As a bit of a techie, I was looking for a 4K TV that didn't break the bank, but had a great image and also great image control. The 55in X850C seemed to fit that and I was pleased to find out that it met, and even exceeded these expectations in a few ways.
The setup I use with this TV is a new Sony HT-CT780 Soundbar. Connected to the TV is my cable box, and my PS4 is connected to the Soundbar.
I gave this TV 4 stars because of how great it is for the tech savvy. I'll get the negative out of the way first: the 1 star deduction is due to the near-necessity to be "involved" with the TV's tech. Having Android as an OS is cool, but the firmware update is practically required to use any of the 4K applications (such as Netflix), not to mention some menu systems stop working entirely due to a glitch - the updates resolve this, but you need to be somewhat savvy to make sure the TV is hooked up to the web, and downloading updates.
That out of the way, this TV is a great option for those who do know what they want and want control out of their TV. Image quality is great, especially due to the Triluminos display. Even without the Dynamic Range feature of the higher end Sony TVs, the image still looks crisp and dynamic with amazing color. Those familiar with Sony know that their upscaling is one of (if not) the best in the industry.
The control of the image is really robust too (which is why this set is great for those who know their way around electronics). Deep control over motion blur, image contrast, gamma, backlighting, can also be done on a per-input basis quite easily, easily being able to see your picture adjustments in real time. I was quite happy with this.
My "woah" moments I had with this TV is how smart it is in working with other components. It's able to control the Samsung cable box I have flawlessly, and get TV Guide information right in the TV UI itself. And while it MAY be because I happen to have a Sony soundbar and PS4 as well, the TV talks extremely well with the soundbar. Power/Volume/Mute/Inputs are SYNCED (no need to use multiple remotes, any remote controls the volume of both devices simultaneously) and the TV can read all inputs, whether they are hooked up to the TV itself, or into the soundbar. It's really great. I can have everything off, turn on my PS4, and the TV and Soundbar automatically fire up and switch to the proper inputs.
As for gaming, the input lag is surprisingly low without even needing to enter a 'game mode' which reduces the fidelity of the image which is something I prefer. The remotes are only OK, my biggest gripe being the traditional remotes D-PAD is quite cumbersome. That said it gets the job done. The new "touchpad" remote I tend not to use, although it is pretty slick to use the mic to say "Watch X movie trailer on YouTube" and have it pull up a YouTube search for the thing you asked for right in the TV itself. The Android-powered voice commands are spot on.
I also considered a few Samsung models as I have traditionally gotten Samsung TVs before, but the Sony with the great upscaling and higher reviews online in terms of robust control over the image, the Sony won me over and I'm quite pleased with it. My only advice to Sony would be ensure that new models have proper Quality-checked and working applications and UI features, BEFORE releasing the model and banking on software updates - to ensure those less tech savvy have a better experience out of the box.
If you're looking for a premium 4K TV experience at a more affordable price, it's hard to beat this model. If you just want to turn the TV on and use all of the features flawlessly, proceed with caution. Yes this TV is amazing, but as many have noted, you don't get the complete experience (ie. Netflix not working/available) until you go through the system updates. If you don't mind getting into the nitty gritty of Android OS updates and menu-based settings, this is a really REALLY nice option
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
3
Needs a manual
on June 14, 2015
Posted by: msskye
Great picture, but that does not make up for the lack of a detailed user guide (please don't direct me to the online help on the TV or the measly How To section on the Sony web site...I've been there).
Can't get 3D to work, having a hard time with the aps, etc. No excuse for poor documentation.
The picture is great! However, it was very difficult to figure out how to adjust the settings to get the best picture. The Help screens weren't much help. Even after a lot of fiddling, there is still an iridescent shine from any object that has narrow stripes including shirts, sport jackets, even the grass on a golf green. I'm still working on it. There are a bunch of APPS I don't want, but there's no way to get rid of them. I would like Skype, but not available. Netflix didn't work when I first purchased the TV, but eventually Sony fixed that. This was last year's model, so hopefully the newer sets don't have these problems.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from sony.comBy Jeannette, Sony Support, June 21, 2015
Hello temptation! Thank you for sharing your feedback with us regarding the picture quality, we would like to recommend to try the following steps to improve the issue you have described:
1. Using the supplied remote control, press the HOME button. 2. Select Settings. 3. Under TV category, select Display. 4. Select Picture. 5. Select Advanced settings. 6. Select Clarity and adjust the settings as described below. - Change Digital noise reduction from Auto to High. - Change Random noise reduction from Auto to High. - Decrease Sharpness to 50. - Change Reality Creation from Auto to Manual, then decrease the Resolution value.
Bought this TV 2 months ago and I'm very pleased ! Had a SONY KDL55NX810 for 7 years with no problems! Just wanted to move up to 4K! The KDL55NX810 will be used in another room. Been using SONY TV's for 20 years and have never been disappointed !
One month in with our 55" Sony Ultra 4K and all is well. Netflix became available on May 31. Picture is outstanding and, at this point, I am in no rush to do a calibration adjustment. Sony phone tech support was excellent on the one occasion I called them when Android apps including Youtube were not working. 2 Sony updates have been received and auto-installed since purchased with no problem.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
3
Great Picture, but...
on June 9, 2015
Posted by: Anonymous
Great picture if you are looking head on the TV. If you go off at an angle greater than 15-20 degrees, the picture (color) gets cloudy and not bright and clear. When more than one person is watching, the ones off center do not get the same bright colors the person in the center does.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Response from sony.comBy Jeannette, Sony Support, June 11, 2015
Hello Julius! Thank you for sharing your feedback with us, we will make sure to pass this information to the proper department for further review. This model has a viewing angle from Right or Left of 89 degrees as well for viewing from Up or Down.
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
3
Might take back
on June 2, 2015
Posted by: Brian9838
The tv has a good picture and good sound but the upscale everything you watch is horse poo. Apple TV, ps4 and cable still say 1080. I bought new hdmi cables (monster cable isf 1250) still think there's no upscale. If someone can tell me ifimdoing something wrong with the upscale please let me know
I bought a KDL55w802 Jan 2014' amazing tv out of the box and required NO picture adjustment. The 850c 4k I bought a few weeks ago is a work in progress. Had to go back to the store I bought it to see their picture settings and ended up using an Amazon review to assist but still not satisfied. Live TV seems twinkly to me and faces washed out. Additionally the Android interface is rough and difficult to maneuver. Not to mention also, waited 2 weeks to get Netflix and support clueless as to why no Netflix on the TV. I wish I could get someone to now tune the picture or I'm taking it back
I would recommend this to a friend!
Response from sony.comBy Joffrey, SonySupport, June 14, 2015
Hi Mototina, Please send us more details about your concern at socialsupport@am.sony.com, give us your contact details and the exact model number of your unit so that we can assist you further. Thanks.