The XBR-X900H is the best-performing midpriced Sony TV I’ve examined in years, with wonderful distinction and brightness, correct coloration and loads of punch with HDR. Add to {that a} strong sensible TV system, smooth styling and cutting-edge options and you have an excellent tv for anybody who values Sony’s model however would not need to pony up for considered one of its OLED TVs.
LikeExcellent general picture qualityBest-in-class connectivityAvailable in an 85-inch sizeMore reasonably priced than equal Samsung
Don’t LikeMore costly than competing TVs with related image high quality
The key to this TV’s picture high quality, as with all LCD-based units that carry out effectively in my side-by-side checks, is effectively carried out full-array native dimming. It improves black ranges and distinction by illuminating completely different areas of the display screen individually as wanted. In some essential methods, resembling decreasing stray illumination with HDR, the X900H beat the equally outfitted TCL 6-Series in these checks, however in different methods the TCL received out, with superior brightness and distinction general. The Sony additionally prices greater than the TCL, so it isn’t my high advice for individuals who need the perfect picture high quality for the cash. There are a lot of good causes to decide on the Sony X900H as a substitute, nevertheless. The first is superior connectivity: Unlike the TCL, it will likely be suitable with the highest-quality 4K/120Hz video from the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, and in contrast to any TV at this value it additionally has a built-in Next Gen TV tuner for upcoming ATSC 3.0 broadcasts. The Sony can be accessible in an enormous 85-inch dimension, one thing not provided by TCL or Hisense. And perhaps Sony’s model cachet is necessary to you — however you do not need to throw down much more for a FALD-equipped Samsung, the most cost effective of which (the Q80T) prices a whole bunch greater than the X900H.
Even higher, Sony not too long ago dropped the value of the 65-inch dimension to $1,000, simply $100 greater than the TCL. If that dimension, or any of the opposite causes above enchantment to you, the X900H needs to be in your quick record.
A few delicate touches separate the X900H from different big-screen, thin-frame TVs accessible at the moment. There’s a line of silver metallic ending across the excessive edge on all 4 sides, matching the silver-colored stand legs. Those legs are thinner than typical however really feel a lot strong, and I appreciated that they are metallic and never plastic.A glance across the sides finds holes for Sony’s uncommon speaker array, and the underside has bass ports. Both are invisible from the usual seating place however contribute to improved sound, in accordance with Sony. I do not check audio high quality for CNET TV critiques, however do not count on miracles right here — any respectable soundbar will doubtless outperform the X900H’s built-in audio by a mile.
The distant is old-school Sony: means too many buttons, most of which you may by no means use. I desire the sleeker, easier clickers of Samsung and Roku, in addition to the motion-infused wands of LG.
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Android TV: No Google TV but, however nonetheless strongGoogle not too long ago debuted a brand new sensible TV system referred to as Google TV, however at the moment it is solely accessible within the new Chromecast. Sony says its 2021 TVs will launch with Google TV and that it’s going to share particulars on present and older fashions (just like the X900H) quickly. Meanwhile the present model, referred to as Android TV, nonetheless performs effectively. Apps launched shortly, I zipped round thumbnails and navigation screens with ease, and response occasions generally have been on par with Roku, Samsung and LG TVs.Only Roku has as many apps as Android TV, and it lacks the voice energy of Google Assistant. Roku’s search is healthier, nevertheless. LG has Assistant, in addition to Alexa, however its app choice falls quick. The X900H’s array of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos apps is strong too: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Vudu and Fandango Now help each, Google Play Movies helps Vision (however not Atmos) and Tidal helps Atmos.
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Android TV’s menus are completely usable, if not fairly as developed as Google TV. The house web page is clear and easy, with favourite apps grouped on the high for straightforward entry in a customizable bar and clear routes to get extra apps, search and extra. New for 2020, you may customise the enter menu, and the TV settings menus have clear explanations of the consequences of various changes, full with illustrations.I did expertise some issues. There’s fairly just a few annoying pop-ups and notifications on the house web page. You cannot customise the highest part or what seems in every row, so a display screen principally filled with muddle you do not care about is inevitable. Wi-Fi was additionally unstable on my evaluate pattern. A few occasions I used to be greeted with a pop-up alert saying Wi-Fi was disconnected. The solely means I might flip it again on was to unplug the TV and plug it again in. I requested Sony concerning the subject and a spokesperson informed me it plans to subject a software program replace to take care of the problem — no phrase but on timing.
