topic Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec in Other TVs

Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

sound10 — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 10:53:16 GMT

Hi as a current owner of the 2013 55X9005A, I am wondering what Sony is planning to do for us early adopters with regards to Netflix 4k/ HEVC H.265 Codec. I hope that we early adopters are not going to be left out in the cold !

Thanks

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 11:55:02 GMT

Hi there

Unfortunately that can be the nature of being an "early adopter" especially when there is an evolutionary change in technology. Meaning technology standards havent quite been agreed/ratified supported.

This question was raised yesterday:

http://community.sony.co.uk/t5/televisions/x9000a-series/m-p/1591011

Id be reasonably confident to say that "IF" it can be done, Sony will do so. However saying that, I don't believe that the H265 codec would run properly on the 2013 TV range, mainly due to the vast processing power that the H265 codec requires.

Cheers.

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

sound10 — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:14:31 GMT

Hi Quinnicus, thanks for your reply. I personally think that Sony has a responsibility to all it's 2013 X9005A UK Customers including myself to provide a solution, free of any costs to sort this out otherwise there will be many disgruntled UK customers that will never again buy a Sony TV.

From what I've read on the web, apparently it has be said by Sony USA that US Owners of this TV will not be left out with regards to the HEVC Codec Issues/Future 4k content so therefore why should UK customers lose out.

Doesn't make sense really. I would be very garteful if this matter could be pleased escalated to the appropriate department.

Many Thanks

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:43:27 GMT

Hi there

I agree with you on this - especially when you spend £xxxx's on a TV, you would expect more than 12months of updates and a little bit of future compatibility . I'll have a dig around on this, and see what the answer is, as I know others will be interested too.

Cheers.

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:02:49 GMT

Hi sound10

Any chance you can find a link in regards to:

"From what I've read on the web, apparently it has be said by Sony USA that US Owners of this TV will not be left out with regards to the HEVC Codec Issues/Future 4k content"

From Sony US Forums (SamT):

http://community.sony.com/t5/4K-Ultra-HD-TV/please-explain-exactly-what-is-needed-to-receive-a-4K-signal-on/m-p/280405#M783

Although I guess there are two issues:

HEVC (H.265) support for USB/DLNA play-back
Netflix 4K play-back

Cheers

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

J-star — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 15:19:27 GMT

As an owner I'm curious about this issue also. From what I gather so far a software solution for HEVC is unlikely/impossible but a hardware one may be doable, either in the form of a small unit/set top box type thing or perhaps a 4K software upgrade to the PS4 which would suit me as I own one already.

Regarding the set top box option, perhaps something like Sony's FMP-X1 which is already available in the States for 4k streaming could come here with integrated HEVC capability to complement our TVs. Really we shouldn't be charged anything extra for this though, especially in view of the amount that the price of our TV has dropped in recent months even on the official Sony store website.

To be honest the issue's not yet much of a problem because of the limited H.265 content/providers out there - even Netflix only has House of Cards season2 and some nature documentaries in UHD yet as I understand, although I gather breaking bad will be coming too. See this link for a mention of the possible hardware upgrade solutions by Netflix:

http://www.stuff.tv/netflix/ces-2014/eyes-we-feast-our-peepers-netflixs-4k-streaming-video/news

Cheers

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

sound10 — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 17:49:37 GMT

Hi Quinnicus, thnaks for your reply again. Yes, we as customers have paid a huge premium for this 4k TV and therefore it should be compatible with current and future 4k content. I can see this issue potentially arising again once 4k Blu Ray is launched. Again Sony need to make sure that we as customers are looked after.

I can't exactly remember where I read about US Customers who own this TV and future content, but please have a look at the following article from a well respected and regarded UK Forum and magazine and please scroll dow to the bottom of the article where it reads Gyles said: "Sony 4K sets are future-proofed. Customers are our number one priority and Sony will provide all the necessary solutions to the 4K TV owner to access future 4K content services once they start in respective TV markets."

Here is the link to the article :- http://www.whathifi.com/news/sony-says-no-plans-to-bring-4k-media-player-to-uk

Perhaps one solution could be that Authorised UK Sony Service Centre's are allowed to carry out the necessary internal modifications at our own homes to acess current and future 4k content. That would be the ideal solution for me.

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 23:19:30 GMT

Hi all

Just letting you know that this has been fed back through the channels (to the elves in the TV Dept) and are now awaiting a response back.

In regards to the WhatHifi article - this was addressing an issue that was released in a Sony Press Release in regards to HDMI 2.0 update, as at the time HDMI 2.0 was not ratified.

Cheers

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

Lalami1990 — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 09:29:13 GMT

Got a petition started here addressed to Sony:

I've sent out a few emails. One to customer services, another to the head office, another to the corporate headquarters in Japan for customer feedback. I doubt that I'm the only person doing this but hopefully this would get the ball rolling for us European owners. Hopefully you could all sign the petition and perhaps help spread the link around to other forums.

[EDIT] - Unfortunately I have had to edit your post, as its against forum rules to link to petitions

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

sound10 — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 08:55:13 GMT

Hi Lalami1990, that's a good idea. I'm sure Sony won't abandon us as we have paid a huge premium for this TV. Therefore the TV should be future proof for at least the next couple of years at the very least.

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

PerttuV — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 07:42:44 GMT

Hello Quinnicus,

Did you ever get a response from the elves?

