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| Sony is expected to replace the Bravia 9 series, pictured, with a trio of Bravia 9 II models |
Fresh leaks have reignited excitement around Sony’s next-generation television lineup, with a newly uncovered patent pointing to a significant leap in picture quality. Dubbed “True RGB,” the technology promises to redefine brightness, contrast, and color accuracy, and it appears destined for the rumored Bravia 7 II and flagship Bravia 9 II series.
The discovery, first reported by The Walkman Blog, centers on a patent Sony secured in Canada and Japan. While the “True RGB” name was cryptic, the documentation clarifies its purpose: an advanced LED backlight system for televisions that employs dedicated blue, green, and red LEDs. This marks a departure from conventional LED TVs that use blue LEDs with a phosphor coating to create white light, a method that can dilute color purity. By using individual RGB LEDs, Sony aims to achieve wider color gamuts, more nuanced hues, and superior control over contrast.
A Closer Look at the Potential 2026 Lineup
Industry whispers, amplified by popular Bilibili tech commentator Salivaxiu Zhang, suggest True RGB will debut across a range of sizes. The leak outlines a potential launch structure:
- Bravia 7 II Series: Expected in 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch models.
- Bravia 9 II Series: Anticipated in 75-inch, 85-inch, and a massive 98-inch variant.
The performance differential between the series is said to be substantial. The Bravia 7 II models are rumored to feature around 5,100 mini-LED local dimming zones with a peak brightness target between 2,000 and 2,500 nits. The flagship Bravia 9 II series, however, is projected to take a monumental leap, potentially housing up to 15,000 local dimming zones capable of reaching a stunning 4,000 nits peak brightness. If accurate, this would place the Bravia 9 II among the brightest consumer TVs ever developed.
For a visual breakdown of these leaks, Salivaxiu Zhang’s analysis (in Mandarin) can be found on Bilibili here. The video delves into the potential specifications and their implications for the high-end TV market.
Timing, Pricing, and the Competitive Landscape
Current speculation points to an early 2026 release window for these True RGB-powered Bravias. This timeline would align with Sony’s historical product cycles and potentially pit them directly against Samsung’s rumored next-generation OLED releases, setting the stage for a major clash of display technologies.
The launch may also include a refresh of the more accessible Bravia 5 series. Sony’s current 55-inch and 65-inch Bravia 5 models, like the popular 65-inch version currently available on Amazon, have been well-received for their balance of performance and value. A successor would likely bring trickle-down improvements from the higher-end lines to a broader audience.
What This Means for Viewers
The shift to a True RGB LED system represents a potential paradigm shift in LCD/LED television technology. For consumers, the promised benefits are tangible:
- Enhanced Color Volume: Purer reds, greens, and blues could result in a picture that is both more vibrant and more accurate, closing the gap with OLED’s color prowess.
- Superior Contrast: With tens of thousands of dimming zones, the TVs could achieve deeper blacks and more precise highlights, minimizing the “blooming” or halo effect around bright objects.
- Extreme Brightness: With specs targeting up to 4,000 nits, HDR content from modern games and 4K Blu-rays would shine with unprecedented pop and dynamism, even in well-lit rooms.
While Sony has not officially commented on these rumors, the combination of a concrete patent and detailed spec leaks from credible sources paints a compelling picture. The 2026 TV war is already heating up, and Sony appears to be arming its Bravia lineup with a potentially game-changing weapon.
Sources & Further Reading:
- The initial discovery of the "True RGB" patent by The Walkman Blog
- Display Specifications' report on the technical implications
- FlatpanelsHD's industry analysis of the leaks
- Check the current price of the Sony Bravia 5 series on Amazon
