Mention the term Trinitron, and it immediately resonates with Millennials and Gen X-ers. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, when Sony dominated the global consumer electronics market, the Trinitron was synonymous with top-tier television technology, albeit in the form of bulky cathode ray tube (CRT) sets. However, with the decline of CRT TVs and the emergence of plasma, LCD, LED, and now OLED flat screens, Sony's reign in the television sector has faded. Or has it?
Introducing the Bravia, Sony's modern counterpart to the Trinitron. While the Trinitron represented quality and excellence in the CRT era, the Bravia now embodies these traits in the current landscape of large, slim flat screens. Our recent test of Sony's latest 75-inch Bravia 9 XR9 revealed that it more than lived up to our high expectations.
Over the years, reviewing various Sony products, we've noted the brand's resurgence towards global leadership after a period of decline. This downturn was, in our view, due to Sony's tendency to innovate for the sake of change rather than genuine advancement. However, Sony has since corrected its course, producing a series of outstanding products. The new Bravia 9 XR9, despite some unconventional choices, delivers remarkable results.
What sets the Bravia 9 XR9 apart is its use of Mini-LED technology, a departure from the OLED trend favored by competitors like Samsung, LG, and Panasonic. Initially skeptical of Sony's choice, our experience with the XR9 convinced us of its excellence. Leveraging its expertise in both TV and content production, Sony has developed screens that perfectly complement its cinematic output.
The XR9's visual quality is unparalleled, with vibrant images, precise color separation, and deep blacks. This was evident in our viewing of challenging content like the song 'Aaj ki raat' from Stree II and scenes from the Star Wars saga and Harry Potter series. The build quality is equally impressive, ensuring durability and ease of placement with adjustable stands.
However, the sound quality, while adequate, lacks the depth expected from such large screens. This is a common limitation in thin flat panel TVs. The XR9 also excels in user-friendliness, featuring a back-lit remote and seamless smart features.
Priced competitively, the 75-inch model is currently available for Dh17,999, undercutting comparable products. Despite being available only in large sizes, the Bravia 9 XR9 demonstrates that Sony's Mini-LED strategy has been successful.
In summary, the Sony Bravia 9 XR9 excels in picture quality, ease of use, and build quality, though it misses out on deeper bass and smaller size options. Priced at Dh17,999 for the 75-inch model, it offers a compelling option for those seeking top-tier television technology.
