Sony’s VPL-VW100 SXRD (Silicon Crystal Reflective Display) 1080p Home Theater Front Projector was CNet’s editor’s choice of the month earlier this year.

Some headline features:

• native 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels)
• impressive contrast ratio of 15,000: 1
• fast response time of 5ms (rise and fall)
• 800 ANSI lumens lamp rated for 2500 hours lamp life – suitable for home theatre
• 1.8X Zoom – for set-up flexibility
• low noise level of 22dB – exclusive Sony-designed cooling fan
• HDMI Connector
• quick set Picture Modes (Dynamic, Standard, Cinema, Custom)
• motorized vertical lens shift and manual horizontal shift
• vertical keystone adjustment
• adjustable gamma settings

Sony’s SXRD Microdisplay Technology

Sony’s SXRD (Silicon X-tal Reflective Display) could be considered as an evolutionary development of LCoS (Liquid Crystal On Silicon) technology. Among its competitors are JVC’s D-ILA (Digital Direct Drive Image Light Amplifier) and Syntax-Brillian’s Gen II LCoS.

The Sony VPL-VW100 utilizes the world’s smallest 0.61 inch SXRD microdisplay panels with 2,073,600 to deliver the full 1080p high-definition resolution. The projector incorporates three SXRD chips (one each for red, green and blue) over 6 million native pixels.

LCoS, the predecessor technology, is a combination of both the reflective approach of DLP (millions of actuated micro-mirrors on a chip reflect light required for the display) and the transmissive approach of LCD (millions of liquid crystals act as valves passing through light required for the display). In LCoS, liquid crystals are applied to a reflective mirror substrate with the polarization of liquid crystals being used for light transmission control and the mirror below reflecting the light or not as required for image display. LCOS microdisplays are mostly of a three-chip configuration for the three primary colors. As with DLP microdisplays, LCoS relies on projecting the three primary colors rapidly enough so that the eye combines them into a single color.

Sony’s SXRD technology differs from LCoS competitors in that the liquid crystal cell gap measures less than 2um which is far thinner than conventional high temperature Poly-Silicon liquid crystal or LCOS(Liquid Crystal On Silicon) microdisplay devices. Additionally, the TN (Twisted Nematic) liquid crystal, commonly used in projection devices, is replaced by Sony’s unique “Vertically Aligned Liquid Crystal” material where liquid crystals molecules are aligned vertically to the cell substrate. This is a significant technology development overcoming a long-standing challenge. It improves alignment layer durability and ensure longevity of the high resolution.

Advanced Iris

Advanced Iris is a special Sony function designed to improve brightness and contrast expression especially in darker scenes. Of the seven settings two are for automatic opening and closing of the iris determined by the gamma level of the video displayed. The remaining five manual settings are intended to adjust the display for varying ambient light conditions.

Sony’s Real Color Processing (RCP)

Real Color Processing allows a user to adjust specific colors and their hues without affecting the rest of the displays color gamut.

High Resolution

Specification details such as 2 million pixel (enough pixels to fully display a 1080 line picture without interlacing it) SXRD chips, 9um pixel pitch with 0.35um spacing promise outstanding picture quality free from the “screen door” effect which can affect LCD displays. Sony claim the inter-pixel spacing as the world’s smallest.

Fast Response Time

The SXRD panels have a fast 5ms response time (total rise and fall time), for providing accurate detail in fast moving action scenes.

Display Quality Improvements

With conventional projection devices, in order to ensure uniform cell gap, the substrates must be assembled one at a time with spacers inserted within the display area of the liquid crystal cell. However, in the case of the SXRD device, Sony have developed Planarization Technology For the silicon backplane, and alignment layer fabrication process, It allows the assembling entire wafers without the use of spacers. The process, according to Sony, has significantly reduced dust ingress during fabrication, while simultaneously improving both picture quality and production efficiency.

HDMI High Definition Connection

For the VPL-VW100 projector provide a HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connection. HDMI is the first industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI technology supports enhanced or High Definition video, together with multi-channel digital audio to provide matchless image and sound reproduction.

Inputs and Outputs

• Remote Network Connection (1) – RS-232C
• 12V trigger
• Component Video Input (1)
• Composite Video Input (1)
• Y/X Video
• HDMI Connection
• DVI Connection Input(s)
• Mini Jack
• IR Receiver – Front & Rear, Front, Rear
• S-Video (1)

Further Reading

Sony’s rear projection televisions use the same microdisplay technology as the VPL-VW100. Read about the Sony Grand WEGA SXRD Rear Projection HDTV KDS-60A2000 and the Sony Grand WEGA SXRD Rear Projection HDTV KDS-50A2000 and KDS-55A2000.

Projection Screen Selection Guide

Tips for Extending Projector Lamp Life

Guide to Replacement Projector Lamps and Bulbs

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Full HD Widescreen Projector

400W Replacement Lamp for VPL-VW100/P

Sony PSS-H10 Ceiling mount for VPL-VW100 front projector