The obvious lack of communication between Sony’s TV divisions and PlayStation over the years has been a constant source of mystery. Today, however, the two divisions came here in combination to announce a joint initiative that identifies and promotes TVs in Sony’s newest line that the logo considers placed for the spouse with the upcoming PlayStation Five console.
The two levels selected through Sony Interactive Entertainment and Sony’s TV department are the XH90 series (X900H in the United States) and the ZH8 series (Z8H in the United States). The XH90s are mid-range 4K models, while Z8H models are Sony’s newest 8K assemblies.
Why does Sony think those specific levels are ideal partners for a PS5? To get started, use full-matrix LED lighting with local gradation for eye-catching, contrast-rich game photos. Both also 4K up to 120 Hz (a frequency of photographs that may barely reach the PS5). Both the automatic switching of the low latency mode (which automatically puts the TV in its game mode when a game source is detected). The X900H/XH90 will vary the refresh rates (although it turns out that the Z8H/ZH8 is not). And they promise very low reaction times in Game mode: up to 7.2 ms in 4K/120Hz mode on the X90H.
Sony also publishes in its Announcement Ready For PlayStation 5 that the Bravia Game Mode TV feature allows users to activate their PSfive TV and console using the new DualSense wireless controller and seamlessly control their PSfive using the TV’s remote control.
The ZH8/Z8H and XH90/X900H 55-inch models also bring what Sony calls Acoustic Multi-Audio technology, which uses state-of-the-art sound positioning tweeters to produce sound effects that seem to come precisely from the right position on the screen. I’ve already heard these paints on Sony’s XH9505/X950H TVs and can verify that this adds an extra layer of immersion to the gaming experience.
Sony also suggests that the 8K solution of the ZH8/Z8H may be useful for the PS5. In fact, in the past there has been talk of a type of 8K for the console, and it is reiterated in the new website that Sony has created to accompany its new Initiative Ready For PlayStation 5. Although it will have to be said that there has been very little discussion about the 8K since Sony began presenting PS5 games.
Sony Ready For PlayStation 5 press releases mean that many of those game-friendly features will only be available on the XH90 (X900H) and ZH8 (Z8H) models after an undated firmware update. Given the attention Sony has now turned on those sets, you expect this firmware update to be implemented prior to the release of PS5 consoles.
It is also vital to note that many of the key features of PSfive that Sony is drawing attention to in its new Ready for PlayStation 5 crusade will also be available on other high-end TVs from other brands. Although it’s simple to see how many PSfive buyers might be attracted to also buy one of the featured TVs through Sony if your existing device doesn’t have what it takes to unlock all of PSfive’s potential features. Especially if Sony manages to set up some kind of packaged offers.
ADDENDUM: I wrote a separate article on this link that explains why the Ready For PlayStation initiative raises complicated questions about other TVs in Sony’s 2020 range…
I have spent the last 25 years writing about the world of home entertainment technologies, first in Home Cinema Choice magazine, where I was an assistant editor, and for the
I have spent the last 25 years writing about the global generation of home entertainment, first in Home Cinema Choice magazine, where I became deputy editor, and for the more than 20 years as an independent. In the meantime, I’m pretty sure I’ve watched more TVs and projectors than anyone else on the planet, and I’ve also seen first-hand the rise and fall of all sorts of less intelligent home entertainment technologies. Lately I am a regular contributor to Trustedreviews.com, Techradar.com, Home Cinema Choice magazine, Wired, Pocket-Lint.com and, of course, Forbes.