Xbox One S and PlayStation 4 recently introduced HDR gaming but oftentimes HDR can increase input lag, which can affect gameplay. Sony’s latest software update “reduces input lag for HDR” on 2015 and 2016 TVs. It also fixes other issues.

Sony HDR game mode
Sony offers a HDR game mode on its Z9D / ZD9 flagship TV but other 2016 and all 2015 TVs have so far offered a game mode only for non-HDR games.

With the new software (version 3.533) Sony is addressing the issue for most 2016 and 2015 4K HDR TVs by allowing you to engage the game mode while enjoying HDR. The update is available for the following models: X85C, S85C, X91C, X90C, X93C, X94C, SD85, XD85, XD94 & XD93.

- “We are pleased to announce that a new firmware update (version 3.533) is available by network download directly onto your TV. Additionally, this firmware is also available for installation via a USB stick,” says Sony.

Input lag defines the time it takes from input signal to output picture. While the amount of input lag is irrelevant for TV watching, it should as a rule of thumb be lower than 50 ms for gaming – preferably less. Too high input lag will feel like controller lag. It is not uncommon for TVs to suffer from 150 ms input lag or higher in the default settings.

FlatpanelsHD has not had the opportunity to measure how much input lag has been reduced.


Timed to coincide with PS4 Pro
This is certainly good news and Sony has most likely timed the update to coincide with the launch of PlayStation 4 Pro this week. You can see which games will be available in “up to 4K” and HDR at launch here.

The software update also “improves the stability of the TV” and includes a fix relating to a “juddering issue when using certain UHD set-top boxes”.

FlatpanelsHD maintains a list of input lag measurements on TVs. We will start including HDR game mode measurements in future reviews.

The software update is available as an over-the-air update or as a download file. Sony Europe and Sony UK have confirmed that the update is rolling out now. Sony US has not confirmed release details.

 
Software update version 3.533 
  
 
 Resolves the juddering issue when using a UHD Set-top box
 Reduces input lag for HDR game mode (4K HDR TV models only: X85C, S85C, X91C, X90C, X93C, X94C, SD85, XD85, XD94, XD93)
 Improves the stability of the TV