Sony has launched two new native 4K projectors for the home cinema market, the VPL-VW890ES 2,200lm laser model with premium All-Range Crisp Focus (ARC-F) lens and the VPL-VW290ES 1,500lm lamp model.
The new VPL-VW890ES and VPL-VW290ES will replace the VPL-VW870ES and VPL-VW270ES models respectively.
Both are powered by Sony’s ‘X1 for projector’, a powerful picture processor based on technology used for its BRAVIA TV series and optimised for projectors. This processor combines innovative technologies for high-precision frame analysis, enabling features such as Dynamic HDR Enhancer and Reality Creation.
“Whether watching a movie or playing a game, customers are increasingly looking to enjoy immersive entertainment experiences from their own homes,” said Christopher Mullins, home cinema product manager for Sony Professional Displays & Solutions. “Our native 4K SXRD projectors have been market leading in providing these experiences for nearly a decade, and we are pleased to announce these two new powerful additions to our strong line up of home cinema projectors for our customers.
“With the availability of these new models, we show our continued commitment to developing solutions that provide a big screen, dynamic viewing experience which brings the spectacular into the home.”
Both new projectors feature the Dynamic HDR Enhancer, which has become stronger compared to previous models thanks to the processing power of the newly installed X1 for projector which enables more detailed analysis. This enhanced HDR feature analyses each scene to deliver the best contrast performance when viewing HDR content, making the bright scenes brighter and the dark scenes darker.
For further expanded dynamic range of contrast and brightness, users can link the laser and iris on the VPL-VW890ES laser model.
Sony’s unique super resolution “Reality Creation” technology is included on both new models. Again, thanks to the X1 for projector picture processor, it analyses each scene to enrich 4K content and real-world detail and texture. Even content filmed in 2K or full HD is upscaled close to 4K.
Both models offer 4096 x 2160 4K resolution images with 8.8 million pixels to give a lifelike image. Featuring deep blacks as well as clear cinematic motion and image smoothness, both projector models can reproduce vibrant colours with more tones and textures than a standard projector system.
The biggest difference of the two models is that the VPL-VW890ES uses an ARC-F lens to deliver pristine, edge to edge image quality across the entire screen. This large-aperture lens adopts an all-glass design for its 18 elements, including six extra low dispersion (ELD) elements. This ensures optimal convergence of the red, green, and blue primaries, even at the extreme edges of the screen, for a clear and vivid picture.
As with their predecessors, the new projectors both feature input lag reduction mode which dramatically improves the performance of the display reaction speed to ensure gamers can enjoy the best possible experience alongside the detailed image quality.
The VPL-VW890ES model comes in black, while the VPL-VE290ES model is available in both black and white colour choices. Both models will be available in May 2021.