Sony X75WL vs Philips PML8709

Direct compare

Available screen sizes: 43”50”55”65”75”

Available screen sizes: 55”65”

Panel type: LCD IPS

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2023

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Panel type: LCD VA

Resolution: 3840x2160

System: Google TV

Model year: 2024

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Overall rating

6.0

6.1

  • Movies and series in UHD quality

    5.4

    6.0

  • Classic TV, YouTube

    5.3

    6.6

  • Sports broadcasts (TV and apps)

    5.5

    5.6

  • Gaming on console

    5.7

    7.2

  • TV as a computer monitor

    6.0

    3.5

  • Watching in bright light

    4.6

    4.8

  • Utility functions

    8.6

    7.1

  • Apps

    10.0

    10.0

  • Sound quality

    6.9

    5.1

Advantages

  • Google TV system with convenient voice control and access to apps

  • Ability to record to an external USB drive and connect peripherals

  • Good viewing angles thanks to IPS panel

  • Very good compatibility with PC (chroma 4:4:4, low input lag)

  • Pleasant, clear sound with gentle bass

  • Adjustable leg spacing

  • Google TV operating system – intuitive and versatile

  • Very good contrast

  • Very good coverage of the DCI-P3 and BT.2020 colour gamut

  • Low input lag - around 13 ms

  • Support for ALLM, VRR and HGiG in gaming mode

Disadvantages

No like
  • Very weak contrast

  • Average colour gamut coverage

  • Poor for gamers - lacks many features

  • Design - thick bezels will not appeal to most

  • The quality of the HDR effect leaves a big sour taste

  • No Dolby Vision

  • Not suitable for PC work

  • No Ambilight system

Our verdict

The Sony X75WL model is a 2023 television that is being continued into 2024 by the Japanese company Sony. It offers many positive features. For example, with the Google TV system, users can enjoy broad access to apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video and more! The apps are easily accessible, and full integration with the Play Store allows downloading many additional apps, including games and media players, etc. The built-in Google Assistant adds even more functionality, enabling users to control the television with voice commands. Daily usage is supported by features such as USB recording capability or connecting peripherals (e.g., mice and keyboards, headphones). All of this makes it a very functional device tailored to various users. Solid cooperation with PCs, thanks to 4:4:4 chroma support and low input lag, makes the Sony X75WL a great choice for an office or working from home. The sound quality is another plus—gentle bass and clarity will satisfy most users, especially those who appreciate audio quality without the need to invest in additional speakers. However, this model also has some drawbacks. Very weak contrast and average HDR effects mean it is not the best choice for night cinema sessions, where black depth and detail quality are crucial. Thicker bezels may not appeal to everyone. Despite the flaws, the Sony X75WL is a solid choice, especially for those looking for a versatile and functional television at an affordable price. However, if we are not strongly attached to the brand, we recommend considering competitive models (comparison visible below) that may offer a better quality-to-price ratio.

Philips PML8709 is a model that stands out in the offering of the Chinese-Dutch manufacturer due to its uniqueness. Instead of the classic Philips operating system - TitanOS, we find the well-known Google TV, which provides extensive personalisation options and access to a vast library of apps. This is a television that, on one hand, entices with very good contrast, and on the other – surprises with several unusual design decisions. In terms of picture quality, the PML8709 offers excellent contrast, which combined with wide colour gamut coverage ensures great colour reproduction – especially after calibration. Despite having a 60 Hz panel, the television performs well in occasional gaming thanks to support for features such as ALLM, VRR, and a low input lag of around 13 ms. On the flip side, Philips has deprived this model of one of the biggest advantages of its TVs – the Ambilight system. This is a surprising move that may disappoint many brand fans. Another weak point is HDR performance – despite promising contrast results, the television performs averagely in this category. Average brightness and issues with detail in brighter scenes give the impression that something has clearly gone wrong in the implementation of this feature. Philips PML8709 is a television full of contrasts. On one hand, it offers solid black quality and interesting solutions for gamers, while on the other – some limitations, such as the absence of Ambilight or average brightness, mean that it is not a model without flaws. It is a good choice for those who appreciate the versatility of Google TV and are looking for a television for everyday use.

