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.

[Mekerz]

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@john.pringle wrote:
Or you are just unlucky. Mine works fine too Sent from my iPad

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Or everyone's setup is different to everyone elses setup.

Here's the impression I get throughout this thread:

1. Lack of features advertised when sold -> Effects everyone but will annoy people on different levels depending on how much people care about said missing features
2. Poor YouView implementation -> Will effect people who want their sat tuner to be active, i.e. will not annoy people who have their EPG/Content delivered through external source (Sky, Virgin, Humax etc)
3. Lip sync issues -> Some report having it, others do not. Appears to exist regardless if your sound source is directly from the TV or sound bar.
4. Instability -> As above, some report having it and others do not

The other element that is questioned frequently is whether or not the SoC in these sets is up to the task; the SoC was never advertised so this area sits outside of the mis-sold/missing features issue. In my opinion, the SoC for these sets do not deliver the performance that I expect from a TV running Android based on the below:

• Why put Android on if you can't play graphic intensive games available on Google Play?
• Android isn't needed for simple content consumption or device operation - My Samsung D8000 that was 4 years old had a Netflix client built in and I assume it ran some closed source Samsung OS.
• Nvidia ShieldTV can be had for £150... I expect a £1,000+ set to come with a comparible SoC
• Yes a TV has more components than the ShieldTV but we're talking +£850 to cover these areas

[mikeyd0407]

I purchased my TV in May based on the specification and  early reviews (which now come into question after Sony appears to be selectively filtering submissions).

The specification for the TV has changed since my purchase:

Details of The Terms of Breach Of Contract:

The footnote with regards to the ‘YouView’ feature on the Sony Website when I purchased the television (1st May 2015) read:

“This feature will be available via a firmware update in Summer 2015.”

Archive Source: http://web.archive.org/web/20150428152042/http://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/televisions/x8300c-serie...

The footnote in the specification with regards to the ‘YouView’ feature on the Sony Website has since been modified and today reads: “This feature will be available before 24th December. However, due to the technical complexity implementing this feature, the final release date(s) stipulated on our support site may be subject to change. NOTE: HDD recording (REC) and Satellite features are not available if YouView functionality is enabled. YouView on Sony TVs will offer consumers a consistent and easy to use YouView experience, including scroll back, search, discover and catch up TV (BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, All 4 and Demand 5). YouView functionality includes access to all the normal free-to-air channels via the YouView guide and mini guide.”

Archive Source:

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

My intentions when I purchased this TV were to have a Youview system that I can use to watch and record (HDD) media from multiple (satellite & terrestrial) channels with the support of a program guide. This would enable me to cancel my subscription with SKY entertainment (saving me money in the long run). Instead seven months on I still have to use SKY to watch live programs, recorded programs and TV catchup as the Sony system just does not work. I sat and watched some Youtube clips on my TV last night and had to suffer lip sync issue throughout (I used to do this with a £35 ChromeCast dongle without any issues before I purchased a £1300 ' Cutting edge - Future proofed' TV from Sony !!).

I haven't tried any of the Android games, applications or playstation features on the TV as yet as I have no confidence that they would work and will only infuriate me further.

[rik_10]

So after getting no joy (or even useful information) from Sony support I eventually got currys to take back my TV (KD43X8039CSU) and refund me.  Initally Currys weren't keen especially as I purchased the TV in July and tried to insist that the missing functionallity would be added by Sony...

However I persisted along the lines of the suggested date for implementation of HDD being too late and also that there is no timescale or even plan to allow satellite functionallity to be used without disabling youview or vice versa.. and insisted on getting a refund in accordance to the SOGA

I also copied my communications to the SCCCustomerSolutionsTeam@knowhow.com address which seemed to illicit more of a response. 

Anyway i picked up a sumsung ue40ju7000 to replace it.

Initial thoughts are:

The default pictures settings on the Samsung were awful (the really high levels of sharpening seemed to make everything look like a soap opera...)  I was quite concerned initially that I should have stuck with the Sony which had a beautiful image straight out of the box.  However after much playing with the picture settings the image is now as good as the sony had been.

