Sony XH90 TV Review With without HDMI 2.1
The latest generation of game consoles from Microsoft and Sony are equipped with an HDMI 2.1 output. This makes it possible to display 4k images with 120fps. That is, if you also have a TV that is equipped with HDMI 2.1 to show all these images. The HDMI 2.1 specification is already three years old, but so far there have been very few devices for sale that use it. Sony, the brand that was able to sell the largest numbers with the last console generation, did not do much with the latest generation of HDMI so far.
Earlier this year, Sony introduced the XH90, the television we look at in this review. This TV is equipped with two HDMI 2.1 connections and a full array local dimming backlight. While the hardware is HDMI 2.1 capable, the software was not until recently. Last month an update was released that allows 120fps display of 4k images. This does not finish the XH90 software, because a variable refresh rate and auto low latency mode will only be available later via an update.
The fald backlight of the XH90 should enable a better HDR display, whereby the formats HDR10, Hybrid-Log Gamma and Dolby Vision are supported. The fald backlight can also be used to sharpen movement by quickly switching on and off. By doing this in a smart way, this function, called X-motion Clarity, delivers sharper movement, but you do not see the image blinking. There is of course smart TV in the form of Google’s Android TV.
The XH90 uses Google’s Android TV and is available in four different sizes, from 55 to 85 inches. We have tested the smallest of these in this review. The large sizes, from 65 “, are equipped with two extra tweeters on the sides, so that the sound appears to be coming from the screen. Our 55” test model, however, only has two speakers on the bottom. At the time of writing this review, the 55 “version of the XH90 was available in the Pricewatch for about 900 euros.