Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) 4K SXRD Projector Review

The Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES), which retails for $31,999.99, sits near the top of Sony’s 4K SXRD home theater projector lineup. The three-chip 4K SXRD imaging system utilized in the BRAVIA Projector 9 is very similar to what has been used in Sony 4K cinema projectors which are found in some of the best movie theaters in the world.

Unlike HD pixel shifting projectors, the native 0.61"4K UHD SXRD panels found in the XW-Series can faithfully reproduce all 8.3 million pixels in the 4K UHD (3840x2160) SDR and HDR content.

The BRAVIA Projector 9 uses a Z-Phosphor laser light source with a brightness rating of 3,400 lumens and can last up to 20,000 hours with minimal maintenance.

Sony introduced two new 4K SXRD projectors in 2024. The BRAVIA Projector 8 (VPL-XW6100ES) replaced the VPL-XW6000ES, while the BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) replaced the VPL-XW7000ES. We were impressed with the BRAVA Projector 8’s previous performance, which earned an Editor’s Choice award due to its outstanding picture quality.

The BRAVIA Projector 9 is equipped with Sony’s latest video processor called the XR Processor. This processor is a version of the unit found in their flagship flat-panel TV, but it has been optimized for usage in a projector. Due to this processor, the projector includes some notable new features, including XR Dynamic Tone Mapping, XR Deep Black and XR Clear Image, which improve the picture quality of both HDR and SDR content.

The increase in brightness is approximately 700 lumens more than the BRAVIA Projector 8. The higher brightness not only ensures colors look rich and vibrant on larger screens but it significantly enhances the HDR picture quality. This higher brightness allows for less aggressive HDR tone mapping while maintaining good average frame levels without sacrificing highlight details.

The projector also includes two HDMI 2.1 compatible inputs that support 4K/120fps gaming with an input lag of just 12ms. It also supports ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) so the projector will automatically switch into its low lag game settings whenever it detects gaming content.

While the BRAVIA Projector 9 looks nearly identical to the VPL-XW7000ES, due to its improved HDR tone mapping and increased brightness, it delivers a noticeable improvement in picture quality and functionality. The Sony BRAVIA 9 is a remarkable advancement over its predecessor, offering enhanced performance that elevates the home theater experience.

BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES)

Suggested Retail Price: $31,999

Ratings Based On Comparable Models

Brightness

Color Reproduction

Contrast

Sound Quality

N/A

Pros

+ Native 4K Resolution

+ Dynamic HDR Tonemapping

+ High Brightness

+ Accurate Color Reproduction

+ Motorized Lens with Optical Zoom

+ Excellent Build Quality and Design

Cons

- Expensive

- No Dolby Vision or HDR10+

- 3D not supported

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OVERVIEW

The Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) is designed for the most demanding Home Theater enthusiasts

The BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) retails for $31,999,99 and includes many of Sony's other popular features and proprietary technologies, which have been discussed in detail in our reviews of other Sony home theater projectors. Since many of the features in Sony projectors are repetitive, that information can now be found on our Sony Feature Explanation page. Additionally, any bolded or highlighted terms in the article can be clicked for more detailed information and definition.

In addition to the BRAVIA Projector 9, Sony has introduced an additional laser-based 4K SXRD Home Theater model called the BRAVIA Projector 8 (VPL-XW6100ES) which retails for $15,999.99. I reviewed the BRAVIA Projector 8 last year and was incredibly impressed with its performance. In total, Sony is highlighting four 4K HDR home theater projectors in 2024, starting with the VPL-XW5000ES ($6,000 SRP) and moving up to the flagship VPL-GTZ380, which is $80,000 (minus the ARC-F Lens). See below for a summary of the Sony 4K SXRD projector lineup for 2024-2025.

The Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 is equipped with Sony's latest native 4K UHD SXRD panels

The BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) has a Z-Phosphor Laser light source that can deliver up to 3400 ANSI lumens of brightness. The Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 delivers excellent native contrast, and thanks to its ability to precisely modulate the laser light source, the projector's dynamic contrast is nearly infinite.

The XW Series projectors, including the BRAVIA Projector 9, incorporate the latest version of Sony's SXRD panel which are based on the imagers in Sony's 4K cinema projectors found in many movie theaters worldwide. These 0.61-inch SXRD panels offer high native contrast and a native 4K UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160. Most 4K consumer displays feature a native resolution of 3840 x 2160 with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

The native 4K panels found in current JVC projectors and previous Sony models have a native resolution of 4096 x 2160, and their aspect ratios are closer to 17:9. When projected onto a 16:9 screen, approximately 7% of the pixels were often unused, resulting in wasted resolution and brightness. The BRAVIA Projector 9's SXRD panels accurately reproduce all pixels in 4K UHD SDR and HDR content while ensuring no resolution or brightness is wasted.

