4K FROM THE FLOOR: Sony’s Ultra Short Throw native 4K projector
Sony Australia has released its latest native 4K HDR Ultra Short Throw home theatre projector, the VPL-VZ1000ES, which not only fires 4K up from the floor but does it with, mmm, lasers.
Able to be positioned as little as six inches away from the wall yet deliver a 100-inch image (around 120 inches is its maximum), the VZ1000ES comes approximately 40% smaller than the previous-gen Sony VPLGTZ1, yet as the team admitted at the Sydney launch, it’s still not exactly dinky at 925 × 494 × 219mm, and weighing in at about 35kg.
It does, however, deliver the goods in many situations where a ceiling-mounted projector would not be possible, especially given the size of native 4K projectors at this time. The VZ1000ES could easily be incorporated into cabinetry below a screen, it can be ceilingmounted upsidedown, or it can even be used for back projection.
Given that the resolution of 4K is considered to deliver its full effect at distances a mere 1.5 picture heights away from the screen, that might place seating a mere 125cm from a 100-inch screen (though if you try that, it’s a bit alarming). That makes this system entirely suitable for relatively small viewing rooms with a just a few seats, rather than your multirowed dedicated home cinema.
You also get longevity into the bargain thanks to the use of a Z-Phosphor laser light engine as the light source, replacing mercury lamps with semiconductor laser diodes that not only promise around 20,000 hours of usage (that’s a movie a day for 27 years), but also maintain brightness and colour accuracy longer. Coupled with Sony’s SXRD panels, the VPL-VZ1000ES generates 2500 lumens of colour light output, 25% brighter than the VPL-GTZ1. Connections are made under a bay to the right of the projector unit, with four HDMI inputs, USB, and remote operation via a number of methods, including Ethernet. It features HDR10 and HLG (the broadcast version of HDR), with “Dolby Vision on the roadmap” for Sony products in general. The projector seemed to run impressively quietly during the launch, and remarkably cool too, and Sony’s Michael Bromley pointed to its low latency processing as making the projector also excellent for gaming applications and virtual simulations.
“You can turn any wall into a life-sized window to another world,” said Sony at the launch. “For modern houses and apartments with large windows and limited wall space, a drop-down screen in front of the window enables great viewing of TV, movies and sports. There are no issues with shadows or obstructions from ceiling lights or fans. And when the show is over, raise the screen, and once again enjoy your view.”
The VPL-VZ1000ES ultra short throw 4K HDR home theatre projector is available now from Authorised Sony Professional Dealers for an SRP of AUD$30,999. For more information: www.sony.com.au