The interface is much slicker and seems well much more finished... for example there is no interuption to the programme you are watching when you open the guide!

The smart control which bring up overlays of different functions in different areas of the screen works very nicely

HDD recording is there and works!

Other functionallity is there and works together, satellite tuners,  ITV player 4OD etc... 

so far so good

[webvamsi666]

Hi,

I bought this TV Sony KD-55X8005C 55-Inch 4K UHD  a week back.

I managed to solve my issue (stuck on install apps pending page).

Finally I tested two TV's(one is replacement from Amazon) i can definitely say both have some issues like restarting itself while playing HD content from External HDD.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/15512866/Tv1.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/15512866/TV2.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/15512866/TV-3.jpg

I am still playing with settings and picture quality, i find for non HD4k content it would be better if we reduce the sharpness to 30. i found it useful and smooth rather than Noise..

Note: I bought Touch Keyboard K400 - UK layout for £15.99. Very useful as we don't have smart remote and its 50£ to buy !!. I prefer this keyboard is much better to type and the mouse pointer is amazing I can point and click in the TV.

The problem's that I am not happy are:

1. After all apps updated my Kodi is not playing HD content smooth (its like jerks) I tried to reinstall still same issue. Other players like MX / VLC running smooth.

2. As I mentioned above its restarting some times when my 1TB HDD is fully loaded and playing content pause and play going back and play etc (basically while playing too much TV cant resist and its restarting)

May be its ok as if we use any Blu-ray player i can connect my 1TB to it. 3GB left out of 8GB space in TV

3. Upscaling is not very crisp as i found same in samsung TV's also.. if we input 720p looks ok, but below that ... not very clear. (its a known issue for all 4k TV's). if we input 1080 or 4k content than its amazing

4. I see corners a little shadow like everyone said... it is ok i think..

Blacks are also good we can set up in settings if we need more deeper...

I sill waiting for my Virgin broadband and TV as i moved recently.. will test further...

Thinking if sony can give any new update or should i return this TV 😕

Fact is its good deal for 599£ in Amazon deal.

[royabrown]

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@Kevwoods12 wrote:

For what it's worth theres5a stability update coming before December 8th. The bad news is that HD recording and pip/pap has been put back to Feb 29th next year. 

Yes,  February 2016.

No words... 

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Those details are Ireland only.

No change at present for the UK; no stability fix, no pushing back of the HDD date of 24 Dec 2015.

But would it be too cynical of me to assume that the UK/Ireland difference is down to YouView considerations - and the extra complexity of YouView means not that Sony will hold to Dec 24th, but that they don't currently know how much later than Feb 29 2016 the HDD recording on UK models can be delivered?

Dec 24 is a damn silly day for an update anyway. Just in time, unless it is absolutely perfect, to prejudice your Xmas viewing, while all the Sony support staff are getting stuck into the sort of turkey that arrives steaming and delicious on their dinner tables, instead of getting stuck into the turkey that you might or might not be able to watch the Queen on afterwards 😞

[Anonymous]

Hi all

The next firmware update scheduled for 8 December is NOT for the UK market.  It is for the EU countries, just not the UK.  The UK has othe challenges im afraid.

Cheers

[mk1.golf.1983]

Well that piece of information was valuable. Any idea for UK update or is it still on for the 24th Dec?

[elraouk]

That's ridiculous that UK isn't getting the update next week, that's two updates UK will have missed. Can't understand why the app pushed that message to me when it doesn't apply? 

[Anonymous]

Still on target for the 24th December for the UK market

[MrLizard]

Personally I won't be applying the update to my TV on December 24th.  As stated earlier in this thread I'm still happy with the TV and I've not seen anywhere near the number of issues that others unfortunately have observed.  Don't want that changing! 

As such the last thing I'm going to do is risk a firmware update messing things up on the day before Christmas.  Can't see the festive period going too well if I've got to bring the 20" "dumb" TV down from the bedroom!  I'm sure it will be fine, but they don't always to to plan.

I hope Sony's UK-facing support centres are ready for a busy Christmas day!