Sony Debuts VPL-VW90ES 3D Front Projector And VPL-VWPRO1

HDTVs seem to be all the rage these days, particularly 3D HDTVs. But there are other ways to enjoy big screen content, namely front projectors. These have a smaller, but arguably more devout, following, and Sony knows that. Sony has been producing high-end projectors for many years, but now they're hoping to bring high-end quality to a lower price point (for this level of gear) with the new VPL-VW90ES.

As you would expect, it's the company's first 3D front projector. Sony has been pushing 3D hard, from TVs to their PlaySation 3. So now, it's the projector's turn to join the 3D bandwagon. This is easily one of the most advanced projectors on the market today, and it shares the heritage of previously acclaimed Sony SXRD projectors.


The projector offers a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution, 24p True cinema technology, 240Hz high frame rate technology, 1,000 ANSI lumens and a dynamic contrast ratio of 150,000:1. The best news is that this unit doesn't require a special screen to operate, and it includes two pair of Sony active shutter 3D glasses that are also compatible with Sony’s 3D capable BRAVIA HDTVS. The VPL-VW90ES SXRD 3D front projector will be available in November for about $10,000 through Sony authorized installers and specialty dealers around the country.

On a more affordable note, the VPL-VWPRO1 was also introduced today with 2D performance, but it offers a far lower price point at just $3400.

3D CINEMA COMES HOME WITH SONY’S NEW SXRD FRONT PROJECTOR
    
Company’s First “Elevated Standard” Projector Integrates Seamlessly with Third-party Control Systems

ATLANTA, Sept. 23, 2010 (CEDIA Booth #1112) –Sony today brings the big-screen 3D cinematic experience home with the new the VPL-VW90ES – the company’s first 3D front projector.

Designed with the custom and specialty consumer electronics market in mind, the VPL-VW90ES is the first projector to be been branded with Sony’s “Elevated Standard” (ES) moniker, signifying an emphasis on high build quality and outstanding video experience. It was also engineered to integrate seamlessly third-party control systems.

“Delivering on Sony’s promise of innovation, the VW90ES brings the 3D big screen theater home with another stunning full HD, sub-$10,000 home cinema projector,”said Brian Siegel, vice president of Sony’s home audio and video business. “Sony understands the 3D ecosystem better than any manufacturer so dealers and installers can count on Sony products to deliver the best possible 3D experience”

“The VW90ES also shares the heritage of previously acclaimed Sony SXRD projectors delivering incredible 2D performance that rivals any competition in the class,” he added.

The Silicon X-tal Reflective Display (SXRD™) full HD (1920 x 1080) projector delivers film-like performance with Sony’s 24p True Cinema™. It incorporates frame sequential 3D technology with active-shutter glasses that work together with Sony's proprietary 240Hz high frame rate technology, the projector delivers smooth, full high-definition 3D images.

The new 240 Hz high frame rate drive supports to minimize cross talk for minimal image distortion, the projector delivers an unrivalled 3D and 2D high definition cinematic experience. Additionally, the projector uses a single Ultra High Performance (UHP) lamp that drives brightness of 1,000 ANSI lumens and delivers a sharp, deep black picture thanks to Sony’s Advanced Iris 3™ technology that helps to produce a dynamic contrast ratio of 150,000:1.

Sony’s ES audio and video products not only deliver outstanding sound and picture quality; they are built to seamlessly integrate with third-party control systems.  Sony has worked closely with major custom home theater control companies ensuring that drivers are available and accurate. The VPL-VW90ES is no different as it joins an elite list of Sony products that integrate easily with leading home automation systems including Control4, Crestron, AMX®, Savant, Ultimate Remote Control, RTI, Vantage, and others. The projector is also Control4 Certified and includes an AMX Device Discovery Beacon.

The projector does not require a special screen so it can be easily placed in existing home theaters with minimal revision to the set up making it ideal for retrofit projects.  It includes two pair of Sony active shutter 3D glasses that are also compatible with Sony’s 3D capable BRAVIA HDTVS.

The VPL-VW90ES SXRD 3D front projector will be available in November for about $10,000 through Sony authorized installers and specialty dealers around the country.   It will come equipped with two pair of Sony active shutter 3D glasses and a built in 3D transmitter.

VPL-VWPRO1 Home Theater Projector

Also announced today, Sony’s VPL-VWPRO1 front projector is a high-performance 2D home theater solution designed to deliver a high-quality cinematic experience at a more affordable price.

The new model is equipped with updated full HD 1080p SXRD panels delivering vivid color and film-like image quality with brightness of 1,300 ANSI lumens.  Sony’s Advanced Iris 3 technology delivers a high dynamic contrast ratio of 85,000:1, optimizing both dark and bright scenes to produce deep black levels with stunning details.

Like the VPL-VW90ES, the VPL-VWPRO1 is Control4 Certified, includes an AMX Device Discovery Beacon, and is designed to integrate seamlessly with the other major control company systems such as Crestron, URC, Savant, Vantage and others.

The VPL-VWPRO1Front Projector, is bundled with an additional lamp, and will be available in Early October for about $3,400 through Sony authorized installers and specialty dealers around the country.