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.

[Csg3060]

I've got a danish fw. Try when frozen menuscreen to use Sideview to wake tv and turn off. Then remote should function. It works for me.

Maybe Sony is listening, it is a subject for them to notice.

I am starting to disable unneccesary apps, but have to be carfully. It s difficult to assess which apps i essential for tv, i think.

[oodles2do]

I'm just trying out Sideview on my phone for the first time, it seems to make everything A LOT faster. It's so responsive with it, obviously it helps that I can type much faster too.

[rnbetsy]

I've just got a BT Ultra HD youview box, soooooo much better (it's actually
responsive) than my tv.

[oodles2do]

How is the content for UHD on the BT box? I was sorely dissapointed with the offering and quality of Netflix 4K when I tried it on a free trial. Youtube 4K I found was far superior in terms of quality, but obviously lacked any films or TV shows.

I really want to get PlayStation 4K as you can get PlayStation Video on the TV already, so there's no reason why you can't have the 4K app (only reason is that Sony want to sell it on their absurdly expensive 4K box). I heard that they're bringing a 4K service to their 2016 HDR 4K TV's, hopefully they'll support previous models too, only not in HDR if your TV can't do that.

[angelacr]

http://androidtv.news/2016/01/sony-says-2015-android-tvs-will-be-updated-to-marshmallow/

[elraouk]

Fairly old news about marshmallow, been posted a few times since CES.   Just lost between the ranting.... 

[oodles2do]

I didn't know that :p, glad that we'll get an update though! It isn't the streaming service I meant, but I think Sony would be stupid not to include at least 2015 models in the ultra streaming service.

[Caledonian_TV]

Serious question...

Given that the 2015 sets couldn't run the version of Android they were released with properly...  And that this seems to show all the signs of being due to inadequate hardware... 

What makes anyone believe that a later - and presumably more demanding - version of the OS will fare any better?  

[elraouk]

Have seen reports of android tv marshmallow running better than lollipop on other devices, got to hope it's better quality code! 

[oodles2do]

I would hope that the new software would be better optimised, and the TV seems to struggle with the basic features and has stability issues. That clearly shows it's an optimisation issue, it can load the apps and content reasonbly fast so hopefully it isn't a hardware issue. If it turns out it is, then I suppose we'll have to send them back in favour of a newer model or a different brand.