The Sony Z9G 8K TV is a high-end LED TV released by Sony in the spring of 2019, following its unveiling at International CES that January. 

Featuring 8K resolution, a pixel density of more than 100 pixels per inch, high-dynamic range, Dolby Vision Atmos sound and the Android TV smart TV platform, the Z9G is available in two sizes, 85 inches and 98 inches costing, respectively, $12,999 and $69,999. The latter model makes it one of the most expensive TVs ever offered to the consumer market. 

In a review published in January, Tom's Guide described the Z9G as “big, bright and budget-busting.” The review went on to describe the model as "staggering, with giant screens, unbeatable detail, and fantastic clarity and realism." 

The review also praises the TV’s Acoustic Multi-Audio technology, which comes mostly from two speakers at the bottom, as well as a pair of tweeters at the top. 

However, since there’s still very little 8K content available, Tom Guide’s stated that “it will be years before we can safely recommend that anyone buy an 8K TV.” 

Techradar, in their review of the model, described the Z9G as “a state-of-the-art exhibition of what today’s cutting-edge TV technologies can do,” giving it five out of five stars. 

The Techradar review praised the 8K picture quality, 4K upscaling, “groundbreaking” HDR brightness and “impressive viewing angles,” while listing as negative points the price, some backlight blooming, and the lack of HDMI2 ports and HDR10+ support. 

"Far from just relying on its huge pixel count to earn its flagship TV wings, it backs its resolution up with huge brightness, colour and contrast, unlocking the joys of HDR more than any other set to date," Techradar concluded. 

Best Buy's website only includes three customer reviews, as clearly not many people have purchased such a high-end model from Best Buy. One reviewer describes it as “the best picture I have ever seen from any display device,” although that person also denounced the sound as “average to below average,” and complained about bloatware apps that Sony had installed. 

“All I can say is wow,” another reviewer said. 

A third reviewer, however, wasn't happy with the Android TV interface, describing it as “really really bad” and complaining of serial reboots. 

Stephen Silver, a technology writer for the National Interest, is a journalist, essayist and film critic, who is also a contributor to Philly Voice, Philadelphia Weekly, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Living Life Fearless, Backstage magazine, Broad Street Review and Splice Today. The co-founder of the Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, Stephen lives in suburban Philadelphia with his wife and two sons. 

Image: Reuters