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.

[welshchris59]

First post in this thread. I'm becoming a little disillusioned with Sony over this Android affair.

Even following the March firmware update my remote is completely non-functional after turning the TV on. There is also no sound output whatsoever. TV  is a KDL-43W755

The only solution for me is to unplug the set and reboot every time I want to watch it.

I only use the set as a 'monitor' for Sky HD, and use Plex and Kodi. The set works perfectly for my limited requirements except for this annoying issue with no sound. I've trawled this thread for a possible fix, but it seems that there isn't one (?).

I've been experiencing this issue since the February update - the set was perfect before that - and was hoping it would be sorted in the March update, but it appears not.

I'm considering returning the TV to John Lewis, but frankly I'm not sure what my options are with regard to other brands. As I said the only apps I use are Plex and Kodi, so I need a TV that will run these two apps - any tips on TV's with the same functionality?

[alanxce]

HDD/USB recording problem

I have been testing out the USB HDD recording facilities on 8509c. Last night I thought I had it set to record a program on CH4 starting and ending 9-10pm. You have the opportunity when you set the recording to have extensions at the beginning and end to cover early starts/late finishes.

I set it for a 5 minute extension at both ends and the recorder decided to apply a little reverse logic. I sat there and watched it start the recording at 9:05pm and as a result have missed first 5 mins of the program.  Not sure what it has done at the end yet. 

Really weird problem but pleased to say everything else like FF, FR pause etc works ok. 

Anyone experienced similar?

[oodles2do]

@welshchris59

To be able to run Kodi you'll need a TV that runs Android, unfortunately. I swapped my Sony 4K 49 inch with an LG 55 inch 4K, and it's been great so far, runs as you would expect a 2015 piece of technology. I can't install Kodi on it, but it can play a lot of files as standard, although I don't think it can play some avi files I've got. It does recognise Plex on the network straight away though.

[dataghost]

Update on my Currys complaint.  I received a reply back yesterday just within the SLA.  The reply was a generic copy and paste advising me that I could have an engineer for my poor quality picture?!?

Needless to say I replied and asked them to read it again and then have a browse at the link to this forum that I included.  Customer service cant get any poorer than when its completely obvious that they did not read any of the details of your complaint.  Dissapointed really as the day I bought the TV they were incredibly efficient and attentive whilst setting up my credit agreement.  Couldnt do enough for me!

[Jimmyjamh]

---

@welshchris59 wrote:

First post in this thread. I'm becoming a little disillusioned with Sony over this Android affair.

Even following the March firmware update my remote is completely non-functional after turning the TV on. There is also no sound output whatsoever. TV  is a KDL-43W755

The only solution for me is to unplug the set and reboot every time I want to watch it.

I only use the set as a 'monitor' for Sky HD, and use Plex and Kodi. The set works perfectly for my limited requirements except for this annoying issue with no sound. I've trawled this thread for a possible fix, but it seems that there isn't one (?).

I've been experiencing this issue since the February update - the set was perfect before that - and was hoping it would be sorted in the March update, but it appears not.

I'm considering returning the TV to John Lewis, but frankly I'm not sure what my options are with regard to other brands. As I said the only apps I use are Plex and Kodi, so I need a TV that will run these two apps - any tips on TV's with the same functionality?

---

I am in the same boat. I only really use Kodi and Plex, that's what appealed about the android TVs, it meant I could stop using various other boxes, I've not had any major issues with my TV but I'm still concerned by the ongoing issues others raise. I've contacted JL who have agreed that I can change it for another model. I'm clueless what to go for now though. 

[rooobb]

So @Jimmyjamh you are returning your working TV because other are complaining about it? You have very good retailer in UK, in Italy no one would have accepted such return...

[Jimmyjamh]

---

@rooobb wrote:

So @Jimmyjamh you are returning your working TV because other are complaining about it? You have very good retailer in UK, in Italy no one would have accepted such return...

---

@rooobb, I'm still weighing up my options. They have a 90 day return period. I spoke with them yesterday and they told me there was no rush. They will arrange collection and delivery of an alternative model should i chose that option. 

[Muyfa666]

I haven't had any major issues so far, but there are some quirks for sure.

The remote completely hangs from time to time, the image settings keeps going back to "Standard", small stuff.

Overall I'm quite happy with the set, but some stability fixes from Sonmy would really be great.

[lgcebr]

I just want to publicly thank Quinnicus both for his posts and his help getting through to Sony.  I truly appreciate his presence in this forum!

[continentalgt187]

Since the March update I leave a USB flashdrive inserted in the TV for the occassional recording which incidentally seems to work OK if a little clunky.

Now whenever I turn the TV on I get a box asking me if I want to use ES File Explorer as default.

If anyone else gets this and wants to stop it, Press Home on the remote, open ES File Explorer, go to Settings then Display and untick the appropriate box to disable this happening at start up.