Sony VPL-VW290ES: Affordable native 4K projector from Sony

Sony has unveiled the long-awaited replacement for its most affordable native 4K projector. The  Sony VPL-VW290ES is finally out and may become the next bestseller of the Japanese manufacturer.

The main advantage of the new item in comparison with the very successful predecessor Sony VPL-VW270ES is the equipment of the Sony X1 processor, designed to improve the quality of the HDR format, increase the detail of the image and the clarity of dynamic scenes. His job will be frame-by-frame analysis, just like in premium Bravia TVs, in order to optimize the picture, but now on the big screen. Although the projector does not support Dolby Vision and HDR10 +, it has an alternative Sony Dynamic HDR Enhancer feature.

Another technology, Super Resolution Reality Creation, is designed to perform pixel-by-pixel analysis of low-format video signals in order to increase its resolution by filling in missing textures and improving detail. If its work is as successful as it was in the 2020 Sony VPL-VW590ES, then the result should be truly impressive.

In terms of brightness, the Sony VPL-VW290ES projector will be the same as its predecessor: its lamp source produces up to 1500 lumens. He also inherited last year’s SXRD LCD panel, on the basis of which the image is formed.

The announced price of the Sony VPL-VW290ES for Europe is 5,499 Euros .

If you are looking for a more serious machine, then Sony has just updated another SXDR projector from the premium 800 series. The  VPL-VW890ES  is designed to captivate consumers with much thicker wallets with its cinematic quality. For 24,999 euros, buyers will receive a projector with an X1 processor, laser light source and an ARC-F lens with glass lenses.

This lens consists of 18 large diameter elements designed to create high-resolution projections with accurate and consistent focusing and color reproduction across the entire screen. The VPL-VW890ES’s phosphor laser light source features fast turn-on and a long service life of up to 20,000 hours. Its brightness is 2200 lumens.

New items will go on sale in May: VPL-VW290ES in white and black, VPL-VW890ES – only in black.