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Sony Unveils Bravia Projector 7 for Enhanced Home Theater Experience
Sony has introduced the Bravia Projector 7, also designated as VPL-XW5100ES, the latest addition to its projector lineup alongside the Projector 8 and 9. This new model succeeds the VPL-XW5000ES and utilizes SXRD, Sony’s refined iteration of LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) technology. SXRD is engineered to deliver superior contrast ratios compared to conventional DLP and LCD chips, enhancing the visual depth and realism for discerning home theater enthusiasts.
Elevated Contrast and Brightness
Reviews of prior Sony projectors, such as the VPL-VW325ES, have lauded their exceptional contrast performance, achieving top measurements in recent benchmarks. It is anticipated that the Projector 7 will surpass these standards. Sony specifies a brightness of 2,200 lumens for the VPL-XW5100ES, empowered by a laser light source that promises potentially richer and more accurate color reproduction. The laser technology is also expected to facilitate rapid dimming in darker scenes, further enhancing black levels and shadow detail, which are already strengths of SXRD projectors.
Advanced Black Levels and Dynamic Contrast
The inherent high native contrast ratio of SXRD, combined with the swift response of the laser-driven dynamic contrast, suggests that the Projector 7 will deliver outstanding picture quality in darkened home theater environments. Historically, brightness has been a comparative challenge for Sony projectors. While DLP and LCD models often prioritized higher brightness to compensate for lower contrast relative to LCOS (both Sony and JVC variants), the VPL-XW5100ES’s stated 2,200 lumens are considered sufficient for dedicated home theaters.
Lumen Output and Comparison
Comparative analysis reveals that projectors like the short-throw BenQ X500i, also rated at 2,200 lumens, measured significantly lower in actual output (911 lumens measured). In contrast, the VPL-VW325ES demonstrated a higher measured output against its claimed rating (1,136 lumens measured from a 1,500-lumen claim). If the Projector 7 maintains a similar rated-to-measured lumen ratio as the VPL-VW325ES, it is expected to be even brighter than projectors such as the BenQ X500i, ensuring ample luminance for home theater applications.
Contrast Ratio Performance Expectations
Contrast ratio measurements on the VPL-VW325ES reached an impressive 8,327:1. The BenQ X500i, despite exhibiting strong contrast for its class, achieved a significantly lower 1,990:1. The average contrast ratio measured across various projectors at FASTNET in recent years is approximately 854:1. While the Projector 7 is expected to be priced higher than both of these comparison models, its anticipated contrast performance should represent a substantial improvement, delivering deeper blacks and more vibrant imagery.
Aspect Ratio Scaling Mode: A Point of Discussion
One feature of the VPL-XW5100ES generating some discussion is its Aspect Ratio Scaling Mode. This function is described as enabling users to “Seamlessly switch between 2.35:1 and 16:9 content on Cinemascope screens—no lens adjustments needed. The new Aspect Scaling Mode provides greater viewing versatility with just a tap.” The implication is that the projector will digitally crop content to conform to a 2.35:1 screen aspect ratio. While offering convenience, content cropping is generally considered a less desirable approach compared to utilizing a motorized lens with presets. Motorized or even manual lens adjustments allow for viewing content in its native aspect ratio, maximizing screen usage, particularly with 2.35:1 screens, by adjusting zoom settings as needed.
Pricing and Availability
Official pricing for the Sony Bravia Projector 7 (VPL-XW5100ES) is yet to be announced. However, considering the Projector 8’s price point of $16,000 and the VPL-XW5000ES at $6,000, the new model is expected to be positioned within this price range, offering a compelling option for high-performance home theater setups seeking superior contrast and visual fidelity.