Sony’s new Mini LED technology revealed for brighter upcoming models

Sony’s new flagship Mini LED TV is expected to be 1.5 times brighter than the X95L (above). (Image source: Sony)A new Mini LED driver from Sony has been unveiled, with rumors suggesting it will be used in a 2024 flagship model. The technology allows for an increased number of dimming zones, making the new TV significantly brighter than older models without compromising on power consumption.

Sony has provided details of its new Mini LED technology, which is expected to debut in a flagship TV in 2024. The company shared details with publications like What Hi-Fi? at an event held in Tokyo in November, with some details, including the new backlight technology, embargoed until now.

In upcoming models, Sony will be able to use a new 22-bit Mini LED driver, 10-bit current and 12-bit Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), which it claims is the smallest in the world and thus increases the possible number of dimming zones. Sony has yet to divulge just how many dimming zones any new TV using the technology will have. However, the company confirmed that the number would exceed that seen in the ZD9 or Z9D models; for context, the 65-inch model of this older TV has 646 zones. In another comparison, this time with the 2023 X95L Mini LED LCD TV, Sony indicated that its new model would be around 1.5 times brighter without significantly increasing the blooming or halo effect of the TV.

Another improvement with the latest driver is reduced power consumption; compared to the X95L, it is down by 10-15% with standard settings or 30% in Eco mode. It is worth noting that Sony is not likely to be revealing new models at CES 2024, with an official announcement later in the year instead. The name of any model using this new Mini LED technology, a release date, and pricing remain unclear.

Polly Allcock – Senior Tech Writer – 1975 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021

I’ve been interested in technology for as long as I can remember. From a young age, I have loved gadgets and understanding how things work. Since graduating, I have worked for several technology companies across FinTech, AdTech and Robotics.

Polly Allcock, 2024-01- 6 (Update: 2024-01- 6)