2020 Sony X950H / XH95 (49", 55", 65", 75" and 85")

[MechaGodzilla]

Sony's best 4K LCD for 2020, and the successor to last year's X950G.

FIRST LOOK: Sony XH95 TV - YouTube

Press release:

• Offers Sony's best-ever picture and sound quality for 4K LED TVs
• Utilizes Picture Processor X1™ Ultimate to provide crisp, high contrast
• Full Array LED brings more realistic peaks of brightness, more accurate shadow detail and deeper blacks than standard LED TVs
• X-Wide Angle technology, which provides vivid real-world colors from any angle while retaining more color and brightness, will be expanded to 55" and 65" for this model
• Features improved Acoustic Multi-Audio, Sound-from-Picture Reality™ concept with bi-amp system, which controls main speaker and invisible tweeter separately, and X-Balanced Speaker, a new shaped speaker unit that pairs slim design with sound clarity
• Flush Surface design offers sleek, bezel-less look
• New Ambient Optimization optimizes picture and sound quality in any environment
• TRILUMINOS™ Display reproduces the subtle nuances of color, light and gradation from video lens to living room
• Dolby Vision™ and Dolby Atmos™ support
• Features hands-free capabilities
• Works with Smart Speakers, including Google Home and Amazon Alexa enabled devices
• Easy connectivity to most devices, including Apple® AirPlay® 2 and HomeKit™
• Quick access to an array of content and services with Android TV
• Custom Mode, along with Sony's other calibrated viewing modes, provides various viewing options to suit customers' tastes while faithfully preserving the creator's intent

Links: US | UK

[Robert Zohn]

We're loving our Sony's new 2020 X950H Flagship 4K HDR TV. Beautiful fit and finish and stunning full array locally dimmed 4K HDR picture quality.

Sony favored us with the 1st allocation shipment of the 2020 X950H.



https://www.facebook.com/ValueElectr...1215158267974/

[MechaGodzilla]

YouTuber Whisper Status 74 checks out the 49" X950H at Value Electronics:

SONY 950H 49" 2020 FIRST LOOK AND HANDS ON PREVIEW COURTESY OF VALUE ELECTRONICS! - YouTube

Abt Electronics take a look at the 49" X950H:

Sony X950H (X95H) Series Unboxing And First Look - YouTube

Sony X950H (X95H) Series Input Lag Test - YouTube

Reviewing The Sony X950H (X95H) - YouTube

[Steelmaker]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

We're loving our Sony's new 2020 X950H Flagship 4K HDR TV. Beautiful fit and finish and stunning full array locally dimmed 4K HDR picture quality.

Sony favored us with the 1st allocation shipment of the 2020 X950H.



https://www.facebook.com/ValueElectr...1215158267974/

So how does it compare to the 950G? I'm seeing some pretty good deals on the 950G. Does the 950H provide a large enough upgrade to justify the price?

[Robert Zohn]

In our showroom we have the 55" X950G next to the 49" X950H. The picture quality advantage the X950H is its higher peak luminance for a better HDR image and when used in high ambient light.

Other nice upgrade for the 2020 X950H is the new Acoustic Auto Calibration app, the two position stand so it can easily be used with a smaller counter top and the very cool slim wall mount capability.

What size X950 are you considering?

[Steelmaker]

Originally Posted by robert zohn

in our showroom we have the 55" x950g next to the 49" x950h. The picture quality advantage the x950h is its higher peak luminance for a better hdr image and when used in high ambient light.

Other nice upgrade for the 2020 x950h is the new acoustic auto calibration app, the two position stand so it can easily be used with a smaller counter top and the very cool slim wall mount capability.

What size x950 are you considering?

65". I'm also considering the Vizio P series in the same size.

[MechaGodzilla]

Originally Posted by Steelmaker

65". I'm also considering the Vizio P series in the same size.

65" is interesting, because in that size class the X950H has X-Wide Angle while the X950G doesn't. I'm sure you're already familiar with this feature and what it does; improving viewing angles at the expense of native contrast ratio. A somewhat divisive feature which has both its fans and detractors.

The X950H also has better built-in sound, which should please many but obviously doesn't matter if you use a speaker system or soundbar.

Robert says above that the 49" X950H has higher peak luminance. I believe it's been measured that X-Wide Angle decreases brightness slightly, but if the 49" X950H (no X-Wide) is brighter than the 55" X950G (also no X-Wide), then the X950H will still be brighter across the board than its predecessor anyway.

Other than that, there's a lot we don't yet know. We will have to wait for more in-depth reviews from Rtings, HDTVTest, etc. with measurements of things like brightness, contrast, local dimming, etc. before we can say for sure how this TV performs.

[Auditor55]

Originally Posted by MechaGodzilla

65" is interesting, because in that size class the X950H has X-Wide Angle while the X950G doesn't. I'm sure you're already familiar with this feature and what it does; improving viewing angles at the expense of native contrast ratio. A somewhat divisive feature which has both its fans and detractors.

