Sony has confirmed that it’s backing away from the 8K TV scene, with no plans to release any more models at that resolution.
The company confirmed it’s abandoning 8K TVs to FlatpanelsHD, and the decision is not really that surprising, for the company hasn’t even announced any new 8K models since its last one, the Sony Z9K, was launched back in 2022.
Some Sony fans may have hoped that the company was planning to refresh its 8K lineup. Unlike its South Korean rivals Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, Sony has a slower refresh cycle for its TVs, usually only putting out new models every two years. But in the case of the Sony Z9K, that model actually carried over for three years, into 2023 and 2024.
But if anyone was hoping for a brand spanking new Sony 8K TV, they’re going to be sorely disappointed, for the company told FlatpanelsHD that it has now pulled the Z9K from stores and it will no longer be sold. And there are no plans for any further 8K models, although it hasn’t ruled out doing so at some point in future.
Instead of 8K, Sony is more focused on stepping up its game in 4K. This year it’s planning to launch a new QD-OLED model called the Sony Bravia 8 II, featuring a new, AI-smarts processor that’s set to enhance the colour and accuracy of its pictures.
As for next year, the company is likely to launch its first Mini-LED TVs featuring its recently announced RGB LED backlight technology, with independent pixel control enabling more precise local dimming than ever seen before.
Of course, there’s a big argument to be made that 8K TVs are essentially a waste of time. Although the likes of Sony, Samsung and LG have offered 8K televisions for several years already, the lack of native 8K content outside of a few YouTube videos means there are very few opportunities for owners to enjoy them in all their glory. While 8K upscaling of 4K content is possible, it’s just not the same as “true” 8K in terms of quality.
Many argue that 8K resolution is unnecessary in most living rooms anyway, as the pixels on higher-end 4K TVs are already so small that people are unable to tell the difference if even smaller pixels are used.
Sony obviously knows about these arguments, but the decision to stop making 8K TVs may have raised some eyebrows anyway, considering that the company appears to be pushing the concept of 8K gaming on its PlayStation 5 consoles. Recently, it announced the launch of the PlayStation 5 Pro console with support for 8K games over HDMI 2.1. However it faces the same problem on consoles as it does with TVs, in that most games are not developed with 8K resolution in mind.
Sony joins LG and other TV brands in ditching the 8K resolution format, but Samsung continues to fly the flag even now, with not one but two new 8K TVs set to launch in the coming weeks. Konka is one of several Chinese TV brands that continue to make 8K models too.
