A smart TV choice
OLED displays are the latest tech sweeping through the television market, but there’s still some life left in LCD TVs.
Sony’s X93E, which launched this week, is proof of that.
The model comes in two sizes, a 55-inch ($5000) and a 65-inch ($7000). Design-wise, the X93E ticks a lot of boxes. It has a tiny 5mm recessed metal bezel that lets you focus on what matters – the screen.
In use
Most flat screen TVs deliver audio that lacks anything approximating bass. Not the X93E. Sony has crammed in slimline woofers that help fire rich audio out of its front. It doesn’t match a good amp and speakers, but it’s a step up.
The supplied remote control is a bog-standard. It comes with dedicated Netflix and Google Play buttons. It also uses both infra-red and Bluetooth. This is for an integrated microphone which supports Google voice commands.
Sony is aware of the slow but inevitable demise of broadcast TV so it’s made viewing streamed content as seamless as viewing normal TV.
The streaming services supported are front and centre and accessible via the remote.
For Freeview users, this means no set top boxes and even less clutter. Connecting a USB drive also enables TV recording.
Android TV
A key selling point of the new Sony is Android TV. Where most smart TVs sport a limited line-up of smart apps, the X93E is able to draw upon Google’s sizeable ecosystem.
These range from games such as Asphalt 3 (which played fine using a Bluetooth paired PlayStation Controller) through to Facebook. It’s easy to hop on to the Google Play store and download an app. There’s also access to Google Music as well as YouTube.
Verdict
Sony’s design and engineering DNA is evident in the X93E. A clever and well thought out design reduces clutter and delivers richer audio. Clever image processing and decent brightness levels translate into a great picture too.
The big win, however, revolves around the use of Android TV. Where most other smart TVs have, at best, a limited app ecosystem, they Sony has plenty on offer. The X93E might be expensive but you do get a lot of TV for your money. – Pat Pilcher