Namely, the Sony VPL-XW5000ES and Sony VPL-XW7000ES are the result of a total overhaul of the Japanese brand's video projector range, which occurs every five or six years. Moreover, namely, the Sony VPL-VW290ES, VW590ES, VW790ES and even HW65ES references simply disappear from the range. From now on, the range of Sony Home Cinema projectors is 100% 4K and 100% laser.
Sony VPL-XW5000ES, new design
At first glance, the Sony VPL-XW5000ES 4K Ultra HD video projector appears noticeably more compact than the VW models. Looking at the figures, this is indeed the case with a new chassis for volume and weight, for the XW5000ES, around 30% smaller and 35% lighter than a VPL-VW790ES. For comparison, the XW5000ES weighs 13 kilos for a volume of 36 liters against 20 kg and 51 l for the VW790ES. And if the difference is less clear with a VPL-VW290ES, the advantage remains clearly in favor of the XW5000ES.
Sony VPL-XW5000ES, X1 Ultimate for Projectors processor
On the menu of major developments, the integration of the new X1 Ultimate for Projectors processor, coming directly from the TV division of the Japanese group, with a power 2.8x greater than that of the X1 previously used. However, representatives of the brand indicate that the chip embedded in Sony video projectors has no equivalent in Sony televisions. It is indeed a version specifically adapted to video projection. Its power enables image analysis and optimization via Dynamic HDR Enhancer and Object-Based Super Resolution processing, in real time and frame by frame. The first aims to study each image of the video signal and apply optimized HDR processing to magnify the luminosity in the light areas and calm its heat in the dark areas. The second detects small objects that make up an image, improves their resolution and reduces video noise.
Other additions related to the X1 Ultimate for Projectors processor, the use of two databases (Dual Database Processing) to reduce video noise on the one hand and improve Upscaling on the other, plus the algorithm Object-Based HDR Remaster allowing luminance curve remapping to preserve color in highlights and fine-tune contrast. Of course, saving different settings depending on the nature of the video signals, SDR or HDR is always appropriate.
Sony VPL-XW5000ES, new 0.61'' SXRD matrix
Another drastic change in the Sony VPL-XW5000ES is the presence of new 0.61'' SXRD LCD matrices, the smallest in the world, at Ultra HD 4K resolution and equipped with a reflective silicone layer for better control of light in order to easily identify shades of black in dark areas. Likewise, these 0.61'' dies use new liquid crystal materials for increased strength.
Sony VPL-XW5000ES, new optical unit
New chassis usually means new optics, this is the case for the Sony VPL-XW5000ES. This one, aspherical with a diameter of 54 mm, is equipped with 10 elements, 9 of which are glass. A Lens Shift, manual, vertical/horizontal (+/- respectively 71% and 25%) is present. Important, in addition to the optical focus, the Sony VPL-XW5000ES benefits from an interesting feature, the Digital Focus Optimizer. The latter digitally compensates for any defects or deterioration of the lens. Similarly, it restores sharpness to the four corners of the image for perfect homogeneity with the center of the image.
Sony VPL-XW5000ES, Main Specifications
Specifications include a brightness of 2,000 lumens (Sony does not indicate the dynamic contrast ratio), Triluminos technology (95% of DCI-P3) and a Z-Phosphor laser light source ( blue laser with phosphor treatment) with a lifespan of 20,000 hours. Note, the Sony VPL-XW5000ES is available in black or white. And video game enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that with the Input Lag Reduction mode activated, it is limited with a 2160p/60 signal to 21 ms, 13 ms in 1080p/120 (no 4K/ 120). Worth mentioning, again, the Imax Enhancer certification.
Sony VPL-XW5000ES, connectivity
The connection has two HDMI 2.0b inputs, an RS-232 socket, a 12V Trigger, an Ethernet port and a USB port.
HDR10 and HDR HLG
Of course, all Sony 4K 2022 models are compatible with HDR10 and HDR HLG (for Hybrid Log Gamma) standards. As a reminder, this is mainly intended for terrestrial HDR broadcasts. It is based on a simple layer of HDR data which can be decoded both by compatible receivers (televisions, decoders, etc.) and by SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) models, the latter then delivering an HDR signal. It thus offers the opportunity to broadcast any content, in particular live recordings (sporting events, concerts, etc.), with the transmission of a single signal.
Availability announced for the summer. Indicative price: 5,999 euros.
Reminder of the key features of the Sony VPL-XW5000ES:
• SXRD type
• Ultra HD 4K resolution
• Native resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels
• Matrix SXRD: 0.61'' matrix
• Light source: Z-Phosphor laser
• Brightness: 2,000 lumens
• Input Lag: 21 ms in 2160p/60, 13 ms in 1 080p/120
• Dynamic HDR Enhancer functions
• Object-based Super Resolution functions
• Digital Focus Optimizer functions
• Dual Database Processing functions
• Object-based functions HDR Remaster
• HDR10 compatibility
• HDR HLG compatibility
• HDCP 2.3 compatibility
• Gamut: 95% DCI-P3
• Connections: 2 certified HDMI 2.0b inputs HDCP 2.2, 1 RS-232 port, 1 12V trigger, 1 Ethernet port and 1 USB port
• Lens Shift: vertical/horizontal (+/- 71% and 25% respectively
• Other: X1 processor Ultimate for Projectors
• Weight: 13 kg
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 460 x 200 x 472 mm