Hi, I’m Carl from Abt and in this video, I’m gonna give you a closer look at the X90K
series 4K LED from Sony. This replaces the X90J from last year, which was one of my favorites,
so I was really looking forward to seeing this one. If you’re watching this on YouTube,
be sure to check out the links in the description after the video for all our current pricing,
or to get in touch with one of our experts here at the store.
The X90Ks design isn’t really anything out of the ordinary. For sizes, it’s available in 55, 65,
75 and 85 inches. It has a thin bezel that doesn’t distract from the picture,
and this year’s model comes with a two position pedestal.
One for a low profile setup, and the other is raised an additional inch and a half
to accommodate a soundbar. On the 55 inch model we have here, they’re 40 and a half inches apart.
If you wanna see how to install the pedestal, be sure to check out our video on that as well.
All the connections are all located on the back. You get 2 usbs, a mini plug composite input that
also acts as an s-center speaker input, ethernet, rs232c, an ir input, and an antenna connection
with an atsc 3.0 tuner for getting over the air 4k broadcasts once they’re available in your
area. You also get 4 HDMI inputs with numbers 3 and 4 getting all your next gen gaming features
like 4k at 120 hertz and variable refresh rates, and number 3 also has an enhanced audio return
channel. Finally you have bluetooth 4.2 and wifi for wireless connections.
For sound, this has Sony’s Acoustic Multi-Audio technology which uses two full range speakers
and two sound positioning tweeters along with XR Sound positioning and XR Surround technology, to
help upscale and expand the sound vertically and to your sides. It’s pretty effective and sounds
good for a stock setup, but like I typically say for TVs with a picture as good as this one,
you’ll want to add a good soundbar or surround system to get the most out of it. Plus it’s
compatible with Dolby Atmos, so adding the right system can get you a TRUE 3D audio experience. If
you need any assistance finding one to fit your budget, be sure to contact our experts for help.
Then we have the operating system and this one,
just like last year’s X90J, uses Google TV which, in my opinion, is the best of the bunch.
It’s easy to navigate AND you get access to the Google Play store and its giant catalog of apps.
Plus it works with Google assistant, chromecast and apple airplay. And there wasn’t much lag
between the TV and remote. Button pushes were almost immediately processed on the screen.
And speaking of the remote, Sony finally had a major redesign. They ditched the number pad
and moved to a simpler layout with a directional pad and some shortcut buttons. The people watching
a lot of over the air broadcasts may not be overly excited about the missing number pad,
but given how many people are now streaming their content, and the fact that you can use your voice
to call up a particular channel, this seems like the right move, still not backlit though.
Another smart-ish feature the X90K gets is the option to add Sony’s Bravia Cam.
It doesn’t come with the TV, but if you DO add it, it can help optimize the picture and sound
based on your seating position, you can use it to video chat with friends and family, or
even control the TV with hand gestures. So is it necessary, no, but it certainly can be helpful.
Finally, there’s the picture. I liked last year’s X90J a lot, and the X90K is even better.
For processing you get the Cognitive Processor XR, which puts more emphasis on the details in
the foreground that require your attention. It’s also got a full array 120 hertz panel with local
dimming, and paired up with Sony’s XR Contrast Booster 10, another improvement over last year’s
model, you’re getting better peak brightness, and black levels are controlled better.
Is it as good as a mini LED model, no, but you’re not paying nearly the same cost,
and you’re getting a picture that I think most people are gonna find to be extremely enjoyable.
It’s hard to quantify without all the scientific tools, but even colors right out of the box look
better than they did on the X90J. Which is saying a lot, because they were amazing on that one too.
Motion looks natural too. Just like any other LED TV, you’ll see a little
stuttering from time to time, but overall whether you’re watching a blu ray movie,
or streaming a show from an app like Netflix, you’re gonna be happy.
And speaking of Netflix, this also gets Sony’s Netflix calibrated mode designed for
watching their content, along with several other preset picture modes to choose from.
HDR looks amazing too. The X90K can handle HDR10, HLG, and DolbyVision,
and you get a great amount of detail in those highlights and dark areas.
The only issue you may run into picture-wise is reflection. This doesn’t get any sort
of special anti-glare coating so direct lights on the screen will be noticeable,
however that won’t really be a major problem if you have curtains or you can dim the room lights.
In relation to the X90J it’s got better contrast and colors, the option to add the Bravia Cam,
two stand positions instead of one, the new remote, and you can get it in 85 inches. So
not a ton of differences, but the ones they made do definitely have an impact.
If you’re looking for a TV at a fair price to improve your home theater
make sure you give this one a look. It’s an incredible option at a pretty modest price point.
If you have any questions on the X90K, or any other models we carry here at Abt,
be sure to contact our experts for help. Thanks for watching and we’ll see you in the next one.