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.

[Kevwoods12]

Eh? 

[SDCEGavster]

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@Kevwoods12 wrote:

 I bought mine in August and knew about the Motionflow differences then,  it's the reason I got the 8509, they were all the same price. 

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I spoke to the 'Sony' Salesman in John Lewis about this. After checking the specs on the Sony website and quoting them to him, he replied, "No, it's a mistake, all the refresh rates are the same on all models."

I have a KDL55X8507 and only difference between mine and an 8509 is the stand and frame colour it seems.

[andipr]

SDCEGavster - 

I have the KD43X8309CBU and went for this over the 5 or 7 models due to the Hz rates.

Looking on the Sony site and it still states different rates for the 5/7/9 models:

http://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/televisions/x8300c-series/specifications

Not sure what's going on here anymore, but if they are all the same rate I'll be happy as long as it's 1000Hz and not lower.

[SDCEGavster]

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@andipr wrote:

@SDCEGavster - 

I have the KD43X8309CBU and went for this over the 5 or 7 models due to the Hz rates.

Looking on the Sony site and it still states different rates for the 5/7/9 models:

http://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/televisions/x8300c-series/specifications

Not sure what's going on here anymore, but if they are all the same rate I'll be happy as long as it's 1000Hz and not lower.

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The specs are still the same online for the KDL55X series TVs. It's just not true apparently.
I believe they are 900Hz, but you will not be able to tell the difference between 900Hz and 1000Hz anyway.

[cozzykim]

The 2nd digit of the last four is the 'Motionflow' refresh rate.

These refresh rate specs are 'emperor's new clothes' anyway.

AFAIK they're interpolated, not true refresh rates.

See here:

http://www.rtings.com/tv/learn/fake-refresh-rates-samsung-clear-motion-rate-vs-sony-motionflow-vs-lg...

[rab1973]

So what is the motion flow rate ? 800-900 or 1000 ???

[cozzykim]

@rab1973

Sorry, having a senility moment and was relying on memory, it's the 4th digit.

8505 - 800Hz

8507 - 900Hz

8509 - 1000Hz

http://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/televisions/x8500c-series/specifications

[SDCEGavster]

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@cozzykim wrote:

@rab1973

Sorry, having a senility moment and was relying on memory, it's the 4th digit.

8505 - 800Hz

8507 - 900Hz

8509 - 1000Hz

http://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/televisions/x8500c-series/specifications

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That's what the Sony site says, but it's not true – according to an actual human being, purportedly working on Sony's behalf at John Lewis.

[gandawall]

So many people seem to be having problems with their not very smart TVs that there must be something fundamentally wrong at Sony. I have only had my KD43X8309 since 28th Sept. and it has been nothing but trouble. Every few days it completely freezes, sometimes part way through a programme on catch up, and I have found that the only way to fix it is to switch off at the plug and then let it reboot - not what you want when you are trying to enjoy a programme! It is interesting that the delay in acquiring YouView was blamed on 'technical issues'. It's a pity that Sony did not resolve those issues before inflicting this mess on us. And will we ever get a full YouView service? Currently, on my TV, ITVPlayer does not work and it would appear that we are not to get the ability to pause and wind back live TV. Recording to a separate hard drive is promised before Christmas, but can we depend on that being delivered?

Buying a new TV should be an exciting experience, not a pain. I am spending so much time either fixing problems or trying to find out how to fix them that I am seriously thinking of taking it back to Currys for a refund, on the basis that it is not fit for purpose, and buying a Samsung or Panasonic instead.

[Anonymous]

Hi all

In regards to MotionFlow on certain variations of TVs, ive asked Sony for confirmation on what is correct.  Will post back when i recieve an answer and hopefully put this topic to bed.

Cheers