Sony unveils two new dynamic HDR 4K projectors (1 Viewer)

[Martin Dew]

Sony has announced two new native 4K home cinema projectors using the company’s own ‘X1 for projector’ picture processors enabling dynamic HDR. The two models comprise the VPL-VW1025ES (available in black, MSRP $39,999) and the VPL-VW325ES (available in black or white, MSRP $5,499) and both can be pre-ordered now.
“Sony’s 4K SXRD projectors have led the market for years, and these new models take the viewer’s experience to the next level,” said Neal Manowitz, President and COO, Sony Electronics Inc. “Whether they’re for enjoying the latest movies or playing action-packed games, our newest projectors deliver a dynamic, big screen experience that truly immerses viewers in their favorite content.”

The laser-driven VPL-VW1025ES and conventional lamp VPL-VW325ES (pictured above in white) projectors will replace the VPL-VW995ES and VPL-VW295ES, respectively, and both feature input lag reduction for...

Continue reading...

 

[DaveF]

I like the $5500 MSRP on the VPL-VW325ES. That's the right price for me. Looking forward to reviews.

That said, given Sony's historic lamp-flicker and panel degradation problems in the projectors, I'm not inclined to buy Sony again. Will have to learn more.

 

[DaveF]

Sony Announces Two More 4K Home Theater Projectors

With the VPL-VW325ES and VPL-VW1025ES 4K SXRD home theater projectors, Sony has replaced both the entry level model and premium model with a non-detachable lens from its prior line-up.

www.projectorcentral.com

I'm wrong about pricing: this is a price increase, not trending the desired direction

With the introduction of the VPL-VW325ES ($5,499) and VPL-VW1025ES ($39,999), Sony has replaced its previous entry-level 4K SXRD projector (the VPL-VW295ES) and its prior premium model with a non-detachable lens (VPL-VW995ES). Each carries a $500 price hike over its predecessor, and in the case of the VPL-VW325ES, marks the end of Sony's long-running "4K under $5K" marketing claim that began with the introduction of the VPL-VW285ES in 2017.

 

[DaveF]

Yeah, no, not for me (emphasis added):

The VPL-VW325ES is lamp-driven and rated for 1,500 lumens. It is available in either a black or white chassis. Like the VPL-VW295ES that came before it, it features no mechanical iris and its HDR Enhancer implementation benefits only from signal processing. It uses the same high quality aspherical lens found in the VPL-VW715ES and VPL-VW915ES. This projector lacks the Digital Focus Optimizer feature found in the higher end models, though it does share with them an enhanced Reality Creation scaling engine that makes use of the more powerful processor to further improve clarity on images of native 1080p or lesser resolution and better perform digital noise reduction.

 

[RobertSiegel]

It's a disappointment that not many projector makers have included Dolbyvision. This is the reason I have not replaced my projector yet. I am hoping the new JVC models which hopefully will be coming sometime soon might have it as a feature. I am also hoping that JVC adds e-shift to all of their models in the next batch, which would be an eshift upscale to 8k. I've seen the last Sony and the latest JVC models in comparison and still nobody can beat the blacks on the JVC.

 

[Dave Upton]

Yeah, no, not for me (emphasis added):

LCOS projectors can actually do fine without an iris - it's a net loss in CR, but not as bad as some might think.

I am hoping we see a sub 10K laser option in the next 2 years with DV support. That's what I am waiting on before I replace my trusty 675ES

 

[DaveF]

LCOS projectors can actually do fine without an iris - it's a net loss in CR, but not as bad as some might think.

I am hoping we see a sub 10K laser option in the next 2 years with DV support. That's what I am waiting on before I replace my trusty 675ES

I’m mainly saying this is basically a price increase with no hardware upgrade. And while these projectors do ok without dynamic iris, all the next-level models with dynamic irises are reviewed as having much better effective contrast and dynamic range.

This announcement is not exciting to me re: future of Sony 4K projectors.

 

[DaveF]

A glowing review at cnet. I only wish the comparisons included the obvious JVC N5.

Sony VPL-VW325ES 4K projector review: Epic home theater

The VPL-VW325ES costs as much as a used car, and its picture quality is a Porsche among Volkswagens.

www.cnet.com

 

[Josh Dial]

A glowing review at cnet. I only wish the comparisons included the obvious JVC N5.

Sony VPL-VW325ES 4K projector review: Epic home theater

The VPL-VW325ES costs as much as a used car, and its picture quality is a Porsche among Volkswagens.

www.cnet.com

Am I wrong or is CNET basically completely ignoring the JVC line entirely? It's like they don't even exist.

 

[DaveF]

Am I wrong or is CNET basically completely ignoring the JVC line entirely? It's like they don't even exist.

I noticed that too. Don't understand how you declare the $5000 Sony the best projector, comparing only to $2500 Epson projectors, and no peer JVC N5 projector.

Geoff M is a reputable and longtime reviewer, AFAIK, so don't know what's going on there.

 

[Josh Dial]

I noticed that too. Don't understand how you declare the $5000 Sony the best projector, comparing only to $2500 Epson projectors, and no peer JVC N5 projector.

Geoff K is a reputable and longtime reviewer, AFAIK, so don't know what's going on there.

It's quite frustrating, actually. I'm in the market for a new projector (new "advice needed" thread coming from me soon). I'm looking at the N5, but I'm also willing to go up to the N7 (but probably no higher). If there is something else I should consider/audition then I'm all ears. If I should wait 6 months and see if there are new models (from JVC or otherwise) coming down the pike then I'm content to do that, too. But it's unhelpful when the typical review sources don't, you know, review everything.

 

[DaveF]

I think that for someone willing to go for the $5k+ premium projectors, it’s Sony vs JVC. And what I’ve read is JVC is the better all around choice, but both companies are making great projectors.

I’m wanting to buy this Fall. I was hoping for the next iteration of projectors to come out. But with the pandemic, it seems like JVC wont have anything new In the N5 / N7 realm. And we see Sony also doing tweaks on existing products.

The other option is to buy an Epson 5050, reserve the $2500+ savings, and plan ready to upgrade again in 24 to 36 months when Sony and JVC presumably take the next step forward hopefully with a laser engine in the $5k to $7k range.

 

[Dave Upton]

I think that for someone willing to go for the $5k+ premium projectors, it’s Sony vs JVC. And what I’ve read is JVC is the better all around choice, but both companies are making great projectors.

I’m wanting to buy this Fall. I was hoping for the next iteration of projectors to come out. But with the pandemic, it seems like JVC wont have anything new In the N5 / N7 realm. And we see Sony also doing tweaks on existing products.

The other option is to buy an Epson 5050, reserve the $2500+ savings, and plan ready to upgrade again in 24 to 36 months when Sony and JVC presumably take the next step forward hopefully with a laser engine in the $5k to $7k range.

JVC is the winner at the moment, hands down. I've reviewed projectors from both recently, and there's no contest until you hit the top of the line Sony units