NEWS: Sony expands its Full HD SXRD home cinema projector range

Sony is today launching the final model in its range of Bravia home cinema projectors. The VPL-VW40 has Full HD 1080p resolution and uses Sony's own SXRD (Silicon X-tal Reflective Display) technology to recreate as closely as possible the experience of a big-screen cinema at home.

"The VPL-VW40 will have a strong appeal for the price-conscious home cinema enthusiast who does not wish to compromise on quality," says Nicola Plump, product manager for projectors, Sony TV Europe.

A UK price and release date have yet to be confirmed, so in the meantime here are some more technical details...

At the heart of the VPL-VW40 lies the Bravia Engine, a custom-designed processor which applies algorithms exclusively designed by Sony to the video signal, digitally enhancing each frame in real time. Noise in the image is decreased, claims Sony, while colours are more vibrant and detail is enhanced.

Sony's SXRD technology was originally developed for cinema projection systems, and is said to deliver Full HD pictures with "cinematic clarity and precision".

A high contrast ratio of 15,000:1 is made possible by the Sony Advanced Iris 2 system. This works by responding automatically to the level of lighting in each scene and adjusting the aperture to achieve the best results.

Other technical highlights include:

  • 24p True Cinema to handle a 1080/24fps input
  • Two HDMI inputs with 1080p/24fps compatibility
  • Quiet operation (22dB) thanks to a special fan design
  • Horizontal and vertical lens adjustment
  • A fully backlit, aluminium remote control
  • Max image size of 300 inches
Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.