Sony introduced the cheaper X8 series without the side-mounted speakers at IFA 2013. The 55 and 65-inch 4K TVs are now widely available in stores.

Sony's cheaper X8 4K TVs in stores
The X8 series serves as a lower-cost alternative to the high-end X9 series, but it still features a 4K panel, Triluminos, HDMI 2.0 ports, and all of Sony’s smart TV features. Missing from the X9 are the powerful side-mounted speakers, and we also hear that it uses a different LCD panel.


The new, cheaper Sony X8 4K TVs are now available in stores

We spoke with Sony at IFA back in September, and they told us that the plan was to launch the X8 in the US as well as Europe, but the plans to launch in Europe were changed in the eleventh hour. Sony decided to introduce X8 in USA and select East European countries instead.

Sony’s X8 4K TVs are now widely available in US stores. For prices see 55” 55X850A here and 65” 65X850A here.