TV appearance

HDMI inputs
4 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
3 x HDMI 2.0, 0 x HDMI 2.1
Other inputs
RCA (Chinch)
Outputs
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Toslink (Optical audio), eARC (HDMI), ARC (HDMI)
Network Interfaces
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps
Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Ethernet (LAN) 100Mbps

Where to buy

No links

No links

Contrast and black detail

2.4/10

7/10

Local dimming function: No

Local dimming function: Yes, number of zones: 96 (16 x 6)

Contrast:

Review Sony X75WL Contrast and black detail

Result

1,100:1

Review Sony X75WL Contrast and black detail

Result

1,200:1

Review Sony X75WL Contrast and black detail

Result

1,300:1

Review Sony X75WL Contrast and black detail

Result

1,400:1

Review Sony X75WL Contrast and black detail

Result

900:1

Review Philips PML8709 Contrast and black detail

Result

58,650:1

Review Philips PML8709 Contrast and black detail

Result

37,150:1

Review Philips PML8709 Contrast and black detail

Result

10,850:1

Review Philips PML8709 Contrast and black detail

Result

6,150:1

Review Philips PML8709 Contrast and black detail

Result

5,100:1

Halo effect and black detail visibility:

The tested model Sony X75WL is equipped with an IPS panel, which unfortunately negatively affects the quality of black levels and contrast. Black is shallow, and details in dark scenes are practically invisible. In the film "Sicario 2" one cannot see any details in the shadows. All of this makes the picture look weak and lacking in depth. The IPS panel used cannot provide the level of contrast that more demanding users would expect, and the lack of detail in dark scenes significantly lowers the quality of the viewing experience. The X75WL television does not have local dimming capabilities, which further complicates achieving the appropriate black levels and contrast in this category.

The model name 8709 “PML” refers to Philips' mini-LED technology, but can we truly call its backlighting that? In the 65-inch version, we counted only 96 local dimming zones. For mini-LED standards, this number seems too low, raising questions about whether we are indeed dealing with a full-fledged mini-LED here. However, if we look at the black quality, the TV performs quite well. On the first two test patterns and in less demanding scenes, the picture looks very decent – blacks are deep and the contrast is satisfactory. Problems begin with more complex scenes, such as the last three test patterns, where minor light elements appear on screen. The local dimming algorithm seems to “lose track,” unable to decide whether to brighten or darken a particular area. The result is noticeable errors – reduced black quality and unevenness in the image. An example of the operation of local dimming zones can be seen in a scene from the film Sicario 2. You can see how the dimming zones attempt to replicate details, but at the same time, this leads to a slight brightening around the helicopter lights. Nevertheless, despite these shortcomings, the black level in the Philips PML8709 turns out quite well, especially considering its price range.

HDR effect quality

4.3/10

3.3/10

Supported formats
HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Color gamut coverage
DCI P3: 80.0%, Bt.2020: 59.0%
DCI P3: 96.6%, Bt.2020: 83.1%

Luminance measurements in HDR:

Review Sony X75WL Brightness measurement

Result

285 nit

Review Sony X75WL Brightness measurement

Result

308 nit

Review Sony X75WL Brightness measurement

Result

343 nit

Review Sony X75WL Brightness measurement

Result

345 nit

Review Sony X75WL Brightness measurement

Result

358 nit

Review Philips PML8709 Brightness measurement

Result

367 nit

Review Philips PML8709 Brightness measurement

Result

126 nit

Review Philips PML8709 Brightness measurement

Result

309 nit

Review Philips PML8709 Brightness measurement

Result

119 nit

Review Philips PML8709 Brightness measurement

Result

348 nit

Scene from the movie “Pan” (about 2800 nits)

Scene from the movie “Billy Lynn” (about 1100 nits)

Static HDR10

Dynamic: Dolby Vision

Dynamic: HDR10+

HDR luminance chart:

Philips PML8709

Sony X75WL

The luminance chart for the X75WL Sony television showed a maximum value of 350 nits, which unfortunately is not an impressive result. The television does not surprise with its brightness, and all the HDR scenes we tested lacked depth and the appropriate lighting effect that should accompany HDR content. Additionally, the tragic coverage of the DCI-P3 colour palette makes it difficult for the television to reproduce rich colours, which significantly affects the overall viewing experience of HDR content. The lack of adequate brightness and poor colour coverage means that HDR effects are very limited in this model.

