OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Projectors Methodology v3.0
Projectors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Projectors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Projectors Methodology v3.0

Sony VPL-VW790ES review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£10,560Native panel resolution:4096x2160ANSI lumens:2000Throw ratio:1.38-2.83:1Lamp life:20000 hours

Sony VPL-VW790ES Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 11 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony VPL-VW790ES
7.6/10

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 79% of models
Score components

35%

7.2

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.5

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–²Better than 79% of projectors
5.6

Value for money

Value for money
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 89%
7.2

Technical score

Technical score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components

42%

8.1

Image Quality

22%

7.5

Projection & Lens

12%

7.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.3

Connectivity

6%

7.5

Design & Power

â–²Better than 78%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models

80%

8.6

Average grade

20%

8.4

Popularity

Grades by review (11)
10 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 70%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • sony-vpl-vw790es
sony-vpl-vw790es
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Sony VPL-VW790ES

Based on 10 · 1

Reviewers praise the sharp upscaling, cinemascope support and smooth motion, but criticise the HDR settings, bulky size and limited HDMI for gaming.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of projector Sony VPL-VW790ES

Technical score
Technical score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components:

42%

8.1

Image Quality

22%

7.5

Projection & Lens

12%

7.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.3

Connectivity

6%

7.5

Design & Power

7.2
Reviews score
8.5
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

5.6
ANSI lumens
2000
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 2000 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 54% of projectors and equal to 5% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
Infinity:1 (dynamic)
This projector has a contrast ratio of Infinity:1 (dynamic), higher than 99.5% of projectors and equal to 0.5% of projectors.
Dynamic contrast is described as effectively infinite.
Native panel resolution
4096x2160
This projector uses a native resolution of 4096x2160, higher than 95.9% of projectors and equal to 4.1% of projectors.
Output resolution
4096x2160
This projector supports output resolution up to 4096x2160, higher than 95.9% of projectors and equal to 3.1% of projectors.
Projection technology
LCoS
Show more
What reviewers say
Throw ratio
1.38-2.83:1
Min throw distance
1.74 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.74 m, longer than 91.7% of projectors and equal to 0.4% of projectors.
Max projection size
300 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 300 inch, larger than 51.5% of projectors and equal to 38% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
2.06
Market range: <1.1 – >2.06
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 2.06, wider than 91.2% of projectors and equal to 2.9% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
yes
This projector has motorised zoom. 85.4% of projectors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Input lag
35.9 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 35.9 ms, higher than 64.4% of projectors.
In Game Mode.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not switch to low-latency mode automatically. 16.1% of projectors offer this.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support variable refresh rate. 1.8% of projectors offer this.
HDMI version
2
This projector supports HDMI 2, more modern than 46.1% of projectors and equal to 35.9% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
18 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, higher than 48.9% of projectors and equal to 39.7% of projectors.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of HDMI ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.9% of projectors and equal to 47.3% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Light source type
laser
This projector uses laser light source technology, more advanced than 75.4% of projectors and equal to 24.6% of projectors.
Z-Phosphor.
Laser light source
yes
This projector has a laser light source. 73.3% of projectors offer this.
Z-Phosphor laser light source.
Lamp life
20,000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 20,000 hours, shorter than 35.2% of projectors and equal to 25.8% of projectors.
Laser light source life.
Lamp life (eco mode)
20,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 20,000 hours, shorter than 39.4% of projectors and equal to 17.9% of projectors.
Eco mode rating.
Operating power consumption
430 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 430 W of power, more than 94.2% of projectors and equal to 0.2% of projectors.
Show more
What reviewers say

Sony VPL-VW790ES vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (Infinity:1 (dynamic) vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast is described as effectively infinite.
    Infinity:1 (dynamic) vs 10,000:1
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (4096x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    4096x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • High native resolution
    This projector has a higher native panel resolution than the average projector (4096x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    4096x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • Supports lens memory
    This projector stores lens settings, while the average projector does not. 8.1% of projectors offer this.
    Called Picture Position Memory.
  • 0.76 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (2.1 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    2.06 vs 1.3
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (89% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    89% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • Motorised zoom
    This projector has motorised zoom, while the average projector does not. 14.7% of projectors support motorised zoom.
  • 7 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (24 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    24 dB vs 31 dB
  • 14.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 70% of models

