Android TV on Sony devices

by ohgodwhyo

Hey everybody!

I'm currently searching for a new 55 inch TV priced below 1000€. The Sony ones are very appealing, design- and picture qualitywise. But every single one is rated badly because of its software, which is Android TV (e.g. Sony KD-55X8005C, Sony KDL55W805C, Sony KDL55W755C).

I know that LG and Samsung have quite good devices as well, but Sony looks quite appealing, as I said.

So, how bad is it really? Is the current state better than a few months ago when most of the ratings were given?

Greetings!

Edit: I just want to mention that all this Smart TV stuff is not needed as I'm searching for my parents. They won't use Smart TV, they just want a big, good looking TV with a nice picture quality. But getting this without Smart TV isn't possible anymore, so I have to deal with these problems.

Andrroid

Nobody likes smart tv functionality. With that said, Android TV is going to be the most reliable when it comes to app updates as Android already has a robust and extensive userbase and dev crowd. WebOS (LG) and whatever Samsung has does not have anywhere near the number of users or devs.

Regardless, if you intend to use smart TV functionality extensively, just get a set top box. For Android TV, thats Nexus player if you're on a budget and Shield if you want premium.

crazyidiot99

Personally, I have a projector and a Nexus Player. I had a 55" Sony TV and I could make some ramen while I was waiting on the menu for the smart features to come up. Granted, it takes a minute for my DLP lamp to warm up, but then it's golden. Responsive interface from the Nexus, huge vibrant image from the projector. Win win.

icrazyowl

Sony KDL55W755C i own it and there is really 0 problems with it... no crashing, no restarts etc. sometimes chromecast can be buggy but thats all. maybe bad ratings was cause old firmware...

ap18

I own the Sony xbr55-810c (model # may be off). And I fucking love it. Honestly its just a little better version of nexus player built into the television.

SirSmokesAlott

I have a Sony it needed repair for hardware faults twice. I wish I got a Samsung. The gui is laggy on sony too much background shit open (you can speed it up by disabling apps but it's pia) . I have the x9005c (the one with the "best" hardware and it's still slow can't imagine a budget model) . This is just my opinion.

life_is_coffee

I've had a good experience with the androidtv and screen quality. Make sure to get a higher end model if you can. It's a lot better than most of the TV uis

crazyidiot99

Yep. Idk what might have been wrong with mine then. My projector has been flawless since I got it. So has the Nexus. My advice to anyone that reads this is buy the TV with the best picture you can find... Then strap whatever you want to it, be it android TV or whatever. That way you always know what kind of picture you're going to get, and you can swap the smart-tv part out if it's not to satisfaction.

ShortFuse

I set up my parents with an HDHomeRun Prime and FIOS. My mom can watch TV on her iPad and Nexus Player on the TV. If you use integration, it'll make their life easier. If you aren't doing digital TV channels, it's probably not worth getting the Android TV if they're going to get confused by them.

My rule is basically, if you're going to wallmount a TV, go Smart TV. If not, spend the same amount on a "dumb" TV with better picture quality since you can always add a Android TV device later.

But, remember Sony TVs are the only official way to get Amazon Prime on Android TV.

The biggest thing my parents like about Android TV is the responsiveness, but remember they watch TV on it because of the HD HomeRun Prime.

zeroz52

I've only had my XBR55X850C for a few days, and picture wise, I think you will be very happy. It's a huge step up from my 720P Plasma.
As far as Android TV, I haven't used it much, but when I have it was pretty painless. I've used Netflix and Amazon thru the Android TV App to see the 4K content and they both seem snappier than the equivalent apps on my XB1 or PS4. wifi worked flawless as well even when streaming the 4K content.

Valorite

It's android TV only. The channel UI is replaced by an android TV version of You View.

If you can accept that it's not a TV but a silly large tablet with no touch, worse apps than normal android and a beautiful screen then you will do fine.

If you expect your 'TV' to actually work for the first 20 seconds when you turn it on then you will be disappointed.

As some have said though android TV will get better. I bought in December, since then a patch has meant that pressing the channel buttons now normally works (except whilst still warming up), and 4k video now almost always has the sound in sync with the picture.