Sony unveiled the BRAVIA Projector 8 and BRAVIA Projector 9, the first projectors ever to include Sony’s XR processing technology chip.
The new projectors are the first to join Sony’s comprehensive BRAVIA home cinema line-up, alongside the existing BRAVIA TVs and BRAVIA Theatre home audio products. Sony says the flagship BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) and the BRAVIA Projector 8 (VPL-XW6100ES) are designed to bring a professional-grade cinematic HDR experience into the home.
The XR Processor includes XR Dynamic Tone Mapping, XR Deep Black, XR TRILUMINOS PRO and XR Clear Image to deliver what Sony calls a “professional-grade cinematic experience.” XR Dynamic Tone Mapping analyzes peak brightness frame by frame, and delivers optimal tone mapping, showcasing images with rich gradation, high brightness, and authentic colors. In addition, XR Deep Black controls powerful laser dimming in dark scenes, bringing deeper blacks while maintaining tone and color expression. Sony boasts that the XR TRILUMINOS PRO feature can upscale all imagery to 4K quality by using a vast database to recreate lost texture and detail, all while minimizing noise.
In a brief demonstration I attended at Sony’s Reference theatre at CEDIA Expo I was impressed with how well the BRAVIA Projector 9 was able to resolve darkly filmed scenes. I was especially impressed with improvements in shadow detail I viewed compared to last year’s projector the VPL-XW7000ES. BestofHighEnd is working with Sony to send us a review sample so we can bring our viewers a full review of their latest projector.
“We are thrilled to bring these two new BRAVIA Projectors to the market, as these new offerings showcase the depth of Sony’s experience of more than 50 years of bringing cinema home to our customers,” said Christopher Mullins, Home Cinema Product Manager for Professional Displays and Solutions, Sony Electronics. “With the technology of our Sony BRAVIA XR Processor now powering our projectors, these enhanced new products demonstrate our continued mission to ensure customers can enjoy the excitement and immersion of a professional-grade cinematic viewing experience from their very own home.”
Designed for the Home
Both projectors are equipped with Sony’s Laser light source, offering enhanced brightness in Sony’s award-winning compact lightweight designs. There are up to 3,400 lumens from the BRAVIA Projector 9 and up to 2,700 lumens from the BRAVIA Projector 8. For gamers, the 4K 120fps at a 12ms input lag plus Auto Low Latency Mode via 2x HDMI 2.1 compatible inputs provides the necessary smooth and clear movement for responsive and immersive gameplay. The BRAVIA Projector 9 is also equipped with Live Color Enhancer to provide more vivid and vibrant images even in brighter environments.
Sony BRAVIA Projectors 9 and 8 Key features
- Cutting-edge designand the compact Native 4K Laser home cinema projector for seamless integration into the home1.
- Brighter lumens(3,400 & 2,700) to show the best picture in ambient lighting in any room2.
- Powered by XR Processorfor projector to bring professional-grade cinematic, sports, and gaming experiences into the home.
- 4K/120 fps and Auto Low-Latency Mode with HDMI 2.1 improving the performance of the display reaction speed to 12ms in 4K 120fps ensures gamers can enjoy the best possible experience alongside detailed image quality.
- Compatible with home automation solutionssuch as Control4, Crestron, Savant, AMX and remote maintenance services OvrC and Domotz so users can control multiple devices with one remote controller.
- Corner Keystone correctionand lens-shift functions ensure the projectors can be installed in rooms with challenging conditions such as higher ceilings and limited depth.
- Live Color Enhancer– The BRAVIA Projector 9 is equipped with ‘Live Color Enhancer’ which provides more vivid and vibrant images without compromising on saturation where needed (i.e., skin color).
The Sony BRAVIA Projector 8 (VPL-XW6100ES) has a suggested retail price of $15,999.99 USD and is available to order early September at Sony Electronics, Amazon, Best Buy, and other authorized dealers. The BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) has a suggested retail price of $31,999.99 USD and is also available to order early September at Sony Electronics, Amazon, Best Buy, and other authorized dealers.
Frequently asked questions
What makes the BRAVIA Projector 9 different from previous Sony projectors?
The BRAVIA Projector 9 is the first projector to include Sony’s XR processing chip, adding XR Dynamic Tone Mapping, XR Deep Black and XR TRILUMINOS PRO for a professional-grade cinematic HDR image.
How bright is the BRAVIA Projector 9?
The BRAVIA Projector 9 offers up to 3,400 lumens, while the BRAVIA Projector 8 offers up to 2,700 lumens, both using Sony’s Laser light source in a compact design.
Is the BRAVIA Projector 9 suitable for gaming?
Yes. It supports 4K at 120fps with 12ms input lag and Auto Low Latency Mode via two HDMI 2.1-compatible inputs, for smooth and responsive gameplay.
