The Sony BRAVIA Projector 8 (VPL-XW6100) retails for $15,999.99 and is one of Sony’s latest native 4K home theater projectors. The BRAVIA Projector 8 uses a Z-Phosphor laser light source with a brightness rating of 2,700 lumens and can last up to 20,000 hours with minimal maintenance.
Sony has added two new XW series models to its 4K SXRD projector lineup. The BRAVIA 8 replaces the award-winning VPL-XW6000ES, while the BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100) replaces the VPL-XW7000ES. We were so impressed with the previous models' performance they both won awards with the XW6000ES earning our Highly Recommended Home Theater Projector award due to its outstanding picture quality.
While the BRAVIA Projector 8 looks nearly identical to the VPL-XW6000ES, the new model delivers a noticeable improvement in picture quality and functionality due to new features and its new video processor.
The Sony BRAVIA Projector 8 is available in black and white
The Sony BRAVIA Projector 8 is available in White and Black. Most premium home theater projectors are utilized in dark rooms and their chassis is often black. However, in some situations, a white projector case can help the device blend in better with the surroundings. For example, if the projector is mounted on a white ceiling or placed on a white wall, a white case can make it less noticeable and visually intrusive during the day.
Sony BRAVIA Projector 8 Specs
Price
$15,999.99
Technology
3 Chip SXRD
Displayed Resolution
3840 x 2160
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
2700 ANSI Lumens
Light Source
Z-Laser Phosphor
Contrast
Infinity:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens Ratio
2.14:1
Lens Shift
Vertical +/-85% / Horizontal +/- 36%
Lamp Life
20,000 Hrs
Sound System
None
Weight
31 lb
Warranty
Three (3) Years
Overview
The BRAVIA Projector 8 ($15,999,99 SRP) includes many of Sony's other popular features and proprietary technologies, which have been discussed in detail in our reviews of other Sony home theater projectors. Since many of the features in Sony projectors are repetitive, that information can now be found on our Sony Feature Explanation page. Additionally, any bolded or highlighted terms in the article can be clicked for a more detailed definition.
Like all Sony's 4K Home Theater projectors, the BRAVIA Projector 8 utilizes a three-chip 4K SXRD imaging system, similar to those found in Sony's 4K cinema projectors in many movie theaters worldwide. The XW Series projectors, including the BRAVIA Projector 8, incorporate the latest version of Sony's SXRD panels. These 0.61-inch SXRD panels offer high native contrast and a native 4K UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160.
Most 4K consumer displays feature a native resolution of 3840 x 2160 with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The previous Sony SXRD resolution of 4096 x 2160 had an aspect ratio closer to 17:9, which meant that approximately 7% of the pixels were often unused, resulting in wasted resolution and brightness. The BRAVIA Projector 8's SXRD panels accurately reproduce all 8.3 million pixels in 4K UHD SDR and HDR content, ensuring no resolution or brightness is wasted.
The three-chip imaging system used in the BRAVIA Projector 8 is also smaller than older Sony 4K SXRD projectors, reducing the size of the lenses and leading to a more compact chassis. For example, the BRAVIA Projector 8 is nearly 30% smaller and 20% lighter than the VW915ES.
The BRAVIA Projector 8 has a Z-Phosphor Laser light source that can deliver up to 2,700 ANSI lumens of brightness which is more than the 2500 lumens offered by its predecessors, the VPL-XW6000ES. The Sony BRAVIA Projector 8 delivers excellent native contrast, and thanks to its ability to precisely modulate the laser light source, the projector's dynamic contrast is nearly infinite.
The BRAVIA Projector 8 is equipped with an XR Processor that has been optimized for projectors
The BRAVIA Projector 8 supports the HDR10 standard and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma). While the brightness of home cinema projectors continues to increase, the main factors leading to the recent improvement of HDR picture quality are effective dynamic tone mapping and more defined tone mapping contrast curves.
