2015 Bravia Android TV Issues

[NickCo1979]

I thought I'd create a generic thread to cover off the issues being encountered on the 2015 Bravia Android TVs. I've listed my issues below with fixes / workarounds and responses from support. All comments and solutions welcome!

1) Hot Swap HDMI doesn't work - manifested by no input on HDMI channels 2, 3 and 4 on the KD-49X8305C. Workaround - reset the TV, either by holding down the remote power button for 5 seconds or by switching the TV off at the wall and then back on again. Further details on this thread: https://community.sony.co.uk/t5/televisions/kd-49x8305c-hdmi-2-3-4-inputs-not-working/td-p/1944435

2) HDD Recording doesn't work - error message states a system update is required but none is available when checking. Hopefully this will be fixed soon by a firmware update.

3) Netflix App doesn't work - this seems like the app has been deliberately disabled. So far a support case has only recommended that a factory reset be performed (took two days to get to that cracking piece of advice.....), with no improvement as a result. A temporary (albeit for advanced users only) workaround is provided by MikeLothian on this thread - https://community.sony.co.uk/t5/televisions/netflix-support-for-kd55x8509c-android-tv/td-p/1945360 

4) Sound lag and performance issues after the TV (KD-49X8305C) has been on standby for a while - manifested for me as stuttering and sound / picture sync issues in all apps (youtube, amazon instant video etc) and HDMI sources (PS4, seperate YouView box etc). Hopefully this will be fixed in a firmware update, at the moment workarounds involve either changing channels to get the sync to work or in my case having to turn the TV off and then on again at the socket.

As stated previously, all comments welcome. Personally I'm willing to give Sony a couple of weeks to fix this, but if it's not done soon I'll be sending my new TV back for a refund as it's not really fit for purpose.

[hankmarvin107]

@frankie1g

I agree the judder issue is higher priority.

I am not convinced a change to a newer version of Android will solve it either.  It’s likely to be in the lower level code with the processor where this problem exists.

[AnthonyMK]

The juddering is so annoying, happens when hooked up to either computer non-stop, have to switch sources and back and that clears it.

Really poor support from Sony for this tv, it'll be back to samsung for me next time round, my previous tv was faultless, only took an upgrade in feb because i wanted 4k and the samsung was out of stock and my impatience got the better off me

[Ryanm1701]

Just wondering if anyone has bought the new Xbox One S. Just curious about how the 4K works through that - using Blu-ray player and the display settings - I know the Xbox checks for HDR compatibility.

[hankmarvin107]

that would be a good test, especially if it does have the same issue.  Good view on how well Sony test their own products.  Or if they make their customers test for them, whislt ***** them off

[Swarfega]

HI all,

I purchased a KDL55W805CBU two months ago.  I'm generally happy with it apart from the awful built in Freeview guide and YouView performance (I've had to disable it and plug back in my old PVR).  My main issue though is I have a Sony SoundBar which works great but the TV is sending CEC signals for it to power off when I change HDMI inputs, to TV or to Netflix.  It doesn't do it all the time though.  It's pretty random.  I can turn the TV on in the morning and see it powers on the SoundBar.  After 10 seconds I see the soundbar suggest its going into standby.

I doubt this is unique to my equipment, does anyone else see this issue?

I was excited to see the July firmware but unhappy to see the issue persists.

[grandyle]

I wonder why YouView and the other catch-up services are not separate apps available in Google Play. It would make far more sense for the developers to push out updates. Netflix does it, so why not everyone else?

I cannot imagine how long it will take for Sony to update the current abysmal version of YouView. Makes me question whether they've actually used it, and if they have, how can they deem it acceptable.

@Swarfega - yep, I have the exact same issue. How's the downmix from 5.1 to your soundbar? Gurgling? Whenever there's dialog over music, it sounds like they're drowning.

[Garymjh]

An obvious question but have you disabled hdmi cec in the tv settings?

[royabrown]

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@grandyle wrote:

I wonder why YouView and the other catch-up services are not separate apps available in Google Play. It would make far more sense for the developers to push out updates. Netflix does it, so why not everyone else?

I cannot imagine how long it will take for Sony to update the current abysmal version of YouView. Makes me question whether they've actually used it, and if they have, how can they deem it acceptable.

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YouView is a channel, not just an app. The BBC iPlayer and Demand 5 are separate apps, though not, for a multitude of reasons, in Google Play. But there is an update mechanism for them, below the Software Update option.

ITV Hub and All4 are provided by YouView, so they are part of it. Blame Sony, if you like, for not licensing them separately, but praise, not blame, YouView for providing them at all.

And please do share how and why you think YouView is abysmal. A generalised assertion like that demands some specifics to back it up.

[rnbetsy]

Youview is abysmal on my Sony TV. Too sluggish to use for me.

On my BT UHD box, it's great.

Still prefer the sky Q interface though.

[Anonymous]

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@royabrown wrote:

YouView is a channel, not just an app. 

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@royabrown - Can you explain for me what you mean by this?  My take is that YouView is a software application of an alternative EPG?  And inside YouView contain many 'sub apps'