At the heart of the BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) is the new XR Processor, which was initially engineered for Sony’s BRAVIA TVs. The XR processor has been adapted for projector usage and powers several new features. The most notable is XR Dynamic Tone Mapping, which adjusts the brightness and color of each frame in real time to deliver a brighter overall image with better highlight and shadow detail. This feature results in a visual improvement in HDR playback compared to the previous VPL-XW7000ES.

The BRAVIA Projector 9 supports the HDR10 standard and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma). While the brightness of home cinema projectors continues to increase, the main factors leading to the recent improvement of HDR picture quality are effective dynamic tone mapping and more defined tone mapping contrast curves.

Dynamic tone mapping and refined contrast curves provide a noticeable boost in HDR performance, however, it's important to note that dynamic tone mapping doesn't guarantee the preservation of every tiny highlight. The goal is to evaluate each scene or movie frame-by-frame to determine the best representation on screen, sometimes sacrificing minor highlights for a more vibrant and realistic overall image.

The HDR performance of the BRAVIA Projector 9 should not be judged solely on its ability to display every highlight in challenging scenes but by how closely the image resembles that of an HDR grading display or a high-quality flat panel television. Most content is graded for ultra-bright flat panel displays, posing a challenge for projectors to replicate on a large screen with limited brightness. As projector brightness increases, less tone mapping is required, bringing the image closer to the studio-mastered quality.

The BRAVIA Projector 9 uses a version of the XR Processor found in Sony's flagship TV, which has been optimized for projection

The Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 also features XR Deep Black, which controls laser dimming to produce deeper blacks without compromising the clarity of surrounding details. The improvement in black levels is immediately noticeable when viewing darker scenes compared to older models.

The XR Clear Image technology further enhances this by upscaling content to near 4K resolution, even when the original source material is lower quality, which is beneficial when viewing older films and shows. This innovation pairs well with the XR TRILUMINOS Pro feature, which delivers over a billion colors, creating a vivid and realistic viewing experience.

Think of all of the parts of a Projector as ingredients in a meal. The video processor is the recipe that ties it all together. When high-quality components are combined with excellent processing, the result is class-leading picture quality.

The BRAVIA Projector 9 uses a version of the XR Processor found in Sony's flagship TV, which has been optimized for projection

Better video processing, higher brightness, high contrast SXRD panels, and dynamic laser dimming make HDR content look closer to what you see on a high-end, high-bright, flat-panel television. The BRAVIA Projector 9 also offers enhanced gaming features. For example, 4K/120fps support, combined with a low input lag of 12 milliseconds, ensures a smooth and responsive gaming experience, making the BRAVIA Projector 9 a good option for playing fast-paced action games.

The BRAVIA Projector 9 has a motorized high-quality ARC-F lens with a large zoom and horizontal/vertical lens shift. A Corner Keystone Correction feature is also designed to further simplify installation in challenging spaces without negatively impacting image detail.

Lastly, the BRAVIA Projector 9 is designed to integrate seamlessly with home automation systems such as Control4, Crestron, and Savant. This allows users to control multiple devices with a single remote, simplifying the experience of managing a complex home theater setup. While the Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 is an expensive Home Theater projector, it is a compelling option for those who crave the very best image quality possible.

Projector Reviews does not charge manufacturers for reviews, and we usually do not keep any samples that we are provided. For this review, Sony provided me with a BRAVIA Projector 9 sample, which I will return after I complete my evaluation. Like all our reviews, this one is not sponsored and the opinions expressed in this article are my own.

However, if you’re interested in purchasing the BRAVIA Projector 9 or any projector we have reviewed, you can help Projector Reviews continue to provide unbiased coverage by utilizing one of the affiliate links provided since we get paid a small commission on your purchase at no additional cost to you.

HARDWARE

CHASSIS

The BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) looks identical to the VPL-XW7000ES which it replaced. The chassis measures approximately 18 inches wide, 8.3 inches high, and 20.3 inches deep and weighs about 31 pounds, so it is larger and heavier than most DLP-based home theater projectors. The Larger chassis is worth it for the benefits of native 4K resolution, better black levels, a motorized lens with horizontal/vertical shift, and quieter operation.

I will note that the BRAVIA Projector 9 is more compact and lighter than many previous Sony and JVC projectors I've reviewed. For example, the competitive JVC NZ900 is larger and weighs about 27 pounds more.

When looking at the projector from the front, on the lower left of the chassis is a small control panel along with the unit’s inputs and connections. The BRAVIA Projector 9 also has dual HDMI 2.1 inputs, which support 4K@120fps. This is beneficial to gamers because gaming computers and game consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X support gaming at 4k@120fps. With the projector’s gaming settings engaged, input lag is just 12ms when playing 4K games at 120fps.