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    8.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (11)
    10 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.5 vs 7.4
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (Infinity:1 (dynamic) vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast is described as effectively infinite.
    Infinity:1 (dynamic) vs 10,000:1
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (4096x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    4096x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • High native resolution
    This projector has a higher native panel resolution than the average projector (4096x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    4096x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (89% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    89% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • Supports HLG
    This projector supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 41.2% of projectors support HLG.
  • 0.76 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (2.1 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    2.06 vs 1.3
  • Supports lens memory
    This projector stores lens settings, while the average projector does not. 8.1% of projectors offer this.
    Called Picture Position Memory.
  • Motorised zoom
    This projector has motorised zoom, while the average projector does not. 14.7% of projectors support motorised zoom.
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (motorized vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    motorized vs manual
  • 21 % more vertical lens shift
    This projector has more vertical lens shift than the average projector (85 % vs 64 %). The average projector has 64 % vertical lens shift.
    Asymmetrical range: 85% to 80%.
    85 % vs 64 %
  • 50 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    300 inch vs 250 inch
  • Motorized focus
    This projector supports motorized focus, while the average projector does not. 45.6% of projectors support motorized focus.
  • 1 degrees more horizontal correction
    This projector offers more horizontal keystone correction than the average projector (31 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers horizontal keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    31 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • Supports motion smoothing
    This projector supports motion smoothing, while the average projector does not. 34.1% of projectors offer this.
    Via Motionflow.
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 7 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (24 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    24 dB vs 31 dB
  • Laser light source
    This projector has a laser light source, while the average projector does not. 26.7% of projectors have one.
    Z-Phosphor laser light source.
  • 0.73 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.7 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    1.74 m vs 1.0055 m
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • No built-in speaker
    This projector does not have a built-in speaker, while the average projector does. 87% of projectors have one.
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 82.4% of projectors have one.
  • 6.71x heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (20 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    20 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 16x more expensive
    Sony VPL-VW790ES is more expensive than the average projector (£10,560 vs £660).
    £10,560 vs £660
  • 16x more expensive
    Sony VPL-VW790ES is more expensive than the average projector (£10,560 vs £660).
    £10,560 vs £660
  • 23.8% worse value for money
    Sony VPL-VW790ES has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.61 vs 6.9).
    5.61 vs 6.95
  • 9.1% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (2000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    2,000 vs 2,200
  • 0.73 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.7 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    1.74 m vs 1.0055 m
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 8.9 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (35.9 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In Game Mode.
    35.9 ms vs 27 ms
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • No headphone jack
    This projector does not have a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the average projector does. 84.4% of projectors offer a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • No built-in speaker
    This projector does not have a built-in speaker, while the average projector does. 87% of projectors have one.
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 82.4% of projectors have one.
  • 6.71x heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (20 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    20 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 200 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (430 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    430 W vs 230 W
  • 263 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (560 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    560 mm vs 297 mm
  • 101 mm taller body
    This projector is taller than the average projector (223 mm vs 122 mm). The average projector has a height of 122 mm.
    223 mm vs 122 mm
  • 0.5 W higher standby power
    This projector uses more standby power than the average projector (1 W vs 0.5 W). The average projector uses 0.5 W of standby power.
    1 W vs 0.5 W
  • 73 mm thicker body
    This projector is thicker than the average projector (223 mm vs 150 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 150 mm.
    223 mm vs 150 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Audio Quality
≈ estimated
18/01/2021
Hands-on review · bench measurements and HDR tests
Verdict
Sony VPL-VW790ES wins us over: it has everything a top home cinema needs, though its new HDR algorithm is still young.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
avforums.com
✓ explicit
18/01/2021
Full review · Native 4K laser
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW790ES is a sharp, quiet 4K laser projector, but its lens memory often misses scope settings and its fan pitch shifts on HDR.
9.0
homecinemachoice.com
≈ estimated
06/01/2021
Review · HDR-focused 4K laser
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW790ES makes HDR look bright and punchy, but it lacks Dolby Vision and the newest gaming features.
10
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
11/12/2020
Review · Laser HDR projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW790ES makes HDR pictures brighter and richer than before, a clear step up for laser projectors, though rivals still have deeper blacks.
9.0
audiovision.de
✓ explicit
23/02/2022
Detailed review · Laser 4K
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW790ES is a 4K laser projector whose new processor and cinemascope presets suit home cinemas, though HDR often needs settings adjusted by hand.
9.0
hifi.de
✓ explicit
12/05/2021
Hands-on test · Laser 4K
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW790ES is a bulky laser 4K projector that handles cinemascope screens and HDR films well, but it needs two people to mount.
9.0
rehders.de
≈ estimated
04/04/2021
Full review · Laser 4K cinema
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW790ES is a quiet, sharp 4K laser projector whose blanking and lens memory suit cinemascope screens, though HDR films need settings adjusted by hand.
10
hifitest.de
✓ explicit
20/12/2020
Review · New X1 processor
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW790ES adds a new X1 processor for stronger UHD and HD pictures, with excellent contrast and a motorised lens that fits most home cinemas.
7.0
mondoprojos.fr
≈ estimated
06/11/2020
Hands-on review · Laser 4K
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW790ES has accurate colours and strong contrast, but it is large, heavy and fairly noisy, so it suits a dedicated room best.
8.0
kazcorporation.com
≈ estimated
26/11/2020
Hands-on test · Contrast and HDR
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW790ES delivers strong native contrast and clean SDR pictures, but its HDR Dynamic mode can tint bright scenes yellow.
6.0
avmagazine.it
≈ estimated
30/09/2020
First look · Early HDR impressions
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW790ES's Dynamic HDR Enhancer looked more like hype than real gain in early demos, and no full test is out yet.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony VPL-VW790ES

