Sony VPL VW590ES Review | 85 Data compared

The review from HomeCinema-FR (HCFR) highlights Sony's 2020 home cinema lineup, specifically covering the lamp-based VPL-VW590ES and the laser-based VPL-VW790ES projectors. A major pro emphasized in the review is the integration of Sony's proprietary HDR optimization system, which marks a brand-new approach rather than a slight tweak to their old dynamic processing algorithms. Additionally, both units offer an equivalent level of post-processing and profile management, resulting in a significant overall performance leap from their predecessors (the VPL-VW570ES and VPL-VW760ES). Consumers will also find a significant financial pro in their revised pricing structures, as Sony cut the retail cost of the VPL-VW590ES by €1,000 and slashed the VPL-VW790ES by €3,000, making native 4K display options more market-accessible. However, a notable con referenced in the wider context is that despite their premium placement, these models lack modern HDMI 2.1 features such as 4K at 120Hz or Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). Furthermore, while the new dynamic processing curves successfully boost standard 4K HDR pop, the system relies on EOTF shifting rather than true frame-adaptive tone mapping, which can occasionally result in slightly crushed...

The Sony VPL-VW590ES is a high-end native 4K projector utilizing Sony’s proprietary SXRD (Silicon X-tal Reflective Display) technology, priced at an indicative public launch price of €6,999. The core upgrades are driven by the "X1 for projector" picture processing chip, which powers a "Dynamic HDR Enhancer" to analyze high dynamic range sources frame-by-frame, and a "Super Resolution" feature to maximize source detail. Initial calibration benchmarks reveal outstanding contrast performance, yielding a native contrast ratio of 14,825:1 and a maximum dynamic contrast reaching 92,941:1. In real-world visual comparisons, it completely outperforms laser ultra-short-throw (UST) DLP competitors in dark, nighttime scenes. The unit offers several notable advantages, alongside clear drawbacks: Pro: Exceptional native and dynamic contrast performance that rivals JVC's top-tier models. Pro: Accurate, highly responsive calibration menus delivering up to 1,596 lumens post-calibration. Pro: "Digital Focus Optimizer" software to digitally correct peripheral lens sharpness losses. Con: Extremely high power consumption, drawing 288W in economic mode and peaking at 390W. Con: Noticeable dynamic iris brightness pumping when operating at maximum contrast settings. Con: Loud operating noise and a substantial 50% drop in...

This article introduces Sony's updated line of 4K native projectors, specifically showcasing the VPL-VW590ES, VPL-VW790ES, and the ultra-premium VPL-GTZ380. The VPL-VW590ES acts as a lamp-based entry into this mid-to-high tier, offering 1,800 lumens and a 6,000-hour lifespan in eco mode. Moving up, the VPL-VW790ES shifts to a laser light source, boosting brightness to 2,000 lumens and delivering a virtually maintenance-free 20,000-hour lifespan. Both models benefit from major core upgrades, most notably the integration of the "X1 for Projector" chip. This processor drives the new Dynamic HDR Enhancer for scene-by-scene analysis, alongside Super Resolution and a Digital Focus Optimizer to ensure high-fidelity image upscaling and edge-to-edge sharpness. The core pros of these projectors center on their advanced image processing capabilities, featuring true native 4K resolution via proprietary SXRD panels and noticeably improved dynamic HDR range compared to legacy contrast enhancers. Furthermore, retail launch prices—€6,999 for the VW590ES and €11,999 for the VW790ES—marked a welcome, cheaper price drop compared to preceding generation models. On the cons side, the initial evaluation notes that these hardware specifications largely represent minor firmware and processing updates...

of the Sony VPL-VW590ES The Sony VPL-VW590ES is a high-end, native 4K SXRD lamp-based projector that delivers an exceptionally well-balanced and beautiful image with deep black management that rivals market leaders like JVC. It introduces major software-driven updates, including the "Dynamic HDR Enhancer" for real-time metadata processing and a "Digital Focus Optimizer" designed to sharpen the lens edges. Boasting a measured native contrast of nearly 15,000:1 and producing up to 1,596 calibrated lumens, it successfully meets the minimum 26 fL brightness requirements for large-scale 4K HDR projection. Gamers will also appreciate its dedicated Game Mode, which drops input lag to a responsive 36.9 ms. Out of the box, the colorimetry is highly natural, and the integrated "Reality Creation" post-processing and "Motionflow" interpolation ensure fluid, pixel-accurate detail without frame distortion. Despite its stellar visual performance, the projector is held back by outdated, noisy, and power-hungry hardware. A major drawback is its operating noise, which hits a distracting 41 dB at full power, making it difficult to enjoy in a dedicated room unless it is placed in an isolated technical booth or...

The Sony VPL-VW590ES is a native 4K SXRD home cinema projector that introduces the X1 processor adapted for projection, alongside an automatic Dynamic HDR Enhancer. In testing, the projector demonstrated excellent black depth rivaling top competitors, high image sharpness across the screen, and improved brightness over its predecessor, reaching up to 1,350 lumens in high lamp mode. While its dynamic HDR processing represents a massive leap forward for projection quality, the reviewer noted that it does not utilize HDR metadata. Consequently, manual calibrations are required depending on whether a film is graded at 1,000 or 4,000 nits. The review highlights several prominent strengths, including highly consistent image quality with gorgeous contrast, exceptional motion smoothness, a 90% DCI color space coverage with nearly 100% coverage in red, and a launch price that is €1,000 cheaper than the previous model. On the downside, the projector suffers from very poor out-of-the-box colorimetry and unbalanced greyscales, making professional calibration absolutely essential for both SDR and HDR content. Additional drawbacks include a loud 41 dB noise level when running in high lamp mode, an ineffective...