The Sony projector line-up is an all-laser affair this year, from the flagship VPL-GTZ380 and ultra-premium VPL-VW5000ES, to the ageing VPL-VW890ES (HCC #323) and two new additions: the entry-level VPL-XW5000ES (HCC #335), and mid-range VPL-XW7000ES tested here. All are native 4K beamers, because the days of Sony producing Full HD home cinema projectors are long gone.
The XW5000ES set a new price point for laser-powered native 4K projection at £5,999, but the better specified XW7000ES is more than double (£14,999). This raises an obvious question: what does the XW7000ES have that you won't find on its cheaper sibling? The first major difference is the XW7000ES is significantly brighter, with a whopping 3,200 Lumens compared to the XW5000ES's 2,000. So if you're struggling to light control your room, or have a really big screen to fill, this step-up model should be your first choice.
The other big difference is the addition of Sony's Advanced Crisp Focus (ACF) lens, which is not only superior in terms of its ability to resolve fine detail, but offers an increased amount of zoom (2.1x) and a wider throw ratio (1.35-2.84:1). The XW7000ES also has fully motorised lens controls and picture position memories, making it the better option for anyone wanting the CinemaScope experience fans Despite a 3D button appearing on its remote control, the junior XW5000ES doesn't support the for of the third dimension will be thrilled to learn this is an option with the more expensive model. However, in order to enjoy 3D you will need to buy an XpanD 3D emitter (AE125-RF-PRO) and at least one pair of active shutter glasses (X105-RF-X1). It seems the days of bundled 3D spex are gone too.
This story is from the February 2023 edition of Home Cinema Choice.
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This story is from the February 2023 edition of Home Cinema Choice.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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