The power connection is located on the back of the projector on the lower right side. The unit’s fan intakes are located on the front, flanking the lens, while the exhaust vents are positioned along the rear. The low-pitched fan noise is unlikely to be noticeable whether used in a dedicated home theater or a media room. Although we don’t measure fan noise, Sony claims that the BRAVIA Projector 9’s noise level is very quiet, 26 dB, significantly quieter than most projectors I've reviewed.

The Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) is available in black and white

The BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL_XW8100ES) sample that Sony loaned me was black but the model is also available in white. Most premium home theater projectors are utilized in dark rooms and their chassis is often black. However, in some situations, a white projector case can help the device blend in better with the surroundings. For example, if the projector is mounted on a white ceiling or placed against a white wall, a white case can make it less noticeable and visually intrusive during the day.

The BRAVIA Projector 9 has a center-mounted ACF (Advanced Crisp Focused) lens with motorized 2.14:1 zoom and focus. The ACF lens features a 70-mm floating lens system with extra-low dispersion (ELD) elements, ensuring optimal convergence of red, green, and blue light, even at the extreme edges of the screen. This results in outstanding focus across the entire screen and significantly reduced chromatic aberration (color fringing).

For those who plan on sitting close to a very large screen, the additional sharpness provided by the ACF lens in the BRAVIA Projector 8 will be greatly appreciated. The ACF lens offers a 2.14x zoom range and horizontal and vertical lens shift (V ±85%, H ±36%).

Throw Distance for a 16:9 Screen
80 inches	93" (2350 mm)	202" (5150 mm)
100 inches	117" (2960 mm)	254" (6460 mm)
120 inches	141" (3560 mm)	305" (7770 mm)
150 inches	176" (4470 mm)	383" (9730 mm)
200 inches	236" (5990 mm)	511" (13000 mm)

Throw Distance for a 2.35:1 Screen
80 inches	92" (2330 mm)	200" (5100 mm)
100 inches	116" (2930 mm)	251" (6390 mm)
120 inches	139 (3530 mm)	302" (7690 mm)
150 inches	175" (4430 mm)	379" (9630 mm)
200 inches	234 (5930 mm)	506" (12860 mm)

The BRAVIA Projector 9 also includes digital keystone correction to enhance installation flexibility. We normally do not recommend utilizing keystone correction because it negatively impacts onscreen resolution, but Sony says that the new XR Clear Image feature helps maintain edge-to-edge clarity.

Combining tons of zoom with optical lens shift and corner keystone correction should dramatically simplify installations under challenging environments, especially when replacing an older unit that was previously fixed-mounted. You can also use the Picture Position Memory function to save lens settings for up to five different screen aspect ratios, which can be quickly accessed from a button on the remote control. Lastly, the BRAVIA Projector 9 supports 3^rd party anamorphic lenses.

The BRAVIA Projector 9 ships with Sony’s standard backlit projector remote control, which is included with all their consumer 4K projectors. It is larger than most remotes, with well-spaced, large buttons.

Dedicated buttons allow you to quickly switch between Calibrated Picture Presets, and there are buttons for direct access to many picture quality settings, including MotionFlow, Color Temp, and Gamma Correction. The remote also features a dedicated button for accessing the HDR Contrast Enhancer, making it easy to switch between High, Mid, and Low settings when viewing HDR materials.

The Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 does not include smart features like streaming apps. This is fine because anyone buying a projector that retails for over $30,000 probably has high-quality external sources that they plan to connect to it. The menu consists of picture adjustment settings. Despite using a new video processor, the BRAVIA Projector 9 still employs the same menu system Sony used for their home theater projectors for several years.

While Sony has not made any significant changes to the appearance of the menus, they have added new menu items to control additional features or capabilities as needed. Higher-end model projectors have more menus due to their additional features, such as the BRAVIA Projector 9, which includes menus dedicated to Lens Memory support. Although the text is slightly smaller, it is still easily readable from an average seating distance. Overall, the menus are well-organized and easy to navigate.

PERFORMANCE

COLOR REPRODUCTION

The BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) delivered outstanding picture quality right out-of-the-box. Regarding color reproduction, the BRAVIA Projector 9 looks and measures very similarly to the BRAVIA Projector 8. This is expected because they expect the brightness of the two projectors to be very similar.

The BRAVIA Projector 9 can reproduce about 95% of the DCI-P3 color space, which is enough to reproduce most of the color found in HDR content accurately. The projector’s high brightness made colors look rich and vibrant on my 100” screen.

Sony stated that most of their 4K SXRD projectors, including the BRAVIA Projector 9, are installed in media rooms and theaters without professional calibration. Fortunately, the projector delivers excellent picture quality straight out-of-the-box. While the projector has all the necessary adjustments for those who wish to fine-tune the projector, most users will find the default settings more than satisfactory.

