Sony is bolstering its home entertainment offerings with a new wave of soundbars and its mid-range Bravia 3 II television series, both heavily focused on immersive audio through Dolby Atmos support. The products, set to release this spring, aim to deliver premium sound and visual experiences for a range of budgets.
New Soundbar Lineup: Immersive Audio for Every Setup
The audio expansion includes two primary soundbars: the Theater Bar 5 and the Theater Bar 7. The Bar 5 ($350) is a 3.1-channel system bundled with a wireless subwoofer, offering an accessible entry point into enhanced home audio. The Bar 7 ($870) represents a step up, boasting nine speaker units for a more powerful and detailed soundstage.
Both models are compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, ensuring support for the latest audio formats, and integrate seamlessly with Sony Bravia TVs, allowing for control directly through the TV’s menu. Sony’s proprietary upmixing technologies, including S-Force Pro, Front Surround, and Vertical Surround Engine, further enhance the immersive experience.
Rounding out the audio lineup are the Rear 9 wireless speakers ($750), featuring upfiring drivers to create phantom speakers for a truly enveloping sound. Subwoofer options range from the high-end Sub 9 to the more affordable Sub 7, offering additional bass depth to any setup.
Bravia 3 II TV: 4K, Dolby Vision, and Gaming Ready
The Bravia 3 II LED TV series spans sizes up to 100 inches, with pricing varying significantly by screen size. The flagship 100-inch model will retail for $3,100, while the entry-level 50-inch version costs $600.
The TVs support Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X, along with Sony’s high-end XR Processor and XR Triluminos Pro technology. They also feature 4K 120Hz support, making them well-suited for gaming, and include four HDMI 2.1 ports.
Pricing Breakdown:
– 100-inch: $3,100
– 85-inch: $1,600
– 75-inch: $1,200
– 65-inch: $900
– 55-inch: $800
– 50-inch: $600
Shifting Landscape: Potential Last of Sony-Made TVs?
The release of the Bravia 3 II series comes amid industry shifts. Sony is expected to announce MicroRBG TVs in the near future, but a recent agreement with TCL suggests these Bravia 3 models may be among the last Sony-manufactured televisions. The company has yet to clarify the future of its OLED TV lineup, such as the Bravia 5 II. This development raises questions about Sony’s long-term television strategy and its reliance on partnerships with other manufacturers.
The future of Sony’s TV production remains unclear, potentially signaling a strategic shift away from full-scale manufacturing toward collaborations and licensing deals.
The new soundbars and Bravia 3 II TVs represent a solid upgrade for home entertainment enthusiasts, but the broader industry context suggests that Sony’s approach to television hardware may be undergoing a significant transformation.