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Assistant on TVs works effectively. Commands are transcribed on-screen, together with strategies for follow-up instructions. The X900H lacks the far-field mic discovered on final yr’s model, which is a bummer, however speaking into the distant labored nice. I used to be in a position to launch apps, carry out searches, mute and alter quantity, inform it to “play cat videos on YouTube,” get the climate, set timers and so forth. It wasn’t with out typical Google Assistant wonkiness nevertheless. Once I requested, “What’s the latest news?” and an account login web page appeared, and once I clicked by means of a YouTube channel didn’t load, full with a “Something went wrong” popup, a clean display screen and a spinning progress indicator.You can hyperlink the Sony TV with Google Nest Home or Amazon Alexa audio system for hands-free motion. The X900H enables you to use your telephone to forged apps through its built-in Google Cast performance, which works similar to a Chromecast, and likewise helps Apple’s AirPlay 2 and HomeEquipment compatibility. AirPlay 2 lets the TV operate as a show for TV exhibits, films, music, images and internet pages with an iPhone, iPad or Mac because the controller. Unlike many different TVs, nevertheless, this Sony lacks the total Apple TV app.Key options
Display know-how
LED LCD
LED backlight
Full array with native dimming
Resolution
4K
HDR suitable
HDR10 and Dolby Vision
Smart TV
Android TV
Remote
Voice
The greatest picture-enhancing additional on the X900H is full-array native dimming. Unlike Vizio, Hisense or TCL, Sony would not disclose the variety of dimming zones on its TVs, and whereas extra zones usually equate to higher efficiency, that is not at all times the case.Other picture-centric extras embrace a local 120Hz refresh price, a notable enchancment on paper over the pretend 120Hz refresh charges (they’re truly 60Hz native) discovered on some TVs. The X-Motion Clarity mode that debuted in 2018 can be on board. It boosts movement decision by making use of black body insertion solely the place it is wanted on the display screen, which is alleged to get rid of the sparkle and dimness evinced by related modes in previous units. See the image high quality part for extra.Unlike Samsung, TCL and Vizio, Sony would not use quantum dots, so its HDR coloration gamut is not as broad. In addition to straightforward HDR10, the X900H helps the Dolby Vision HDR format, not like Samsung.
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4x HDMI inputs3x USB portsComposite video inputEthernet (LAN) portOptical digital audio output1x headphone/subwoofer audio output1x RF (antenna) inputRS-232 port (minijack)The X900H has a number of the most succesful inputs of any 4K TV. It helps quite a few HDMI 2.1 options, specifically enhanced audio return channel (aka eARC), computerized low latency mode (ALLM, or auto recreation mode) and variable refresh price. A firmware replace will enable its HDMI inputs to just accept 4K decision at 120 frames per second, which Sony says will arrive in “Winter 2020.” That characteristic units it aside from many 2020 TVs just like the TCL 6-Series, particularly for players who need to benefit from excessive body charges
from an Xbox Series X or Sony PlayStation 5.It’s additionally the one non-8K TV to characteristic a built-in ATSC 3.0 over-the-air tuner, which permits the X900H to obtain NextGen TV broadcasts. Those are nonetheless solely accessible in a tiny variety of markets so I did not get the prospect to take a look at this characteristic, however it’s good to know that when the broadcasts grow to be extra widespread, Sony X900H house owners will not have to attach an exterior tuner field to observe. Read extra: Next Gen TV is free 4K TV with an antenna, and it is coming this yrUnlike lots of Samsung’s units, the Sony truly has an analog video enter, albeit composite-only, and I additionally respect having a headphone jack.Click the picture above for image settings and HDR notes.
