Sony Electronics Inc. has unveiled three new home theater projectors, featuring native 4K resolution with HDR and a long-life laser light source. Retail prices range from $5,999 for the VPL-XW5000ES up to $27,999 for the VPL-XW7000. The mid-line VPL-XW6000 is priced at $11,999. All three models feature a new native 4K SXRD panel with UHD resolution (3,840 x 2,160 pixels). The imaging panel is Sony's smallest yet at 0.61 inches, enabling a smaller chassis than previous projectors.
All three models are powered by Sony's latest generation "X1 Ultimate for Projectors" video processor. Sony says this processor "enables unique features like Dynamic HDR Enhancer and Object-based Super Resolution to create expanded dynamic range and extreme clarity." All models are compatible with HDR10 and HLG HDR formats. Also, all models include Sony's Triluminous Pro processing which enables the display of up to 95% of the DCI-P3 Color Gamut.
The top of the line VPL-XW7000 offers 3,200 lumens of brightness as well as Sony's "Live Color Enhancer," making it suitable for viewing even in bright rooms. This model and the XW6000 feature Sony's 70mm diameter Advanced Crisp Focused (ACF) lens with aspherical front element and floating focus group in order to deliver "extreme clarity." This lens has previously only been available in Sony's even more pricey high end projectors like the VW1025 ($39,999) so to see it on a $12,000 model is a step in the right direction. The motorized lens on the HW6000 and HW7000 features 2.1x zoom with ±85% vertical/±36% horizontal lens shift. The VPL-XW6000 brightness tops out at a still respectable 2,500 lumens.
The entry-level XW5000 offers a more traditional 1.6X manual zoom lens, with lens shift specified as ±71% vertical and ±25% horizontal. The XW5000 offers up to 2,000 Lumens of maximum brightness.
"We've delivered the highest quality projectors and immersive entertainment experiences for 50 years, and our Native 4K SXRD projectors have led the market in providing these experiences for over a decade," said Tyler Ishida, President of Consumer Business Group, Sony Electronics Inc. "We're excited to debut these compact, high-brightness laser projectors, with a new design that creates flexibility and options for consumers with today's variety of home media viewing rooms and differing lighting needs. These new models showcase our continued commitment to products that provide extraordinary experiences while increasing value to the consumer with every generation."
Compared to an earlier 4K projector from Sony (the VPL-VW915ES), the VPL-XW7000ES and the VPL-XW6000ES are both 20% smaller in size and 30% lighter in weight while the VPL-XW5000ES is 30% smaller in size and 35% lighter in weight. This discrete form factor improves the ease of installation and allows the units to blend in better with any decor.
While the new projectors are ideally suited for watching movies at home, they also feature low input lag: 13 ms with a Full HD/120 Hz input, 27 ms with a 4K/60 Hz input. This makes the projectors a good choice for gaming as well. However, the HDMI ports in these new projectors are version HDMI 2.0b with HDCP 2.3, so they will likely not support full 4K/120Hz gaming from the latest generation gaming consoles. All three models feature a mercury-free laser light source that does not need replacement. The estimated life of the laser is approximately 20,000 hours.
While all three projectors offer a native 16:9 aspect ratio, Sony's "V-stretch for 4K" feature allows CinemaScope fans to add an anamorphic lens for an ultra wide 2.35:1 aspect ratio. 3D content is supported on both the XW6000 and XW7000, but not on the XW5000.
All three models are expected to be available to order this Summer (2022) from authorized Sony retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy.
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