Sony Removes Bravia TV Features for Antenna Users in May
▼ Summary
– Sony is removing several features from specific Bravia TV models starting in late May 2026, primarily affecting antenna and set-top box users.
– Antenna users will see a reduced TV guide with missing program info and will lose channel logos and thumbnail images in descriptions.
– Set-top box users will have their dedicated menu replaced by a simpler “control menu,” resulting in fewer functionalities.
– The integrated Google TV guide will no longer display thumbnail images for programs from antennas, FAST channels, and some live services.
– The changes apply to select 2023, 2024, and 2025 Bravia models, though Sony did not provide a reason for removing the features.
A significant software update scheduled for late May 2026 will remove several key interface features from recent Sony Bravia smart TVs, specifically impacting viewers who rely on traditional broadcast antennas or set-top boxes. This change, confirmed on an official Sony support page, marks a notable reduction in functionality for a segment of users who have not fully transitioned to streaming.
For antenna users, the integrated TV guide will be substantially reduced. Program information may no longer appear for all channels, with the guide potentially only displaying listings for recently watched stations. Furthermore, channel logos and thumbnail images will be stripped from program descriptions for over-the-air broadcasts. The visual experience will also be diminished within the broader Google TV operating system menu, where thumbnail previews for shows and movies accessible via antenna, FAST channels, and certain live streaming services will be eliminated.
Viewers using a cable or satellite set-top box will encounter a redesigned interface. Sony is replacing the current dedicated menu with a simplified control menu. While this may present a less cluttered appearance, it is anticipated to come with fewer options and functionalities than the existing system.
The affected television models span the previous three years of Sony’s lineup. This includes the 2025 Bravia 8 II and Bravia 5 models, the 2024 Bravia 9, Bravia 8, and Bravia 7 series, and the 2023 Bravia A95L series. Sony has acknowledged the changes with a statement expressing appreciation for customer understanding and apologizing for any inconvenience.
The company has not publicly disclosed a reason for removing these TV features. Industry observers speculate that Sony may be reallocating development resources toward more widely used smart TV and streaming functionalities, reflecting broader market trends. While the use of antennas and set-top boxes has declined, they retain a dedicated user base. Recent surveys indicate that approximately 19% of U. S. adults still use an antenna for television, and 26% of broadband-connected viewers report using a set-top box as their primary TV device. This decision highlights the ongoing tension between advancing smart TV platforms and supporting legacy viewing methods.
(Source: Ars Technica)