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:
 

The only advantage I can see with the Sony-YouView approach is that it has the content deals with e.g. Sky (Now TV) and, in theory (so customer support tell me) it will support the BT IPTV multicast channels if you have a subscription (BT Sport, AMC, Fox etc). That is interesting since BT themselves seem more interested in selling LG TV's to pair with their 4K Humax box...

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I have not seen anything that suggests YouView on Sony TVs will mean any Sky / NowTV content being available. I have BT YouView and NowTV is limited purely to Sky Movies and I have to use my AppleTV and NowTV boxe to access the Entertainment and Sports options. There is absolutely zero chance of BT IPTV multicast channels being available either. 

[haribo411]

@anjenki75 thanks for the info on Kodi, really useful. I was looking at getting a decent android box as using my mobile and screen mirror was too jerky, but if it can run straight from the TV this will be great! 

[trickytree1984]

im considering getting a box anyway. HD streaming content seems to be jerky. 

[haribo411]

@trickytree1984 are you conecting with Wifi or ethernet?

[trickytree1984]

@haribo411 Ethernet  - 70mbps connection speed

[DaM3k0n]

I wouldnt cnsider putting kodi on the Sony.. the tv just doesnt have the hardware for decoding hd conent, which is why I opted for plex and transcoding. 

Ive had several issues over this weekend, resulting in 3 resets.. so the sets days are numbered for me!

I ony use the tv for Plex, Casting and Virginmedia.. so now tuner use, no need for hdd recording, no surround sound.. so if tcant do them 3 things without issues, then its of no use to me!

Im eagerly awating the Philips 8000 series with its hex core!.. of failing that, I will have to get the Nvidia Shield!

[anjenki75]

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@malcolm1962 wrote:

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@anjenki75 wrote:
 

The only advantage I can see with the Sony-YouView approach is that it has the content deals with e.g. Sky (Now TV) and, in theory (so customer support tell me) it will support the BT IPTV multicast channels if you have a subscription (BT Sport, AMC, Fox etc). That is interesting since BT themselves seem more interested in selling LG TV's to pair with their 4K Humax box...

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I have not seen anything that suggests YouView on Sony TVs will mean any Sky / NowTV content being available. I have BT YouView and NowTV is limited purely to Sky Movies and I have to use my AppleTV and NowTV boxe to access the Entertainment and Sports options. There is absolutely zero chance of BT IPTV multicast channels being available either. 

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Yes Now TV doesn't make sports or entertainment available on YouView at the moment:
http://help.nowtv.com/article/NOW-TV-shows-that-aren-t-available-on-YouView

Regarding the BT stuff, well actually I only say that because, like I say, I asked Sony customer support this and a bunch of other related questions. These are the relevant answers:

3. Will the YouView EPG replace the existing EPG?

Yes it will replace the existing EPG.

4. Can you trigger a recording by pressing the record button whilst watching a live terrestrial broadcast?

Yes.

5. Can you schedule a future live terrestrial recording from the YouView EPG or search functions?

Sadly, the recording function is not available on YouView.

6. Can you schedule series recordings from the YouView EPG or search functions?

As previously advised, sadly the recording function is not available through YouView.

7. Will the TV support the IPTV EPG channels on YouView e.g. BT TV Entertainment, BT Sport (if you have a valid subscription)?

Yes it will be supported.

[DaM3k0n]

Id read the HDD recording wouldnt be available if Youview was enabled...

Just saw this mention after I posted!

[trickytree1984]

Does anyone know if HDMI-CEC should work on this TV. When i fire up the chromecast, it didnt swicth the input as expected

[trickytree1984]

@DaM3k0n Apparently not. Im hoping they have not been that stupid. That is why i bought this TV. I cant wait until the 24th of Dec to find out. I'm going to ring JL tonight and get them to collect it (I bought in store so i don't know if they will). If the YouView and HDD do turn out to work together (which could be a game changer) ill buy it again in the new year sales!