A high-quality video processor becomes crucial in distinguishing one projector from another. At the heart of both the BRAVIA Projector 8 and BRAVIA Projector 9 is the XR Processor, which is a significant leap forward from the X1 Ultimate processor used in their predecessors, the VPL-XW6000ES and VPL-XW7000ES. Initially engineered for Sony’s BRAVIA TVs, the XR processor has been specifically tailored for these new projectors and it enhances the quality of on-screen content in several key ways.
The new XR Processor powers several new features designed to enhance picture quality
One of the standout new features is XR Dynamic Tone Mapping, which adjusts the brightness and color of each frame in real-time, providing a more vibrant-looking HDR image. This feature elevates HDR content by delivering a brighter overall image with better highlight and shadow detail.
The BRAVIA Projector 8 and BRAVIA Projector 9 fully utilize this dynamic tone mapping, resulting in a visual improvement in HDR playback compared to the older VPL-XW6000ES and VPL-XW7000ES. While impressive, the older models used less advanced processing technology that couldn’t match the dynamic adjustments and upscaling of the newer BRAVIA projectors.
XR Dynamic Range Tone Mapping analyzes peak brightness frame by frame to deliver an outstanding HDR image.
The BRAVIA Projector 8 delivered class-leading HDR image quality due to the XR Dynamic Range Tonemapping feature, which utilizes newly refined contrast curves. The improvement in HDR was especially noticeable when playing HDR material mastered at 4000 nits or above.
In addition, the BRAVIA Projector 8 features XR Deep Black, which controls laser dimming to bring out deep, inky blacks without compromising the clarity of surrounding details. The improvement in black levels is immediately noticeable when viewing darker scenes compared to older models.
This innovation pairs well with the XR TRILUMINOS Pro feature, which delivers over a billion colors, creating a vivid and realistic viewing experience. The XR Clear Image technology further enhances this by upscaling content to near 4K resolution, even when the original source material is lower quality, making older films and shows look better.
Think of all of the parts of a projector as ingredients in a meal. The video processor is the recipe that ties it all together. When high-quality components are combined with excellent processing, the result is class-leading picture quality.
Better video processing, higher brightness, high contrast SXRD panels, and dynamic laser dimming make HDR content look closer to what you see on a high-end, high-bright, flat-panel television.
The BRAVIA Projector 8 also offers enhanced gaming features. For example, 4K/120fps support, combined with input lag as low as 12 milliseconds, ensures a smooth and responsive gaming experience, making the BRAVIA Projector 8 perfect for fast-paced action games or sports simulations.
This is bolstered by Auto Low Latency Mode and HDMI 2.1 compatibility, which reduces lag and enhances image clarity during gameplay. In contrast, the older VPL-XW6000ES offered good gaming performance but fell short in refresh rates and responsiveness compared to the newer models. This makes the new BRAVIA Projector 8 more versatile, catering to the demanding needs of both cinephiles and gaming enthusiasts.
To complement its native 4K SXRD panels, the BRAVIA is equipped with a high-quality ACF lens
The BRAVIA Projector has a motorized high-quality ARC-F lens with a large zoom and horizontal/vertical lens shift. In addition, a new Corner Keystone Correction feature is designed to make installation in challenging spaces much easier without negatively impacting image sharpness and detail. This flexibility, combined with compact designs that maintain powerful performance, ensures that these projectors fit into a wide variety of home environments.
In addition to their stunning visual performance, both models are designed to integrate seamlessly with home automation systems such as Control4, Crestron, and Savant. This allows users to control multiple devices with a single remote, simplifying the experience of managing a complex home theater setup.
HIGHLIGHTS
MSRP – $11,999.99
Z-Phosphor laser light source
Technology: (3) 0.61-inch SXRD panels (LCoS)
Native Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim): 2500 lumens
Lamp Life: 20,000 hours
Contrast: ∞ (infinity): Dynamic
Zoom Lens Ratio: 2.14:1
HDR10/HLG compatible
X1 Ultimate Video Processor
Frame and Frame HDR Auto Tone Mapping
Two 18Gbps HDMI 2.0b (HDCP 2.3) inputs
Power Lens Focus/Shift/Zoom: Yes
Weight: 31.1lb
Warranty: 3-year parts & labor
HARDWARE
CHASSIS
The BRAVIA Projector 8 looks identical to the VPL-XW6000ES. The chassis measures approximately 18 inches wide, 8.3 inches high, and 20.3 inches deep and weighs about 31 pounds, so it is larger and heavier than most DLP-based home theater projectors.