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Picture high quality comparisonsThe Sony X900H is a superb performer general, with a delightful, balanced picture that also manages to ship loads of pop and distinction. It cannot fairly match the black ranges and light-weight output of some LCDs I’ve examined — most not too long ago from TCL and Hisense — however nonetheless comes fairly shut. Meanwhile different areas of picture high quality, specifically coloration accuracy and shadow element, have been superior to these TVs. Click the picture on the proper to see the image settings used within the evaluate and to learn extra about how this TV’s image controls labored throughout calibration.
Dim lighting: Dark film scenes performed in a darkish room are essentially the most difficult sort of content material for LCD-based TVs and whereas the Sony seemed wonderful in my side-by-side checks, it wasn’t fairly pretty much as good because the TCL 6-Series or the Hisense at sustaining that essential darkness. Letterbox bars in mid-dark scenes, resembling the overall’s speech within the bunker initially of 1917, offered one instance. The different two TVs have been each in a position to protect a blacker coloration of “black” within the bars and different darkish areas, just like the troopers’ silhouettes, which made them look a bit extra real looking than the X900H. The distinction was minor general, nevertheless, and even much less noticeable in different scenes with brighter lighting.On the opposite hand, the Sony preserved particulars in shadows most persistently among the many three TVs, for instance within the tremendous darkish scene with the soldier waking up (1:06:38), and likewise managed blooming and stray illumination very effectively. Again, the variations with SDR have been comparatively minor and all three TVs seemed wonderful.Bright lighting: The X900H can get exceedingly shiny, though it did not measure fairly as shiny as another units I’ve examined not too long ago.Light output in nits
TV
Brightest (SDR)
Accurate coloration (SDR)
Brightest (HDR)
Accurate coloration (HDR)
Vizio PX65-G1 (2019)
1,990
1,120
2,908
2,106
TCL 65Q825
1,653
904
1,818
982
TCL 65R635
1,114
792
1,292
1,102
Sony XBR-65X900H
841
673
989
795
Vizio M658-G1 (2019)
633
400
608
531
LG OLED65CX
377
290
690
634
The “accurate” numbers above have been measured with the Sony’s Xtended Dynamic Range setting within the High setting within the Custom image mode, which is a good selection for shiny rooms the place you continue to need an correct picture. As typical, the brightest setting, Vivid, is extremely inaccurate. Compared to the others, the Sony’s display screen end was visibly superior at preserving distinction and black ranges in a shiny room, however it did a considerably worse job of dimming shiny reflections. Overall I most well-liked the Sony’s bright-room picture to that of the others in most scenes.Color accuracy: Despite its lack of quantum dots I’ve come to count on wonderful coloration from Sony and the X900H isn’t any exception. Its Custom and Cinema modes have been very related previous to calibration though each skewed barely blue; afterward they have been almost excellent. Watching program materials shiny scenes, just like the fields, woods and uniforms in Chapter 8 of 1917, seemed essentially the most pleasing and pure of the three TVs, outdoing the obvious saturation of the TCL in my comparability.Video processing: The X900H had no points delivering correct 1080p/24 cadence with its Motionflow controls within the Off place, which might be the perfect for movie purists. Meanwhile the Auto setting launched the buttery smoothness of the cleaning soap opera impact. Then there’s the Custom setting, which has adjustable Smoothness and Clearness.A Smoothness setting above 1 introduces important SOE, whereas 0 turns it off. I truly did not thoughts the slight smoothing that the 1 setting introduces (some purists may), however its impact on movement decision was actually slight, so I’d most likely follow 0. The Clearness setting ramps up black body insertion to enhance movement decision, however it would not have any impact (apart from dimming the picture) until you have received Smoothness at 2 or increased. In different phrases there is not any strategy to get the perfect of each worlds — excessive movement decision and no SOE — with one setting.The X900H measured the perfect (lowest) enter lag of any Sony TV but, at round 15 milliseconds in Game mode for each 1080p and 4K HDR — an enchancment of 4ms in comparison with final yr’s X950G. In the Custom mode, in the meantime, I measured 91ms with each resolutions.Uniformity: The X900H pattern I examined was superb on this class, with few seen variations throughout the display screen in static or shifting check patterns or program materials, resembling a hockey match. Compared to the TCL and the Hisense, the Sony misplaced black stage constancy and distinction from off-angle extra severely as I moved away from the candy spot within the heart of the display screen. On the opposite hand, it preserved coloration higher than the opposite two.