Looking at the contrast results, we expected that the algorithms responsible for the zones in the Philips PML8709 would be at least decent. However, what we encountered during testing is difficult to explain. The average brightness we managed to achieve was just 350 nits, which is definitely too low to fully enjoy HDR effects. In practice, the TV barely stands out compared to an average SDR. The situation becomes even more surprising in test scenes, such as the second one from the movie Life of Pi or Sicario 2. Small light elements achieve just 120 nits there, making them practically imperceptible. Such a level of brightness is completely below modern HDR standards and significantly diminishes the experience of watching high-quality content. The only bright spot in this category is the very good coverage of wide color gamuts – DCI-P3 at 97% and BT.2020 at 83%. This ensures that colors are saturated and well-reproduced, which can somewhat improve the overall experience of watching HDR materials. However, the lack of adequate brightness means that even this cannot save the Philips PML8709 in this category.

Factory color reproduction

6.9/10

3.9/10

Factory Mode

After calibration

Factory Mode

After calibration

Colour reproduction tests for the model Sony X75WL are conducted in film mode, which offers the best picture settings but also has its flaws. The biggest issue with the X75WL Sony is the white balance – for both HD and 4K HDR content – which is characterised by a dominance of blue. As a result, the entire image feels too cool. The colour checker confirms these errors, showing that colours lean towards cooler shades. Regarding brightness characteristics, the contrast gamma is at quite a decent level; however, the same cannot be said for the EOTF curve. There are significant issues with maintaining the appropriate brightness – the image is either too bright or too dim, which affects the visual perception of the content.

Though theoretically the Filmmaker mode in the Philips PML8709 should provide natural colour reproduction, in reality it resembles a store mode more. In the white balance, both for HD and 4K content, there is a clear dominance of blue. This causes the image to appear washed out and cold, which is particularly noticeable in the comparative image below.

The brightness characteristics also leave much to be desired. Both gamma and the EOTF curve exhibit excessive screen brightness. As a result, there is a loss of detail in both the brighter and darker areas of the image, further diminishing its credibility and naturalness. Bright elements appear unnaturally flat and little varied.

These significant issues with white balance and brightness characteristics lead to noticeable errors in colour reproduction, which can easily be seen in films as well as the Colour Checker test. The colours are inaccurate, affecting the overall image quality and visual experience. The factory settings require significant improvement in order to fully enjoy the potential of this television.

Color reproduction after calibration

7.1/10

7.6/10

X75WL Sony is one of those cases where image calibration may not be heavily spectacular, but it provides a very good improvement in colour perception. The white balance, both for HD and 4K materials, has been significantly improved – we no longer have a strong dominance of cooler shades. The gamma curve also appears more stable, which translates to better image quality. However, the biggest issue remains the EOTF curve, which is responsible for brightness in 4K materials. Due to the technological limitations of the television (IPS panel and lack of local dimming technology), it's hard to talk about significant improvement, as we can't squeeze more out of this model. Despite these limitations, the tonality of the image has been significantly improved.

Philips offers advanced image calibration tools in its televisions, which we decided to fully utilise. The results? Although we managed to improve many aspects, it wasn't without difficulties. White balance was one of the biggest challenges – despite our efforts, it could be called fighting against windmills. We were able to significantly correct it, so the picture now looks much better than in the factory settings, but it is still far from perfect. Especially in some scenes, a subtle dominance of blue is visible, although not as intense as before. We achieved a significant improvement in brightness characteristics – gamma now appears much more stable. The EOTF curve looks correct at first glance, however, when analysing movie content, it is evident that the television has trouble maintaining the proper characteristics. The algorithms are "struggling", trying to adjust brightness, which may be due to the limited number of dimming zones that do not always handle more complex scenes well. Overall, the picture after calibration looks much more pleasing to the eye – colors are more natural, and colour reproduction errors have been minimised. Although it is still not perfect, the Philips PML8709 now presents itself much better than in the factory settings.

