Sony 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X77L Series: Review

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Sony 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X77L Series: Review

Hey everyone! Today, we’re diving deep into the Sony 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X77L Series. If you’re in the market for a massive screen that brings your movies, games, and shows to life, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to break down everything from picture quality to smart features, and whether it’s really worth your hard-earned cash.

First Impressions and Design

Let’s kick things off with the aesthetics and build quality. The Sony X77L boasts a sleek, minimalist design that should fit seamlessly into most living rooms. The bezels are reasonably thin, which helps keep the focus on the stunning display. The TV feels sturdy and well-constructed, a testament to Sony's reputation for quality. Setting it up is straightforward, though you might need a friend to help lift and mount this 85-inch beast! Once it’s up and running, the design doesn’t distract; it complements whatever you’re watching.

When it comes to connectivity, Sony hasn't skimped. You get multiple HDMI ports, USB ports, and an Ethernet port. This is super handy for connecting all your devices – gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, soundbars, and more. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 is a big plus, especially if you're a gamer looking to take advantage of the latest consoles' capabilities, like 4K gaming at 120Hz. The ports are also easily accessible, which is a nice touch. No more fumbling around the back of the TV trying to plug something in!

Picture Quality: Does It Pop?

Okay, let’s get to the heart of the matter: picture quality. As a 4K Ultra HD TV, the X77L delivers a crisp, detailed image that’s a significant step up from older 1080p sets. The color accuracy is impressive right out of the box, thanks to Sony's advanced color processing tech. Skin tones look natural, and colors are vibrant without being oversaturated. Whether you're watching a nature documentary or a blockbuster movie, the picture quality is bound to impress.

The TV also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), which enhances the contrast and color range. This means you'll see brighter highlights and darker shadows, adding depth and realism to the image. While it may not reach the peak brightness levels of some higher-end models, the HDR performance is still very good for its class. Watching HDR content on this TV is a treat, bringing out details you might have missed on other displays. Sony's X77L series TVs also upscale lower-resolution content effectively. So, even if you're watching older DVDs or streaming content, the TV does a solid job of making it look better than it otherwise would. The upscaling isn't perfect, but it's definitely noticeable and appreciated.

Smart Features and User Interface

The Sony X77L is powered by Google TV, which is one of the best smart TV platforms out there. The interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate. You get access to all the popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu, right out of the box. Setting up the TV and logging into your accounts is a breeze, thanks to the user-friendly interface. The Google TV platform also offers personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits, which can be a great way to discover new content. Plus, with Google Assistant built-in, you can control the TV with your voice. Change channels, adjust the volume, or search for a specific movie, all without lifting a finger.

Another cool feature is Chromecast built-in, which allows you to easily cast content from your smartphone or tablet to the TV. This is perfect for sharing photos and videos with friends and family, or for mirroring your device's screen for presentations. The Google TV platform also gets regular updates, so you can expect new features and improvements over time. Sony also offers a dedicated app that lets you control your TV from your smartphone. This is handy for adjusting settings, changing channels, or using your phone as a remote control. The app is well-designed and easy to use, making it a convenient addition to the overall experience.

Sound Quality: Does It Deliver?

Now, let’s talk about sound quality. While the picture quality of the Sony X77L is impressive, the built-in speakers are just okay. They’re adequate for casual viewing, but if you really want to immerse yourself in your favorite movies and shows, you’ll probably want to invest in a soundbar or a dedicated audio system. The TV does support Dolby Audio, which helps enhance the soundstage and create a more immersive experience. However, the built-in speakers simply can't deliver the kind of punch and clarity that a good soundbar can.

On the plus side, the TV has plenty of audio output options, including HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and an optical digital output. This makes it easy to connect a soundbar or receiver. The HDMI ARC support is particularly useful, as it allows you to control the volume of your soundbar with the TV remote. Overall, while the sound quality of the X77L is decent, it's definitely an area where you might want to upgrade if you're serious about audio. A good soundbar can make a world of difference, turning your living room into a true home theater.

Gaming Performance

For gamers, the Sony 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X77L Series offers a solid experience. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 is a major plus, as it supports features like 4K gaming at 120Hz and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). These features can significantly reduce input lag and improve the overall smoothness of your gaming experience. The TV also has a dedicated game mode, which further optimizes the picture settings for gaming.

Input lag is reasonably low, which means you won't experience any noticeable delay between your controller inputs and the action on the screen. This is crucial for fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. The TV also handles motion well, with minimal blur or ghosting. This is especially important for games with a lot of fast action, such as racing games and first-person shooters. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some high-end gaming TVs, the X77L offers a solid gaming experience at a more affordable price point. If you're a casual gamer or someone who plays a variety of games, you'll be happy with the performance of this TV.

Pros and Cons

To sum it up, let's look at the pros and cons of the Sony X77L Series TV:

Pros:

  • Excellent picture quality with vibrant colors and sharp details.
  • User-friendly Google TV interface with access to all major streaming services.
  • HDMI 2.1 support for 4K gaming at 120Hz.
  • Good upscaling of lower-resolution content.
  • Sleek and minimalist design.

Cons:

  • Built-in speakers could be better.
  • HDR performance isn't as bright as some higher-end models.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

So, is the Sony 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X77L Series worth buying? For most people, the answer is a resounding yes. You're getting a massive screen with excellent picture quality, a user-friendly smart TV platform, and solid gaming performance, all at a reasonable price. While the built-in speakers could be better, this is easily remedied with a soundbar. If you're looking for a big-screen TV that delivers a great viewing experience without breaking the bank, the Sony X77L is definitely worth considering. It’s a fantastic option for families, movie buffs, and gamers alike. Just be sure to have some friends on hand to help you set it up!

In conclusion, the Sony X77L stands out as a compelling option in the crowded market of 4K TVs. Its blend of impressive visuals, smart functionality, and gaming capabilities makes it a versatile choice for any home entertainment setup. Whether you're streaming your favorite shows, gaming with friends, or enjoying a movie night with family, the X77L delivers an immersive and enjoyable experience that's hard to beat. So go ahead, level up your viewing experience with the Sony 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X77L Series!