Audio Video News

Sony introduced its new Master series Ultra HDTVs at a press event yesterday in New York City. The series consists of the A9F OLED and Z9F LCD models, both of which will arrive later this Fall.

According to Sony, the new sets were designed with “input from the creative community,” and bring a quality level that “approaches a professional monitor in post-production.” Both the A9F OLED and Z9F LCD models use Sony’s new X1 Ultimate picture processor with object-based HDR Remaster and Super Resolution. They also feature a Netflix Calibrated mode developed jointly with the company that’s said to deliver optimal picture quality when viewing Netflix’s original programs. Another new feature the A9F and Z9F series models share is a CalMAN auto-calibration mode that allows video calibration professionals to quickly and easily execute advanced adjustments via IP using a built-in Android TV app.

A9F Series OLED UHDTVs

Available in 65- and 55-inch screen sizes, Sony’s A9F OLED models feature a Pixel Contrast Booster panel controller and Acoustic Surface Audio+. According to Sony, Pixel Contrast Booster “maximizes dynamic range by widening the area of color reproduction at high brightness.” Acoustic Surface Audio+ improves on the built-in capability of Sony’s previous A1E series OLEDs through the use of an additional audio actuator at the screen’s center plus a second subwoofer channel for 3.2-channel sound. There is also a center-speaker option that lets you use the TV’s built-in audio system as a dedicated center-channel speaker in a full surround-sound setup.

Z9F Series LCD UHDTVs

Similar to the company’s previous top-of-line Z9D series LCD UHDTVs, the new Z9F models, which will be available in 75- and 65-inch screen sizes, feature a full-array LED backlight and Triluminos extended-color display. The Z9F’s X-Wide Angle feature incorporates a new optical design that dramatically improves color fidelity at off-axis viewing angles – a traditional Achilles’ heel of LCD display tech. Another feature, X-Motion Clarity, effectively reduces motion blur without brightness reduction by blinking the set’s local dimming backlight on a zone-by-zone basis. Typically, this is done by blinking the entire backlight, which has a significant effect on overall picture brightness.

Pricing for both the A9F and Z9F TVs hasn’t yet been announced. Keep an eye out for Tom Norton’s deep dive on the proprietary technology featured in Sony’s Master series models in next week’s A/V Veteran column.