Smoothness of tonal transitions

8.1/10

9.1/10

In the X75WL model, the smoothness of tonal transitions performs very well. The gradation in the shadows is good, without visible issues, which positively impacts the image quality in darker areas. In brighter scenes, slight smoothness issues can be noticed, but they are not distinctly noticeable and shouldn't affect the viewing comfort. In a scene with an intense red colour, slight cuts are visible; however, they do not detract from the overall enjoyment of watching.

The fluidity of tonal transitions in the Philips PML8709 is at a very high level. The colour gradation is incredibly smooth, and the transitions between shades look natural and detailed. Even in more demanding scenes, the television performs excellently. Minor issues may arise with bright elements, where the gradation can be slightly less precise. However, these are such subtle differences that only the most demanding purists will notice them. For most users, the effects will be fully satisfying, and the image will maintain its impressive quality.

Image scaling and smoothness of tonal transitions

6.1/10

6.9/10

Image without overscan on the SD signal
OK
OK
Smooth transition function
No
OK

Smooth transition function

Image without overscan on the SD signal

In the case of low-quality tonal transitions, the Sony X75WL television performs poorly. The lack of any feature to improve tonal transitions results in noticeable imperfections in colour gradation. However, it can be noted that the digital processing is quite good – the image is displayed without overscan, and the overall presentation is relatively good thanks to the added slight sharpness, which some users may appreciate.

The distortion reduction feature in the Philips PML8709 smooths tonal transitions, but its effectiveness leaves much to be desired. We recommend setting this option to "Medium" - at this level, the effect is noticeable but not excessive. Unfortunately, compared to other Philips models, the smoothing effect is less effective, meaning that certain tonal transitions may still appear somewhat uneven. An additional drawback is that this feature also smooths other details, such as the textures of materials like shirts, which can affect image sharpness.

As for image scaling, the television performs very well. The image appears smooth and free of noticeable "jaggies". This effect may appeal to many users, although some might prefer a more vivid look. Fortunately, the television allows for adjustment of the sharpness parameter, enabling us to tailor the image to individual preferences.

Blur and motion smoothness

4.9/10

5/10

Maximum refresh rate of the panel
60Hz
60Hz
Film motion smoothing option
OK
OK
Blur reduction option
OK
No
BFI function 60Hz
Yes, 120Hz (double contours)
Nie
BFI function 120Hz
-
Nie
Brightness drop with BFI
-%
-%

Blur (native resolution, maximum refresh rate):

Blur (BFI function enabled):

The X75WL Sony television features a 60 Hz panel, making it more suitable for watching movies than for fast-paced gaming. This model includes a motion smoother called Motionflow, which allows the user to adjust the picture on a 10-point scale. Smoothness adds intermediate frames, thus increasing motion fluidity, and the image becomes more theatrical while minimising the judder effect. Clarity reduces motion blur, which is especially useful during fast-paced scenes, such as sports or dynamic action in films. With this feature, the user can tailor the fluidity and sharpness of motion to their own preferences.

Philips PML8709 is one of the few models with mini-LED technology on the market, offering a refresh rate of 60 Hz. While it’s not a panel for the most demanding gamers, it should satisfy those who mainly watch movies. The TV is equipped with a “Motion Style” feature, which is a motion smoother that allows you to adjust the fluidity of motion according to your preferences – from a more “plastic” look to a cinematic aesthetic with clearly visible frames.

