The centrepiece of Sony’s CEDIA offerings was the VPL-VW1000ES 4K Home Theater projector. With 2000 ANSI lumens of brightness, the VPL-VW1000ES projector delivers nearly twice the output of previous Sony home theater projectors, producing screen sizes up to 200 inches diagonally. The projector employs an entirely new SXRD 4K panel which, when combined with Sony’s Iris3 technology, can achieve a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.

In addition to supporting 4K native resolution, the VW1000ES projector also features a 4K “upscaler” that enhances all content – SD or HD, 2D or 3D – allowing viewers to see 4K playback.  For greater versatility, it can also display Full HD 3D movies, as well as 2D and 3D anamorphic films. For Full 4K 3D, an integrated IR transmitter drives the projector’s TDG-PJ1 active shutter 3D glasses. The VPL-VW1000ES has motorized zoom and an RS232 interface. It will ship in December. An official MSRP has not been announced, but the unit is rumored to have a price tag of about $25,000.

Pacific Media Associates research shows that 1.5 million 3D projectors shipped in  2010, and that figure is expected to increase by 50% this year. Sony, and many other 3D projector manufacturers, have made huge strides with 3D in 2011, addressing many initial customer issues to ensure that 3D has moved beyond hype and is here to stay.

Sony Press Release: www.sony.com/news/cedia