Jordan O'BrienSony is gearing up for the upcoming HDR revolution with the company’s latest projector, the VPL-VW675ES, adding Hybrid Log-Gamma technology – a key component of the upcoming HDR TV broadcasts.
Hybrid Log-Gamma is a technology invented by Japan’s NHK and the UK’s BBC to facilitate broadcasting content in HDR. The technology ensured that broadcasters would be able to continue utilising their current 10-bit infrastructure and only need to upgrade cameras and critical monitoring displays – rather than the entire system.
Sony’s latest projector is one of the first products on the market supporting the technology. It won’t ship with the VPL-VW675ES however, instead Sony says that it will be available through a firmware update to be provided soon after the new HDMI specification is standardised.
“Sony is the leader in full native 4K resolution projectors for the home theatre market,” says André Floyd, product manager for projectors at Sony Electronics Inc. “The successor to the award-winning VPL-VW675ES introduced just last year at CEDIA, the VPL-VW675ES demonstrates our continuing commitment to provide cutting-edge home cinema technology to our customers and the custom install channel.”
In terms of HDR support, the VPL-VW675ES supports the HDR 10 standard, which means users will be able to enjoy streaming HDR content from the likes of Netflix and Amazon Video, as well as Ultra HD Blu-ray players. While the technology is not exactly new, Sony has attempted to supercharge it on its latest home cinema projector. This is because the VPL-VW675ES includes a feature which enables customers to adjust the average screen brightness, depending on their environments or preferences, while maintaining accurate HDR reproduction.
Like Sony’s other 4K HDR home theatre projectors, the VPL-VW675ES uses native 4K SXRD panels, with no artificial manipulation of pixels. The company says that the projector is capable of rich and accurate colour reproduction through its proprietary TRILUMINOS engine design, which installers should be familiar with on some of Sony’s other projectors, while Motionflow picture technology is designed to deliver clearer, less blurry images when watching fast-paced, cinematic or sports action.
With its native 4K resolution panel, the VPL-VW675ES promises precise and clear images with improved Reality Creation function for 4K signals and supports HDR capability both for 4K 24P and 4K 60P. It delivers 1,800 lumens brightness, as well as a dynamic contrast ratio of 350,000:1.
An important feature for some users, and one Sony is keen to shout about, is its inclusion of low fan noise and the ability to run the projector for up to 6,000 hours’ maintenance-free. In addition to this, a built-in RF 3D transmitter has been included for a strong wireless signal for wider coverage and 3D synchronisation stability, while a built-in auto calibration function resets the projector colorimetry to original factory levels to ensure viewers can continue to enjoy consistent picture quality throughout the life of the projector.
The VPL-VW675ES home theatre projector will be available in November 2016.