Share your experience!
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.
I think these links show the specs without the footnote that was added about the time that the youview update was released...
this link includes the footnotes below (no mention of Satellite tuners/HDD being disabled with youview):
this page
also lists the HDD recording capability with the footnote that it will arrive summer 2015
I could do with those pages too...
You could also point out the unacceptable lip sync and rebooting issues, which make the TV not fit for purpose.
Tell them that you're going to send them a solicitor's letter stating your intent to recover your costs in the Small Claims Court.
There are some posts about this just a few pages back to give you some ideas for a strategy.
@rik_10 wrote:I think these links show the specs without the footnote that was added about the time that the youview update was released...
this link includes the footnotes below (no mention of Satellite tuners/HDD being disabled with youview):
- Service availability depends on country. 4K Ultra HD availability subject to your Netflix subscription plan, internet service, device capabilities, and content availability.
- Use of this TV requires consent to Google Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Please visit http://www.google.com/policies/terms/, http://www.google.com/policies/privacy/
- User interface may differ. Limited ITV content in Scotland and NI. Suitable coverage, broadband speed and aerial required. Terms & Conditions apply, see youview.com.
- 4K : 3,840 x 2,160 pixels
- This product is also known as KD-43X8305C, KD-43X8307C, KD-43X8309C, KD-49X8305C, KD-49X8307C, KD-49X8309C, KD43X8305CBU, KD43X8307CSU, KD43X8309CBU, KD49X8305CBU, KD49X8307CSU, KD49X8309CBU
this page
also lists the HDD recording capability with the footnote that it will arrive summer 2015
This is not relevant. The retailer was Currys, so its Currys webpages that are needed. When I got Currys to agree to my refund, they did not ask for proof (although I did have paper copies - since destroyed, regrettably).
Wow, some guy took his TV back over at AV Forums and seemed they were getting a rather large collection from other people. ALL Sony....
USB recording and PIP/PAP postponed..
I didn't see any news in Sony's UK site, but finnish site :
http://www.sony.fi/support/fi/content/cnt-hn/prd-tvhc/android-tv-features-update-roe/KD-55X8509C
Featured are postponed until 29.2.2016.
I bought mine in june and I have an initial agreement with the dealer (www.verkkokauppa.com) that
if USB recording is not available during this year, I can return the TV (55x8509C) with full rewund.
Had mine for 3 weeks completely locks up takes 10 mins to restart then ok till the next time