IFA Show, Berlin – September 4, 2013 Pavilion 4.2 . Today at the IFA Internationale Funkausstellung , Sony introduced two 4K home theater projectors, the VPL-VW500ES and the Full HD 3D VPL-HW55ES. Designed with advanced Sony technology both models are designed to allow viewers to enjoy high-quality images and watch your favorite movies at home, as on the big screen in the theater.
The VPL-VW500ES 4K Home Cinema Projector
VPL-VW500ES is the continuation of the line of 4K resolution projectors for Sony home theaters. It joins the ranks of the VPL-VW1000ES, the world’s first 4K home projector, introduced in January 2012.
The VPL-VW500ES supports 4096 x 2160 resolution in accordance with the DCI specification, which ensures the highest quality 4K video. The projector uses Sony’s proprietary 4K SXRD panels, which are based on the company’s advanced 4K technology used in the professional digital cinema market. In addition, the projector supports the latest HDMI 2 standard.0 and allows you to view video in 4K/60P* format, providing greater motion smoothness. In addition to 4K support, the VPL-VW500ES projector also features Super Resolution 4K upscaling – Reality Creation. This significantly improves the quality of 1080p content, and viewers can enjoy 4K images from available Blu-ray discs, even in 3D. What’s more, the VPL-VW500ES features the original 4K upscaling algorithm designed for Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Blu-ray discs digitized in 4K, allowing viewers to enjoy a sharper quality of the original image.
The VPL-VW500ES offers 1,700 ANSI lumens and 200,000:1 contrast ratio for sharper images. TRILUMINOS display technology, advanced optical engine and auto-calibration features give more natural color reproduction. Manual color adjustment allows users to adjust hue, saturation and brightness and get the picture quality they need. Motionflow technology also improves image clarity and reduces motion blur when watching fast-paced action sequences.
The VPL-VW500ES projector is compact and features front-vented cooling. It’s easy to use because it can project over long distances without the need to change the projector’s location in the room. The projector uses a 2.06 zoom lens with a wide offset range, eliminating the need for additional platform extension on ceiling mounts. Built-in radio transmitter provides a strong radio signal with a wider coverage area for easy installation.
Full HD 3D projector VPL-HW55ES
Introduced at IFA 2013, the VPL-HW55ES Full HD 3D projector is the next generation of the Sony VPL-HW50ES projector, which has received high industry acclaim and numerous professional awards.
The VPL-HW55ES projector’s enhanced lamp and optics enable it to reach 1,700 ANSI-lumen brightness, providing greater image clarity in brightly lit rooms. Thanks to the improved cooling system of the projector lamp, the lamp life is about 5000 hours.
An upgraded optical engine, contrast enhancement and Advanced Iris3 technology deliver a dynamic contrast ratio in excess of 120,000:1. It enhances black and white levels without reducing peak brightness for the sharpest details in dark scenes. Additional features such as Bright Cinema and Bright TV modes and SXRD panels further enhance 3D image quality. The projector is also equipped with proprietary Reality Creation technology.
The VPL-HW55ES projector has a built-in 3D IR Transmitter. It is also compatible with an external 3D radio transmitter which provides additional stability in 3D signal timing and extended range.
Optional accessory for both projectors is a wireless HDMI interface. This enables them to receive the video signal from Blu-ray players and game consoles.
Commenting on the release of the 4K VPL-VW500ES and Full HD 3D VPL-HW55ES home projectors, Tak Nakane, Product Manager at Sony Europe said: “The new VPL-VW500ES lets you enjoy cinema-quality images from the comfort of your own home, and further confirms Sony’s commitment to make 4K innovation available not just in cinemas, but in the home. Innovations such as Sony 4K SXRD panels provide unparalleled image quality in high resolution. The new VPL-HW55ES series allows you to enjoy top-notch 3D cinema in the comfort of your own home, expanding the range of products available to our customers.
The VPL-VW500ES and VPL-HW55ES projectors will go on sale at the end of October.
*59.94/60Hz
These new Sony projectors sound impressive, but I’m wondering what sets them apart from other projectors on the market? Are there any unique features or technologies that make them stand out, especially in terms of delivering an immersive home cinema experience?