2015 Bravia Android TV Issues

[NickCo1979]

I thought I'd create a generic thread to cover off the issues being encountered on the 2015 Bravia Android TVs. I've listed my issues below with fixes / workarounds and responses from support. All comments and solutions welcome!

1) Hot Swap HDMI doesn't work - manifested by no input on HDMI channels 2, 3 and 4 on the KD-49X8305C. Workaround - reset the TV, either by holding down the remote power button for 5 seconds or by switching the TV off at the wall and then back on again. Further details on this thread: https://community.sony.co.uk/t5/televisions/kd-49x8305c-hdmi-2-3-4-inputs-not-working/td-p/1944435

2) HDD Recording doesn't work - error message states a system update is required but none is available when checking. Hopefully this will be fixed soon by a firmware update.

3) Netflix App doesn't work - this seems like the app has been deliberately disabled. So far a support case has only recommended that a factory reset be performed (took two days to get to that cracking piece of advice.....), with no improvement as a result. A temporary (albeit for advanced users only) workaround is provided by MikeLothian on this thread - https://community.sony.co.uk/t5/televisions/netflix-support-for-kd55x8509c-android-tv/td-p/1945360 

4) Sound lag and performance issues after the TV (KD-49X8305C) has been on standby for a while - manifested for me as stuttering and sound / picture sync issues in all apps (youtube, amazon instant video etc) and HDMI sources (PS4, seperate YouView box etc). Hopefully this will be fixed in a firmware update, at the moment workarounds involve either changing channels to get the sync to work or in my case having to turn the TV off and then on again at the socket.

As stated previously, all comments welcome. Personally I'm willing to give Sony a couple of weeks to fix this, but if it's not done soon I'll be sending my new TV back for a refund as it's not really fit for purpose.

[malcolm1962]

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@anjenki75 wrote:

I think YouView inside TVs is a great thing for the UK TV consumer, most of whom get their broadcast TV through and aerial and who now will benefit from a very nice integration of online and broadcast content. Yes it is not perfect, and it is not good enough for me (I won't use it unless it can record 2 channels and watch a third on the same multiplex/recorded show), but for lots of people it should be a very good thing. Other reports around the web seem to indicate that it is better than the Sony guide, and the UI quicker and nicer than most YouView STBs.

Even though there is room for improvement I am prepared to cut Sony some slack on this front, as YouView is a positive step out of the "everybody build their own empire" ways of the past and it is a good product. Sony have to do something that YouView STB manufacters have not had to so far: they have to integrate YouView into a wider interface with overlapping functions (i.e. Android and its app ecosystem, satellite etc). I think they have made some good choices here (having the PSB catchup apps as YouView apps but available separately in the home screen, but leaving Netflix as an Android app) and some poor ones (excluding record functions and disabling the satelite option). Maybe in time they will fix those, maybe they won't. I just hope the debacle of 2015 doesn't lead them to abandon this strategy, because IMO it is the right strategy but the implementation just needs improving (more powerful hardware, fewer bugs, fewer mistakes).

I think it is notable that a lot of complains here are about the edge cases: i.e. people who don't have aerials connected. Presumably everybody else is busy enjoying a nice upgrade to the TV-watching experience with a far better guide and integrated catchup content.

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Speak for yourself, but I'm not prepared to cut Sony any slack at all. I bought this tv wanting what was marketed and advertised. Quite simple really. I have an aerial and a satellite dish and want to be able to easily switch between the YouView epg and those channels that I can only get from the satellite tuner.

[djadrianc]

Add me if you want -- Thanks Adrian Sent from my Mobile

[nodrog47]

I too have also viewed astra uhd (4K)test transmissions on sat tuners before integration of youview which where very impressive.

SES who own astra are also planning new channels for UHD http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2015/07/24/ses-has-five-uhs4k-channels-planned/

So it looks more likely that any future uhd plans will first roll out via satellite transmission,

tough look if you have enabled youview on your super dooper Sony 4K

[wills_b]

Said it before, but seriously why cut Sony any slack? I'm still waiting for them to deliver on the TV I bought 6 months ago.

[wills_b]

MonkeyWallace I'll PM you. I'd urge anyone in a similar scenario to do the same.

[danielbeyzade]

Thanks to all those who sent the email and copied me using the template. I am truly shocked by the number of people who have done so. Hopefully this will pressurise Sony into dealing with the issue. 

As soon as I hear back I will let you know what it said.

If anyone else wishes to send the email please PM me for further details

[wills_b]

Do you fancy giving us any clues on numbers?

[danielbeyzade]

Sure there have been over 20 regarding YouView in combination with other features so far..

[paudanie8]

Used the email template - My reply from Sony.... (it would appear they are NOT aware of the issues wit this TV).

Thank you for contacting Sony.

In regards to your query, we can confirm the receipt of your issue.

It is currently under investigation with our technical team to see the reason behind your issue.

I will keep you updated.

For any further queries or concern please reply back to this email.

Thank you for your query 

Yours sincerely,

Abdo 

Sony customer relations officer 

[danielbeyzade]

@paudanie8 I believe you have sent this to the wrong email address. We are sending to the CEO office. Please PM me for the details