Console compatibility and gaming features

3.6/10

6/10

  • ALLM
    Yes
    Yes
  • VRR
    No
    Yes
  • VRR range
    No
    48 - 60Hz
  • Dolby Vision Game Mode
    Warning Tak (wysoki input lag)
    No
  • Correct implementation of HGIG
    No
    Yes
  • 1080p@120Hz
    No
    No
  • 1440p@120Hz
    No
    No
  • 4K@120Hz
    No
    No
  • Game bar
    Yes
    Yes

X75WL is not the best TV for gamers. It only has the ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) feature and a basic Game Bar, which are not sufficient to satisfy more demanding users. In this price range, one would expect support for features such as VRR or 120 Hz refresh rates – although in FULLHD, which are already standard – unfortunately, they are lacking here. This is a big downside for Sony, as the competition offers much more for gamers in a similar budget.

Philips PML8709 is a television aimed more at casual gamers, mainly due to the 60 Hz panel, which won’t meet the expectations of the most demanding users. However, for those who appreciate gaming at a more moderate pace, this model may prove sufficient.

The television offers several gamer-friendly features, such as ALLM (automatic switching to game mode) and VRR (variable refresh rate), which help in providing smoother image display without annoying stutters. Furthermore, in terms of HDR, we find the implementation of HGiG, which adjusts the HDR effect to the specifics of games, ensuring a more natural image in appropriately optimised titles. Unfortunately, there is no support for Dolby Vision mode, which may be noticeable in games that utilise this format.

A nice addition is the presence of a basic "Game Bar," which allows for quick previewing and modification of the most important settings related to gaming. It’s a simple but useful touch, especially for those who frequently change their configuration between different types of gameplay. Despite some limitations, the Philips PML8709 offers a solid set of features for less demanding gamers.

Input lag

8.5/10

10/10

SDR

1080p60
14 ms
13 ms
1080p120
2160p60
14 ms
13 ms
2160p120

HDR

2160p60
13 ms
13 ms
2160p120
4320p60

Dolby Vision

2160p60 DV
133 ms
2160p120 DV

Sony KD-43X75WL offers very low input lag at 14 ms, which is a big advantage for gamers expecting a quick response from the TV to commands from the controller. However, input lag of 130 ms in Dolby Vision mode completely disqualifies this mode from use during gaming. This means that users using Dolby Vision need to reckon with significant delay, which greatly affects comfort and precision during gameplay.

The Philips PML8709 performs very well in terms of input lag. With supported resolutions, results around 13 ms are more than sufficient to ensure a comfortable gaming experience. Such a reaction time means that even more dynamic games do not cause annoying delays. As a result, gamers can enjoy smooth gameplay without unnecessary stress.

Compatibility with PC

6/10

3.5/10

Chroma 444 (maximum resolution and refresh rate)
Yes
No
Font clarity
Very Good
Average
Readability of dark text and shapes
Very Good
Good
Input lag in PC mode (4K, maximum refresh rate)
12ms
13ms
Matrix subpixel arrangement
RGB
Max refresh rate
60Hz
60Hz
G-Sync
No
No

Model Sony X75WL works well as a computer monitor. Thanks to support for 4:4:4 chroma, the readability of fonts is very good, making working with text on this television comfortable. Additionally, low input lag ensures smooth and responsive operation, making the experience of using this model with a computer enjoyable and convenient. The television is equipped with a 60 Hz panel and does not support G-Sync, which may be a downside for PC gamers. As a result, its rating in this category is lower – it performs well for everyday computer use, but in games, especially fast-paced ones, the lack of fluidity is a drawback that is crucial for smooth gameplay.

Philips PML8709 offers a dedicated mode for PC, however, its capabilities are significantly limited. The TV does not support chroma 4:4:4, which greatly affects the readability of fonts – text appears blurry and is difficult to read, which disqualifies this model for those planning to use it as a monitor for work or document viewing. Additionally, even though in G-Sync tests the TV showed compatibility, the picture when using this feature is very unstable, with frequent stutters. Such unpredictability eliminates the benefits that should come with support for adaptive sync.

The only positive aspect in the context of PC collaboration is the low input lag, which may be an advantage for those using the TV mainly for gaming. Nevertheless, the limitations in chroma support and issues with G-Sync mean that PML8709 is not the best choice for PC users.

