Sony has today starting rolling out the firmware required to enable HDMI 2.1 on its X900H (US) / XH90 (Europe) 4K LCD TVs and Z8H (US) / ZH8 (Europe) 8K LCD TVs.
HDMI 2.1 update
When Sony launched the TVs earlier this year, it said that the hardware was prepared for certain HDMI 2.1 features. The company promised to enable those features via a firmware update, and starting today owners can download that update.
- "The update has started rolling out for XH90 and ZH8 now," Sony Europe said in a statement to FlatpanelsHD.
It may take some time for the firmware to reach all TVs out there. In Europe, the firmware update is labeled v6.4775 for ZH8 and v6.0384 for XH90. We are still not sure what version number the firmware will carry in the US. Update: It is v6.0384 in the US.
The update enables higher bandwidth on the compatible HDMI 2.1 ports in the TVs. This allows game consoles and media players to feed the TVs with signals in up to 4K120 (4K at 120 frames per second) and 8K60 (Z8H/ZH8 only). The update also enables HDMI eARC and adds the Apple TV app.
Also read: Review: Sony X900H (XH90)
Also read: List: 4K TVs and 8K TVs with HDMI 2.1
Sony said that VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which are two optional HDMI 2.1 features, will be enabled on X900H (XH90) with a later update as soon as VRR and ALLM have been formally certified by an HDMI test center.
The same two TVs are also part of Sony's 'Ready for PlayStation 5' market initiative.
PS5 Ready Sony TVs
FlatpanelsHDHDMI 2.1 specified features in Sony 2020 TVs
*
via later update | 4K120 | VRR | ALLM | eARC |
|---|
| Sony Z8H (ZH8) |
(+ 8K60) | | | |
| Sony A8 OLED | | | | |
| Sony X950H (XH95) | | | | |
| Sony X900H (XH90) | | * | * | |
| Sony X850H (XH85) | | | | |
| Sony Z9G (ZG9) 2019 | *
(+ 8K60) | | | |
FlatpanelsHD