Although we don’t measure fan noise, Sony claims that the BRAVIA Projector 8’s noise level is very quiet, 26 dB, which is significantly quieter than most projectors I've reviewed. The unit’s fan intakes are located on the front, flanking the lens, while the exhaust vents are positioned along the rear. The low-pitched fan noise is unlikely to be noticeable whether used in a dedicated home theater or a media room.
The BRAVIA Projector 8 comes with Sony’s standard backlit projector remote control, which is included with all their consumer 4K projectors. It is larger than many projector remotes, with well-spaced, large buttons.
Dedicated buttons allow you to quickly switch between Calibrated Picture Presets, and there are buttons for direct access to many picture quality settings, including MotionFlow, Color Temp, and Gamma Correction. The remote also features a dedicated button for accessing the HDR Contrast Enhancer, making it easy to switch between High, Mid, and Low settings when viewing HDR materials.
LENS ASSEMBLY
The BRAVIA Projector 8 has a center-mounted ACF lens with motorized 2.14:1 zoom and focus. The ACF lens features a 70-mm floating lens system with extra-low dispersion (ELD) elements, ensuring optimal convergence of red, green, and blue light, even at the extreme edges of the screen. This results in outstanding focus across the entire screen and significantly reduced chromatic aberration (color fringing).
Throw Distance for a 16:9 Screen
80 inches
93" (2350 mm)
202" (5150 mm)
100 inches
117" (2960 mm)
254" (6460 mm)
120 inches
141" (3560 mm)
305" (7770 mm)
150 inches
176" (4470 mm)
383" (9730 mm)
200 inches
236" (5990 mm)
511" (13000 mm)
Throw Distance for a 2.35:1 Screen
80 inches
92" (2330 mm)
200" (5100 mm)
100 inches
116" (2930 mm)
251" (6390 mm)
120 inches
139 (3530 mm)
302" (7690 mm)
150 inches
175" (4430 mm)
379" (9630 mm)
200 inches
234 (5930 mm)
506" (12860 mm)
For those who plan on sitting close to a very large screen, the additional sharpness provided by the ACF lens will be greatly appreciated. In addition to improved clarity, the ACF lens ensures maximum brightness from the projector’s laser light source reaches the screen. The ACF lens used in the BRAVIA Projector 8 offers a 2.14x zoom range and significant horizontal and vertical lens shift (V ±85%, H ±36%).
The BRAVIA Projector 8 offers significant placement flexibility with a zoom range larger than most home theater projectors whose zoom lenses typically range between 1.1:1 and 1.6:1, depending on the brand and model.
The new Sony BRAVIA projectors are also the first Sony 4K SXRD projectors to include digital keystone correction to enhance installation flexibility. We normally do not recommend utilizing keystone correction because it negatively impacts onscreen resolution; Sony stated that the new XR Clear Image helps maintain edge-to-edge clarity.
Combining tons of zoom with optical lens shift and corner keystone correction should dramatically simplify installations under challenging environments, especially when replacing an older unit that was previously fixed-mounted.
You can also use the Picture Position Memory function to save lens settings for up to five different screen aspect ratios, which can be quickly accessed from a button on the remote control. Lastly, the BRAVIA Projector supports 3rd party anamorphic lenses.
MENUS
Despite using a new video processor, the BRAVIA Projector 8 still employs the same menu system Sony has used for its home theater projectors for several years. While Sony has not made any significant changes to the menus' appearance, they have added new menu items to control additional features or capabilities as needed. For example, you will find the newly added Corner Keystone adjustment under the Installation submenu.
Higher-end model projectors like the BRAVIA Projector 8 have more menu settings due to their additional features, which include a submenu dedicated to Picture Position lens memories. Although the text is slightly smaller, it is still easily readable from an average seating distance. Overall, the menus are well designed and organized.