  • Native 4K resolution provides astonishing picture sharpness and detail.
  • Long-life laser light source (20,000 hours) ensures stable brightness over time.
  • Excellent HDR performance with vibrant colors and high dynamic range.
  • Fully motorised lens controls (zoom, focus, and shift) make setup very easy.
  • Low input lag (around 36ms) makes it a strong choice for big-screen gaming.
  • Quiet operation, especially when laser power is adjusted below 80%.
  • Instant on/off capability compared to traditional lamp-based projectors.
  • Exceptional 3D performance with virtually no crosstalk.

What customers don't like about Sony VPL-VW790ES

  • High price point makes it a significant investment.
  • Lacks dynamic tone mapping, requiring manual adjustment for different HDR titles.
  • HDMI ports are limited to 18Gbps, missing support for 4K/120Hz and VRR.
  • Black levels, while good, are not as deep as some competing JVC models.
  • Motorised lens memory can sometimes be inaccurate when returning to saved positions.
  • Fan noise can become noticeable and change pitch during high-brightness HDR scenes.
  • Physical footprint is quite large and heavy (20kg), requiring substantial mounting.
  • Does not include 3D glasses or built-in speakers.

Verdict

The Sony VPL-VW790ES is a high-end native 4K (4096 x 2160) home cinema projector featuring a Z-Phosphor laser light source that delivers 2,000 lumens of brightness and a 20,000-hour lifespan. Powered by the X1 for Projector processor, it includes advanced technologies such as the Dynamic HDR Enhancer and Dual Contrast Control to achieve an 'infinite' dynamic contrast ratio and superior frame-by-frame HDR processing. Key pros include exceptional sharpness via the Digital Focus Optimiser, motorized lens controls with 2.06x optical zoom, and a whisper-quiet 24dB fan noise. However, it lacks support for modern gaming features like 4K/120Hz or Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and does not support Dolby Vision or HDR10+.

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