Sony's Bravia Smart TVs: A Shift in Priorities
As the television industry continues to evolve with the rise of streaming services, Sony has announced plans to remove certain features from its recent Bravia smart TV models. Effective late May 2026, users of select TV models who rely on antennas or set-top boxes will experience reduced functionality and changes to their TV guide. This move is likely a response to the declining use of these technologies in favor of on-demand streaming.
For antenna users, program information may no longer appear depending on the channel, with only recently watched channels displayed. Additionally, channel logos and thumbnail images in program descriptions will disappear, making it more challenging for viewers to identify shows and movies. The removal of these features is likely a cost-cutting measure, as Sony focuses resources on its core streaming capabilities.
The dedicated menu for set-top box users will also be replaced with a “control menu,” resulting in a less dense interface but potentially reduced functionalities. This change may prove more significant for users who rely heavily on their set-top boxes, as the new menu may not offer the same level of customization and control.
The impact of these changes is further exacerbated by the removal of thumbnail images from TV guides. The Google TV operating system’s integrated guide, which aggregates content from various sources including antennas, FAST channels, and live streaming services, will no longer include preview images. This development may make it more difficult for viewers to navigate their TV options and discover new content.
The affected TV models include the Bravia 8 II (XR80M2), Bravia 5 (XR50) from 2025; the Bravia 9 (XR90), Bravia 8 (XR80), and Bravia 7 (XR70) from 2024; and the Bravia A95L series from 2023. While Sony has not provided a clear reason for these changes, it is possible that the company is redirecting resources to more commonly used features.
As the television landscape continues to shift towards streaming-centric services, this development serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of the industry. It remains to be seen how users will adapt to these changes and whether Sony’s decisions will have broader implications for the market.