Sony introduces high-end ZD9 TV series with HDR

[vincentric]

Great info as always thanks, Geoff.

Originally Posted by Geoff D

I measured HDR output on my TV on all four XDR settings a few weeks ago, will dig up the results later. But yes, while XDR on low or even off will greatly affect light output, it does mollify the kind of extreme noise/grain and plain poor compression that can be seen on certain discs.

This. And also, while the 930e's local dimming for edge lighting is better than average, I think am seeing the limitations of said lighting where it just can not properly locally dim XDR on high which in turn reveals those artifacts in certain hdr10 discs to a certain degree that would otherwise be hidden with a lower light output.

EDIT: Agood example of this would be in Unsane where I previously mentioned seeing macroblocks during a fade to black sequence here, the blocks are hidden from view when xdr is disabled.

[RalphoR]

I see there's a new firmware released for the Z9D and the 900E series (and likely more series) on 9/11/18. I have automatic update on yet I never seem to get the updates until weeks later. I'm not sure what algorithm Sony uses to send out the updates but it stinks. I know I can just download and install it myself but that requires too much work on a Friday night

[PaulGo]

The Sony server would get overloaded if they made the update available to everyone at once.

[RalphoR]

I'm sure but they should allow a few manual upgraders some available ports.

[antennahead]

Originally Posted by RalphoR

I see there's a new firmware released for the Z9D and the 900E series (and likely more series) on 9/11/18. I have automatic update on yet I never seem to get the updates until weeks later. I'm not sure what algorithm Sony uses to send out the updates but it stinks. I know I can just download and install it myself but that requires too much work on a Friday night

Yea, from what we're discussing at AVS in the 940E thread, most, who have manually updated, have noticed no change in picture quality (not a bad thing ), even though Sony is touting "improved video performance" with this release. I'm just gonna wait, read the impressions of those who've updated, and wait for Sony to make it available to me via download on the set.

[Geoff D]

Noticed no differences in picture quality whatsoever, although I got a couple of brief audio drop-outs when watching a movie last night so I hope that's not a new glitch introduced by the firmware.

[DJR662]

I downloaded the firmware on USB but I'll wait installing it on my TVs.

[mutelight]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Noticed no differences in picture quality whatsoever, although I got a couple of brief audio drop-outs when watching a movie last night so I hope that's not a new glitch introduced by the firmware.

I haven't noticed a difference in image quality on my Z9D or 930E but my A1E does seem brighter with less black crush in DV content like Ozarks on Netflix. Not sure if it is real or a placebo but typically I would have to bump the gamma when using the Apple TV but don't seem to need to now.

Originally Posted by RalphoR

I see there's a new firmware released for the Z9D and the 900E series (and likely more series) on 9/11/18. I have automatic update on yet I never seem to get the updates until weeks later. I'm not sure what algorithm Sony uses to send out the updates but it stinks. I know I can just download and install it myself but that requires too much work on a Friday night

I honestly have no clue how they stage the rollout. One of my TVs gets it the day of, the other a few days later and my Z seems to go a week or two before it sees the update.

[recS-12]

Hello everyone. New poster on the thread. I just pulled the trigger on the 65” Z9D from Best Buy. They finally adjusted the price down to $2999.99 to match what I assume is in comparison to the Z9F’s entry price. This is my 1st 4K & from the very early things I’ve been reading about the F, I decided to go w/the D for a few minor reasons.
#1-No 3D:
Now, I’ve never been a huge fan of 3D, but as the last decade has gone by I’ve amassed probably over 30+ 3D titles from buying the 3D versions. For example, the early Disney 3D BD combos gave us the digital copies AND more DMR points than its 2D counterpart. I’ve been slowly building my DMR points in anticipation of taking the tour they offer in Burbank, Ca (I believe it is) Sittng on 15,000 DMR Points today. My boys, ages 9 & 11 are gonna love it. Of the few 3D movies we’ve gone to see, they always comment on how much they enjoy 3D. Their mom has a bigger display, 75” at her home, but no 3D heh heh. You divorced w/kids types know what I’m doing here. LoL. I just figured w/3D on the verge of extinction it would have been a waste to have purchased the discs but never put them to use. Am I right?
#2-Price:
When it’s all said and done I figure I’ll be saving close to $800 including taxes going w/the D as opposed to the F. With that in mind, I can purchase the Wall Mount, installation from Geek Squad, and a UHD player!
#3-Trade off:
So I may not be getting a slightly improved off viewing axis w/the D
Color reproduction might be less than the F
Less contrast
That’s what I’ve got. I’m really excited for Sunday morning when my scheduled delivery is. My boys will be here Sunday afternoon and they’ll make me feel like a super dad when they see the new gear. If anyone is curious I’ll be pairing it w/a Pioneer Elite VSXLX-302 & the UBP-X800. Oh ya, can anyone post a link to some good 3D compatible glasses. Wanna grab at least another pair for when we have guests over. TIA.