Several preset picture modes were only a few hundred degrees off from my color temperature target of 6500K. The picture modes that I preferred the most were CINEMA FILM 2 and IMAX ENHANCED because they delivered lifelike skin tones and realistic colors.

The BRIGHT TV or BRIGHT CINEMA modes produce slightly oversaturated colors and cooler color temperatures, which is helpful when trying to combat warm ambient light.

Most viewers would be satisfied with the picture quality of the BRAVIA Projector 9, whether it was calibrated or not. However, I did take the time to measure the projector’s picture modes and make some picture quality adjustments.

Since your room and screen material significantly impact the overall picture, we don’t recommend using someone else's calibration adjustments. If your room is brighter or darker or your walls are a different color, copying someone else's results can cause more harm than good.

If you would like to make some quick adjustments to improve the picture quality of your projector in your room, check out our video called Optimize The Image of a Projector or TV Using Free Murideo Test Patterns. However, below are the before-and-after calibration results in my room. To test, measure, and calibrate the BRAVIA Projector 9, I used my Klein K10-A colorimeter, Murideo Six-G test pattern generator, and Portrait Displays Calman color calibration software.

Pre-Calibration Color Tracking and Grayscale

Pre-calibration, the projector’s picture quality was very good. The CINEMA FILM 2 picture mode had a measured color temperature of 6597K, which was very close to my target. Even before adjustment, the Grayscale and Color Tracking dE (Delta Error) measurements were around 2, which is very accurate.

Like many projectors that utilize blue laser phosphor light sources, the color temperature of the BRAVIA Projector 9 was a little cool, with a slight emphasis on blue at higher brightness levels.

The measured Gamma was 2.16, which is very close to my target of 2.2. While many people calibrated for 2.4 or BT1886, I personally prefer the look of 2.2 in my space.

Before calibration, the measured brightness on my 100-inch Matte white screen was 287 nits.

Picture Mode: CINEMA FILM 2
Gamma: 2.16
Color Temperature: 6957K
Average Grayscale dE: 1.7
Average Color Tracking dE: 2.2

Post-Calibration Color Tracking and Grayscale

The Custom 3 and D65 Color Temperature have the same RGB balance. I wanted the ability to compare the before and after results, so I changed the Color Temperature setting from D65 to Custom 3. I then used 2-point RGB Balance adjustments to make some quick adjustments, bringing the average color temperature closer to my 6500K target.

Like most Sony projectors, the color tracking is pretty much spot on once you adjust the RGB balance. I did take the time to further fine-tune the red, green, and magenta.

I didn't need to utilize Gamma Correction adjustment to achieve my gamma target of 2.2 in my room. I just reduced the projector’s Brightness setting slightly.

Since the pre-calibrated color reproduction was so good, adjusting it had minimal impact on brightness. The brightness after calibration was 273 knits, which is still extremely bright.

Picture Mode: CINEMA FILM 2
Gamma: 2.21
Color Temperature: 6514K
Average Grayscale dE: 1.1
Average Color Tracking dE: 0.8

Delta E as a measure of grayscale/color accuracy of 3 and under, is considered ‘Excellent’ and invisible by the human eye. Even before adjustment, the Grayscale and Color Tracking dE measurements were around 2. After calibration, the Sony BRAVIA 9 had an average Grayscale dE of 1.1 and an average Color Tracking dE of 0.8, which is outstanding.

Like most Sony Home Theater projectors, once white balance and color are accurately adjusted for SDR, they will also look great for HDR. While there was some improvement to the picture after calibration, the difference was not dramatic.

HDR White Balance Before and After Adjustments

Sony-XW8100ES-HDR-Calibration-Post-Pre-Results

When viewing HDR10 material content, the projector includes several dedicated HDR picture modes: HDR DYNAMIC, HDR STANDARD, HDR SPORTS, HDR DAY, HDR NIGHT, and FILMMAKER MODE, along with an IMAX ENHANCED mode.

The most accurate HDR modes out-of-the-box were IMAX ENHANCED, followed closely by CINEMA FILM 2.

Adjustments to an SDR color temperature option are also applied to its HDR counterpart. Since I had already adjusted the Custom 3 color temperature option for SDR, the preliminary HDR measurements were good.

When watching HDR content, I still used the CINEMA FILM 2 mode, but instead of using the Custom 3 color temperature option, I chose the D65, which allowed me to make slightly different Grayscale adjustments for HDR.

Like SDR, once you adjust the grayscale for HDR, the projector’s color tracking was very good. While the BRAVIA Projector 9 cannot deliver the ultra-wide color gamut of a tri-laser equipped projector, the colors produced by the Sony were more natural and lifelike.

The Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 can deliver about 95% of the DCI P3 color gamut, which is enough to deliver excellent looking HDR colors. Most HDR content does not utilize colors beyond the DCI P3 color gamut so I would always choose accuracy over the theoretical capability.

Overall, I would rate the Bravia Projector 9's color reproduction as excellent. I was more than happy with the picture quality before I made any adjustments. When I compared the image quality before and after adjustment, the visible difference was minimal.

Colors and skin tones looked great the instant I turned the projector on. However, if you are already spending over $30,000 for a projector, why not invest a few hundred dollars more to ensure the image is optimized for your environment.

BRIGHTNESS

The Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) has a rated brightness of 3,400 ANSI lumens. To get a good idea of the projector’s maximum brightness, I set the projector to BRIGHT CINEMA (the brightest mode), increased the Laser Light Output to 100, and took 3-4 readings about 15-20% out from the center of the lens.

The BRAVIA Projector 9 measured 3347 lumens, close to the projector’s rated brightness of 3400 lumens. It is bright enough to deliver a vibrant HDR image on a 165-inch screen in a dark room. The chart below shows the brightness of each of the projector’s picture modes in their default settings. Interestingly, the most accurate picture modes were also some of the brightest.

Picture Modes: Brightness and Color Temperature
Picture Mode	Brightness Measured (Lumens)	Average Color Temperature
Cinema Film 1	3219	6676K
Cinema Film 2	2831	6597K
Reference	2843	6767K
TV	2632	10021K
Photo	2534	5775K
Game	2760	6831K
Bright Cinema	3347	8182K
Bright TV	2849	11218K
User	2760	6978K
IMAX Enhanced	3056	6615K

Many projectors lose as much as half their rated brightness when calibrated, but the BRAVIA Projector 9 maintained most of its pre-calibration brightness. Even after calibration, the BRAVIA Projector 9 still measured over 240 nits (cd/m2) on my 100-inch matte white screen, which is extremely bright. While this is too bright when viewing SDR in a dark space, it is useful when watching TV Shows and sporting events under ambient lighting.

Consumer HDR content is mastered for high-brightness flat panel display, not dimmer projectors. When viewing HDR, the higher brightness reduces the amount of tone mapping that needs to be applied to produce an image that looks closer to what the content creator wants you to see. Due to the XR Dynamic Range Tone Mapping feature, the BRAVIA Projector 9 did an excellent job maximizing onscreen brightness HDR content. The BRAVIA Projector 9 produced a brighter, more vibrant HDR image than many competing projectors with higher rated or measured brightness.

BLACK LEVEL AND SHADOW DETAIL

Due to the 0.61-inch SXRD panels, the native contrast and black levels produced by the BRAVIA Projector 9 were outstanding. While brightness is important, deep, accurate black levels are what separate a good home theater from a great one. Combining the high native contrast of the SXRD panels and precisely modulated laser light output with excellent video processing resulted in outstanding black levels and shadow detail.

The projector’s measured native contrast ratio was higher than most DLP projectors’ dynamic contrast ratio. The native contrast approached 16,000:1, exceeding every other projector I have measured in my room except for a JVC projector. While the measured native contrast delivered by a DILA-equipped JVC projector is higher, the Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) does an excellent job utilizing its contrast capability to deliver an outstanding black level and onscreen contrast when viewing real-world SDR and HDR content.

When Dynamic Control is set to Full, BRAVIA Projector 9 can switch its laser light source completely off when a black screen is detected, so the infinite projector dynamic contrast rating is theoretically possible. In my room, I measured around 350,000:1. Out of curiosity, I measured my screen with the projector switch off, and when it was displaying the black test pattern, the difference was minimal. While the native contrast of the JVC NZ900 was higher in my space, the two projectors’ dynamic contrast ratios measured about the same.

In the end, it is not just a projector’s dynamic and native contrast ratios that matter; it’s how the projector utilizes its contrast capabilities in viewing real-world content. Contrast enhancement curves and HDR tone mapping decisions impact how blacks appear on the screen.

The BRAVIA Projector 9 utilizes new contrast curves for HDR, which have enhanced the projector's ability to display shadow details in dark scenes, a noticeable improvement over the previous XW7000ES. I did most of my viewing with the DYNAMIC CONTROL set to Limited, which engages laser dimming as well as the dynamic iris. Not only were the blacks deep, but subtle details in the shadows were also clearly visible.

The quickest way to determine if deeper blacks would be beneficial in your room is to display a black test pattern and then cover the projector’s lens. If you cannot see a difference on your screen, more brightness would benefit you than deep blacks. The BRAVIA Projector 9’s rated brightness of 3,400 lumens and its great black level made images pop, especially in a dark room.