The X950H also has better built-in sound, which should please many but obviously doesn't matter if you use a speaker system or soundbar.

Robert says above that the 49" X950H has higher peak luminance. I believe it's been measured that X-Wide Angle decreases brightness slightly, but if the 49" X950H (no X-Wide) is brighter than the 55" X950G (also no X-Wide), then the X950H will still be brighter across the board than its predecessor anyway.

Other than that, there's a lot we don't yet know. We will have to wait for more in-depth reviews from Rtings, HDTVTest, etc. with measurements of things like brightness, contrast, local dimming, etc. before we can say for sure how this TV performs.

$1200 for 49 inch LED TV, it better not have any flaws.

[Robert Zohn]

Sony's new 49" 2020 flagship 4K HDR, X950H is priced $999, not $1,200. It's the best 49" 2020 LCD/LED TV available. Love this TV!

Here's a nice YouTube video that goes through Sony's X950H. We supplied the X950H to this reviewer.

https://youtu.be/Ac-MPp_8GIs

[MechaGodzilla]

Originally Posted by Auditor55

$1200 for 49 inch LED TV, it better not have any flaws.

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

Sony's new 49" 2020 flagship 4K HDR, X950H is priced $999, not $1,200. It's the best 49" 2020 LCD/LED TV available. Love this TV!

Which I personally think is a great price, considering this is a premium set and one that's only just been released! And the price will go down over time, too.

Here's a nice YouTube video that goes through Sony's X950H. We supplied the X950H to this reviewer.
https://youtu.be/Ac-MPp_8GIs

Indeed, he's doing a series of videos on it. Here's the other ones he's uploaded so far:

SONY X950H 2020 UNBOXING AND IN HOME FIRST LOOK COURTESY OF VALUE ELECTRONICS! - YouTube

SONY X950H RESIDENT EVIL 3 REMASTER DEMO PC 4K ULTRA ( VALUE ELECTRONICS) - YouTube

SONY X950H DOOM ETERNAL PC 4K ULTRA 60FPS HDR AND IT IS AMAZING!!! (VALUE ELECTRONICS) - YouTube

SONY X950H SONY'S UNREAL MOTION AT WORK!! DOOM ETERNAL PC NIGHTMARE SETTINGS 4K60 VALUE ELECTRONICS - YouTube

[Auditor55]

Originally Posted by MechaGodzilla

Which I personally think is a great price, considering this is a premium set and one that's only just been released! And the price will go down over time, too.



Indeed, he's doing a series of videos on it. Here's the other ones he's uploaded so far:

SONY X950H RESIDENT EVIL 3 REMASTER DEMO PC 4K ULTRA ( VALUE ELECTRONICS) - YouTube

SONY X950H DOOM ETERNAL PC 4K ULTRA 60FPS HDR AND IT IS AMAZING!!! (VALUE ELECTRONICS) - YouTube

SONY X950H SONY'S UNREAL MOTION AT WORK!! DOOM ETERNAL PC NIGHTMARE SETTINGS 4K60 VALUE ELECTRONICS - YouTube

The only thing flagship about this set is the price. Its pure arrogance on Sony to price a small LED TV that high. This TV isn't going to sell, especially in this looming economic downturn. I don't believe the performance is much better than cheaper, larger competing sets. I remember Samsung getting slammed hard for charging so much QLED sets, people kept saying QLED is nothing but old LED technology.

[Robert Zohn]

Sorry to say we disagree ^^ on this.

Sony's 49" X950H is the very best TV in it's size class and it's significantly better than any other TV in this size class. Further, the price is very very reasonable and this model is selling very well.

I suggest taking a look a this TV in person.

[MechaGodzilla]

From a Chinese review:



Same number of zones as the X950G, but it looks like Sony have tweaked the local dimming algorithm.

Also, HDTVTest's Vincent Teoh will be reviewing the 55". Here's the unboxing and settings video:

Sony XH95 (X950H) 2020 4K TV Unboxing + Picture Settings - YouTube

[Paul Anderegg]

Sony XBR-X950H Calman AutoCal calibration settings (last updated May 5, 2020)

The following calibrations were performed using AutoCal feature in Calman Home for Sony 2020, with an X-rite i1 Display Pro 3 meter on a 49” X950H. All calibrations share the same basic 2 point (Gain and Bias) settings. 2 point settings must be entered for each source, HDMI1, HDMI2, Apps, etc. 20 point settings are saved in their respective menu, AFTER first selecting Color Temp from the Color menu. 20 point settings are only entered once, and once entered, can be used in any picture mode and any source that you select the specified Color Temp (Color menu), example, Expert 1, Expert 2, Warm, Cool etc. The individual 20 point R G B offset values are available in their respective attachments. The attachments show the Calman 0-100% values in 5% steps, so 4.6 = Point 1, 9.6 = Point 2, 15 = Point 3, and so on sequentially. The Color Management System, or RGB gamut Per color adjustments, like the 20 point, are stored in the previously selected Color Temp in the Color menu. As with the 20 point values, they need only be entered once while in the specific Color Temp selection, and will then be carried over to any picture mode or source that has the specific Color Temp selected in the Color menu.

