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.