the same time. That is, directly from your mobile device you can watch the same programs as through your Sony TV.

How to find the programs you need

To install applications on Sony Android TV, you need to use the Google Play search service, where you can select and download any of the existing programs. If the user needs a specific application, you can dictate its name by voice, so as not to type on the keyboard or scroll through pages in the search. At the same time, if voice control is not available or is not always convenient, no one forbids using standard means, turning your TV almost into a personal computer.

Speaking of applications developed specifically for the Android TV platform, Google Play offers many more options than for the same Smart TV, which means the owners’ options are wider. So, you can install IPTV, special browsers for surfing the Internet, games, radio and much more directly through your TV. Files with the extension .apk are also available.

When using the search for movies or any information of interest on the Internet, you should know that when sending a voice request, the system will also respond in voice, duplicating what was written. The platform itself works smoothly and quite quickly. In addition, developers are constantly improving it, but you still cannot use the Android operating system without applications.

Gaming services

Separately, it is worth noting the porting of games to the Android platform, among the list of which you can find the most popular ones. Fans will appreciate this move, since playing on a large Sony television screen is much more interesting and convenient than on a smartphone.

The Google Play store is structured into thematic areas, including settings, applications, home page and games. The main page contains all the most interesting and new things, including programs, TV series, films and other entertainment, distributed by topic (video, music, news channels, utilities, etc.). The games area is also divided into selections (recommended applications, tops) and genres.

The more apps a user installs, the more they can use. In addition, you should keep in mind that sometimes even when installing a certain program, not all of its functions may be available, which open when installing an additional file.

Google Cast technology will also be very useful, allowing you to broadcast videos from your smartphone directly to the TV screen. It is very convenient to find interesting things from your mobile device and view them on the big screen.

Device and application adaptation

Many applications have been adapted for the Sony Android TV operating system, the most popular of which are the following:

In addition to the above, you should pay attention to the applications:

Torrent Stream Controller for watching movies and TV shows using ACE Stream technology;

TranslucentClock is a handy gadget in the form of a transparent clock with a date that is constantly displayed on the TV screen.

Many programs are provided for free use.

By Android TV, I do not mean Google TV gadgets, as well as Chinese TV set-top boxes with Android OS, since the review will focus on the new Android TV platform for smart TVs, based on the Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system with a customized bootloader and adaptation for control buttons on the remote control.

Android TV is an operating system for televisions, which is not similar to the mobile version of Android OS and is an independent platform, “tailored” specifically for televisions, since it takes into account the large screen of the device without touch control, as well as other features of modern Smart TVs. In turn, Android TV, unlike regular Smart TVs, is distinguished by the presence of Google services and other interesting features of the Android operating system.

Android TV benefits:

• one Google account for all devices;
• access to Google Play services, Google Movies, Google Music, etc.;
• integrated Google voice search;
• Google Cast support – broadcasting content to TV with one touch;
• a decent collection of games for Android;
• connecting peripheral devices (keyboards, gamepads and remote controls with a gyroscope, etc.);
• the ability to install various applications, not limited to the Google Play service.

Interface and control

The on/off button works both on a mobile device and on Android consoles; it turns off the screen and puts all processes into standby mode. The process of turning on and off is instantaneous, and the TV consumes 15 W in standby mode. It is worth noting that using the Google Cast function it is easy to “wake up” the TV by playing a video from YouTube (or another application that supports this technology) in the smartphone’s mobile application by clicking the video stream broadcast icon.

The shell interface for Android TV takes into account not only the size of the TV screen, but also the distance from which you interact with your Smart TV. Considering the fact that a large TV is viewed from an average distance of about 3 meters, the Android TV interface is designed using large icons and colorful tiles that are clearly visible from a great distance, thereby making the TV interface easier to understand than a smartphone or tablet . The interface of the Android TV operating system is colorful and modern, does not require habit and is intuitive.

Controls on Android TV are no less convenient. For example, Sony TVs come with both a regular push-button remote control and a touch remote control with a touchpad, which is included in older models. In both cases, menu navigation is quite convenient, but for text entry it is best to connect a keyboard to the TV. It is worth noting that the touch remote control has a built-in NFC tag for pairing the TV with mobile devices and a microphone for voice search. In addition to the remote control, the TV can be controlled through a special free application for Android and iOS - Sony TV SideView for smartphones and tablets, which allows you to schedule viewing of your favorite TV show, completely replace the TV remote control, and also perform voice search directly from your mobile device.

Android TV Apps

Considering the fact that the Google Play store is integrated into the new Smart TV system on Android OS, we cannot say that there is a small assortment of applications, although there are still fewer of them than on mobile devices, since in the store from the store you can only install those that which are optimized for TVs.

As always with Sony devices, a separate “Sony Select” section contains applications recommended by the company itself: from its own services to applications from online cinemas Okko or ivi.ru. By the way, in older models these applications were the basis, even despite the inability to play paid content in IVI. You can also install third-party applications via any APK file.

KODI (XBMC) – Rightfully the best media player for Android TV. A lot has been said about him on MediaPure, read more. The player allows you to play any content from all kinds of devices on your home network, be it a NAS, laptop or personal PC, as well as find DLNA servers and act as a DLNA server itself. The Kodi interface is very convenient for controlling a regular push-button remote control, so if this is your main multimedia center, then you don’t have to bother with other control devices that are only needed for web surfing or games.

