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.

[Garymjh]

Hmm. Posting a link to a thread with one post on it is probably not very wise☺  My Sony x8005c is by a mile the best tv I've ever had so I suppose that makes two😉

[continentalgt187]

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@Garymjh wrote:

As I said in another post,I had the tv you ordered and exchanged it for the hugely superior 55 inch x8005c. The panel on the 49 inch one is relatively gray and while that's good for viewing at an angle, viewed straight on its really quite poor for contrast and rich colours as this review points out.

I have the KD49X8305 which is a 4K panel and if your 55" is hugely superior, it must be unbelievably good cos my 49" picture is spectacular

[Risc0n]

Well some good news at last. HDR now works for Amazon prime and Google Movies now work in 5.1 sound. Still not 5.1 sound from Amazon though....

[John1950Hitchin]

I only have a modest size living room and the 49inch slightly over size. The 55inch set would be well over kill. @continentalgt187 has said the kd49x8305 screen panel is spectacular as is my kd49x8309. 

[Garymjh]

I've had both tv's and the 49 does have a great picture. If you look at those reviews I posted you'll see why the 55 is far better. The va panel has just about the best contrast you can get in a tv. The 49 inch one has one of the weakest. It does make a very big difference especially in films. 

[sassbs]

@Risc0n can I ask what film/TV Show you are seeing the 5.1 on Google?

I have some films I got free with the Pringle offers but none play in 5.1 on the TV yet are marked as 5.1

Thanks

[Risc0n]

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@sassbs wrote:

@Risc0n can I ask what film/TV Show you are seeing the 5.1 on Google?

I have some films I got free with the Pringle offers but none play in 5.1 on the TV yet are marked as 5.1

Thanks

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I got a free movie from Google called Bling.

[sassbs]

thanks I have the same movie but it just plays in 2.0 - strange.

[MF7480]

Thanks for the replies, starting reading through the thread, but lost the will to live! In a nut shell, how stable is the Sony now after the updates? I'm not worried about 5.1 sound or PiP, I just want a TV that does what it's asked without hassle. Being a dairy farmer, I don't get much free time, and when I do, I struggle to stay awake to watch TV, but the kids will use it most and I don't want hassle from them about it not behaving. 

Thanks.

[John1950Hitchin]

Hi @MF7480 , You say you are a farmer what is your internet connection like and do you have a good aerial signal. It seems to me that without them you will get the problems others have had. My BB is with Virgin and it's 150 mbs and I live about 12 miles line of site to Sandy heath transmitter so don't have connection problems.

Maybe a simple non-smart tv will suit?