Sony announced the new 4K laser projector VPL-XW7000ES for 2022. We deliver all the important technical characteristics.
Namely, the Sony VPL‑XW5000ES and Sony VPL‑XW7000ES are the result of a total overhaul of the Japanese brand’s video projector range, one that comes every five or six years. The Sony VPL‑VW290ES, VW590ES, VW790ES and even HW65ES references will continue, but still, a new era has started. From now on, the range of Sony Home Cinema projectors is 100% 4K and 100% laser.
First, the Sony VPL‑XW7000ES offers significantly higher brightness than the Sony VPL‑XW5000ES, 3,200 lumens versus 2,000 lumens. The XW‑7000ES delivers an increase in luminance which Sony listed below:
- VPL-XW7000ES vs. VPL-XW5000ES
- 308 nits vs. 173 on a 120” screen
- 262 nits vs. 148 nits on a 130” screen
- 226 nits vs. 127 nits on a 140” screen
- 200 nits vs. 111 nits on a 150” screen
Quite a difference, right? 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. Also the lens lhift, vertical/horizontal (+/‑ respectively 85% and 36%) is motorized here.
Sony VPL‑XW7000ES lost some weight and volume
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, approximately 20% smaller and 30% lighter than a VPL‑VW790ES. For comparison, the XW7000ES weighs 14 kg for a volume of 42 l 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 a power 2.8x higher 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 ardor in the dark areas.
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 Object-Based HDR algorithm Remaster allowing a remapping of the luminance curve to preserve the color in the highlights and to make a fine adjustment of the contrast. Of course, saving different settings depending on the nature of the video signals, SDR or HDR is always appropriate.
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 firing a shot. shades of black in dark areas. Likewise, these 0.61” dies use new liquid crystal materials for increased strength.
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.
Main specifications
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 (blue laser 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). Note, 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.
Reminder of the key features of the Sony VPL‑XW7000ES:
- Availability Summer 2022
- Price 14.999 $US / 14.999 Euros
- Type SXRD
- Ultra HD 4K resolution
- Native resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
- SXRD die: 0.61” die
- Light source: Z-Phosphor laser
- Brightness: 3,200 lumens
- Input Lag: 21ms at 2160p/60, 13ms at 1080p /120
- Dynamic HDR Enhancer functions
- Object-based Super Resolution functions
- Digital Focus Optimizer functions
- Dual Database Processing functions
- Object-based HDR Remaster functions
- 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 (+/‑ respectively 85% and 36%
- Other: X1 Ultimate for Projectors processor
- Weight: 14 kg
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 460 x 210 x 517 mm