Compared to other home theater projectors in its price point, the Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 may not be the brightest or offer the deepest black levels, but it strikes a good balance between these extremes. This balance results in a pleasing cinematic HDR picture with accurate colors, making it a worthy investment for those seeking a high-quality home theater experience.

STANDARD DYNAMIC RANGE

Thanks to its native 4K UHD (3840x2160) SXRD panels combined with its ACF lens, the BRAVIA Projector 9 delivered a sharp, detailed image from my 4K UHD Blu-ray player and Kaleidescape. Since most TV shows and live broadcasts are still produced in HD, good 4K upscaling remains critical. Sony has over a decade of experience in 4K upscaling, so the BRAVIA Projector 9 does an excellent job, as expected. The new XR Clear Image feature delivers a sharper image without overemphasizing the film grain in classic films like Lawrence of Arabia.

Unlike previous Sony 4K Home Theater projectors, the BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) does not support 3D. However, except for some older Blu-rays and games, there isn't much 3D content available, so most users will not miss this feature.

HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE

HDR content offers an expanded range of colors with better highlight and shadow detail, but even the brightest HDR projectors can struggle to reproduce HDR faithfully. The XR processor, combined with 3,400 ANSI lumens of brightness, resulted in excellent HDR reproduction.

The BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) can reproduce about 95% of the DCI-P3 color space, so it can display most of the colors found in HDR content. While a tri-laser-equipped projector can reproduce a much wider color gamut, the colors are overexaggerated and less accurate, which is why most premium home theater projectors still utilize traditional blue laser phosphor light sources.

The XR Dynamic Range Tone Mapping feature measured the peak brightness of HDR content frame-by-frame to optimize tone mapping. This results in higher full-screen brightness while maintaining the majority of highlight detail. I left the Dynamic HDR Enhancer set to Low most of the time. Switching the setting to HIGH increases onscreen brightness at the expense of clipping bright highlights.

Tone mapping is crucial in representing the creator's vision, and the BRAVIA Projector 9 excels in this aspect by minimizing the need for extensive tone mapping, thus preserving the authenticity of the image.

XR Dynamic Range Tone Mapping analyzes peak brightness frame by frame to deliver an outstanding HDR image

The HDR Tone Mapping setting has three levels that, based on scene-by-scene measurements of the HDR, apply different contrast curves. When viewing HDR, I also chose CINEMA FILM 2, which has the Dynamic HDR enhancer set to Low and HDR Tone Mapping set to Mode 3. I believe this mode delivers the best balance of onscreen brightness, highlight detail, and color accuracy.

HDR tone mapping is very tricky because there is no correct way of doing it. Sometimes, showing every highlight detail in HDR content does not produce the best-looking image. The goal is to deliver as much of the creator's intent as possible based on the display unit's limited brightness capabilities.

Even though the BRAVIA Projector 9 uses dynamic tone mapping with frame-by-frame HDR analysis, sometimes brighter highlights are clipped to keep most of the image onscreen as close to the director’s intent as possible. Over the past few years, Sony and JVC have been fighting for HDR picture quality supremacy. Each company is striving to improve its HDR image quality. Due to firmware updates, which brand delivers the best HDR picture quality has changed several times in the last three years.

Currently, I prefer the look of HDR on the newer Sony projectors. While the BRAVIA Projector 9 is not the brightest, nor can it deliver the darkest measured black level, but I believe it does a better job displaying the creator’s intent.

In full disclosure, I worked at (Sony) for nearly a decade, and one of my responsibilities was evaluating and mastering HDR content to utilize in product demonstrations and on retail displays globally. I was lucky enough to have a Sony BVM-X300 mastering display to utilize as my reference monitor. For many years, this display has been the industry standard for mastering HDR content. While the image produced by the Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 cannot match the image quality of that display, a lot of the elements that I saw on the mastering display I see when viewing HDR on this projector.

GAMING

The BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) is equipped with HDMI 2.1 inputs, so it supports gaming in 4K and 120 frames per second. The BRAVIA Projector 9 also includes a Low Latency Game mode. When this mode is engaged, the projector switches off most of its video processing, dramatically reducing game lag. Sony quotes 21 milliseconds when playing content at 4K at 60 frames per second and just 12 milliseconds when gaming in HD at 120 frames per second. We measured 4K@60 at 23 milliseconds and 1080p@120 at 13 milliseconds, which is responsive enough to satisfy console gamers.

Since the projector's HDMI inputs ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), the BRAVIA Projector 9 will automatically engage its low lag gaming settings anytime gaming content is detected, The 4K@120 fps response time of the BRAVIA Projector 9 rivals many gaming projectors so if you are a gamer looking to enjoy an immersive and competitive gaming experience, the BRAVIA Projector 9 is a great option.

