One nice thing about technological advancement is that it often drives prices down. 20 years ago, flat panel TVs cost thousands of dollars and frankly, weren't particularly flat, and didn't even look all that great. As time has passed, new developments in TV technology have led to larger screen sizes, skinnier panels, and big improvements in picture quality. And features and technology that may be groundbreaking and expensive one year begin to make their way into lower priced sets. And Sony's X950H 4K Ultra HDTV is a perfect example of this trend.
Spec It Out
The X950H series is available in screen sizes from 49 inches to 80 inches. The 65-inch model that we reviewed ($1699.99 MSRP) weighs a little under 50 pounds without the stand and a little over 50 pounds with it. In addition to built in WiFi, the set offers a hard-wired ethernet port, two USB ports, a composite video input, a fiberoptic digital output, a headphone output and four HDMI inputs. All four HDMI inputs support HDCP 2.3 and eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel). And while that headphone jack is a nice addition, the set also supports Bluetooth headphones, in case you'd like to cut that particular cord.
The X950H set features an LED-lit LCD panel, with Sony's Triluminos technology to enhance color reproduction. Though the 65-inch model hits an attractive price point, it features a full array LED backlight with local dimming technology to enhance contrast and improve overall picture uniformity. Furthermore, the 4K set offers a native resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels with HDR (High Dynamic Range) support for improved reproduction of 4K content from Ultra HD Blu-ray or streaming sources.
Big Picture
As far as HDR support, the set offers compatibility with HDR10, HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) and Dolby Vision. This allows the set to make the most out of the majority of 4K/HDR content that you can buy or rent today. Watching 4K/HDR content on the set was an immensely pleasurable experience with deep blacks and bright vivid colors. Though it wasn't quite as impressive as OLED, it was close -- and for a lot less money. Sony also touts their "X-Wide Angle" technology to improve off-axis viewing. The wide viewing angle is especially important if you are planning to mount the television in a wide room. I did notice only a minimal amount of picture dimming and color shift when viewing content on the Sony from the side.
Since true 4K content is still relatively sparse, Sony's X-1 Ultimate picture processor is designed to take SD and HD content and upscale it to Ultra HD resolution. I watched a few (recorded) football games, which were broadcast in 720P high definition, and was very impressed with the quality on the Sony set. The set's native 120 Hz panel refresh rate and advanced motion processing helped make the action clear and crisp. Also, with a direct line of sight to the broadcast towers on the Empire State Building from my living room, I watch a lot of news and sports live over the air. The major networks broadcast in 720p [ABC, FOX] and 1080i [CBS, NBC] and these broadcasts looked nice and detailed using the Sony's built-in ATSC tuner. It may not have been "4K" but it looked great... and it was free.
Big Sound?
No slouch on the audio front, Sony's 950H series also offers compatibility with Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital and DTS formats as well as support for IMAX Enhanced. I've always said the thinner the television, the worse the sound. It is hard for me to admit, but OK, I now stand corrected. The X950H Acoustic Multi-Audio system sports two drivers per side - a full range bass reflex driver as well as a "sound positioning tweeter" which helps to track the on-screen action. Sony even offers an auto acoustic calibration setting to optimize the sound in your room.
Though we'd always recommend adding a full A/V component system or at least a high-end soundbar for surround sound, the 950H will fill the average size room with good sound on its own. Also, the set's compatibility with apps like Spotify allows you to easily listen to your tunes on the TV's speakers, instead of the little one on your phone or tablet.
One Smart Robot
The X950H runs on Android, which gives it a wide selection of streaming apps and features. It also makes it compatible with Google Home right out of the box. This came in handy when I was in the bath and I realized the TV was on. Luckily, my phone was in the bathroom on the sink. I said, "OK Google - turn off the television" and the X950H shut off. How cool is that? But the set doesn't play favorites as it also offers compatibility and integration with Amazon Alexa and Apple Home Kit. This allows the Sony set to integrate nicely with any of the big three home automation platforms.
Though the set supports over 5,000 Smart TV and streaming apps, some apps get more attention than others. Netflix recently introduced a calibrated mode called... well, "Netflix calibrated mode." Once you turn on this feature, the set optimizes picture settings when Netflix is the streaming source. The goal is to display the content in a way that matches the film-maker's intent, without the user having to make any custom settings. In this mode, you won't be able to adjust individual picture settings, but if you prefer to tweak your picture to your own preferences you can simply turn the feature off.
And speaking of tweaking the picture, the X950H offers very detailed control over picture settings. If you want to really maximize the picture quality, consider a professional calibration. The X950H offers integration with the popular (and powerful) CalMan picture calibration software, making it an excellent choice if you're a DIY guy or even a professional calibrator.
Final Thoughts
While Sony may not be the only television manufacturer that trickles their high-end features into their entry and mid-level sets, the X950H series hits the sweet spot for me for price point, picture quality, sound quality and smart features. If you're shopping for a 65-inch TV for well under two grand, the XBR65X950H is definitely worth a look... and a listen.
More information on the Sony web site
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