14 DAY TRIAL // Rich people probably already have a huge television set, as well as the best media player money could buy last year, plus a Blu-ray player, an audio system, a computer, etc. What they might not have is a projector.
Kind of a longshot, true, but projectors aren't that likely to sell if people already own a large television set, especially if a home is roomy and well lit.
Some people, however, might prefer the idea of a projector to that of a television set when holding a movie night. If only for the brightness and the ability to quickly stuff the projector somewhere out of sight and mind after they're done.
Sony decided to launch two projectors with support for 4K resolution at the 2015 edition of the Consumer Electronics Show.
The Sony VPL-VW350ES and VPL-GTZ1 released
The VPL-VW350ES is the one you'll probably be looking for, as it is capable of producing images in 4K quality for a relatively low price.
Though as it happens, “relatively” is one of the most important words there, as the price of ten thousand dollars is in no way low.
That’s around 7000 Euro if exchange rates have any say, which is actually a lot less likely than you'd think. Odds are greater that the EU price will be of ten thousand Euro instead.
There are two main reasons why you should be glad for that price. One is that the previously cheapest option was the $15,000 / €10,000 - €15,000 VPL-VW600ES.
The other reason is because the second projector that Sony released at CES 2015 is a significantly costlier VPL-GTZ1 with a tag of $50,000 / €42,000 - €50,000.
VPL-GTZ1 is actually not a totally new device, having been revealed last year. However, the price comparison is quite telling.
The specs of the VPL-VW350ES
The native resolution actually isn't 3840 x 2160 pixels, but 4096 x 2160. Upscaling technology is available by the way, bringing 1080p media to 4K quality, though it won't be as great as the real thing.
The brightness is of 1,500 lumens, while the lens shift is of V +85%, 80%H +- 31%. All in all, the device measures 19.5 x 11 x 18.5 inches / 485 x 195 x 463 mm and weighs 31 pounds / 14 kilos.
Don't expect the thing to create images from just a few inches away from the wall, but you shouldnt' have to place it too many feet away regardless. Sales should be starting soon.