SUMMARY

The BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) is designed to appeal to the most demanding home theater enthusiasts. The BRAVIA Projector 8 utilizes three native 4K SXRD panels, which deliver stunning 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160 pixels). The BRAVIA Projector 9 has a 3,400-lumen Z-Phosphor laser light source, ensuring colors remain vibrant on larger screens and in rooms with low to moderate ambient light.

The BRAVIA Projector 9 is equipped with the latest XR Processor for projectors. Adapted from Sony’s BRAVIA TV line, this processor uses advanced image analysis and processing techniques to enhance real-time picture quality. The XR Processor is designed to improve 4K and HDR material and upscale HD content to near 4K quality. Even if you're watching lower-resolution content, the projector intelligently recreates lost detail, delivering sharper and more detailed images.

The processor uses Cross-analysis to evaluate the interplay of different picture elements, such as contrast and color saturation, to deliver a more realistic and visually pleasing picture.

One of its standout features is XR Dynamic Tone Mapping, which adjusts brightness levels frame by frame, ensuring optimal performance regardless of the HDR content being displayed. This means that whether you're watching a dark, moody scene or a brightly lit action sequence, the projector will deliver the best possible contrast and brightness for each frame.

The XR Deep Black feature precisely controls the laser dimming when displaying dark scenes, resulting in deep, inky blacks and excellent shadow detail. The TRILUMINOS PRO technology ensures the projector can reproduce over a billion colors, capturing natural shades and hues that make the content look lifelike. The BRAVIA Projector 9 is also a solid choice for gamers who want to enjoy a large-screen gaming experience without compromising picture quality. It includes an input lag reduction mode that minimizes lag to around 12ms for 4K content at 120Hz.

The ACF lens used in the BRAVIA Projector 9 delivered outstanding clarity and excellent edge-to-edge sharpness. The projector’s motorized ACF lens assembly offers optical zoom and horizontal/vertical lens shift to maximize installation flexibility. The BRAVIA Projector 9 also includes Picture Position Memory, allowing you to store lens settings for up to five screen aspect ratios. This is especially useful for customers with masking screens that use different aspect ratios for various types of content, such as movies, TV shows, or sports.

COMPETITIVE COMPARISON

The Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) competes with several premium Home Theater projectors, including the JVC NZ900 (RS4100) and Epson QL7000. Each of these flagship projectors deliver outstanding picture quality but they have unique strengths which cater to different user preferences and environments.

JVC DLA-NZ900 (DLA-RS4200)

The Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 and the JVC DLA-NZ900 (DLA-RS4200) are both high-end 4K LCOS home theater projectors that deliver outstanding picture quality. The Sony VPL-XW8100ES features a native 4K (3840 x 2160) SXRD panel, delivering true 4K resolution with deep contrast and precise color reproduction. Meanwhile, the JVC NZ900 uses 3-chip D-ILA technology with 8K e-ShiftX, meaning it can display an 8K-enhanced image by pixel-shifting from a native 4K panel.

While both projectors offer impressive image clarity, JVC’s 8K e-ShiftX technology combined with the unit excellent 100mm lens assembly provides extra sharpness and detail. Additionally, JVC is equipped with a higher quality 100mm lens assembly that offers more zoom and wider lens shift, making installation more flexible.

When it comes to brightness, the JVC NZ900 uses a BLU-Escent laser light source to deliver 3,000 lumens, while the Z-Phosphor laser system used in BRAVIA Projector 9 can produce 3,200 lumens, which is slightly brighter.

Both projectors include cutting-edge video processing, but with different strengths. The JVC NZ900 supports HDR10+ and Frame Adapt HDR, which dynamically adjusts HDR settings on a scene-by-scene basis for optimized brightness and contrast. The BRAVIA 9 uses Sony’s XR processor, borrowed from its BRAVIA TV line, so now it also supports dynamic HDR tone mapping.

While both Sony and JVC projectors are well-suited for a dedicated home theater, when it comes down to which one looks best when viewing SDR or HDR content, it comes down to personal preference. The JVC projector's strength is its ability to produce high native contrast and excellent black levels. When viewing HDR content on the Sony, the contrast curves utilized by the BRAVIA 9 made vibrant colors and highlights appear closer to what you would see on a high-end flat panel.

Epson QL7000

The Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 and the Epson QL7000 both deliver outstanding image quality. The Sony projector features a 3-chip native 4K SXRD panel, which provides true 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) without pixel shifting. In contrast, the Epson QL7000 uses a 3LCD Full HD (1920 x 1080) system, which utilizes pixel-shifting technology to achieve near 4K onscreen resolution. While both projectors offer impressive clarity, Sony's native 4K panel ensures sharper, more detailed images.

