Sony 4K HDR X850D UHDTV Series (2016)

First up on the list are four brand new 2016 displays in the XBR-X850D Series – the 55-inch XBR-55X850D ($2,499.99), 65-inch XBR-65X850D ($3,499.99), 75-inch XBR-75X850D ($4,999.99) and 85-inch XBR-85X850D ($9,999.99). These sets feature Dynamic Contrast Enhancer to optimize contrast with improved gradation, better reproduction of dark areas, and increased contrast control with noise reduction. The set also features 4K X-Reality PRO upscaling, an algorithm created from a “reality creation database” for TV broadcasting, DVD, Blu-ray, Internet video and digital still photos. It basically compares patterns in the image against patterns in the internal database to determine optimal hue, saturation and brightness for each pixel.


Pricing and Availability: B&H Photo Video has the 55-inch XBR-55X850D pre-order available for just $1,398 (ETA: March 25, 2016), the 65-inch XBR-65X850D pre-order available for just $2,798 (ETA: March 25, 2016), the 75-inch XBR-75X850D pre-order available at an unlisted price (ETA: March 22, 2016 12am), and the 85-inch XBR85X850D available for pre-order at an unlisted price (ETA: April 26, 2016 12am)


Sony 4K HDR X930D UHDTV Series (2016)

Next up are two 2016 displays in the XBR-X930D Series – the 55-inch XBR-55X930D ($3,299.99), and the 65-inch XBR-65X930D ($4,999.99). The X930D Series uses a new Slim Backlight Drive technology which uses a unique grid array local dimming and boosting backlight to distribute the backlight more precisely to each specific zone of the screen. This series also offers X-tended Dynamic Range PRO, which Sony claims offers three times the brightness range of traditional LED-backlit displays, an upgrade over the Dynamic Contrast Enhancer found in the X830D Series mentioned above. These displays also feature 4K X-Reality PRO upscaling. The X930D Series is meant to replace the 2015 X930C series. The new X930D design eliminates the side-located speakers and replaces them with down-firing speakers located at the botton of the set.


Pricing and Availability: B&H Photo Video has the 55-inch XBR-55X930D available for just $2,498 (ETA: March 25, 2016) and the 65-inch XBR-65X930D available for just $3,798 (ETA: March 25, 2016), taking sizable chunks off MSRP for anyone interested in pre-orders available next month.


Sony 4K HDR X940D UHDTV Series (2016)

Finally, for Sony’s 2016 flagship, there is the XR-X940D Series with the 75-inch XBR-75X940D ($7,999.99). This particular set offers an LED-backlit screen in the form of full-array local dimming (FLAD), and also features X-tended Dynamic Range PRO and 4K X-Reality PRO upscaling. When mounted on a wall, Sony's 4K HDR X930D and X940D models offer a space of just 3.7cm, or less than 1.5 inches, between the screen and wall.




Pricing and Availability: B&H Photo Video has the 75-inch XBR-75X940D available for pre-order at a currently unlisted price. (ETA: April 5, 2016 12am)

All three new lineups, the X850D Series, X930D Series and X940D Series, will feature Home Automation control directly from the Android user interface using a Logitech Harmony Hub. Sony claims that more than 270,000 home entertainment products and IoT devices can be controlled and automated from the TV remote, including thermostats, lights and security cameras.

"This new lineup of 4K HDR Ultra HD televisions is proof of our continuing commitment to deliver a premium 4K HDR experience to our customers. With the development of 4K HDR shooting, editing, recording, storage, playback, transmission and display technologies, Sony understands 4K HDR like no other company," said Sunil Nayyar, Director of Product Marketing, TV and Projectors, North America. "Sony TVs provide superior picture quality no matter what content is being viewed, but these new televisions really shine when displaying 4K and HDR content."

Sony will additionally offer three new low-end 1080p HDTV models later this Spring, the 32-inch 32W600D, the 40-inch 40W650D and the 48-inch 48W650D. All three will feature the X-Reality PRO algorithm, likely one optimized for 1920x1080p rather than 3840x2160p.

Sony's X850D, X930D and X940D 4K HDR Ultra HDTVs are available for pre-order starting today and will be on-sale in March at Amazon, BestBuy.com and other authorized dealers nationwide.