PERFORMANCE
COLOR REPRODUCTION
Like previous Sony projectors I have reviewed, the BRAVIA Projector 8 delivered outstanding picture quality right out of the box. The BRAVIA 8 can reproduce about 95% of the DCI-P3 color space, ensuring that HDR colors appear rich and vibrant.
Several preset picture modes were only a few hundred degrees off from my color temperature target of 6500K. The picture modes that I preferred the most were CINEMA FILM 2 and IMAX ENHANCED because they delivered lifelike skin tones and realistic colors. If extra brightness is needed, you can switch to BRIGHT TV or BRIGHT CINEMA modes, whose slightly oversaturated colors and cooler color temperatures help them combat higher ambient light.
Most viewers would be satisfied with the picture quality of the BRAVIA Projector 8, whether it was calibrated or not. However, I did take the time to measure the projector’s picture modes and adjust the units. Since your room and screen material significantly impact the overall picture, we don’t recommend using someone else's calibration adjustments. If your room is brighter or darker or your walls are a different color, copying someone else's results can cause more harm than good.
However, below are the before-and-after calibration results in my room. To test, measure, and calibrate the BRAVIA Projector, I used my Klein K10-A colorimeter, Murideo Six-G test pattern generator, and Portrait Displays Calman color calibration software.
Pre-Calibration Color Tracking and Grayscale
Pre-calibration, the projector’s picture quality was very good. The CINEMA FILM 2 picture mode had a measured color temperature of 6624K, which was close to my target. Even before adjustment, the Grayscale and Color Tracking dE (Delta Error) measurements were around 2, which is very accurate.
Like many projectors that utilize blue laser phosphor light sources, the color temperature of the BRAVIA Projector 8 was cool, with a heavier emphasis on blue at higher brightness levels. The measured Gamma was 1.9, which is brighter than my target of 2.2. This resulted in blacks looking grey in a dark room.
Since I wanted to compare the most accurate out-of-box picture mode to my calibrated results, I switched the projector from CINEMA FILM 1 to USER.
Picture Mode: CINEMA FILM 2
Gamma: 2.01
Color Temperature: 6624K
Average Grayscale dE: 2.1
Average Color Tracking dE: 2.2
Post-Calibration Color Tracking and Grayscale
The color temperature of USER picture mode was 6878K which is slightly cooler than desired, I changed the COLOR TEMPERATURE setting from D65 to Custom 3.
I then used 2-point RGB BALANCE adjustments to reduce the Blue Gain and increase the Red Gain, which produced a good white balance and brought the color temperature much closer to my 6500K target.
After the projector’s RGB Balance has been adjusted, its color tracking is very good. Still, the BRAVIA Projector 8 includes CMS adjustments, which can be used to further fine-tune the colors.
To achieve my gamma target of 2.2 in my room, I set the GAMMA CORRECTION to 2.4 and reduced the projector’s Brightness setting.
Picture Mode: USER
Gamma: 2.18
Color Temperature: 6562K
Average Grayscale dE: 1.2
Average Color Tracking dE: 1.1
Delta E as a measure of grayscale/color accuracy of 3 and under, is considered ‘Excellent’ and invisible to the human eye. Even before adjustment, the Grayscale and Color Tracking dE measurements were around 2. After calibration, the XW6000ES had an average Grayscale dE of 1.2 and an average Color Tracking dE of 1.1, which is outstanding.
Like most Sony Home Theater projectors, once white balance and color are accurately adjusted for SDR, they will also look great for HDR. While there was some improvement to the picture after calibration, the difference was not dramatic. Colors and skin tones looked great the instant I turned the projector on. However, if you're already spending $16,000 for a projector of this caliber, why not spend a few hundred dollars to ensure the image is optimized for your environment.
Accurate colors are one of the main reasons Sony 4K Home Theater projectors command a premium price. When the BRAVIA Projector 8 is set to one of its more precise picture modes, its out-of-the-box color reproduction is excellent, so skin tones look great.