Viewing angles

6.8/10

2.9/10

Brightness drop at an angle of 45 degrees
67%
43%

The viewing angles on the model KD-43X75WL are quite good, thanks to the IPS panel used. The picture remains relatively faithful even when viewed at an angle, which can be beneficial in situations where the television is viewed from different spots in the room. Nevertheless, we have seen better models with this type of panel that offer more uniform colour and contrast quality at wider angles.

Philips PML8709, equipped with a VA panel, offers average viewing angles typical of this type of panel. The image deteriorates in quality when viewed from a greater angle – colours wash out and contrast noticeably decreases. This is a characteristic feature of VA panels and is worth keeping in mind, especially if we plan to watch the TV from different spots in the room. For viewers sitting directly in front, however, the image remains clear and well-reproduced.

TV efficiency during daytime

4.6/10

4.8/10

Matrix coating
Satin
Satin
Reflection suppression
Average
Average
Black levels during daytime
Good
Very Good

Matrix brightness

Average luminance SDR

Philips PML8709: 337 cd/m2

Sony X75WL: 334 cd/m2

The performance rating of the television Sony X75WL during the day is average. The matte coating on the panel moderately suppresses reflections, which means that in a bright room, glare can be visible and interfere with image reception. Additionally, with a brightness level of 330 cd/m², it is not sufficient to provide a clear picture in very sunny environments, limiting its use in well-lit rooms.

The Philips PML8709 is equipped with a satin matrix, which average handles glare reduction. In moderately lit rooms, reflections won't be too bothersome, however, in strongly sunlit conditions, the situation may become problematic. An additional challenge is the relatively low screen brightness, at around 330 cd/m². This level may prove insufficient for comfortable viewing in bright rooms, where the image may appear too dark and unclear. The television will perform better in controlled lighting conditions, but for those looking for a model that handles daytime viewing well, this could be a significant limitation.

Details about the matrix

Backlight Type
White LED
Mini-LED QLED
Software version during testing
PKG6.7546.0865EUA
TPM242WW_R.001.001.053.210
Image processor
MT5895 3GB RAM
MT5896 3gb raM

Subpixel Structure:

Panel uniformity:

TV features

8.6/10

7.1/10

  • System
    Google TV
    Google TV
  • TV reception
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
    DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C
  • Recording to USB (terrestrial TV)
    Yes
    No
  • Recording programming
    Yes
    No
  • Picture in Picture (PiP)
    No
    No
  • Screen mirroring (Windows Miracast)
    Yes
    Yes
  • AirPlay
    Yes
    Yes
  • Voice search in native language
    Yes
    Yes
  • Ability to connect a keyboard and mouse
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to connect Bluetooth headphones to the TV
    Yes
    Yes
  • Possibility to simultaneously use Bluetooth headphones and the TV speaker
    No
    No
  • Audio only mode
    Yes
    Yes
  • RF remote control (no need to aim at the screen)
    RF
    Infrared
  • Backlit remote control
    No
    Yes
  • Teletext
    Yes
    Yes

Model KD-43X75WL runs on the Google TV system, which is an extension of Android TV and offers a wide range of features that make using the television easier. Google TV allows access to personalised recommendations based on user preferences and viewed content, making it even easier to find interesting shows. The system also provides smooth access to popular applications such as Netflix, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video, as well as full integration with the Google Play Store, enabling the download of additional applications and games. With the built-in Google Assistant, the television can be controlled using voice commands, which is convenient and practical.

The television also offers a range of practical user features. The ability to record programs onto an external USB drive allows for easy preservation of favourite content for later, which is particularly useful in the case of live broadcasts. The model KD-43X75WL also enables connection of various peripheral devices, such as keyboards, mice, or Bluetooth headphones, increasing its functionality. The remote included in the package operates via radio communication, meaning there is no need to aim at the screen to change channels or adjust the volume, which is a significant convenience for daily use.