[BLMN]

Originally Posted by recS-12

Hello everyone. New poster on the thread. I just pulled the trigger on the 65” Z9D from Best Buy. They finally adjusted the price down to $2999.99 to match what I assume is in comparison to the Z9F’s entry price. This is my 1st 4K & from the very early things I’ve been reading about the F, I decided to go w/the D for a few minor reasons.
#1-No 3D:
Now, I’ve never been a huge fan of 3D, but as the last decade has gone by I’ve amassed probably over 30+ 3D titles from buying the 3D versions. For example, the early Disney 3D BD combos gave us the digital copies AND more DMR points than its 2D counterpart. I’ve been slowly building my DMR points in anticipation of taking the tour they offer in Burbank, Ca (I believe it is) Sittng on 15,000 DMR Points today. My boys, ages 9 & 11 are gonna love it. Of the few 3D movies we’ve gone to see, they always comment on how much they enjoy 3D. Their mom has a bigger display, 75” at her home, but no 3D heh heh. You divorced w/kids types know what I’m doing here. LoL. I just figured w/3D on the verge of extinction it would have been a waste to have purchased the discs but never put them to use. Am I right?
#2-Price:
When it’s all said and done I figure I’ll be saving close to $800 including taxes going w/the D as opposed to the F. With that in mind, I can purchase the Wall Mount, installation from Geek Squad, and a UHD player!
#3-Trade off:
So I may not be getting a slightly improved off viewing axis w/the D
Color reproduction might be less than the F
Less contrast
That’s what I’ve got. I’m really excited for Sunday morning when my scheduled delivery is. My boys will be here Sunday afternoon and they’ll make me feel like a super dad when they see the new gear. If anyone is curious I’ll be pairing it w/a Pioneer Elite VSXLX-302 & the UBP-X800. Oh ya, can anyone post a link to some good 3D compatible glasses. Wanna grab at least another pair for when we have guests over. TIA.

Keep in mind when you go use 3D on the Z you gonna need to do some tweaking on the settings otherwise you will see ghosting/crosstalk.


Glasses you need sony active bluetooth compatible, any brand that has those will work.

[Geoff D]

It's a Sony with active 3D, crosstalk is a given. I've actually started watching a few things again in 3D strangely enough, I wanna pick up all the VAR Marvel movies now (already got Civil War and Doc Strange).

[rroeder]

Yeah if there are settings that can reduce it I'd like to know! I do change picture mode from cinema to standard for a brighter image but that's all.

I like it on mine(not a Z)and enjoy the occasional 3D movie

[gkolb]

RecS-12, I strongly recommend you get the Sony X-700 player (or similar) that can play Dolby Vision on disc. The 800 won’t do it. Or the Panasonic 820 will. Player has to do Low Latency DV playback, only a few can handle it currently.

EDIT: Correction to Panasonic 820 player model; Panny 420 is NOT available in North America.

[RalphoR]

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by recS-12

Hello everyone. New poster on the thread. I just pulled the trigger on the 65” Z9D from Best Buy. They finally adjusted the price down to $2999.99 to match what I assume is in comparison to the Z9F’s entry price. This is my 1st 4K & from the very early things I’ve been reading about the F, I decided to go w/the D for a few minor reasons.
#1-No 3D:
Now, I’ve never been a huge fan of 3D, but as the last decade has gone by I’ve amassed probably over 30+ 3D titles from buying the 3D versions. For example, the early Disney 3D BD combos gave us the digital copies AND more DMR points than its 2D counterpart. I’ve been slowly building my DMR points in anticipation of taking the tour they offer in Burbank, Ca (I believe it is) Sittng on 15,000 DMR Points today. My boys, ages 9 & 11 are gonna love it. Of the few 3D movies we’ve gone to see, they always comment on how much they enjoy 3D. Their mom has a bigger display, 75” at her home, but no 3D heh heh. You divorced w/kids types know what I’m doing here. LoL. I just figured w/3D on the verge of extinction it would have been a waste to have purchased the discs but never put them to use. Am I right?
#2-Price:
When it’s all said and done I figure I’ll be saving close to $800 including taxes going w/the D as opposed to the F. With that in mind, I can purchase the Wall Mount, installation from Geek Squad, and a UHD player!
#3-Trade off:
So I may not be getting a slightly improved off viewing axis w/the D
Color reproduction might be less than the F
Less contrast
That’s what I’ve got. I’m really excited for Sunday morning when my scheduled delivery is. My boys will be here Sunday afternoon and they’ll make me feel like a super dad when they see the new gear. If anyone is curious I’ll be pairing it w/a Pioneer Elite VSXLX-302 & the UBP-X800. Oh ya, can anyone post a link to some good 3D compatible glasses. Wanna grab at least another pair for when we have guests over. TIA.

