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.

[rooobb]

I didn't try with Opera (it works with remote even if I'm not used to it), Chrome is far better and works fine with sideview mouse remote... and you can set your own home page (better since I use Chrome everywhere it gets automatically all my settings/preferred URL, etc.)

[theshamelessmanc]

How do you get chrome on these sets? 

[rooobb]

Go to play.google.com with the same account of the TV, searhc chrome and choose to install it on the TV. Done.

[cozzykim]

EDIT: Sorry, wot he said ^^^

Easiest way that I found:

Go to G-Play on a laptop etc.

Search for Chrome

It will say 'Installed' and 'Compatible with....'

Click on 'Installed' and select the TV from the drop down list.

Bob's your relative.

[theshamelessmanc]

Why is it just not in the app store on the TV? Thanks for the tip off peeps, can't stand that Opra! Can the app be viewable on the home screen? I can access it from settings - apps - downloads. 

[cozzykim]

As previously mentioned, you need to install sideload launcher by chainfire, sideloaded apps won't appear on the main home screen.

[rooobb]

It's not compatibile with the standard tv remote so i guess this is the reason why is not in the tv store

[cozzykim]

I haven't been able to register for Playstation Now until today, but I found out how to get past the stalled sign-in screen.

1. Reboot the TV

2. Go straight to Settings>Apps>Running Apps

3. Scroll and find Playstation Now

4. Click on Clear Data and OK

5. Click on Clear Cache and OK

6. Go back to your Home screen and click on the Playstation Now app

7. You'll get to the Country/Language screen, select yours

8. Go to 'Sign in, you should now be able to load the sign in/Register screen and use your PS4 controller to navigate and enter your details

9. You get an email to your selected address to make a PSN account

I got most of the way through and decided that PSN is far too intrusive for my liking, and that I won't be using PSN at all, least of all on the TV

NB YOU CAN'T DELETE A PSN ACCOUNT once you've started the registration process, so, if you don't want to try PSN, don't go there.

BAD SONY 😞

[husnainmohammad]

Theres a much better app than sideload. Its called HALauncher. Its on the Google Play Store and its much more user friendly. Can install any android apps using ES File Explorer if you have showbox apk etc

[cozzykim]

@husnainmohammad

Thanks, installed and does appear to be configurable, which is nice.