Just got my x9005A, and would very much like to get other 4k content than short Youtube videos. No media player or Sony Video Network option here in Finland.

br, Perttu

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

Anonymous — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 09:28:33 GMT

Hi there

I havent updated this thread as I have very little additional information to offer to be honest. All I can say is that Sony will make an announcement in due course (soon)

Sorry that I cannot provide additional information at this time.

Cheers

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 21:59:48 GMT

Hi all

The solution to this problem has been announced today and is in the name of an additional Media Player device (FMP-X5).

Press Release:

http://presscentre.sony.eu/content/detail.aspx?ReleaseID=9716&NewsAreaId=2

A couple of additional links:

http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/news/sony-fmpx5-201404233747.htm

http://www.whathifi.com/news/sony-4k-media-player-brings-netflix-4k-streaming-to-201213-4k-tvs

http://www.techradar.com/news/television/tv/sony-fmp-x5-media-player-announced-for-netflix-4k-streaming-1244653

Cheers

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

Jonnie1266 — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 18:41:45 GMT

Hi all, well this is wonderful news indeed, all hail Sony !

I have read these posts open mouthed with a sense of dread and a cold shiver down my spine. Just when you thought it was safe to splash out a small fortune on a 'future proofed' (not my quote) television and they've done it again. So, to the solution, ha, well lets just dig down into the coffers and find another £350 - how can Sony think that this is a 'pat on the back, well done everybody that will keep them happy' result ? You know what, I wonder just what may be missing from the ALL NEW 4K 2014 range ?

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

Anonymous — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 18:59:57 GMT

HI there

I note your clever use of sarcasm - I think its brilliantly done by the way

Yes £350 is quite steep unfortuately, however in time like all things, it will lower in price. "Future Proof" is an unachievable concept in technology.

What's missing in this years 2014 4K range (except for a Cricket or F1 button instead of Football ) - well HDMI 4.0, 16K compatibility, Terabit Networking, Holographic 3D and a slot to toast my bread in the morning

On a serious note, there is no confirmed announcement for support on Google VP9 codec for Youtube as of yet - of which is what is "missing" on the FMP-X5

Cheers

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

Batfinkk — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 00:19:51 GMT

Unless you are hell bent on re-watching House of Cards in 4K why would you buy this box today? Sure maybe in a year or so's time when the price has dropped and there is a load more content to enjoy, but right now do you really want 4K HoC that much?

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

Jonnie1266 — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 14:53:35 GMT

The television is a work of art, that's for sure, however your comment is not the point. How do think customers feel to have splashed out on a 4K television just to find out that when there will be some 4K to watch that they are inhibited by the very television anyway ?

This is a quote from the last few lines of one of the links on solution that Quinnicus posted -

"We spied a USB port on the back of the X5 which does at least suggest you'll be able to play back local 4K content if you can download it onto another device, but of course, the only 4K movies currently available to download are Doesn't Exist, LOL Good Luck 2 and I Know What You're Not Watching Next Summer.

Sony's 2014 range of 4K TVs are unaffected by this news, as they're already fully compatible with HEVC - hands up who regrets being an early adopter."

I do not consider myself as an early adopter and should not therefore be penalised for it, I was merely ready for a new television and decided that was the way forward. I did not actually buy it until two months ago so it was not exactly fresh on the market.

The 'new' 4K television range have a serious flaw in my opinion, the wedge design has afforded the stands to be on the outer edges of the television doing away with the traditional centre stand. This means that most customers will have to invest in a whole new television stand to accomodate the extra width - did anybody think of that ?

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

Anonymous — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 17:13:54 GMT

Hi jostore28

I can fully understand your frustrations - In Sept 2011, I purchased an NX723 TV (which was when this model was released by the way), only to be informed a few months later that it was not possible to add Netflix to the list of applications. However once I understood the reason for this, I could understand.

In regards to your situation and your TV - at the time of manufacturing there was no set ratified specifications for the HEVC/H.265 codec. Sony can only build to what is available at the time.

In reference to a TV - decoding HEVC is not possible to do simply via software alone (which is why a firmware cannot be developed to add support to the TV). Hence it must be done via hardware. This certainly was not develeoped for when your TV was being designed. This is the exact same reason why you dont have HDMI 2.0 (hardware) on the TV either.

In regards to the 2014 4K TV (KD-55X9005B) - Im under the impression that their are two positions for the "feet" of the TV - at the side ends and closer to the middle, doing away with purchasing a larger cabinet/table.

Cheers

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

Catmambo — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 17:30:49 GMT

Correct, the feet can indeed be switched to the centre or it could be wall mounted. Surely a TV that hangs over the edge of the side of the bench would look really odd anyway?

Re: Sony X9005A Owners & Netflix 4k/HEVC Codec

Jonnie1266 — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 19:09:43 GMT

Many thanks for the replies Quinnicus / Catmambo (wow, feel like I'm being ganged up on :smileynot_talking:) and for correcting my concerns regarding the new range of 'feet', I hope.

You have to wonder what was in the planning with how to stream 4K and what Sony's take on it was considering the huge amount of data that needs to be compressed, maybe Sony should have waited until the ratified specifications were just prior to luring us in.

There is no way round this for us poor suckers other than to buy either the new magic box, a 4K camcorder, a 4K capable Blu-ray player in the future if Sony ever develops the technology or another brand new 4K television !