Congrats on an excellent purchase! You won't be sorry.

My x900E just got the new firmware update but I'm still waiting on the update for my Z.

[recS-12]

Originally Posted by gkolb

RecS-12, I strongly recommend you get the Sony X-700 player (or similar) that can play Dolby Vision on disc. The 800 won’t do it. Or the Panasonic 420 will. Player has to do Low Latency DV playback, only a few can handle it currently.

Thanks for the tip. I’ll defintely do that ASAP.
UPDATE: went to BBY today & exchanged the x-800 for the x-700. Also left w/ The Great Gatsby 4K for $14.99. Lots of great things said about this one PQ wise. Sunday can’t get here soon enough.

[E6AtmosVuduDV]

Hi. My first post here.
Need some serious help.

BestBuy Magnolia delivered and installed at our home yesterday a new 65 inch Z9D.

They did the Z9D Firmware update. I then did the firmware update for my OPPO 203. The DV features appeared in both the Z9D and OPPO 203.

I put in DV Disc Ready Player One into the Oppo.
Then DV Badge appeared on the Z9D.

The DV movie appeared very lacking in color, dynamics, dark shadings, and specular highlights. Essentially no HDR.

Are there special settings thats needs to be set on the OPPO 203 for playing DV discs. The OPPO is attached to Z9D's HDMI 2 or 3, the full bandwidth ports rated I believe 18 Gbps.

There are some very smart Z9D owners on this Thread. Please help.

I have some 30-50 DV disc that plays fine with Bright colors, rich dark shading tones, Very bright specular hightlights on my LG OLED. Showing the Dolby Vision badge on the display.

I did try several DV disc onto the Z9D. Nothing works right regards to HDR.

[mzupeman]

We still need to see what your Z9D settings look like.

[E6AtmosVuduDV]

Most Z9D settings did'nt help. Even with usual Default Vivid stuff it was dark. Vivid as in Brightness Max, Contrast Max, Gamma 0 and those other 4 set to HIGH. Color set to 57.

Vincent said on his Sony A9F OLED review___
On the Sony you get a better HDR10 Experience than you do with Dolby Vision. So good that it rivals HDR10 Plus. Vincient said the Dolby Vision was "dark". As in meaning lacking PQ features.

The question is do the disc player needs another DV Firmware or the Z9D, AF9 needs another DV Firmware.

What I don't know is how common is this "DV is dark" issue in Z9D's. Maybe only some members on this thread experienced this.

With the OPPO 203 I cannot get the HDR10 Badge on the Z9D display. Even by putting in several HDR10 Disc that have no DV. But still Only the DV Badge pops up on the display.

Maybe the Sony x700 DV Player won't have this problem.

[mutelight]

Originally Posted by E6AtmosVuduDV

Most Z9D settings did'nt help. Even with usual Default Vivid stuff it was dark. Vivid as in Brightness Max, Contrast Max, Gamma 0 and those other 4 set to HIGH. Color set to 57.

Vincent said on his Sony A9F OLED review___
On the Sony you get a better HDR10 Experience than you do with Dolby Vision. So good that it rivals HDR10 Plus. Vincient said the Dolby Vision was "dark". As in meaning lacking PQ features.

The question is do the disc player needs another DV Firmware or the Z9D, AF9 needs another DV Firmware.

What I don't know is how common is this "DV is dark" issue in Z9D's. Maybe only some members on this thread experienced this.

With the OPPO 203 I cannot get the HDR10 Badge on the Z9D display. Even by putting in several HDR10 Disc that have no DV. But still Only the DV Badge pops up on the display.

Maybe the Sony x700 DV Player won't have this problem.

The X700 will definitely have the problem as you have to manually enable and disable Dolby Vision. Fortunately the Oppo will automatically switch, you just happen to have it forced all the time.

I've watched numerous DV discs on my Z9D and A1E and they have looked stunning and far from dark.

[ROSS.T.G.]

So looks like the ZD9 is still king of LED.