While the picture improved slightly after calibration, the difference was not massive. Most customers would be happy with the picture quality of the BRAVIA Projector 8, whether it was calibrated or not. However, if you're already spending $16,000 for a projector of this caliber, it makes sense for that the buyer would spend a few hundred dollars more to ensure the image is optimized for their room environment.
BRIGHTNESS
The Sony BRAVIA Projector 8 has a rated brightness of 2,700 ANSI lumens. To get a good idea of the projector's actual brightness capabilities, I set the projector to BRIGHT CINEMA (the brightest mode) and took 3-4 readings about 15-20% out from the center of the lens.
The BRAVIA Projector 8 measured 2,769 lumens, which slightly exceeds Sony’s rated brightness of 2,700 lumens. It is bright enough to deliver a vibrant SDR or HDR image on a 165-inch screen in a dark room.
Sony BRAVIA Projector 8 Brightness
Picture Mode
Brightness Measured (ANSI Lumens)
Color Temperature
Cinema Film 1
2590
6642K
Cinema Film 2
2300
6624K
Reference
2359
6557K
TV
2374
9785K
Photo
2093
9732K
Game
2524
9782K
Bright Cinema
2769
9779K
Bright TV
2647
9873K
User
2302
6878K
IMAX Enhanced
2590
6657K
When paired with a 120-inch ambient light-rejecting screen, 2,700 ANSI lumens is more than sufficient brightness for watching content under moderate ambient light. Even after SDR calibration, the BRAVIA Projector 8 still measured over 240 nits (cd/m2) on my 100-inch matte white screen, which is bright. Many projectors lose half of their rated brightness when calibrated, but the BRAVIA Projector 8 maintained most of its pre-calibration brightness.
Due to the XR Dynamic Range Tone Mapping feature, the BRAVIA Projector 8 did an excellent job maximizing onscreen brightness for HDR content. The projector produced a brighter, more vibrant HDR image than many competing projectors with higher rated or measured brightness.
BLACK LEVEL AND SHADOW DETAIL
Due to the 0.61-inch SXRD panels, the native contrast and black levels are similar to other Sony 4K SXRD projectors. When it comes to native contrast, only a select group of projectors, like JVC's DILA model, can match/exceed a Sony 4K SXRD laser projector. It is doubtful that any single-chip DLP home theater projector can even come close.
While brightness is important, deep, accurate black levels are what separate a good home theater from a great one. When comparing two projectors with identical brightness, the one that can produce deeper blacks will deliver higher perceived contrast.
While the measured native contrast delivered by a DILA-equipped JVC projector is higher, the Sony BRAVIA Projector 8 does an excellent job utilizing its contrast capability to deliver an outstanding black level and onscreen contrast when viewing real-world SDR and HDR content.
Combining the high native contrast of the SXRD panels with the precisely modulated laser light output resulted in outstanding black levels. The BRAVIA Projector 8 delivered excellent black levels and shadow detail in my viewing room.
I did most of my viewing with the DYNAMIC CONTROL set to Limited, which engages laser dimming and the dynamic iris. Not only were the blacks deep, but subtle details in the shadows were also clearly visible. The BRAVIA Projector 8’s rated brightness of 2,700 lumens and its great black level made images pop, especially in a dark room.
STANDARD DYNAMIC RANGE
In addition to HDR, I spent much time viewing SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) content. Many HDR-capable projectors, especially those with RGB laser light sources, tend to oversaturate the bright color of SDR material, making everything look artificial. The BRAVIA Projector did an outstanding job tracking colors in SDR material.
Thanks to its native 4K UHD (3840x2160) SXRD panels combined with its ACF lens, the BRAVIA Projector 8 delivered a sharp, detailed image from my 4K UHD Blu-ray player and Kaleidescape.
Since most TV shows and live broadcasts are still produced in HD, good 4K upscaling remains critical. Sony has over a decade of experience in 4K upscaling, so the BRAVIA Projector 8 does an excellent job, as expected. The new XR Clear Image feature delivers a sharper image without overemphasizing the film grain in classic films like Lawrence of Arabia.
HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE
The Sony BRAVIA Projector delivers an outstanding HDR image
HDR content offers an expanded range of colors with better highlight and shadow detail, but even the brightest HDR projectors can struggle to reproduce HDR faithfully. The XR processor, combined with 2,700 ANSI lumens of brightness, resulted in excellent HDR reproduction.
The BRAVIA Projector 8 can reproduce about 95% of the DCI-P3 color space, so HDR colors appear rich and vibrant. While a tri-laser-equipped projector can reproduce a much wider color gamut, the colors are overexaggerated and less accurate. This is why most high-end home theater projectors still utilize traditional blue laser phosphor light sources.
Like SDR, the color temperature was slightly cooler than desired. Once the Color Temperature setting was switched to Custom and adjusted for SDR, it also looked great for HDR.
The XR Dynamic Range Tone Mapping feature measured the peak brightness of HDR content frame-by-frame to optimize tone mapping. This results in higher full-screen brightness while maintaining the majority of highlight detail. I left the Dynamic HDR Enhancer set to LOW most of the time. Switching the setting to HIGH increases onscreen brightness at the expense of clipping bright highlights.
Even though the BRAVIA 8 uses dynamic tone mapping with frame-by-frame HDR analysis, sometimes brighter highlights are clipped. Sony believes this is necessary to keep most of the image on the screen as close to the director’s intent as possible. Remember, you can adjust the HDR Contrast setting to restore clipped highlight information, but I found this reduces the image's overall vibrancy and visual impact.
The HDR Tone Mapping setting has three levels that, based on scene-by-scene measurements of the HDR, apply different contrast curves.
When viewing HDR, I also chose CINEMA FILM 2, which has the Dynamic HDR enhancer set to Low and HDR Tone Mapping set to Mode 3. I believe this mode delivers the best balance of onscreen brightness, highlight detail, and color accuracy.
In CINEMA FILM 1 preset The Dynamic HDR Enhancer is set to Middle and HDR tone Mapping set to Mode 2. This results in a brighter overall HDR picture, but you may give up a little highlight detail when view HDR content mastered above 1000nits.
Over the past few years, Sony and JVC have been fighting for HDR picture quality supremacy. Each company is striving to improve its HDR image quality. Due to firmware updates, which brand delivers the best HDR picture quality has changed several times in the last three years.
HDR tone mapping is very tricky because there is no correct way of doing it. Sometimes, showing every highlight detail in HDR content does not produce the best-looking image. The goal is to deliver as much of the creator's intent as possible based on the display unit's limited brightness capabilities.
Sony was kind enough to give me a BRAVIA Projector 8 evaluation sample for about three weeks. I also saw the higher-end BRAVIA Projector 9 during a tour of CinemaTech’s new experience center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Sony projectors have always delivered outstanding SDR and HDR performance, but the new BRAVIA Projectors push HDR picture quality to a new level.
HDR Grayscale Measurement Before and After
Utilizing an outboard video processor like a MadVR or a Lumagen might further improve BRAVIA Projector 9's HDR picture quality. However, unless you are a serious videophile, I wonder if the difference would justify the cost. I would suggest the money would be better spent buying a better screen or stepping up to the BRAVIA Projector 9.
JVC's new DLA-NZ800 ($15,999 SRP) is the only projector in the BRAVIA Projector 9's price range that could rival or exceed HDR picture quality. I haven’t had the opportunity to evaluate that JVC model personally, but Sony has made some serious strides in its HDR performance, so I look forward to comparing them side-by-side.
GAMING
The BRAVIA Projector 8 and the BRAVIA Projector 9 are the first Sony projectors equipped with HDMI 2.1 inputs, so they support gaming in 4K and 120 frames per second. Both models also include a Low Latency Game mode. When this mode is engaged, the projector switches off most of its video processing, dramatically reducing game lag.
