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.

[xx4L0Mxx]

To use unblock us you need to change dchp to static in network settings, then you can add unblock us dns settings. 

[frankie1g]

Sounds like high pitched warble when batteries are in. From the remote. I have a big for from sony to fill in.they are worried it will catch fire or burn someone  Sent from my Samsung device

[rui789]

Finally got Unblock.us working. 

Done the update, but the YouView guide is annoying the ***** out of me. 

Is there anyway is remove it? 

[royabrown]

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rui789 wrote (nearly):

....the YouView guide is annoying the ***** out of me. 

Is there any way to remove it? 

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Given the remarkable antipathy to YouView, it seems like this question needs a sticky FAQ all of its own. Quinnicus?

But until we have one such:-

Home/Settings/Channel settings/YouView settings/Disable

Though be aware that you will thereby cut yourself off from the ITV and All4 catchup Players; although they still appear in the Apps menu, they require you to re-enable YouView first, as they are part of the YouView licensing, not the Sony licensing which the BBC iPlayer and Demand 5 are part of.

[jeffhooper]

Have been thinking of buying a Sony KD55X9003 for several months.  With price now down to below £1400 was about to commit when I came across this thread so now having second thoughts!  Does the lastest (October?) firmware update cure problems or should I avoid buying!

Thanks 

[rnbetsy]

Avoid avoid avoid.

I wish i'd have seen this thread before dropping £1k.

[NickCo1979]

At the very least go in with your eyes wide open. Accept that this is a first gen (beta) product that hasn't had the necessary technical R&D performed and still has missing features and bugs 6 months after launch. 

Pick your retailer especially carefully, pay more for a good 90 day returns policy.

Work out whether you want to be tied to the platform on your TV or if you could save £1000 on a nonsmart TV and just buy a fire stick, nvidia shield, chromecast, Humax Youview box or other external smart capability that is so much easier and cheaper to upgrade.

given that the product development on these TVs should have started a minimum 6 months before launch that's a grand total of 12 months without HDD recording, PIP / PAP, a huge array of bugs and feature combinations that only got communicated as not supported within the last few weeks.

Would you trust this brand and spend 1.4K of your cash on their products?

[frankie1g]

Well said Sent from my Samsung device

[xx4L0Mxx]

You do know that you can sideload any missing apps pretty easily? ITVhub can be sideloaded and works perfectly without having to have youview enabled. 

[rui789]

Considering exchanging my model for a Samsung 50H6200. Would that be wise?