HDR and 4K video: The X900H is a suburb HDR performer general. I began my comparability with my reference video, the montage from the Spears and Munsil UHD HDR Benchmark, and the Sony held its personal properly in comparison with the TCL and the Hisense, though it could not fairly match both one for distinction. Its greatest problem, as anticipated, got here through the tough bright-on-black sections, for instance the honey dripper at 2:50. Both of the others delivered deeper black ranges that gave the picture extra pop and distinction, in addition to exhibiting much less blooming and stray illumination.In brighter, extra pure photographs just like the snowy mountains and the recent springs, the Sony narrowed the hole, though brightness in highlights and in bigger shiny areas like clouds and snow lagged the TCL barely and the Hisense much more. Color accuracy was wonderful, a bit higher than the TCL and considerably higher than the Hisense, with a balanced but vibrant look to the flowers and bugs. The Sony additionally preserved element in very shiny areas higher than the Hisense. Turning again to 1917 in 4K HDR, the Sony once more competed effectively and in some scenes seemed essentially the most balanced and pleasing of the three. The common’s bunker scene (6:55) was one instance: the TCL 635 confirmed darker black ranges however worse blooming and stray illumination, and whereas the Hisense was brighter in highlights its coloration seemed the least real looking and it additionally confirmed blooming. Again the Sony preserved shadow element the perfect among the many three as effectively.In brighter scenes the Sony once more trailed the opposite two at delivering that trademark HDR blast of sunshine, for instance within the skies above the troopers as they stroll shortly by means of the trenches. The TCL and the Sony have been comparatively shut, nevertheless, and difficult to distinguish with out measuring their shiny areas instantly, whereas the Hisense was visibly brighter than each. On the opposite hand, as I noticed with the 4K Benchmark, colours on each the TCL and Sony seemed extra correct and pure than on the Hisense.4K HDR gaming: For this check I performed The Last of Us Part 2 on a PS4 Pro within the TVs’ varied Game modes: Game mode on the Sony and Gaming HDR (aka THX-certified Game Mode) for the 635 (I did not embrace the Hisense on this check).When you are crawling round a darkish constructing searching zombies, shadow element is extra necessary than black stage and distinction, as a result of it means that you can peer into darkish recesses to identify enemies. By that measure the Sony was higher than the 635, delivering each ounce of element within the darkest shadows whereas the 635 was a bit extra shrouded. That mentioned, the TCL received for black ranges, distinction and punch in the identical (default) recreation settings. With many video games, together with The Last of Us Part 2, you may regulate gamma and shadow element to style (and you must).Moving out into the day-lit Seattle streets, the 635 once more seemed greatest general due to superior distinction, which as typical helped colours pop. The Sony nonetheless seemed nice, nevertheless, and variations could be powerful to discern exterior of a side-by-side comparability.Geek Box
Test
Result
Score
Black luminance (0%)
0.010
Good
Peak white luminance (SDR)
841
Good
Avg. gamma (10-100%)
2.15
Good
Avg. grayscale error (10-100%)
1.07
Good
Dark grey error (30%)
0.99
Good
Bright grey error (80%)
1.19
Good
Avg. coloration checker error
1.80
Good
Avg. saturation sweeps error
1.55
Good
Avg. coloration error
2.37
Good
Red error
2.82
Good
Green error
2.72
Good
Blue error
2.23
Good
Cyan error
2.26
Good
Magenta error
2.34
Good
Yellow error
1.83
Good
1080p/24 Cadence (IAL)
Pass
Good
Motion decision (max)
1200
Good
Motion decision (dejudder off)
400
Poor
Input lag (Game mode)
15.50
Good
HDR10
Black luminance (0%)
0.006
Good
Peak white luminance (10% win)
989
Average
Gamut % UHDA/P3 (CIE 1976)
92.59
Average
ColorMatch HDR error
3.57
Average
Avg. coloration checker error
4.99
Average
Input lag (Game mode, 4K HDR)
15.23
Good
Sony XBR-65X900H CNET evaluate calibration outcomes by David Katzmaier on Scribd