The introduction of Sony's new line of premium TVs, namely the Bravia XR series, has recently been announced to much fanfare. The new line of Sony TVs sports an all-new streaming service dubbed the Sony Bravia Core and is anticipated to match the video and audio playback quality of a 4K Blu-ray disc with HDR features to boot. As a bonus, the Sony Bravia Core comes pre-installed on every Bravia XR 4K and 8K TV, so customers need not worry about installing the streaming service on their TV. Alongside that, the Bravia XR series comes equipped with all the concomitant features of a premium TV in its price range, so expect features like OLED panels, the low input lag of 8.5ms, 120Hz refresh rates, etc. to be a staple in the Bravia XR series.
Additionally, the Bravia XR TVs buyers will be given access to vouchers once their purchase has been completed. As a side note, buyers can get more credits depending on the model's price, whereby the higher the price of the model, the more credits will be given. The credits can then be cashed in for streaming various movies on the platform. While the Sony Bravia Core comes equipped with hundreds of titles with some boasting IMAX enhanced and DTS enhanced picture and audio quality, the fact that the Sony Bravia Core is capable of streaming “lossless” audio and video playback is something that home theater enthusiasts should consider.
Excellent audio and visual quality
All things considered, while 4K Blu-ray has its place in a cinephile's home. The Sony Bravia Core is no slouch either as it can match the bitrate of a typical 4K Blu-ray disc, thus maintaining audio and visual quality for the viewer. The caveat to this streaming service is that it is limited by the user's Internet bandwidth. Essentially, to take full advantage of the full 80Mbps bitrate that the Sony Bravia Core offers, the user's internet bandwidth must match or even surpass the maximum bitrate than what the Sony Bravia Core offers. Otherwise, the user may not be able to take full advantage of its impressive audio and visual fidelity.
Another point to consider is that unlike regular 4K Blu-ray discs, the Sony Bravia Core adoption is perfect for cinephiles who want audio and visual fidelity on par with a 4K Blu-ray disc and one who is not too keen on amassing an extensive collection of discs. Besides that, a 4K Blu-ray disc, like all physical media types, is susceptible to a natural form of degradation known as “disc rot.” Today's 4K Blu-ray discs may be manufactured to be more resilient to natural deterioration than previous forms of physical media. However nevertheless, this phenomenon is still present even though it is progressing at a much slower pace.
Key considerations
In summary, whether one decides to purchase the Sony XR series TV to make full use of the Sony Bravia Core streaming service over a 4K Blu-ray disc is a decision that needs to be weighed carefully. Essentially, what it all boils down to is that if the user's internet bandwidth does not impede the movie's audio and visual quality, then the Sony Bravia Core may be something to consider. Another thing to consider is the fact that users will be able to save up on physical space by not having as many 4K Blu-ray discs around while at the same time having access to the same audio and visual performance. Even though physical media's natural degradation in 4K Blu-ray discs is much slower due to advancing technology, it is still a present phenomenon that may sway decisions. In essence, while the need for 4K Blu-ray discs still exists, the Sony Bravia Core may be a viable option for the budding home theater enthusiast.
