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.

[Miffed-just-a-tad]

@Anonymous I'm not popping at you. But if they did test before release and didn't make promises they clearly have no plans to keep they wouldn't be getting such bad press, it's marketing basics, under promise and over deliver, not over promise and under deliver, If Sony read these maybe they can pass this message to the product manager......

im happy to live with these delays, but the line in the sand will be if next years models have these features out the box and we still don't. If that is the case I will also follow the sale of goods claim and I suggest every one else will be the same,, so here's hoping the 4th promise date is met......

[frogger38]

regarding @Anonymous spreadsheet, this is an excellent idea. It will benefit those like me who are hanging on for the fixes and missing features. I urge all those still with a set to supply the requested info.

The data will be diluted unfortunately because of the large volume of users, who have given up and returned their sets. I hope Sony & suppliers are monitoring the % of returns compared to non Android & other models. It will give an idea of how badly they have let us down.

I will after switch on tomorrow, list my outstanding issues as most occur within the first 5 minutes of the first switch on of the day, and is caused I believe by the set loading it's recommendations and YouView data, when the TV runs  sluggishly and the YouView screen flickers. Once it is stabilised, very few issues remain since the last update, although I can't comment on the use with external AV equipment / 5.1 set ups. But I did see Lip-sync issue with Freeview HD channel the other day, it resolved by switching channels and back again. In an early release of the firmware, I had odd HDMI switch issues, which I need to retest by re-arranging HDMI cables.

Can anyone supply a link to the socket layout on the rear, as I have to reach behind to move cables and cant see port numbering etc.

EDIT: cancel request for a socket layout... I've found one

I will see what I can reproduce and post in the spreadsheet

[elraouk]

Is the "design" not a Google issue? I'd assumed it was basically the same for all android TVs? 

[Caledonian_TV]

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@elraouk wrote:
Is the "design" not a Google issue? I'd assumed it was basically the same for all android TVs? 

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Not really, no...

The inability to remove/hide unstable (or just unwanted) items from the home screen for instance...   And the complete failure to create any kind useable UI for the satellite tuner... Too many steps through input switching etc. - The latter is simply the product of no-one bothering to properly 'map' the UI at the design stage.

GOOD - or even competent UI design puts common tasks in obvious places.  Likewise it allows you to at least 'cloak' things you don't want interfered with...  And customise any 'extra' remote buttons (the Netflix and discover buttons for instance) to do something useful...

I'm stuck with an unused/unwanted 'search' icon and several disabled apps still showing in the apps bar; pressing any one of which will crash the set!  - As I keep the set OFF the network I also find that stupid 'cloud' icon (which is sometimes a spinning ring), which I have to scroll past annoying - it's just sloppy design.  - Older/younger members of the family are completely confused by it all...

Imagine somebody built a car with buttons on the dashboard that any passenger could reach... Which brought the thing to a grinding halt!

These are very basic things Sony could and should have dealt with... Good design give the user options; it doesn't force things down their throat...   Likewise the missing items; if you DO have access to a 4K transmissions for instance there is no guarantee you will be able to see them! - Sony have provided no means of adjusting the relevant reception parameters! 

[Cabrita]

55X8508C connected by HDMI ARC to Pioneer SC-1223K. Something strange happening!

Playing DD/DTS from HTPC works fine with Auto 2. Builtin video APP and Plex APP also.

But... local Kodi APP only produces noise with Auto 1/2 but delivers DD/DTS with PCM!

The problems with channels disappering from lists and Favorites lists themselves also going away still the same trouble!

Searching channels from 2 sats in the list by number is absurd why not by name or letter?

Also only 4 Fav lists is to short.

[andipr]

Does anybody know why the estimated PIP/PAP dates vary between the UK and ROI?

https://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/article/73499

I can't see any other obviously related features that may be dependent/have dependencies on this being released.  

[Stevevalo]

@Anonymous

I think you have the wrong attitude here, once/if Sony start getting things right then they might start getting support from the community. Until that happens I'm afraid Sony deserve everything it gets.

[Caledonian_TV]

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Cabrita wrote:

>55X8508C connected by HDMI ARC to Pioneer SC-1223K. Something strange happening!

ARC seems to work fine with some devices; not with others... I've had the chance to try my set with several

>Playing DD/DTS from HTPC works fine with Auto 2. Builtin video APP and Plex APP also.

But... local Kodi APP only produces noise with Auto 1/2 but delivers DD/DTS with PCM!

Very strange indeed! In all cases where I've seem mine work with ARC (all soundbars mind you) the set has introduced latency to the audio, just as it does over optical.

>The problems with channels disappering from lists and Favorites lists themselves also going away still the same trouble!

>Searching channels from 2 sats in the list by number is absurd why not by name or letter?

If there was any sense to it you'd have a practical means of re-ordering channels - even the PC 'app', which I assume was just written by some kind amateur, is sheer torture to use!  - You're lucky to get 2 satellites BTW.  Even after buing a new switch, my Diseqc just doesn't work! 

Even if you do get a 'good' list together - the first time a channel moves will be hell on a stick all over again!

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[MrLizard]

As stated previously in this thread, I appear to be one of the lucky ones as I'm not seeing the same problems as described by others.  I am seeing some issues, but they're not as severe.

Also, with regard to the Spreadsheet, this at least demonstrates that Sony are keen to capture the issues (presum deal with them.  Yes, it's come late in the day, but my view is that this implies that Sony want to help.  I personally am prepared to assist, despite the problems I had getting my free DualShock 4 controller sent to me!  Either way, I am more inclined to co-operate with company that actively seeks feedback.  It's the right thing for Sony to be doing bearing in mind the circumstances.  Better they try and fix the products they've sold if you ask me.

With regard to the latest firmware update, here's what i've observed.

1)  After the install I found that I couldn't launch any catchup players directly from the home screen.  I could launch them from the YouView players screen, however.  This issue has since rectified itself, possibly as a result of restart, although the only restart the TV has had has been the result of a crash.

2)  Lip-sync is still very noticeable for terrestrial TV broadcasts.  This for me is the worst issue right now.  Empirically it would appear to be HD channels that are affected, as I'm pretty sure I've not seen it happen on SD since the update.

3)  I removed everything from the recommendations bar, mainly because after a couple of months I just don't use it.  I kept the "watch live TV" one, although none appeared and the TV was complaining about not being able to see the internet.  Since the crash described in point 1, this has got back to normal.

4)  When I turn off the TV, the sound continues for a few seconds after the screen has gone blank.  This used to only be about a second with the previous FW, now it's a good 2-3 seconds.

Otherwise, I've found that the YouView application has become a bit more responsive, as has the home menu.  As such, other that point 4 the latest FW is overall an improvement so far as I am concerned.

[frankie1g]

Nothing in my box said register on line Sent from my Samsung device