Sony has dropped a significant firmware update that brings its wireless audio Direct Connect technology to some of its older TVs dating back to 2023. In addition, the update also rolls out the new My Cinema user interfaces to those models.
The company recently launched its 2026 models, headlined by the new Bravia 9 II and Bravia 7 II TVs with True RGB displays, and said those two will be the first to get access to Direct Connect. It’s a new feature that allows users to connect up to two Sony Rear 8 or Rear 9 speakers to the TV, as well as one of its subwoofers.
With this setup, which eliminates the need for a sprawling mass of cables, the television acts as a central speaker, while the rear speakers and the subwoofer add in the atmospheric surround sound and bass acoustics. The feature gives Sony brand aficionados the opportunity to hook up a surround sound system without all of the cable mess that normally goes with the territory of such set ups. It’s similar to the FlexConnect system found on TVs such as LG’s OLED models, but it’s a proprietary solution only available on Sony TVs. That does mean, however, you’re also required to invest in Sony speakers – third-party systems are not compatible.
The firmware upgrade isn’t coming to all of Sony’s TVs. According to FlatpanelsHD, which first reported the update, the lucky recipients include Sony’s A95L QD-OLED flagship from 2023, as well as the Bravia 5, Bravia 7, Bravia 8, Bravia 8 II and Bravia 9 models, which launched in the last two years. All of these TVs are equipped with MediaTek’s Pentonic 1000 chipset, which is likely a requirement for the technology.
The other aspect of the update is the new My Cinema user interface, which unifies the TVs’ picture and audio settings in a single pop-up menu that’s designed to be more user-friendly and aesthetically appealing. It provides access to various picture and sound presets, as well as options for customisation.
To get these features, keep an eye out for the v114.602.030.1 or v114.602.050.1 firmware updates, which are rolling out now in North America, Europe and other regions.
