Podcast Summary: Home Theater Geeks 477: Sony 2025 TV Lineup

Host: Scott Wilkinson
Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
Episode: Home Theater Geeks 477: Sony 2025 TV Lineup
Release Date: April 10, 2025

Introduction to Sony's 2025 TV Lineup

In this episode of Home Theater Geeks, host Scott Wilkinson delves deep into Sony's highly anticipated 2025 TV lineup, which was unveiled during a special event in Tokyo. Although Scott couldn't attend the event in person, he relays comprehensive insights gathered from colleagues who were present.

Scott Wilkinson (01:10): "Sony's 2025 TV lineup, which they just announced at a special event in Tokyo, no less."

Overview of the 2025 Lineup

Sony's 2025 collection retains several models from the previous year, introducing three new additions that aim to bridge gaps between existing tiers. The lineup includes:

• Bravia 9: Flagship Mini LED QLED LCD TV
• Bravia 8: Conventional WRGB OLED
• Bravia 7: Mini LED QLED with Quantum Dots
• Bravia 3: Entry-level LED TV without local dimming

Introduction of New Models

Scott highlights the introduction of three new models that integrate seamlessly into Sony's existing hierarchy:

1. Bravia 8 Mark 2
2. Bravia 5
3. Bravia 2 Mark 2

Detailed Breakdown of New Models

Bravia 8 Mark 2

The Bravia 8 Mark 2 is Sony's latest advancement in OLED technology, featuring a Quantum Dot OLED (QD OLED) panel.

• Features:
  • Increased Brightness: 25% more peak brightness than the previous QD OLED A95L and 50% more than last year's Bravia 8 OLED.
  • Size Availability: 55-inch and 65-inch models.
  • Affordability: Positioned to be more affordable than the A95L, though exact pricing remains unannounced.

Scott Wilkinson (03:00): "The Bravia 8 Mark 2 is only available in 55 and 65 inch sizes."

Scott expresses satisfaction with his purchase of the 77-inch A95L, appreciating its availability given the Bravia 8 Mark 2's limited sizes.

Bravia 5

The Bravia 5 introduces a lower-cost Mini LED QLED LCD TV that still leverages Sony's premium processing technologies.

• Features:
  • Processing: Utilizes Sony's XR Master backlight drive for superior performance.
  • Gaming Enhancements: Includes Variable Refresh Rate and Game Mode.
  • Visual Quality: Supports Dolby Vision and boasts up to six times the dimming zones compared to the older X90L model.
  • Size Range: Available from 55 inches up to an impressive 98 inches.

Scott Wilkinson (10:20): "The Bravia 5 is going to be a really, really good performer."

Scott predicts the Bravia 5 will be a standout performer in its price bracket, citing its robust feature set and scalability in size as key selling points.

Bravia 2 Mark 2

At the entry level, Sony introduces the Bravia 2 Mark 2, a conventional LED TV without local dimming.

• Features:
  • Target Audience: Serves as an entry-level option, similar to the Bravia 3.
  • Market Availability: Limited information suggests it may not be available in the US, potentially targeting European or Asian markets instead.

Scott Wilkinson (15:45): "It's going to be a very low end tv, an entry level into Sony."

Scott notes the ambiguity surrounding the Bravia 2 Mark 2's availability and specifications, indicating it's an area to watch for international markets.

Model Naming Conventions and Speculations

Sony's naming strategy continues to intrigue enthusiasts, with speculation around the positioning of the Bravia 9 and the new QD OLED models.

Scott Wilkinson (05:30): "Bravia8 and Bravia8 Mark 2, they're both OLED one WRGB, the other QD OLED."

Scott observes that Sony maintains the Bravia 9 as its flagship, possibly reserving the Bravia 10 for future technologies like RGB LED slated for 2026. This decision suggests Sony's intent to uphold brand hierarchy without overshadowing the Bravia 9.

He references colleague Caleb Denison from Digital Trends, who speculates:

Caleb Denison: "Maybe the 2026 RGB LED model could be called the Bravia 11 in keeping with what appears to be Sony's convention."

Scott disagrees with keeping Bravia 9 as the flagship over the superior QD OLED Bravia 10, arguing that QD OLED offers broader off-axis performance compared to LCD technologies.

Pricing Predictions and Market Positioning

Scott ventures educated guesses on the pricing of the new models based on existing and previous pricing structures:

• Bravia 8 Mark 2: Estimated between $2,000 to $2,200 for a 65-inch model, bridging the gap between the Bravia 8 ($1,700) and Bravia 9 ($2,700).

• Bravia 5: Predicted to range from $1,000 to $1,200 for a 65-inch variant, positioning it between the Bravia 7 ($1,500) and Bravia 3 ($700).

Scott Wilkinson (12:50): "I suspect that's going to be a real hot item."

He anticipates the Bravia 5 will resonate well in the market due to its balance of performance and pricing, making it a recommended choice for consumers seeking quality without the premium price tag.

Sony’s Superior Processing and Calibration Efforts

A significant highlight of Sony's 2025 lineup is their dedication to unparalleled processing and meticulous calibration.

Scott Wilkinson (19:30): "Sony is the only TV company that also produces content. Sony Picture Studios and its processors for its TVs are geared toward showing you what the content creators intended."

Scott praises Sony's commitment to ensuring that every TV is color and screen uniformity calibrated meticulously. He references input from Caleb Denison, who terms this exhaustive tuning process as the "Sony tax," contributing to the higher price point but delivering superior viewing experiences.

Caleb Denison: "Sony takes the time and the effort and the money to essentially adjust or calibrate each and every TV that comes off the line."

This rigorous calibration ensures that Sony TVs maintain top-tier performance across all models, from the Bravia 3 upwards, reinforcing their market reputation for quality and reliability.

Conclusion

Scott concludes by affirming the strength of Sony's 2025 TV lineup, emphasizing their technological advancements and commitment to quality. While acknowledging the higher price points, he asserts that the investment is justified for consumers seeking top-notch performance and fidelity.

Scott Wilkinson (24:15): "Sony has a pretty impressive lineup of TVs and they may cost me a bit more, but in my opinion they're definitely worth it if you can pump up the budget to afford one."

He particularly recommends the Bravia 5 as a standout option that offers excellent performance within a more accessible price range, poised to become a favorite among tech enthusiasts and home theater aficionados alike.

Final Thoughts

Sony's 2025 TV lineup exemplifies the brand's dedication to innovation and quality, blending cutting-edge technologies with meticulous craftsmanship. From flagship models like the Bravia 9 to the promising Bravia 5, Sony continues to set high standards in the competitive TV market.

For more insights and detailed discussions, tune into Home Theater Geeks on YouTube or join the TWiT TV Club for ad-free access.