Sony launches Bravia X9000H 4K Android TVs with full-array LED screens

The series include 65-inch and 55-inch screen models priced at Rs 1,59,990 and Rs 1,09,990, respectively

Sony has launched its Bravia X9000H series 4K LED TVs in India. The series include 65-inch and 55-inch screen models priced at Rs 1,59,990 and Rs 1,09,990, respectively. Both the TVs will be available across online portals and Sony retail stores. The TVs boast full-array LED backlighting, HDR, Android TV platform, Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support. Interestingly, the TVs are designed for upcoming PlayStation 5 and are touted to run games at up to 4K resolution with 120 frames per second (fps). The premium 65-inch model also supports Acoustic Multi-Audio feature for improved acoustics.

In terms of design, the Sony Bravia X9000H series TVs get premium treatment with aluminium frame and metal stand. Though based on LCD panel, the TVs use full-array LED backlighting to light up the pixels, instead of conventional corner-lit panels. Therefore, one can expect improved contrast and brightness compared to other LED screen based smart TVs. Both the TVs feature 4K UHD resolution screen of up to 120Hz refresh rate.

ALSO READ: Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds review: An impressive treat for audiophiles!

Complementing the display is the wide HDR format support such as HLG, HDR10 and Dolby Vision. The TVs are powered by Sony X1 4K HDR image processor and features 4K X-Reality Pro clarity engine for enhanced colour and contrast ratio. Both the TVs have stereo speakers of 20W peak power output tuned for Dolby Audio and Dolby Atmos. The 65-inch model also gets two additional tweeters. For connectivity, the Sony Bravia X9000H series TVs feature dual-band WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.2, RF connector, composite video, four HDMI ports, optical audio-out, headphone jack and two USB ports.

Sony eyes up to 30% stake in Mukesh Ambani’s Network18 after Zee bid failed

Sony, said sources, is expected to evaluate its options carefully owing to regulation around foreign direct investment in media

Japanese major Sony Corporation is in preliminary talks with Mukesh Ambani’s Network18 Media & Investments for a possible stake buy, making it the second attempt by the group in 10 months for a local acquisition.

In March, Sony had emerged the front runner to acquire a 20 per cent stake in Zee after the promoters of the latter said they were ready to offload up to half their shareholding to a strategic investor.

The talks had eventually fallen through over a valuation mismatch, forcing the Japanese major, which runs a bouquet of entertainment channels in the country, to look elsewhere, said persons in the know. Apart from a stake buy, some other options on the table include a merger of the entertainment businesses of Sony and Network18 Media, they said, as the Japanese major seeks to consolidate its presence in India, a market it considers key.

Sony, said sources, is expected to evaluate its options carefully owing to regulation around foreign direct investment in media. While 100 per cent FDI is permitted in the entertainment broadcast business here, FDI in news media is capped at 26 per cent, both in the broadcast and digital segments.

Sony may go for a 25-30 per cent stake in Network18, said persons in the know. Network18’s FY19 gross debt stood at Rs 3,045 crore, while net debt stood at Rs 2,860 crore. Based on Thursday’s close, Network18’s market capitalisation stood at Rs 2,900 crore, the data from the BSE shows…

Can Apple TV+ make a dent in Indian OTT with its aggressive pricing?

At Rs 99 a month, Apple TV+ looks like a real steal, but its growth here also depends on local content and distribution

Apple may be late to the game, but its entry into internet video streaming is bound to cause ripples and shake up the status quo. Last week, the Cupertino-based tech giant unveiled Apple TV+, its over-the-top (OTT) video service that will be available on Apple devices, a bunch of smart TVs and third-party streaming services. Apple TV+ will hit the screens on 1 November.

The move pits Apple TV against Netflix, the global force in OTTs, Amazon Prime Video, Roku and many strong local players. Only a few months earlier, The Walt Disney Co, one of the biggest content studios and production houses on the planet, said it was getting into OTT with Disney+, that is set to launch also in November.

India already has over 30 OTTs fighting aggressively for customer’s wallet-share and screen-time, and Apple’s success in the region would depend on it turns the levers of pricing, local content and distribution.

At the Cupertino launch, Apple trumped audience with its pricing strategy. In India, the OTT service is priced at Rs 99 a month, making it one of the cheapest here, and marks a huge departure from the exuberant pricing Apple is known for. For perspective, Netflix starts at Rs 499 a month, Hotstar at Rs 299 a month while Amazon Prime Video is priced at Rs 129 a month. Only Zee5 and SonyLiv have plans starting at Rs 99 a month…