SDR sRGB/REC709 (2.2 power gamma 100cd/m reference calibration)

Brightness 2
Contrast 90
Gamma 0
Black Level 50
Auto Local Dimming Medium
X-Tended Dynamic Range Off
Color 50
Color Temp Expert 1 or 2 (20 point white balance)
Adv. color temperature: Basic (2 point white balance)
R-Gain Max
G-Gain -4
B-Gain -6
R-Bias 0
G-Bias 0
B-Bias 0
Adv. color temperature: Multi point (see attached AUTOCALSDR20POINT)
Per color adjustment (see attached AUTOCALSDRGAMUT)

SDR BT.1886 (2.3 BT.1886 gamma curve 100cd/m reference calibration)

Brightness 2
Contrast 90
Gamma 0
Black Level 50
Auto Local Dimming Medium
X-Tended Dynamic Range Off
Color 50
Color Temp Expert 1 or 2 (20 point white balance)
Adv. color temperature: Basic (2 point white balance)
R-Gain Max
G-Gain -4
B-Gain -6
R-Bias 0
G-Bias 0
B-Bias 0
Adv. color temperature: Multi point (see attached AUTOCAL188620POINT)
Per color adjustment (see attached AUTOCAL1886GAMUT)

[Paul Anderegg]

HDR10-HLG-Dolby Vision (HDR 2.2 power derived reference calibration)
* Dolby Vision Dark on my readings suffers a severe blue gain deficiency, causing excessively yellow/green highlight shift. Dolby Vision Dark can be approximated, without the color shift, by duplicating the settings from Dolby Vision Bright into the Vivid DV picture mode, and reducing contrast to 80. At this time I do not recommend Dolby Vision Dark be used.

Brightness Max
Contrast 90 (Max for Dolby Vision Bright)
Gamma 0
Black Level 50
Auto Local Dimming High
X-Tended Dynamic Range High
Color 50
Color Temp Expert 1 or 2 (20 point white balance)
Adv. color temperature: Basic (2 point white balance)
R-Gain Max
G-Gain -4
B-Gain -6
R-Bias 0
G-Bias 0
B-Bias 0
Adv. color temperature: Multi point (see attached AUTOCALHDR20POINT)
Per color adjustment (see attached AUTOCALHDRGAMUT)

SDR sRGB/REC709 Aleternate (2.2 power gamma 100cd/m reference calibration)

Brightness 2
Contrast 90
Gamma 0
Black Level 50
Auto Local Dimming Medium
X-Tended Dynamic Range Off
Color 50
Color Temp Warm (20 point white balance)
Adv. color temperature: Basic (2 point white balance)
R-Gain Max
G-Gain -4
B-Gain -6
R-Bias 0
G-Bias 0
B-Bias 0
Adv. color temperature: Multi point (see attached AUTOCALWARM20POINT)
Per color adjustment (see attached AUTOCALWARMGAMUT)

[stlcards]

I'm thinking about either the 55" 950H or 900H. Not sure which is better for the price and how big an upgrade the 950H is over the 900H?

[MechaGodzilla]

Originally Posted by stlcards

I'm thinking about either the 55" 950H or 900H. Not sure which is better for the price and how big an upgrade the 950H is over the 900H?

They're both sure to be very good TVs for the price. X950H has the X1 Ultimate picture processor, while the X900H is advertised as having the older X1 processor. This means processing (affecting things like, for example, upscaling) is better on the X950H, but the "standard" X1 processor is still great performer and isn't likely to leave you wanting. Most experts will tell you the differences are minor.

X950H has X-Wide Angle in all screen sizes above 49", while the X900H doesn't. There are pros and cons to both. The X900H will very likely have deeper blacks when viewed straight on, while the X950H will look better in terms of contrast, blooming control, etc. when viewed from an angle.

X950H will likely have higher peak brightness and more local dimming zones than the X900H. Exactly how much they differ we'll find out when the X900H is released later this month, and we get reviews and owner feedback.

X900H will have full HDMI 2.1 support (pending a future firmware update), so you get features like VRR, ALLM and 4K@120Hz, which the X950H won't have. If you're a gamer these can be very appealing features.

X950H has better built-in sound, but this doesn't matter if you use a soundbar or surround system.

Oh, and X900H will, if I recall correctly, be Sony's first TV with an ATSC 3.0 tuner.

[Robert Zohn]

All correct as usual ^ with The MechaGodzilla

[MechaGodzilla]

HDTVTest review is up:

YouTube

[cminer72]

I have a few questions about the Sony OLEDs. I have a 55” A1E. I see distracting 3” vertical banding when primary colors fill the screen. For example. The Savanah documentary with yellow tinted panning shots, it sticks out like a sore thumb. But also shows on orange, magenta and red screens. But not with whites, light blues and greys in normal use, which I hear is more common. Is what I’m seeing actually banding or another problem? Are the newer Sony’s better? Or is Qled the way to go?