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The VPL-XW5000ES is a turning point not only for Sony’s projection business but also for the world of home cinema as a whole. Why? Because it’s the least expensive native 4K laser projector ever made for home theatres. To be clear, the word “native” is pulling a lot of weight there. There are a few DLP laser projectors that cost less than the Sony and claim to be 4K projectors.
With the backing of the Consumer Technology Association in the US. However, to get a 4K image, they use “double flashing” technology instead of native 3840×2160 arrays of DLP’s digital mirror devices. There are also LCD projectors, like Epson’s EH-LS12000B, that use pixel shifting technology on native full HD chipsets to make a 4K effect.
Sony VPL-XW5000 specifications
| Price | $5999 |
| Weight | 28lbs |
| Screen size | Up to 200 inches |
| Ports | 2 x HDMI 2.0, USB A |
| Dimensions | 20 x 46 x 47cm |
Sony VPL-XW5000 review: Design
The XW5000ES is smaller and lighter than the brand’s previous 4K laser projectors, making it easier to move and set up. Even so, we’d still recommend that you think of the XW5000ES as a serious projector for a home theatre room and not as a casual model for the living room.
The XW5000ES has a roof-like angled top edge that gives it a more interesting shape. The body has a lot of vents to help the projector get rid of heat, but a new and better cooling system makes sure that the vents don’t let too much hot air or light out. You can get this laser projector from its official website.
Sony VPL-XW5000 review: Features
The X1 Ultimate platform adds features like digital contrast optimization, object-based HDR remastering, and object-based resolution enhancement to the VW290ES’s previous X1 for Projector processor’s enhanced upscaling, Reality Creation, and key Dynamic HDR Enhancer features.
These features were previously only available on Sony’s most expensive projector, the GTZ380. This processor can break up images into different parts that can all be treated differently, instead of treating the whole image the same way. This should make pictures look more natural and three-dimensional.
Sony VPL-XW5000 review: Performance
The VPL-XW5000ES has the same menu structure and range of picture presets as previous models from Sony. There are 10 of them, and none of them can’t be watched. They are mostly different in how bright and what colour their lasers are by default.
As usual with Sonys, the Reference mode right out of the box is the one most tuned to the Rec.709/D65 colour standard, which is what most SDR mastering is done to, and boy, does it show. we our always impressed by how good the Reference mode looks right out of the box on almost every Sony projector we our tried.
Sony VPL-XW5000 review: Image Quality
This processor can break up images into different parts that can all be treated differently, instead of treating the whole image the same way. This should make pictures look more natural and three-dimensional. Even more so with Sony’s Reality Creation option, which has been around for a long time and gives what we think is the best sharpening feature in the projection world.
Sony VPL-XW5000 review: Gaming
The fact that the HDMI cable ports are only 2.0b instead of 2.1 is probably the biggest disappointment and surprise in terms of specs. This is especially annoying on the more expensive 7000 model.
This makes 4k 120 impossible, so you won’t be able to enjoy the best gaming experience on the newest platforms. But even though Sony has made both projectors’ input lag faster, they may still be too slow for serious gaming. You can have a lot of fun playing games on a really big screen, but no projector will be as responsive as a monitor made just for gaming.
Conclusion
Even though you have to make a few concessions in order for Sony to offer a full 4K laser projector at this price, the XW5000ES’s laser lighting and excellent X1 Ultimate processing make up for those concessions in a way that makes your movie night fun both right now and in the long run.
Sony VPL-XW5000 Ratings
Pros
- 2,000 ANSI-lumen laser engine
- Advanced video processing
- Native UHD 4K SXRD imagers
Cons
- No 3D playback
- No HDR10+ compatibility
FAQS
What is the input lag on Sony XW5000?
The VPL-XW5000ES is capable of receiving input signals at 4K 60 Hz with a lag of less than 21 milliseconds and at 2K 120 Hz with a lag of less than 13 milliseconds.
Does 120Hz reduce input lag?
The input lag is reduced according to the increase in the refresh rate. When the image on a 120Hz display is updated more frequently, the input lag will be around half of what it is on a 60Hz display. This is because you will be able to react to what is happening on the screen sooner.
Does 120Hz improve picture quality?
Theoretically, a higher refresh rate should mean a better picture because it reduces how blurry the image is. Some people might be able to see “film judder” or blurring on a 60Hz screen, but this is less noticeable on a 120Hz screen. Any improvements after a refresh rate of 120Hz are not noticeable.