Games on Android TV

There are quite a lot of games on Android TV; the operating system for TVs is almost as good as the mobile Android OS. As users of Android smartphones and tablets already know, in the Google Play store you will find familiar games for mobile gadgets, as well as quite serious ports from consoles and PCs. In terms of the range of games, TVs on Android TV are ahead of regular Smart TV models.

You can connect both wired and wireless USB keyboards and gamepads to your Sony Android TV, making it much easier to enter text and control games. I have tested several peripheral devices from Logitech in practice, which worked without problems with my TV, including a keyboard with a touchpad, and playing with a gamepad on a large TV is a real pleasure.

Multimedia capabilities

The built-in media player on my Sony X8505C TV handles Ultra HD video (10-bit HEVC encoding) without any problems. Other formats in Full HD are also easily reproduced by the TV, including the now familiar MKV. I immediately replaced the built-in Opera browser with Google Chrome, but for full web surfing you must connect a keyboard to the TV, and if you have a TV model with a regular remote control, then it is better to buy a keyboard with a touchpad, since the cursor movements are not very smooth. Overall, the browser works quite quickly and displays content without problems, including embedded videos and other interface elements.

Conclusion

I've had the Sony X8505C TV model for more than a month now, so I can say with full confidence that Android TV is one of the best shells for modern TVs. The low-functionality Smart TV system of previous Sony models left much to be desired, so the alternative with Android from Google has become a great solution, because now users have access to a variety of content, including games, applications and online services. Android TV made Sony TVs even more attractive for me, because in addition to the already familiar high-quality image and sound, a universal operating system was added.

Previously, the TV was just a “box”. Today it has become one of the components of a “smart home” and has received additional characteristics and advantages. In this article, a specialist from our service center will analyze all the pros and cons of Sony TVs with Android TV OS

Android TV, features of operation on modern TVs

The platform (OS, operating system) was created specifically for “smart” TVs and their owners. The new software was based on the well-known Android OS Lollipop 5.0, “finished” it, added additional advantages and characteristics, and adapted it to be controlled by buttons on the remote control.

ATTENTION!

Android TV should not be confused with the regular Android that is found on your smartphones and tablets. The platform is “tailored” exclusively for TVs; it does not have touch control capabilities, but there are additional applications, services and solutions specifically for TVs.

Advantages of TVs running Android TV

The first and biggest plus is the use of a huge number of functions and options. Practice shows that users are not even aware that most solutions exist.

Android TV allows you to get the following benefits:

• Connection to a single Google account and the possibility of stable operation for all devices.
• Gaining access to a bunch of services that Google provides: for example, Google Play for those who like to relax and have fun; Google Movies for lovers of films of all times and peoples; Google Music for those who cannot live without fiery musical rhythms.
• The ability to install additional solutions and applications, not limited to the Google Play service alone.
• A chance to remember the good old games, connect remote controls with a gyroscope, keyboards and much more to your TV.
• Availability of integrated Google voice search. The function is there, but who uses it?
• There are many other advantages that buyers of modern and sophisticated equipment do not even realize or suspect.

How to turn on or off your Sony Android TV?

There is a simple button for this. It functions both on a mobile device and on Android consoles, so there should be no problems or difficulties here. There is a Google Cast function that will allow you to “wake up” the device from a long distance.

Control on Android TV is possible either with a regular push-button remote control or with a touch one (touch solution is included in the kit).

Apps for Sony Android TV

Android TV gives you access to Google Play. This means that you will have hundreds of applications, games, constructors in front of you - in general, just have time to try, install and test.

ATTENTION!

Not all applications from the market can run on your TV. You can only use solutions that have been specifically optimized for Sony TVs running Android TV.

What apps are offered in the Sony Select section?

“Sony Select” is a special section that was created for TV owners. Here you can find a complete set and a set of pleasures for film lovers:

Games on Android TV. What awaits the user?

Games are one of the most popular and interesting categories. What solutions will the manufacturer offer? What software should you pay attention to? What's important to keep in mind?

There are so many games on Android TV that you can hardly “replay” them all. Features of games on TV are as follows:

1. There are both games for tablets and solutions for game consoles.
2. It is possible to connect a full set of necessary gamepads, cables and much more.
3. Everything you need is provided for you to enjoy a simplified gamepad and be able to easily enter numbers and letters directly from the TV.

Multimedia capabilities of Sony TVs with Android TV OS

Sony TVs with Android TV have everything you need for high-quality playback of music and videos. “Television” will show you both a Full HD picture and an Ultra HD video.

So is it worth it or not to buy a Sony TV with Android TV OS?

Of course, it's up to you to decide. The only question is what functions you use and what solutions you prefer. If you need a “box” for watching news and movies, then the function is unlikely to be useful. If you like to play console games, record and watch movies at any time, listen to different music compositions and even access the Internet from your TV, then use solutions with this software shell. And most importantly, once you have decided on a purchase, do not be afraid of breakdowns. At any service center for the repair of SONY equipment, they will not only carry out repairs for you, but will also help you with the settings