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.

[NicolaiLarsen91]

yeah, me too, but not as much like before the update

[markom80]

Hi,

I'm having a problem with Bravia sync with Yamaha RX-V675 receiver.
In television KDL-43W809C has latest firmware installed.

I have set up HDMI control with my receiver like it's described in receiver manual.

1. Turn on the unit, TV, and playback devices
2. Enable HDMI control on the unit, TV, and playback devices
3. Turn off the main power of the TV and then turn off the unit and playback devices
4. Turn on the unit and playback devices and then turn on the TV
5. Switch the TV input to display the video from the unit

If i'll do all five sections, Bravia sync will work. If i press for example volume down from TV remote control
after step four television will reboot

Same reboot can be repeated if i change input from receiver to another input and turn off the television. Receiver will stay on (i think it's because of receivers standby sync: Auto setting). Turn on the television and press volume down from television remote control -> Television will reboot.

Because of this behaviour i am unable to use Bravia sync feature at all.

[Sdroid]

I think this update fixed that high cpu usage I've got from the app tvdotaction.
It's about 12h since update and nothing from the app, fingers crossed

[MikeLothian]

I can confirm the new Netflix builds do support 5.1 surround - it's in their change log, unfortunately these builds won't install on Android 5.0.2 because they require API Level 22 which is only in Android 5.1 and newer

There's nothing in API Level 22 that the app will require - the only changes were to multi-simcard and carrier features a TV simply wouldn't use

I've tried using apktool to edit the AndroidManifest.xml file to API Level 21 but I had to use test keys to recomple the APK and the TV wouldn't let me update a system app with anything other than the origional key that it was signed with - so without root (to remove the sytem app) or Android 5.1.1 on the TV I can't test this further

I'll try creating test TV image in the emulator and see if it works that way

Nico - what are Sony's plans for moving to Android 5.1.1 and later Android M? I imagine Sony has a relationship with Netflix - could you ask them to recompile their app to allow the older SDK? It's a one character change

[theshamelessmanc]

Sony still keep saying its a Netflix issue, Netflix say "  To check if your device supports 5.1 audio, go to any Netflix Original to see if there is a 5.1 audio option. If not, your device does not support this feature ", and from what I gather @MikeLothian is saying, ( please correct me if I am wrong dude ) its an Android issue right? After the update ARC is working, but for me personally, only with TV broadcast on Sky. Not tried with a PS4 yet. So maybe an update for Android will solve the 5.1 for apps on the Bravia.

[Rikachu]

Any of us early adopters able to redeem a free Dualshock4?!

Can't seem to find the link for it?

[NicolaiLarsen91]

where'd you read about that?? havent heard about such thing in Denmark -
instead you'll get either a SDP-S3500 (HD models) or a SWF-BR100 sub (4K)..

[Rikachu]

It's to coincide with the PS Now launch. So maybe UK only...

http://www.bidnessetc.com/47840-sony-corp-launches-playstation-now-in-uk-offers-bravia-promotion-and...

[djadrianc]

The link is here but it's only valid for purchases after 1st July 2015

https://www.sony.co.uk/promo/4k-tv

[psp888]

Thats nice of Sony to only offer the Free PS4 controller to purchases after 15th July, forget and screw their loyal customers which brought the TV early, at a higher price and had to endure all the bugs and updates.

Bravo Sony, great customer relations, and as I've said before, first Sony TV, last Sony TV