Serena Anderson
Member
Catalogs Hide
- 1 First Impressions
- 2 Introduce
- 3 Display
- 4 Features
- 5 User Feedback
First Impressions
The VPL-XW5000ES is rated for 2,000 ANSI lumen brightness, which, given today's focus on HDR and lights-on viewing, is a much needed 500-lumen upgrade from the VW325ES. The projector shares the same single blue laser+phosphor light engine design found in the step-up (but brighter) XW6000ES and XW7000ES. In this case the blue beam is passed through a phosphor wheel to create white light, which is then split with optics into the red, green, and blue beams that feed those primary colors to the individual imaging devices.Sony touts new Wide Dynamic Range optics, which are said to contribute to a maximum 95% DCI-P3 gamut coverage spec for the XW5000, though Sony says this is a just a theoretical value. With the projector set to its Reference HDR picture mode and Rec.2020 color space, I only measured 80.9% DCI-P3 (120.7% Rec.709, and 54.7% Rec.2020) using the Color Volume workflow from Portrait Display's Calman software. With Sony's recommended settings for the widest possible gamut, Bright TV SDR or Bright TV HDR mode with the Color Space 2 option, it hit a maximum of 84.3% DCI-P3 (125.7% Rec.709, 56.9% Rec.2020). These numbers are less than what we measured for the JVC DLA-NP5 (88.5% DCI-P3) or the Epson LS12000 (93.1% DCI-P3).
Introduce
| Parameter | Sony VPL-XW5000ES |
|---|---|
Picture |  |
Reference Price | $5998 |
Recommended Uses | Entertainment |
Built-In Media | Projector, AA batteries, AC power cord, Remote Control, Lens cap |
Highlight | • Image Processing: X1 Ultimate • Color Technology: TRILUMINOS PRO (over a billion colors) • Dynamic Range Optics: Wide Dynamic Range for compact design and better light control • Resolution: Native 4K SXRD panel (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) • Input Support: - 4K at 60 Hz (input lag under 21 ms) - 2K at 120 Hz (input lag under 13 ms) • Motion Technology: Motionflow for smooth motion in 4K content |
Display
| Parameter | Sony VPL-XW5000ES |
|---|---|
Throw Distance | 1.38 Feet - 2.21 Feet |
Maximum Resolution | 3840x2160 |
Native Resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
Brightness | 2000 Lumen |
Display Type | LCoS |
Picture Enhancement | X1™ Ultimate for projector, TRILUMINOS PRO™ |
Viewing Experience | The VPL-XW5000ES impresses with its robust picture modes, particularly the out-of-box Reference mode, which is well-calibrated to the Rec.709/D65 color standard. The projector delivers highly accurate color reproduction and satisfactory performance straight from the factory, making it suitable for casual viewing without extensive adjustments. While minor color inaccuracies exist—specifically a slight pinkish tint in whites and an elevated black level—the overall image quality is commendable, with peak white luminance being bright and vibrant. After calibration, it achieves an excellent balance of brightness and contrast, with significantly improved grayscale accuracy and color fidelity. The user-friendly menu structure and variety of presets further enhance its appeal, making the VPL-XW5000ES a strong contender for those seeking high-quality projection performance. |
Features
| Parameter | Sony VPL-XW5000ES |
|---|---|
Video Encoding | HEVC Main 10 |
LightSource Life | 20000 Hours |
Controller Type | Button Control |
Control Method | Remote |
Lamp Wattage | 295 Watts |
Wattage | 310 watts |
Connectivity Technology | HDMI |
Hardware Connectivity | HDMI |
Compatible Devices | Laptop, Gaming Console, Television, Smartphone |
Other Features | Short Throw |
L x W x H | 26.67"L x 18.1"W x 15.4"H |
System Experience | The Sony XW5000ES projector impresses with its exceptionally low fan noise, operating at a quiet 24 dBA as per specifications and measuring between 28.7 dBA to 32.3 dBA in real-world scenarios. This makes it suitable for environments where silence is valued. Its three-chip SXRD architecture ensures balanced color and white brightness, eliminating the rainbow artifacts that can occur in single-chip DLP projectors. While it utilizes a native UHD resolution of 3840x2160, it effectively caters to user needs without the necessity for the full DCI-4K spec, resulting in a more compact design. Overall, the XW5000ES stands out for its quiet operation and impressive visual performance. |
User Feedback
Pros:• True native 4K resolution delivers exceptional picture quality
• Great value for the price, especially when purchased on sale
• Works well in well-lit environments, maintaining brightness
• Superb out-of-the-box tuning for a hassle-free setup
• Large screen compatibility for immersive viewing experience
Cons:
• Lacks HDMI-CEC functionality, requiring its own remote for power control
• Missing manual controls that are available in lower-priced competitors
• No lens masking feature for aspect ratio adjustments without additional costs
• No keystone adjustment, leading to potential image distortion
• Bulky design that may not fit well aesthetically in all setups
• Remote design feels outdated and could be improved for user experience
• Visible cable connectors can detract from the overall appearance in the room
Overall Impression:
The Sony projector offers outstanding picture quality with its true native 4K resolution, making it a strong contender for home theater enthusiasts, especially at a competitive price during sales. However, it falls short in user-friendly features like HDMI-CEC, manual controls, and keystone adjustments, which could detract from the overall experience for some users. While it excels in performance, the design and usability issues may lead some to consider alternatives.
