Sony intros two new native 4k projectors with Dynamic HDR

Sony has added two new native 4K home cinema projectors to its 2021 line-up, both powered by the brand’s new X1 for Projector picture processor.

X1 for Projector supports high-precision frame analysis, enabling features like Dynamic HDR Enhancer and Reality Creation upscaling.

The VPL-VW890ES is a laser light model, with premium All-Range Crisp Focus (ARC-F) lens, while the VPL-VW290ES is an entry-level native 4k lamp model. The duo replace the VPL-VW870ES and VPL-VW270ES respectively.

Common to both models, Dynamic HDR Enhancer analyses each scene frame by frame for optimum contrast when viewing HDR content, and enhanced saturation and detail.

The Dynamic HDR Enhancer works by combining signal analysis with high precision dimming, allied to signal processing handled by the X1 for projector processor. Essentailly, it brightens bright areas using signal processing, and dims the light source to deepen blacks. Sony tells Inside CI this technique is particularly effective with the laser-light engine of the VPL-VW890ES.

On the VPL-VW890ES laser model, dynamic range of contrast and brightness is further expanded by linking the laser and iris.
The VPL-VW890ES is rated at 2,200 lumens (200lm brighter than the VPL-VW790ES), while the VPL-VW290ES has a 1,500 lumens output.

Both are built around Sony’s native 4K SXRD panel, which supports resolutions up tor 4096 x 2160.

The high-end VPL-VW890ES uses an ARC-F lens, for edge-to-edge clarity. This large-aperture lens adopts an all-glass design for its 18 elements, including six extra low dispersion (ELD) elements, for optimal convergence of the red, green, and blue primaries even at the extreme edges of the screen.

Both projectors also also feature input lag reduction mode for gaming. However there’s no HFR (high frame rate) support. The HDMIs in use here are v2.0.

While the VPL-VW890ES is intended for theatre installations, the more affordable VPL-VW290ES is more likely to head to media rooms. To that end, it’s offered in a white as well as black chassis, and operation noise is low at 26dB. It also offers IP/RS232 control.

The VPL-VW890ES and VPL-VW290ES are priced at £25,000 and £5,499 respectively.