This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:12:36
The video, hosted by Vicenteo from HDTVTest, critically evaluates and compares Sony's new Bravia Core streaming service with 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays. Despite the impressive high bit rate capability of up to 80 megabits per second offered by Bravia Core, several factors limit its performance and accessibility. These factors include the necessity for a minimum internet speed of 115 megabits per second, which is often unavailable or too costly for many users.
Additionally, Bravia Core uses a lossy DTS Digital 5.1 audio codec, which detracts from the overall cinematic experience due to inferior audio quality compared to the lossless options available on Blu-rays. The absence of Dolby Vision HDR and a limited selection of titles restricted to Sony Pictures Entertainment further contribute to its shortcomings. Bravia Core requires the 2021 Bravia XR TVs to decode its Pure Stream codec, limiting compatibility and making it a niche rather than a mainstream service.
The service is seen more as a promotional incentive for purchasing new Bravia XR TVs rather than a legitimate competitor to established streaming platforms like Netflix. Moreover, there is skepticism about the long-term viability of Bravia Core, given Sony's history with streaming services and its announced two-year support window. Consequently, the speaker concludes that 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays remain the superior choice for a high-quality viewing experience.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the host, Vicenteo from HDTVTest, explains six reasons why 4K Blu-rays outperform Sony’s new Bravia Core streaming service, despite the latter’s high bit rate capability of up to 80 megabits per second. He emphasizes that while Bravia Core’s 80 megabits per second is impressive and superior to other streaming services like Netflix and Apple TV 4K, which max out around 15 to 35 megabits per second, 4K Blu-rays can achieve even higher bit rates. Well-mastered Blu-ray titles can exceed 90 or even 100 megabits per second. This higher bit rate results in fewer compression artifacts. Additionally, Vicenteo points out that achieving the optimal 80 megabits per second on Bravia Core requires a significant minimum internet bandwidth, which may not be accessible to all users.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the Sony Bravia Core streaming service and its requirements. They explain that to achieve the advertised 80 megabits per second bit rate, users need a minimum internet speed of 115 megabits per second. The speaker highlights that such speeds are not easily accessible for many people and shares their personal limitation of having only 76 megabits per second. They mention the high cost associated with upgrading to a faster internet connection, stating it could be around 500 to 600 pounds per month for a one gigabit line, which impacts their business needs. They also emphasize the convenience of 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays, which do not require an internet connection and can be played anywhere.
Additionally, the speaker criticizes the Sony Bravia Core streaming service for its audio quality, noting that it uses a lossy DTS Digital 5.1 audio codec rather than a lossless one. They argue that a true cinematic experience requires both high-quality picture and sound, and they express disappointment that Sony Bravia Core does not provide better audio options.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses several shortcomings of the Sony Bravia Core streaming service. First, they note the absence of Dolby Vision HDR, which is a dynamic metadata format superior to the static HDR10 used by Sony Bravia Core. This results in less accurate reproduction of the creator’s intent compared to other streaming services that support Dolby Vision. Secondly, the speaker points out the limited selection of titles on Sony Bravia Core, restricted to those owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, unlike 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays which offer a broader range of content from various studios. These limitations lead the speaker to argue that 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays remain superior to the Sony Bravia Core streaming service.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the discussion centers around Sony’s Bravia Core streaming service, which is exclusively available on Sony’s 2021 Bravia XR TVs. The Bravia XR features a new processor with cognitive intelligence and utilizes an adaptive streaming technology called Pure Stream to deliver high bit rates of up to 80 megabits per second. However, only the 2021 TVs with this chipset can decode the Pure Stream codec, significantly limiting the selection of compatible displays.
The service appears to be a niche offering intended as an incentive for purchasing the new Bravia XR TVs rather than competing directly with major streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. Sony has announced support for Bravia Core for only two years, after which they will decide on its future based on the service’s performance. Given Sony’s inconsistent track record with their streaming services, there is skepticism about the long-term viability of Bravia Core.
Moreover, due to technical limitations, older Sony televisions cannot support Bravia Core, even if they are from prior years. This limitation underscores the exclusivity and potential short lifespan of the service.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker questions whether viewers are tempted by the 80 megabits per second offered by the Sony Bravia Core streaming service. They also discuss six reasons that might prevent it from being a viable competitor to 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays. The speaker invites viewers to watch their technical 4K Blu-ray reviews via a playlist and hints at future content.