Sony quotes 21 milliseconds when playing content at 4K at 60 frames per second and just 12 milliseconds when gaming in HD at 120 frames per second. We measured 4K@60 at 23 milliseconds and 1080p@120 at 13 milliseconds, which is responsive enough to satisfy even the most demanding gamers. Most competitive native 4K projectors supporting 4K@120 have higher game lag than the BRAVIA Projector 8. If you are a gamer looking to enjoy a better and more competitive gaming experience, the BRAVIA Projector 8 is a great option.
SUMMARY
The BRAVIA Projector 8 (VPL-XW6100), which retails for $15,999, is designed to appeal to home theater and home entertainment enthusiasts. Packed with Sony’s latest projector technologies, it delivers a new level of performance that promises to redefine the home cinema experience.
The BRAVIA Projector 8 utilizes three native 4K SXRD panels, which deliver stunning 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160 pixels). This results in crisp, sharp images with incredible detail, allowing you to see every texture and nuance on the screen. The ACF lens used in the BRAVIA Projector 8 delivered outstanding clarity and excellent edge-to-edge sharpness.
The BRAVIA Projector 8 is equipped with a 2,700-lumen Z-Phosphor laser light source, which ensures that images remain vibrant even in rooms that are not fully darkened. The unit’s laser light source is not only bright but also long-lasting. Sony estimates that this projector’s light source can deliver up to 20,000 hours of use without needing maintenance or lamp replacement. This translates to years of uninterrupted viewing in a typical home setting, making it a hassle-free investment for home theater enthusiasts.
The BRAVIA Projector 8 is more compact than most native 4K projectors, making it easier to install in various spaces. Whether you have a dedicated home theater room or are setting up the projector in a living room, its smaller size makes it easier to integrate into your setup without sacrificing performance.
The ability to reproduce 95% of the DCI-P# color space combined with 2700 Lumens of brightness results in high color volume
The BRAVIA Projector 8 is smaller and lighter than most native 4K projectors due to its smaller SXRD panels, compact optical block and lens assembly
The Z-Phosphor Laser light source can deliver years of maintenance free operation
When it comes to creating a truly cinematic experience, contrast is just as important as resolution. The BRAVIA Projector 8 excels in this area, thanks to its XR Deep Black technology. This feature allows the projector to dynamically control the laser dimming in dark scenes, resulting in deep, inky blacks that enhance the overall depth of the image. Whether you're watching a thriller with lots of shadows or a space epic with starry skies, the projector can produce black levels that make these scenes feel more immersive.
The TRILUMINOS PRO technology ensures the projector can reproduce over a billion colors, capturing natural shades and hues that make the content look lifelike. This is especially important for films and TV shows where color accuracy is critical for conveying mood and atmosphere.
The XR Processor cross-analyzes elements like color, definition, and contrast to provide more natural-looking images
Depth Mapping uses Human Cognitive technology to enhance objects in the foreground, making images look more real and natural.
Focal Point Recognition identifies where your eyes are naturally drawn in a scene in order to enhance that part of the image
XR Deep Black uses precise laser dimming to deliver deeper blacks while maintaining shadow detail and color expression.
XR Dynamic Tone Mapping analyzes peak brightness frame by frame to optimize HDR playback
What truly sets the BRAVIA Projector 8 apart from many competitors is Sony’s powerful XR Processor for projectors. Adapted from Sony’s BRAVIA TV line, this processor uses advanced image analysis and processing techniques to enhance real-time picture quality. The processor uses Cross-Analyses to evaluate the interplay of different picture elements, such as contrast and color saturation, to refine image parameters in specific areas better. This results in a more realistic and visually pleasing picture.
The XR processor also leverages "Cognitive Intelligence" to identify and track focal points within a scene. Since these are areas where human viewers are most likely to focus their attention, the processor will selectively apply additional image processing techniques to improve sharpness, clarity, and texture detail. Depth mapping technology is also employed to create a more immersive viewing experience by adding a sense of depth and dimension to the image.
One of its standout features is XR Dynamic Tone Mapping, which adjusts brightness levels frame by frame, ensuring optimal performance regardless of the HDR content being displayed. This means that whether you're watching a dark, moody scene or a brightly lit action sequence, the projector will deliver the best possible contrast and brightness for each frame.
