2022 Sony A80K (55", 65" and 77") [Owners' & Discussion Thread]

[PaulGo]

Here are pictures of the A80CK from Costco. It does show a plastic covering on the back.

https://imgbox.com/VA4aGMqB

https://imgbox.com/DI2aKZfQ

Here is a video of the unboxing of the Sony A80K, In you can also see the back of the set has a plastic backing. (1:18)

My question is it just cosmetic or does it have a functional purpose.

Sony Bravia A80K OLED 2022 Unboxing & Setup - YouTube

[SpinDoctor]

Just ordered the 77, I’m hoping it’ll provide a nice upgrade over my 55 A9G in the picture quality department. Not that I still don’t love my A9G, she’s just retiring to the bedroom.

[Robert Zohn]

@PaulGo, I don't see the plastic back on the picture you attached or at time stamp 1;18 on the unboxing video. If the TV has a clear plastic protective cover on the back or front you should remove it.

@SpinDoctor, you will LOVE your new 77" OLED TV!

[PaulGo]

Robert I am not writing about that. The TV back has a full plastic case so the glass on the back is not shown. The A80J has a glass back except for the part that covers the electronics. Any functional reason for the change?

[Robert Zohn]

Sony's A80K and the Costco A80CK have the same back.

It's true that last year's A80J and the Costco member A80CJ that was showed several inches of the glass, but for the 2022 model year the construction is the same.

[Robert Zohn]

@PaulGo, just reread and fixed my typo on the construction of the backside of the 2021 A80J and A80CJ. I was thinking about the G1 and G2.

Bottom line the design and construction of Sony's A80J and A80CJ are the same as are the 2022 A80K and A80CK the same. Not sure why Sony changed the chassis.

[PaulGo]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

Sony's A80K and the Costco A80CK have the same back.

It's true that last year's A80J and the Costco member A80CJ that was showed several inches of the glass, but for the 2022 model year the construction is the same.

So the additional plastic case covering is not for any functional purpose.The C2 still retains the glass on the back. I would think without the additional plastic case covering, the OLED would have better cooling.

[Robert Zohn]

Sony's A80K full plastic covering is not for any purpose that I know of.

The A80K does have good ventilation on the backside and actually heat also dissipates very effectively directly from the front.

[PaulGo]

A80J vs A80K comparison:

https://www.rtings.com/tv/tools/comp...threshold=0.10

[SpinDoctor]

Originally Posted by PaulGo

A80J vs A80K comparison:

https://www.rtings.com/tv/tools/comp...threshold=0.10

So according to Rtings, the A80K is a bit of a disappointment. They say it’s basically the A80J with worse brightness and that it’s a step behind all the LG models. I actually am returning a G1 77 for the A80K 77, I hope I’m not making a mistake, I’m counting on the Sony processing to win the day.

[Robert Zohn]

Not sure how rtings measured the A80J and come up with higher peak luminance vs. the new A80K.

[SpinDoctor]

Originally Posted by Robert Zohn

Not sure how rtings measured the A80J and come up with higher peak luminance vs. the new A80K.

Good question, and the same reason I take their findings with a grain of salt. They also have a clear LG bias and openly admit that don’t take picture processing into account when rating a TV.

I also know by now that peak brightness only tells a small part of the story, it’s just surprising to see the lower numbers on the A80K when it has the new Evo panel. So I’m hoping that Rtings just got it wrong.

My A80K is due for delivery tomorrow afternoon, At which time my G1 is going back. My reason for the swap was noticeably worse processing on the G1 than my 3 year old A9G, mainly with shadow detail. LG seems to favor pop over accuracy in my opinion, and I’m positive the Sony will be in improvement in that area at least. So I’m still going with the A80K.

Those numbers just gave me a case of momentary cold feet.

[SpinDoctor]

After one night with the 77 A80K, I’m exchanging it. The reason is simple: The semi-gloss finish is very noticeable to me at night, makes the set feel like a clear downgrade from my 55 A9G. It gives the image a much flatter, less dynamic look compared to my A9G, which results in a less immersive experience.

Well, at least now I know how important a glossy screen is to image quality. Live and learn.

[unberechenbar]

Originally Posted by SpinDoctor

After one night with the 77 A80K, I’m exchanging it. The reason is simple: The semi-gloss finish is very noticeable to me at night, makes the set feel like a clear downgrade from my 55 A9G. It gives the image a much flatter, less dynamic look compared to my A9G, which results in a less immersive experience.

Well, at least now I know how important a glossy screen is to image quality. Live and learn.

What set are you exchanging it for?

[SpinDoctor]

Originally Posted by unberechenbar

What set are you exchanging it for?

I was planning to go back to the G1, which was my original purchase. But after the latest price drop, I’m taking the plunge and doing the G2.

Meanwhile I’m still using the A80K while I wait for my exchange, and it is a very nice TV. I can see a clear increase in brightness vs my A9G and I can also see Sony’s improved processing. But unfortunately that dull screen dulls the image.

[Spartan21]

Originally Posted by SpinDoctor

After one night with the 77 A80K, I’m exchanging it. The reason is simple: The semi-gloss finish is very noticeable to me at night, makes the set feel like a clear downgrade from my 55 A9G. It gives the image a much flatter, less dynamic look compared to my A9G, which results in a less immersive experience.

Well, at least now I know how important a glossy screen is to image quality. Live and learn.

I have a 77 A80J and I believe it doesn't have a semi-gloss finish. I don't have any issues with the tv at all. I love it!