In terms of brightness, the Epson QL7000 stands out with a 10,000-lumen laser light source, making it far better suited for rooms with ambient light or large-screen applications. The BRAVIA Projector 9 can deliver an impressive 3,400 lumens it benefits from its higher-contrast SXRD panel, which enhances black levels and shadow detail. For users who need maximum brightness, Epson may be the better option, while Sony excels in deeper contrast and richer blacks.

Both projectors offer advanced video processing, which includes Dynamic HDR tone mapping. Sony’s XR processor was derived from the outstanding unit utilized in their award-winning flat panel TVs, while the Epson QL7000 supports HDR10+, which Sony projector does not.

The BRAVIA Projector includes a high-quality ACF motorized lens assembly that offers a good amount of zoom and horizontal/vertical lens shift. Epson QL7000 does not come with a lens, but it is compatible with several motorized lenses, which need to be purchased separately. Since there are several lenses to choose from, including an ultra-short throw option, the QL7000 offers more installation flexibility. Overall, BRAVIA Projector 9 offers native 4K clarity and deeper black levels, while Epson QL7000 offers much higher brightness and greater installation versatility.

Final Thoughts

In the past few months, I reviewed some very good lifestyle projectors and was impressed with their black-level, color reproduction and HDR picture quality. However, when I switched back to the Sony, I realized that I was grading on a curve because the Sony's picture quality was so much better. Three-chip LCOS-based home theater projectors like the BRAVIA Projector 9 are in a class by themselves, and they really need to be seen to be appreciated.

While some may ask themselves why anyone would spend so much on a projector, the Sony Bravia 9 is designed for those who are truly looking for the best picture possible and are willing to pay a price premium to get it. According to (Sony) most premium projectors, even at this price point, are not calibrated by the dealer when they’re installed. To ensure you get the maximum performance in your environment, (Sony) takes the time to carefully test each model to deliver the best performance.

With a retail price of $32,000, the Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 competes against the best Home Theater projectors, including the JVC NZ900 (RS4200) and the Epson QL7000. All three models deliver outstanding HDR and SDR color reproduction, and I can confidently recommend either of these models to a Home Theater Enthusiast, so it comes down to which one looks best to you.

I am waiting to complete my detailed review of the QL7000 before determining which models will receive my Editor's Choice and Best of Class Awards. Before spending $30,000 on any Projector, I would encourage the user to take the time to evaluate each model personally. Measurements and a written review can never tell the whole story. You should choose the unit that is the most pleasing to your eyes.

For those with smaller budgets, the award winning Sony BRAVIA Projector 8 (VPL-XW6100ES), which retails for $15,999.99, can deliver 85% of the performance for about 50% less money. However, if you truly are passionate about Home Cinema and can afford it, the Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES) is worth every penny.

With its long-lasting laser light source, state-of-the-art video processing, and installation-based features, the BRAVIA Projector 9 is an investment that will elevate your home entertainment for years to come.

PROS

Native 4K UHD resolution (3840x2160)
Outstanding ACF lens delivers excellent edge-to-edge clarity
SXRD panels deliver high native contrast and great black levels
Excellent “out of the box” color reproduction
3400 ANSI Lumen Z-Phosphor Laser Light Source
The new XR Processor include effective Dynamic HDR Tonemapping
Motorized lens with Picture Positioning
2.14:1 zoom range with lots of vertical/horizontal lens shift
Dual HDMI 2.1 inputs that support 4K/120fps
Ultra-Low input lag (12ms @4K/120 fps)

CONS

Expensive
No support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+
Remote control is not backli
No 3D Support

Sony BRAVIA Projector (VPL-XW8100ES) - SPECIFICATIONS

Full Specifications
Projector Model	BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100ES)
Price (MSRP)	$31,999.95
Imager Type	3 Chip 0.61-inch SXRD
Displayed Resolution	3840 x 2160 pixels
Native Resolution	3840 x 2610 pixels
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)	3400 Lumens
Light Source Type	Z-Laser Phosphor
Contrast Ratio	∞ : 1 (Dynamic)
Lens Throw Ratio	2.14:1
Power Zoom/Focus	Yes
Lens Shift	Vertical +/- 85 %, Horizontal +/- 36 %
Interchangeable Lens	No
Ultra Short Throw	No
Native Aspect Ratio	16:9 (Widescreen)
HDTV/4K	Yes
3D	Yes (Active)
Speakers	Dual 12-watt DTS-X
Noise Level (-db)	26 dB
Low Lag Gaming	Yes (12ms @ 4K/120fps)
Smart Functionality	No
Business	No
Classroom	No
Portable	Yes
Special Features	IMAX Enhanced, Dynamic HDR Tone mapping
Networking	RJ45 Lan
Dimensions (WxDxH)	18.1 x 8.3 x 20.3 inches (460 x 210 x 517 mm)
Weight	31 lbs. (14 Kg)
Warranty	1-year limited