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Sony has introduced two new additions to its BRAVIA home cinema range: the VPL-XW8100ES (BRAVIA Projector 9) and the VPL-XW6100ES (BRAVIA Projector 8). These native 4K laser projectors are designed to bring high-quality HDR viewing into home environments, supported by Sony’s XR Processing technology, which is also used in their BRAVIA TVs.
The XW8100 replaces the outgoing XW7000, while the XW6100 replaces the XW6000. The XW5000 model stays in Sony’s line-up and has been left without an update.
Professional-Grade Home Cinema
The BRAVIA Projector 8 and 9 models are equipped with Sony’s XR Processor for Projector, featuring technologies such as XR Dynamic Tone Mapping, XR Deep Black, XR TRILUMINOS PRO, and XR Clear Image. These systems work together to enhance image quality: improving brightness, colour, and contrast.
XR Dynamic Tone Mapping adjusts brightness and colour on a frame-by-frame basis, while XR Deep Black optimises laser dimming for better black levels in dark scenes. These two technologies should make Sony’s models a lot more competitive with JVC’s offerings.
In addition, it looks like Sony is doing some object-based and zone-based analysis to improve local contrast – maybe an AI-based local contrast enhancer? At Simple Home Cinema, we think local contrast enhancement will be critical in maintaining a competitive advantage in this space as manufacturers fight for the top spot, and also compete with large-screen TVs.
Optimised for Home Use
Both projectors utilize Sony’s proprietary laser light source, with the BRAVIA Projector 9 delivering 3,400 lumens and the BRAVIA Projector 8 offering 2,700 lumens. The projectors’ compact designs are intended for integration into various home setups. For gamers, both models feature 4K at 120fps with a 12ms input lag, as well as Auto Low Latency Mode via HDMI 2.1 inputs, ensuring smooth gameplay.
The BRAVIA Projector 9 also includes a Live Color Enhancer, designed to improve image vibrancy, particularly in rooms with brighter ambient lighting.
Sony says the new models should use less power due to XR Deep Black technology which adjusts laser output in real time, improving power efficiency.
Key Features
- Native 4K resolution and laser light source.
- Brightness levels of 3,400 lumens (VPL-XW8100ES) and 2,700 lumens (VPL-XW6100ES).
- XR Processor technologies for dynamic HDR, deeper blacks, and broader color reproduction.
- Gaming optimizations with 4K/120fps and low input lag.
- Compatibility with home automation systems like Control4 and Crestron, and remote maintenance solutions such as OvrC and Domotz.
- Keystone correction and lens-shift functions for flexible installation.
They both lack 3D and HDR10+ support.
Pricing and Availability
The BRAVIA Projector 8 (VPL-XW6100ES) is priced at $15,999.99 USD, and the BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) is available for $31,999.99 USD. Both models can be ordered from early September through Sony Electronics and authorised retailers. We don’t know final European and Australian pricing yet, and Sony prices don’t translate one to one, especially in Australia where the XW7000 was almost the same price as the XW6000 in the USA.
Reviews
Some reviews are already out including:
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