The apparent lack of communication between Sony’s TV and PlayStation divisions over the years has been a constant source of mystery. Today, however, the two divisions have teamed up to announce a joint initiative that identifies and promotes televisions in Sony’s latest rank that the brand believes are best positioned to partner with the upcoming PlayStation 5 console.
The two ranges that Sony Interactive Entertainment and Sony’s TV division have chosen are the XH90 series (X900H in the US) and the ZH8 series (Z8H in the US). The XH90s are upper midrange 4K models, while the Z8H models are Sony’s latest 8K games.
Sony has chosen the televisions of its 2020 range that it believes are the most suitable for the next PS5 … [+]
Why does Sony believe that these particular ranges are ideal partners for a PS5? For starters, they both use local-dimming full-matrix LED lighting to support striking, contrast-rich gameplay images. Both also support 4K at up to 120Hz (a frame rate that’s been suggested that the PS5 will be able to achieve). Both support automatic switching of low latency mode (which puts the TV into its game mode automatically when a game source is detected). Both support variable refresh rates. And both promise very low Game Mode response times, up to 7.2ms in 4K / 120Hz mode on the X90H.
Sony also points out in its Ready For PlayStation 5 announcement that the Bravia Game Mode TV feature allows users to activate their TV and PS5 simultaneously while using the new DualSense wireless controller and seamlessly control their PS5 using the TV’s remote control.
The ZH8 / Z8H and 55-inch + XH90 / X900H models also carry what Sony calls Acoustic Multi-Audio technology, which uses innovative sound positioning tweeters to deliver sound effects that seem to come from exactly the right place on the screen. I’ve already heard that this works on Sony’s XH9505 / X950H televisions, and I can confirm that it adds an extra layer of immersion to the gaming experience.
Sony also suggests that the 8K resolution of the ZH8 / Z8H might be useful for the PS5. Certainly, some form of 8K support for the console has been hinted at in the past, and it is reiterated on the new website that Sony has set up to accompany its new initiative Ready For PlayStation 5. Although it must be said that there has been a remarkable little conversation 8K since Sony started showing PS5 games.
The Sony XH90 / X900H range has been chosen by Sony as a particularly good partner for the new Sony … [+]
Footnotes to Sony’s Ready for PlayStation 5 press announcement point out that many of these game-friendly features will only be available on the XH90 (X900H) and ZH8 (Z8H) models after a still-undated firmware update. However, given the spotlight that Sony has now put on these sets, you should expect that this firmware update has been rolled out before the PS5 consoles launch.
It’s also important to note that many of the key PS5-compatible features that Sony draws attention to in its new Ready for PlayStation 5 campaign are also available on other premium TVs from other brands. Although it’s easy to see how many PS5 buyers might be drawn to also buy one of Sony’s featured TVs if their current team doesn’t have what it takes to unlock all the potential features of the PS5. Especially if Sony manages to make some kind of bundle of deals.
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