Sony Unveils New Bravia XR TVs at CES 2022: Mini-LEDs, QD-OLEDs and More

January 6, 2022 by Lauren Leazenby

Six different models of Sony Bravia XR TVs are displayed against a white background

When Sony brings Spider-Man on the Consumer Electronics Show stage (or, at least, Spider-Man actor Tom Holland), you expect some kind of big reveal. During a Jan. 4 press conference at CES 2022, the company unmasked a number of new entertainment technologies. But for true movie lovers, perhaps the biggest announcement occurred off stage: brand-new Bravia XR TVs — Mini-LEDs and OLEDs — for 2022.

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Sony dropped a lineup of brand-new, next-gen Bravia XR TVs the tech company says are designed to be “tuned to you.” All of them are powered by the Cognitive Processor XR, which uses AI technology to adapt your viewing experience. There are Mini-LED options for fans of the high contrast picture the extra LEDs provide, as well as OLED models for those who are partial to quantum-dot technology.

Here’s everything you need to know about Sony’s just-announced line of Bravia XR TVs for 2022.

Bravia XR Technology and Features

Sony says the power’s in the processor. The Cognitive Processor XR is the force behind a number of features of the new Bravia XR television series.

For the In-Home Theater

Though few and far between, the pandemic has afforded some perks — like the ability to stream some newly released movies directly to your TV while they’re playing in theaters. But any avid moviegoer will tell you that the theater experience is hard to match at home.

For one thing, the sound is hard to get right — even if you have a suite of speakers for surround sound. Immersive sound is a big part of the updated Bravia XR TVs. Thanks to Acoustic Multi-Audio technology, the whole TV frame is a speaker, instead of just the bottom of the frame like many other sets on the market. If you do use speakers or soundbars (particularly Sony models), your TV acts as the center speaker in a soundscape-like experience.

The picture quality is meant to mimic the theater, too. A common complaint among owners of LCD TVs is that they just can’t portray the true depth of blacks and the brightness of lights. The XR Backlight Master Drive (powered by the Cognitive Processor XR) seeks to solve this problem by providing the extra contrast you need to see every color as intended.

For the Gamers

As you’d expect, Bravia XR TVs are optimized for gaming with the Sony PlayStation 5. You get the quality picture and immersive sound, plus Auto Genre Picture Mode, which changes the settings depending on what you’re doing with your TV. If you’re gaming on a PS5, for instance, your TV will respond by switching to a low-latency mode for higher responsiveness from your controller.

For Your Netflix Binge

Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode is brand-new for 2022. It provides “studio quality” viewing in all types of lighting conditions. A sensor detects the light in the room, analyzes it and adjusts the picture accordingly. So even if your binging session goes from day to night to … day again, your TV will take care of the settings.

Smart Features

Another new feature is the Bravia Cam, which was named “Best of Innovation” in the 2022 CES Innovation Awards. Basically, this camera is a way for your TV to watch you. It analyzes everything from your proximity to the television to the lighting level in the room. This powers features like Gesture Control, which lets you raise your hand to change the channel or up the volume. It also provides a basis for the Eco Control System, which senses ambient light and adjusts the brightness of the TV to save energy. It’ll also switch your set to a power-saving mode if it detects that no one’s in the room watching, or alert you if you (or your children) are sitting too close to the screen.

Like the last iterations of the Bravia XR TV, new models also have Google TV, which gives you command of your TV with voice controls.

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Bravia XR Television Series Models

According to a statement from Sony, pricing and availability for these new Bravia XR TVs will be announced this spring. ’Til then, here’s the quick-hit specs for each new model: