At CES 2020, Sony has announced its first 48-inch OLED TV in the form of A9 as well as new 55 and 65-inch A8 OLED TVs. 2020 models feature X-Motion Clarity, Dolby Vision and Atmos, AirPlay 2, and Android TV.

Sony 2020 OLED TVs
Sony's A9G (AG9) will carry over into 2020 (including the 77-inch screen) and the OLED line-up will be expanded with a smaller 48-inch A9 model. It is the first 48-inch OLED TV from Sony or any other brand (LG will also debut 48-inch OLED this year).

Sony will also launch new A8 OLED models in 55 and 65 inch sizes with a 2-way stand that has room for a soundbar underneath when the feet are flipped to vertical orientation.

Compared to last year's A8G model, the new A8 now features Sony's X1 Ultimate processor as well Apple AirPlay 2, HomeKit, and Dolby Atmos. It is also equipped with two subwoofers and Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio system that produce sound directly from the OLED panel through vibration. A9 uses similar audio technology.



The OLED TVs announced at CES 2020 will feature 4K resolution and support for three HDR formats; HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision. Sony continues to shun HDR10+ arguing that since HDR10+ uses auto generated metadata, it can achieve the same effect by adopting dynamic tone-mapping in its TVs.

For the first time, Sony OLED TVs come with 'X-Motion Clarity for OLED', which is designed to make motion clearer without sacrificing brightness. When asked, Sony informed FlatpanelsHD that it is a type of blinking system that maintains brightness at a high refresh rate - perhaps the 120Hz BFI system that was intended for the 2019 OLED panel. Sony also highlighted a new 'Ambient Optimization' system that "automatically adjusts the picture brightness to the ambient light in the room".

Both new Sony OLED models are Android TVs and come pre-installed with Android 9 (Pie). This includes built-in Google Assistant and Chromecast. Sony did not want to discuss its plans to support Stadia, Google's game streaming service, on its Android TVs.



Netflix Calibrated Mode, IMAX Enhanced
Like last year, Sony's high-end TVs will support Netflix Calibrated Mode and IMAX Enhanced. Sony is, however, passing on Filmmaker Mode for its spring line-up and did not want to comment on future plans. The TVs do not support the new HGiG mode either, despite Sony's PlayStation division being a founding member of HGiG.

Netflix Calibrated Mode aims to achieve roughly the same goal as Filmmaker Mode, including turning off motion smoothing, but works only inside the Netflix app. IMAX Enhanced is a certification - not a format - for IMAX content and as such there is no special setting mode available. IMAX Enhanced content is available through Privilege and Fandango Now in the US, Rakuten in Europe, and Tsutaya in Japan.



Neither of the new OLED TVs appear to feature HDMI 2.1 ports, a weird omission considering that Sony's upcoming PlayStation 5 will use HDMI 2.1 to elevate the visual gaming experience. It could hint that Sony is once again planning to introduce additional high-end TVs in the second half of the year.

- "With this new range, Sony aims to offer the most immersive experience on the market, with industry-leading picture quality, innovative sound and seamless user experience framed in premium large screens," the company said.

Sony's A8 and A9 OLED TVs will be available this year. Pricing details will be announced later.

Sony 2020 OLED TVs - specifications
A8 (65” and 55” models) 4K OLED TV
- Features Picture Processor X1 Ultimate, providing the ultimate 4K HDR viewing experience with the following technologies: Object-based Super Resolution, Object-based HDR remaster, Super Bit Mapping 4K HDR and Dual database processing
- Features Pixel Contrast Booster, eight million self-illuminating pixels and Sony-original panel controller for OLED that brings a significantly enriched visual experience with unprecedented black, authentic colour and a wide viewing angle
- X-Motion Clarity for OLED: This revolutionary, highly-acclaimed best-in-class technology from Sony will now be available for OLED, refining action on the screen in real time to make it brighter, clearer and more fluid than ever before for an unparalleled sports viewing experience
- Two subwoofers improve and enhance Acoustic Surface Audio
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos compatible
- New Ambient Optimization optimises picture and sound quality in any customer environment. It will automatically adjust the picture brightness to the ambient light in the room, boosting the brightness in bright rooms and reducing in dark rooms for the perfect view
- Easy connectivity to a wide selection of devices with Apple AirPlay 2, HomeKit, Amazon Alexa enabled devices and smart speakers 
- Quick access to an array of content and services with Android 9 Pie 

A9 (48” model) 4K OLED TV
- Newly added 48” size meets consumer demand for smaller, premium quality OLED TVs
- Small and central aluminium stand provides users with flexibility in smaller spaces 
- Offers best-in-class picture quality in a smaller size 
- Includes Sony’s premium OLED TV features, including Picture Processor X1 Ultimate, Pixel Contrast Booster and Acoustic Surface Audio
- X-Motion Clarity for OLED: This revolutionary, highly-acclaimed best-in-class technology from Sony will now be available for OLED, refining action on the screen in real time to make it brighter, clearer and more fluid than ever before for an unparalleled sports viewing experience
- New Ambient Optimization optimises picture and sound quality in any customer environment. It will automatically adjust the picture brightness to the ambient light in the room, boosting the brightness in bright rooms and reducing in dark rooms for the perfect view
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos compatible
- Easy connectivity to a wide selection of devices with Apple AirPlay 2, HomeKit, Amazon Alexa enabled devices and smart speakers 
- Quick access to an array of content and services with Android 9 Pie