In terms of appearance, the model Sony X75WL presents itself solidly, though it cannot be called the sleekest television on the market. The bezels around the screen are not the thinnest, but the overall look is aesthetically pleasing. It's worth noting the metal legs included with the package, which deserve praise for their sturdiness. These legs have adjustable options, allowing for modification of their spacing even for very narrow furniture.

Philips PML8709 runs on the Google TV operating system. This is quite a surprising choice, considering it isn’t the flagship model of the brand. Fortunately, it has avoided the implementation of the less popular TitanOS, which can be seen as a plus. Google TV offers a well-known, clear interface and wide capabilities in terms of app installation, making the television more versatile.

In terms of user features, the television performs solidly. Daily use of the device is enjoyable thanks to support for voice search in Polish. The ability to connect peripheral devices such as keyboards, mice, or headphones via Bluetooth enhances its functionality. Unfortunately, the PML8709 does not offer more advanced options, such as USB recording or the PiP (picture-in-picture) feature, which may disappoint more demanding users.

An interesting fact, and quite a surprise, is the absence of the Ambilight system, for which Philips is commonly known. The decision to omit this technology in the PML8709 model seems puzzling, especially since Ambilight is often cited as one of the greatest strengths of televisions from this brand.

Playing files from USB

8.7/10

7.6/10

Supported photo formats:

JPEG
Yes
Yes
HEIC
Yes
Yes
PNG
No
Yes
GIF
No
Yes
WebP
No
Yes
TIFF
No
No
BMP
No
Yes
SVG
No
No

Maximum photo resolution:

4 Mpix
Yes
Yes
6 Mpix
Yes
Yes
8 Mpix
Yes
Yes
10 Mpix
Yes
Yes
12 Mpix
Yes
Yes
16 Mpix
Yes
Yes
20 Mpix
Yes
Yes
24 Mpix
Yes
Yes
28 Mpix
Yes
Yes
32 Mpix
Yes
Yes

The built-in multimedia player in the Sony X75WL model performs quite well, opening most popular video, audio, and photo formats. However, if we encounter issues playing less popular files, we can easily solve this problem by installing another player available on Google Play Store, which allows for a more comprehensive utilisation of the television's capabilities.

Philips PML8709 handles playing multimedia files from USB well. The television shouldn't have issues supporting most popular video, audio, and photo formats, making it a versatile tool for home entertainment. Files are read smoothly, and the interface of the built-in player is simple and intuitive.

However, a significant downside is the lack of support for Polish diacritics in subtitles, due to the incomplete implementation of the UTF-8 standard. Subtitles with Polish characters are displayed incorrectly, which can be frustrating for those watching films in their native language. This shortcoming means that users seeking full compatibility with subtitles may have to resort to using external media players.

Apps

10/10

10/10

OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi
OK
Disney_Plus
OK
Amazon_Prime_Video
OK
Viaplay
OK
Player_TVN
OK
Polsat_Box_Go
OK
Canal_Plus_Online
OK
TVP_VOD
OK
Apple_TV_Plus
OK
SkyShowtime
OK
Rakuten
OK
CDA_Premium_Browser
OK
Spotify
OK
Tidal
OK
Netflix
OK
YouTube
OK
MAX
OK
Kodi

Sound

6.9/10

5.1/10

  • Subjective sound quality:
    6.9/10
    5.1/10
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1:
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby True HD 7.1:
    No
    No
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby Digital Plus (JOC):
    Yes
    Yes
  • Dolby Atmos in Dolby True HD:
    No
    No
  • DTS:X in DTS-HD MA:
    Yes
    Yes
  • DTS-HD Master Audio:
    Yes
    Yes

The sound in the model X75WL is very pleasant, and for this class and size of Sony television, it's quite impressive. You can hear a subtle bass, and the sound feels clear, which positively impacts the reception of multimedia content. The television handles both dialogues and sound effects well.

The sound quality in the Philips PML8709 is average and standard for a television equipped with speakers rated at 2 x 10 W. The audio is sufficient for everyday viewing, but it's hard to expect deep bass or clear details in more demanding scenes. On the positive side, it does support Dolby Atmos and DTS.