Sony introduces high-end ZD9 TV series with HDR

[pbz06]

Originally Posted by MechaGodzilla

It's a pretty commonly held opinion that Rtings are generally most useful for their measurements, while the subjective opinion part of their reviews should be taken with a grain of salt. I tend to agree with that.

But re: the frequency response on the A80J vs. the A90J, they literally measured a low-frequency extension of 59.93 Hz on the A80J, 75.51 Hz on the A90J. Which would seem to back up what they say about the A80J having a bit more bass/"punch" than its bigger brother.

Do we know if the TV’s were measured in the exact same spot of the room with the same mic position also in the same spot? Modal frequencies vary room to room based on dimensions and other large furniture. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that that minor difference (60hz vs 75hz is half an octave) is just variance due to the above.

[teddyballgame]

Originally Posted by dontpokethebear3893

Shouldn't the mini-LED of the X95K and the Z9K do exactly that?

https://www.sony.com/en-sn/electronics/picture-quality

^^ page from Sony which talks about their original backlight master drive. See the short demonstration video where a rollercoaster goes across the panel and individual LEDs react independently. It doesn't appear that they're grouped together in a "zone". I'm not sure what size display this was supposed to represent (there's no mention or sense of scale) but from my rough estimate of rows and columns there are 2000+ leds easily. They were calling this "calibrated beam LED design"

Here's a demonstration of a typical FALD display utilizing 180 LEDs but only 90 zones. The LEDs are in groups of 2 and have to mimic their zone partner.
(skip to 8:30)

https://youtu.be/YYICw1dkpaA?t=505

[MechaGodzilla]

Originally Posted by pbz06

Do we know if the TV’s were measured in the exact same spot of the room with the same mic position also in the same spot? Modal frequencies vary room to room based on dimensions and other large furniture. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that that minor difference (60hz vs 75hz is half an octave) is just variance due to the above.

Yeah, there are of course all kinds of factors that can play into it. Like in this case, they initially measured a bigger difference between the two (in the A80J's favor), but have retested and adjusted the frequency response of the A90J twice since; the first time after a firmware update, and the second time with the stand in the low position as opposed to the soundbar position (I'm surprised they didn't think to do that the first time around).

After both of those revisions, the A90J has crept closer to the A80J.

[pbz06]

Originally Posted by MechaGodzilla

Yeah, there are of course all kinds of factors that can play into it. Like in this case, they initially measured a bigger difference between the two (in the A80J's favor), but have retested and adjusted the frequency response of the A90J twice since; the first time after a firmware update, and the second time with the stand in the low position as opposed to the soundbar position (I'm surprised they didn't think to do that the first time around).

After both of those revisions, the A90J has crept closer to the A80J.

Ah OK cool. I honestly didn't know and was asking out of curiosity (not questioning their methods).

[dontpokethebear3893]

Originally Posted by unberechenbar

They don't have individual LED control like the Z9D. They just have a larger number of dimming zones than most previous models.

That's nuts! I don't understand the point of mini-LED if you can't individually control each LED. I guess I understand a simplified algorithm for game mode, but otherwise I literally cannot comprehend how a 2016 FALD television has more dimming zones than a mini-LED from 2022.

[Robert Zohn]

Actually the new 2022 MiniLED panels in Sony's X95K and Z9K have more local dimming zones than the full array locally dimmed 2021 series.

The new 2022 models also now have Sony's Backlight Master drive that is expertly controlled by the 2nd generation XR processor for very accurate contrast control.

[RalphoR]

Not sure how new it is but my Z9D is having a software update right now. It's taking quite a bit of time but don't know how big an update it really is or what it entails.

[uncledougie]

Originally Posted by RalphoR

Not sure how new it is but my Z9D is having a software update right now. It's taking quite a bit of time but don't know how big an update it really is or what it entails.

I’m always leery of updates for fear they’ll create an issue that wasn’t there before. If it’s something that will truly enhance performance or make the software more stable, that’s fine. But I’m so protective of my Z9D 65” that I cringe thinking some update will somehow create issues unnecessarily. The old “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset. Finally got around to watching Vertigo the other night from the 4K Hitchcock first box set. It never looked that crisp and rich in any theatrical viewing I experienced after it surfaced again after being out of circulation for many years in the mid-80s. Wow, what a great remastering of that great film!

[RalphoR]

Originally Posted by uncledougie

I’m always leery of updates for fear they’ll create an issue that wasn’t there before. If it’s something that will truly enhance performance or make the software more stable, that’s fine. But I’m so protective of my Z9D 65” that I cringe thinking some update will somehow create issues unnecessarily. The old “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset. Finally got around to watching Vertigo the other night from the 4K Hitchcock first box set. It never looked that crisp and rich in any theatrical viewing I experienced after it surfaced again after being out of circulation for many years in the mid-80s. Wow, what a great remastering of that great film!

Definitely understand that. I did do the upgrade and so far no issues. I looked at Sony's website and the update was issued on 8/22 so it isn't "new". I just manually checked and it was available.

[uncledougie]

I’ll look into updating it tonight then probably. Appreciate the heads up.

[Poya]

Should I get the Z9D or the ZD9?

[BLMN]

Originally Posted by Poya

Should I get the Z9D or the ZD9?

Z9D is the NA version and ZD9 is the EU one.

The last update fixed the issue with the internal Paramount+ app and Dolby Vision but now it messed up Dolby Atmos on HBO MAX.

[JimShaw]

[QUOTE=Poya;20498004]Should I get the Z9D or the ZD9?[/QUOTE


If I remember correctly, it's the same TV except one is for the U.S. and the other, outside the U.S.

[Poya]

Guys, my post was in jest.

[JWgrayhawk]

Is $1700 for a 75Z9D a good price? Also includes 2 pair 3D glasses and owner says he'll throw in his 3d movies (but no details).

PS I already have a Sony A80CJ that I love, but I've always wanted to try 3D and from what I've heard, this is the best LCD set ever made and 1.7K seems like a really good price.

[BLMN]

Originally Posted by JWgrayhawk

Is $1700 for a 75Z9D a good price? Also includes 2 pair 3D glasses and owner says he'll throw in his 3d movies (but no details).

PS I already have a Sony A80CJ that I love, but I've always wanted to try 3D and from what I've heard, this is the best LCD set ever made and 1.7K seems like a really good price.

YES!! as long as there is no issues with the Set itself go for it. After a few software updates and an OS update there is no more ghosting (crosstalk) on the 75" (you will have to adjust settings tho). It has stellar 3D now, as good as the LG E6 passive models.

[Geoff D]

Shame the 65’s 3D is still shite

[JWgrayhawk]

Originally Posted by BLMN

YES!! as long as there is no issues with the Set itself go for it. After a few software updates and an OS update there is no more ghosting (crosstalk) on the 75" (you will have to adjust settings tho). It has stellar 3D now, as good as the LG E6 passive models.

Thanks. I'm thinking this is a very good price, even without the 3D glasses and movies. My biggest concern is no original box and a 3 hour drive.

[Member-425016]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Shame the 65’s 3D is still shite

Even passive 3D on Oled is nothing. 3D is meant for immersion. If you aren't watching on a DLP at 120" or bigger you aren't doing it right.

Anyone have a recommendation for a good universal remote? Sony's precschool "block" style un-back lit remote with many tiny buttons to mix up has been on my nerves since I got it. It literally is the polar opposite in design of the fantastic panel it comes with.

[Member-425016]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/..._AC_SX679_.jpg

Found one