Still 100% 4K and 100% laser, the Sony projector range is therefore evolving this year with the planned disappearance of the Sony VPL-XW7000ES reference, which is replaced by the Bravia Projector 8, also known as the Sony VPL-XW6100ES and whose launch price is more or less similar.
Sony Bravia Projector 8, main differences with the Sony VPL-XW7000ES££££
While the design of the Bravia Projector 8 remains unchanged compared to that of the VPL-XW7000ES, major developments are taking place at the level of its entrails with, first of all, the replacement of the X1 Ultimate for Projector processor by the XR for Projector chip, also directly derived from that used in the brand's televisions, like its predecessor.
The latter now offers a frame-by-frame analysis of brightness via XR Dynamic Tone Mapping processing for a magnified rendering on the screen of colors and black density, with optimization of shadows in dark scenes. It should also be noted that the XR Dynamic Tone Mapping function offers three settings adapted to different types of projection room: dark, bright or dedicated room. In addition, a conversion of SDR content to HDR is still required.
The XR for Projector chip also includes XR Deep Black processing for fine management of laser Dimming (reduction in light intensity of the source) and increased depth of blacks, both on SDR and HDR content. Also worth noting: the XR Triluminos (95% of DCI-P3) and XR Clear Image features. Compared to the VPL-XW7000ES, the first remains unchanged, the second is a rehash of the Object-Based Super Resolution processing.
Sony Bravia Projector 8, light output and optics££££
The Bravia Projector 8, still equipped with a Z-Phosphor laser light source (blue laser with phosphor treatment) which displays a lifespan of 20,000 hours, offers a brightness significantly higher than that of the Sony VPL-XW5000ES, 2,700 lumens against 2,000 lumens but lower than that of the Sony VPL-XW7000ES with 3,200 lumens.
Good news, the Sony Bravia Projector 8 incorporates the optics of the XW-7000ES of the 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 millimeters. It offers a wider so-called "noble" zone and improves sharpness in the center and corners of the image. Unchanged compared to the XW-7000ES, the Lens Shift, vertical/horizontal (+/- respectively 85% and 36%) is motorized here. Finally, the number of image position memories increases from three to five.
Sony Bravia Projector 8, the design££££
The [abc]Ultra HD[/abc] [abc]4K[/abc] Sony Bravia Projector 8 laser video projector is identical to the XW-5000ES/XW-7000ES and the black or white colors are still available. The weight of the newcomers is also identical to that of the XW-7000ES, 14 kilos.
Sony Bravia Projector 8, SXRD 0.61'' matrix££££
Also present, the [abc]LCD[/abc] [abc]SXRD[/abc] matrices 0.61'' already present on the XW-5000ES/7000ES, the smallest in the world, with [abc]Ultra HD[/abc] [abc]4K[/abc] resolution and equipped with a reflective silicone layer for better light control in order to identify without a hitch the shades of black in dark areas. Likewise, these 0.61'' matrices use specific liquid crystal materials for increased resistance.
Sony Bravia Projector 8, Input Lag record and 4K120 on the menu££££
Video game fans will be delighted to learn that the Sony Bravia Projector 8 delivers with a 2160p/120 signal a record Input Lag at 12 ms, 21 ms with a 1080p/60 signal. Because, it is indeed one of the great new features of the Sony Bravia Projector 8: the management of 4K/120 signals via the HDMI 2.1 connection. Good point, the [abc]ALLM[/abc] function is present, bad point, no [abc]VRR[/abc].
Sony Bravia Projector 8, connectivity and HDR10/HDR HLG££££
The connectivity finally includes two [abc]HDMI[/abc] 2.1 inputs, an [abc]RS-232[/abc] socket, a [abc]Trigger[/abc] 12V, an [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port and a [abc]USB[/abc] port. Of course, the Sony Bravia Projector 8 is compatible with the [abc]HDR10[/abc] and HDR [abc]HLG[/abc] standards (for Hybrid Log Gamma).
Availability announced for the end of September. Recommended price: 15,999 euros.
Reminder of the key features of the Sony Bravia Projector 8:
• Type [abc]SXRD[/abc]
• Resolution [abc]Ultra HD[/abc] [abc]4K[/abc]
• Native resolution: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels
• SXRD matrix: 0.61'' matrix
• Light source: Z-Phosphor laser
• Brightness: 2,700 lumens
• Input Lag: 12 ms in [abc]2,160p[/abc]/120, 21 ms with a 1,080p/60 signal
• XR Dynamic Tone Mapping functions
• XR Deep Black functions
• XR Triluminos Pro functions
• XR Clear Image functions
• [abc]HDR10[/abc] compatibility
• HDR [abc]HLG[/abc] compatibility
• [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.3 compatibility
• [abc]3D Ready[/abc] compatibility
• [abc]ALLM[/abc] compatibility
• Gamut: 95% DCI-P3
• Connectivity: 2 [abc]HDMI[/abc] 2.1b inputs certified HDCP 2.3, 1 [abc]RS-232[/abc] socket, 1 [abc]Trigger[/abc] 12V, 1 [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port and 1 [abc]USB[/abc] port
• Lamp life: 20,000 hours (laser light source)
• Lens Shift: vertical/horizontal (+/- 85% and 36% respectively)
• Other: XR for Projector Processor
• Weight: 14 kg
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 460 x 210 x 517 mm
