Sony VPL-HW40ES home cinema projector announced with high-end features, mid-range price

Sony has announced its latest home cinema projector, the VPL-HW40ES, which takes the technology found in the more expensive HW55ES (itself an upgrade over the excellent HW50ES we reviewed last year) and makes it a lot more affordable.

With the same SXRD panel found in Sony’s more high-end projectors, the Full HD, 3D-compatible HW40ES has an uprated optical engine with 1,700 lumens brightness, which should make it possible to watch films or play games without closing the curtains or turning down the lights. A 3D IR emitter built into the main unit will work with the active shutter IR glasses included in the box, along with optional RF glasses should you have some.

It also includes Sony’s proprietary Contrast Enhancer, Motionflow and Reality Creation technologies, which boost image clarity, smooth out fast-moving scenes and sharpens pictures beyond that normally seen on a Blu-ray disc.

Despite the bright lamp and internal image processing, the HW40ES should stay pleasantly quiet – according to Sony it only emits 21 decibels, barely more noise than rustling leaves. Vertical and horizontal lens shift should help when it comes to choosing a place for the projector, although Sony has opted for manual, rather than electronic control to save costs.

Sony Europe’s product manager for Home Cinema projectors Thomas Issa said “This is a huge step forward for our home-cinema range, offering an exceptional viewer experience both in 2D and 3D. Contrast Enhancer, Motionflow technology, and Reality Creation all help the VPL-HW40ES deliver a brilliant Home Cinema experience for the discerning cinephile.”

Sony has yet to announce an official UK price for the VPL-HW40ES, with European pricing set at €2,199 (roughly £1,800). It should be going on sale from April onwards. We’re hoping to get a closer look a little closer to launch.