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-XW7000ES, main differences with the Sony VPL-XW5000ES
First of all, the Sony VPL-XW7000ES offers significantly higher brightness than the Sony VPL-XW5000ES, 3,200 lumens versus 2,000 lumens. For information, the XW-7000ES delivers 308 nits on the 120'' screen against 173 nits for a VPL-VW590ES, 262 nits on the 130'' screen against 148 nits, 226 nits on the 140'' screen against 127 nits and 200 nits on the 150'' screen versus 111 nits. Quite a difference, you can see.
But there is another major difference between the XW-7000ES and the XW-5000ES, the optics. ACF type (Advanced, Crisp Focus), aspherical and equipped with 13 elements (12 in very low dispersion glass + 1 in resin) for a diameter of 70 mm, it offers a wider so-called "noble" zone and improves sharpness on the center and corners of the image.
Finally, the Lens Shift, vertical/horizontal (+/- respectively 85% and 36%) is here motorized.
Sony VPL-XW7000ES, new design
At first glance, the Sony VPL-XW7000ES 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 XW7000ES, around 20% smaller and 30% lighter than a VPL-VW790ES. For comparison, the XW7000ES weighs 14 kilos for a volume of 42 liters against 20 kg and 51 l for the VW790ES.
Sony VPL-XW7000ES, X1 Ultimate for Projectors processor
For the rest, we find the new X1 Ultimate for Projectors processor, coming directly from the TV division of the Japanese group, with 2.8x more power than 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 ardor 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-XW7000ES, new 0.61'' SXRD matrix
Also features the new world's smallest 0.61'' SXRD LCD arrays with Ultra HD 4K resolution and a reflective silicone layer for better light control to identify without bring out the shades of black in the dark areas. Likewise, these 0.61'' dies use new liquid crystal materials for increased strength.
Sony VPL-XW7000ES, Digital Focus Optimizer
Important, in addition to the optical focus (see above in this news), the Sony VPL-XW7000ES 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-XW7000ES, main specs
In terms of specifications, in addition to a brightness of 3,200 lumens (Sony does not indicate the dynamic contrast ratio) already mentioned, Triluminos technology (95% of DCI-P3) and a Z-Phosphor laser light source (laser blue with phosphorus treatment) with a lifespan of 20,000 hours are included. Note, the Sony VPL-XW7000ES 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-XW7000ES, connectivity
The connection has two HDMI 2.0b inputs, an RS-232 socket, a 12V trigger, an Ethernet port and a USB port. There is also a 3.5 mm mini-jack socket for 3D syncho, the Sony VPL-XW7000ES benefiting from the 3D Ready label.
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: 14,999 euros.
Reminder of the key characteristics of the Sony VPL-XW7000ES:
• Type SXRD
• Ultra HD 4K resolution
• Native resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels
• Matrix SXRD: 0.61'' matrix
• Light source: Z-Phosphor laser
• Brightness: 3,200 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
• 3D Ready compatibility
• ALLM compatibility
• Gamut: 95% DCI -P3
• Connections: 2 HDCP 2.2 certified HDMI 2.0b inputs, 1 RS-232 socket, 1 12V trigger, 1 Ethernet port and 1 USB port, 1 3.5 mm mini-jack for 3D synchro
• Lens Shift: vertical/horizontal (+/- 85% and 36% respectively
• Other: X1 Ultimate for Projectors processor
• Weight: 14 kg
• D dimensions (W x H x D): 460 x 210 x 517 mm
