Sony tv model troubleshooting

Sony Bravia televisions: picture, sound, apps and antenna channels

Sony's Bravia televisions run Google TV, use the Cognitive Processor XR on the better models and cover a range from the full-array LED sets to the Mini-LED and OLED models. Most problems owners bring us fall into a few groups: a picture that looks too dark, too bright or the wrong color; sound that disappears when a soundbar or headphones are connected; apps that crash or will not update; a remote that stops responding; and antenna channels that are missing or break up. Each group has its own cause, and the model page for your TV gives the steps that match its menus.

For picture problems, start with the picture mode, because Sony's default and its Vivid and Cinema modes look quite different, and check the backlight, brightness and any energy-saving setting before suspecting the panel. For sound, choose the speaker setting that matches what is connected, use the ARC or eARC port for a soundbar and set the audio format to a simple one while you test. For apps, update the TV and the app, clear the app's cache and restart the TV by unplugging it for a minute. A remote that does not respond needs fresh batteries and a re-pair, and the Bravia Connect or Google TV phone app can control the set while you sort it out.

Antenna reception is a matter of aerial position and cable more than of the TV, and Sony's signal strength and quality readings in the channel setup help you aim it. If you are choosing between the models, the X90L is the full-array LED set with two HDMI 2.1 ports, while the Bravia 8 is an OLED with a brighter panel and a more advanced processor. Keep your TV's model and serial numbers, found on the back, ready for Sony support, and install updates when offered, since many faults are fixed in software.