The XR Processor is designed to improve 4K and HDR material and upscale HD content to near 4K quality. Even if you're watching lower-resolution content, the projector intelligently recreates lost detail, delivering sharper and more detailed images.
For an enhanced gaming experience, the BRAVIA Projector 8 supports 4K/120fps with ultra-low input lag
While the BRAVIA Projector 8 is primarily marketed as a home theater projector, it also has features that make it an excellent option for gaming. Input lag is a critical factor for gamers, and this projector includes an input lag reduction mode that minimizes lag to under 21ms for 4K content at 120Hz. This ensures smooth, responsive gameplay even in fast-paced games, making the BRAVIA Projector 8 a solid choice for gamers who want a large-screen experience without compromising performance.
Additionally, the projector supports HDMI 2.1, which means it is compatible with the latest gaming consoles and can take full advantage of 4K content at high refresh rates. For those who enjoy both gaming and movies, the BRAVIA Projector offers the best of both worlds.
The projector’s motorized lens assembly offers optical zoom and horizontal/vertical lens shift to maximize installation flexibility In addition, a new Corner Keystone Correction is designed to make installation in challenging spaces even easier without negatively impacting image sharpness and detail.
The BRAVIA Projector 8 also includes Picture Position Memory, allowing you to store lens settings for up to five screen aspect ratios. This is especially useful if you use different aspect ratios for various types of content, such as movies, TV shows, or sports. Picture position memories are great for customers with masking screens or anyone who wants to maximize the image size of 16:9 and widescreen on a 2.35:1 screen. With just a press of a button, you can switch between settings, ensuring you always have the optimal viewing experience for whatever you’re watching.
Two new Sony BRAVIA Projectors have been announced in 2024
In addition to the BRAVIA Projector 8, Sony has introduced an additional laser-based 4K SXRD Home Theater model called the BRAVIA Projector 9. In total, Sony is highlighting four 4K HDR home theater projectors in 2024, starting with the XW5000ES ($6,000 SRP) and moving up to the flagship GTZ380, which is $80,000 (minus the ARC-F Lens). See below for a summary of the Sony 4K SXRD projector lineup for 2024.
The Sony VPL-XW5000ES ($6000 SRP) is their least expensive native 4K projector, but like all models, it utilizes a laser light source and the X1 Ultimate video processor. Just three years ago, you would have to spend at least $20,000 to get a Sony Laser SXRD projector. Laser sources are now available on Sony models starting at just $6000.
Stepping up to the BRAVIA Projector 8 ($15,999 SRP) add the new XR Processor, a motorized ACF lens with picture position memories, HDMI 2.1 inputs which support 4K/120fps gaming along with an additional 700 lumens of brightness.
The BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100) retails for $31,999 which is nearly double the price of the BRAVIA Projector 8. While both projectors' feature sets are nearly identical, BRAVIA Projector 9 is 700 ANSI lumens brighter and includes Sony Live Color Enhancer technology.
While it seems like a lot of money for higher brightness, delivering high brightness while maintaining deep black levels and accurate color reproduction is challenging. There is also a massive benefit when viewing HDR. Color volume is the combination of color gamut and brightness range, and one of the things that makes HDR look so much better than SDR is its massive amount of color volume. Brighter colors tend to look more vibrant and saturated.
Sony graciously allowed me to spend a few weeks with the BRAVIA Projector 8 before officially announcing the unit. I am very familiar with Sony’s previous models, like the VPL-XW6000ES. While the older XW6000ES can deliver excellent image quality, the new BRAVIA Projector 8 offers a noticeable increase in HDR and SDR picture quality due to its new video processing.
The Sony BRAVIA Projector 8 is a cutting-edge projector that delivers everything a home theater enthusiast could want: stunning 4K resolution, vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a compact, versatile design. Whether watching movies or playing video games, this projector provides a truly immersive experience. With its long-lasting laser light source, state-of-the-art video processing, and installation-based features, the BRAVIA Projector 8 is an investment that will elevate your home entertainment for years to come.
