Sony 2018 TV and AV range (launch coverage)

The Sony 2018 TV and AV range were recently showcased to media and retailers. While Sony gear is always good, the 2018 range reflects a change in the corporate giant’s thinking. For the better as consumers are winners.

Sony, in recent years, has been accused of ‘falling in love with its brand’ left behind by other more agile, innovative companies. The mantra ‘It’s a Sony’ failed to resonate with millennials.

I have seen quite a change since I started following Sony in 2013. A change that has seen it become more user and product focused and less self-important. It is humbler now. Sony, at least in Australia, has a heart and Millenials are loving the brand again.

Which is why the Sony 2018 TV and AV range is so important to the brand.

Let’s look at 2018 TVs first

The 2018 TVs feature Android TV operating system (F denotes 2018 models). Many have Dolby Atmos sound (content required), Dolby Vision and HDR10. Android TV works with Google Home and some work with Alexa.

At the top is 4K OLED

A8F in 55 and 65-inch at $3,999 and $5,999

GadgetGuy has an A8F OLED currently in review. We will update this article shortly. The first impression is a stunning TV with all the OLED benefits backed by excellent Sony electronics.

In the middle is 4K Ultra HD LED

X85F in 65, 75, 85-inch at $3,499, $5,799 and $8,999
X90F in 55 and 65-inch at $2,799 and $4,099

Once we finish the OLED review, we will look at the UHD range. In launch demonstrations, the X85F was not far behind the OLED. The main difference is the LED versus OLED panel. Its LED is better in higher direct light viewing areas.

Entry level is Full HD LED (no Android OS)

W66F in 43 and 50-inch at $899 and $999

Some of the 2017 range (easily identified by an ‘E” after the model number) will be around for some time to fill in some niches like a 32” W66E at $699.

Sony has two 4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Hi-Res audio (24-bit/96kHz and 16-bit/44.1kHz), Dolby Atmos Blu-ray players.

UBP-X800, $499
UBP-X700, $349

Soundbars are in

Soundbars now outsell AV receivers 20-to-1 according to our spies at JB Hi-Fi. “It’s a really hard sell to justify a separate amplifier, speakers and more when you can walk out of the store with a very good sound bar that needs no expertise to set up or use.”

New models for 2018 include

HT-Z9RF, 5.1.2 channel, 400W Dolby Atmos, with Wi-Fi (and Google Assistant), Bluetooth and sub-woofer at $1,499 (this includes two rear wireless speakers)
HT-X9000F, 300W, 2.1 channel Dolby Atmos, with Bluetooth and sub-woofer at $799.

These feature Sony’s new vertical surround engine that replaces the need for up-firing speakers to hear sounds overhead. They are compatible with the latest 4K HDR standards, including Dolby Vision. In the demonstration, the vertical surround engine was highly effective on the classic Matrix movie lobby shooting scene.

AV Receivers – its home Theatre amps are excellent

There still is a need for discrete home theatre AV amps – if only for 4K HDMI switching and real 5.1.2 and 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos sound. It is what I would buy if I were still an audiophile.

STR-DH790 is 7.1.2 Amp (Front L+R+C, Rear L+R, Overhead L+R, and sub-woofer) with 4HDMI 4K passthrough and HDMI ARC output as well as a full range of AUX inputs. $849 plus speakers
STR-DH590 is a 5.1.2 Amp (Front L+R+C, Rear L+R, and sub-woofer) with similar features to the STR-DH790. Cost is $500 plus speakers.

The amps are only part of the equation. Spending several thousand on a good set of speakers is easy.

Extra Bass is punchy and IP67 water-proof

We were impressed with the 2017 Sony Extra Bass speakers except for one minor issue. The inexperienced could introduce too much bass via the equaliser app. Sony has addressed that with a three pre-sets – Live, standard, and Extras Bass (as we recommended).

These are all Bluetooth, have rechargeable batteries, support Sony LDAC audio and the usual MP3 and AAC. They have LED lighting bars and speakers that can sync to your music. Party Booster allows for dozens of the SRS to act as one, or hook a pair up in stereo.

SRS-XB41, 24-hour (lights off) $269
SRS-XB31, 24-hour (lights off) $229
SRS-XB21, 12-hour (lights off) $149

Hi-Fi audio systems

There are no new models at present. These ‘oversized out-there’ systems have flashing party lights and a funky industrial design that works from the man cave to the gym. These start at $399 and some models have HDMI ARC 4K passthrough to connect to a TV.

Headphones – over ear headband

Sony released the award-winning WH-1000XM2 late last year so while not ‘new’ it is still the flagship. GadgetGuy reviewed these here. They have become our reference ANC headphones in 2018.

Sony has a huge range of on-ear and over-the-ear; ANC or normal; cabled or Bluetooth headphones for almost any need. Newer models will receive a firmware update for Google Assistant.

New are

MD-RF995RK over-the-ear Wi-Fi, 50m range, 20hr battery, with voice clarity mode for TV viewing, $219.95
WH-CH500, on-ear, Bluetooth (NFC), 20-hour battery, voice assistant compatible, swivel cups for travel, $99.25
WH-CH400 on-ear, Bluetooth (NFC), 20 hr battery, voice assistant compatible, $79.95

Headphones – in-ear

The WI-1000X in-ear version of the WH-1000XM2 is still current. GadgetGuy posed the question are these the World’s best ANC ear-buds.

New is

WI-C300, Bluetooth (NFC), eight-hour battery $89.95

Wireless Noise Cancelling sports headphones

These ‘splash proof’ buds are not all here yet.

WF-SP700N, digital noise cancelling, separate buds, charging case, Google Assistant, $299.95
WI-SP600N, digital noise cancelling, neck cable, 6hr battery
WI-SP500, open ear design to hear external noise

Sony cameras and lenses

GadgetGuy Thomas Bartlett looks after camera reviews. The Compact RX10 IV review is here

Expect to hear more from him.

New is

RX1000 VI Broad zoom 24-200mm F2.8-4.5 zoom lens
FE 400mm F2.8 GM, OSS, E-mount lens
E 18-135 F3.5-5.6 OSS E-mount lens, $999

Sony has a huge range of mirror and mirrorless cameras and lenses.

GadgetGuy’s take. Sony 2018 TV and AV – a big yet tightly focused range

It was a huge launch, yet it demonstrated a renewed focus on technology over the brand. We can’t review everything but look for our reviews of the OLED and 4K UHD TV’s and soundbars, new headphones and Extra Bass soon.

It is also nice to see some price adjustments to make Sony even more competitive again.

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