Projector Reviews

Sony VPL-VW995ES LCOS Projector Review Sidebar: Contrast Measurements

Sidebar: Contrast Measurements

My contrast measurements of the VW995ES were done a bit differently than in the past. We are seeing more laser and LED projectors hit the market now with dynamic systems that allow them to shut off the light source completely to achieve “infinite” contrast ratio specifications. And while “infinite” may be the case when the light source is completely blacked out, once a single pixel gets illuminated, the situation is far different. I asked Stacey Spears (co-creator of the Spears & Munsil HD Benchmark video test disc) to work with me on a testing solution for such projectors and he created a pattern that was full black with only a single white pixel located at the upper right of the image. When displaying the pattern, the projector under test should be prevented from fully turning off its laser while delivering the best black floor possible to evaluate contrast performance. I've also added contrast ratio measurements for different average display levels that represent the luminance levels of most real-world content. I plan on using these new contrast ratio measurement techniques for all projector reviews going forward regardless of the design.—KRD

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COMMENTS
drny's picture
Submitted by drny on February 20, 2019 - 3:35pm

At half the Price of SONY's 995, JVC NX9 will likely be an overall winner in a comparison shootout.
I suspect the 995ES produces a more detailed crisp image (due mostly to the high quality lens). The NX9 will likely have superior black level and contrast than the Sony.

Kris Deering's picture
Submitted by Kris Deering on May 5, 2019 - 9:34am
Hello, My review of the NX9 has been published and provides a few comparisons. The lens quality of both of these models is fantastic. I would put them neck and neck for sure, though I'm sure at times there would be slight differences due to sample differences. Both have impeccable pixel focus and better consistency across the screen than their counterparts at lower price points.
Surge74's picture
Submitted by Surge74 on November 30, 2020 - 1:58pm

Everyone who mentions the NX9 seems to conveniently forget that it's a lamp-based projector. That's a HUGE difference! You will need frequent (every 1-2 years) calibration if you want to maintain a reference image, in addition to the lamp replacement. When you factor in these costs, the business case for the laser may make sense. It did for me.

Billy's picture
Submitted by Billy on February 22, 2019 - 6:45am

This looks exactly like my 9 year old Sony projector. I bet if I bought it and replaced mine with it, my wife would never notice the difference. Maybe I could switch the two out in a show room somewhere, might be worth a shot. The guys at Best Buy are so dense, they might never catch on. I really miss qualified AV help when I buy things.

Wenxiaoya's picture
Submitted by Wenxiaoya on February 24, 2019 - 7:05pm

What did I heard is you can get 2100 lum only in Bright Cine mode, get around 1600 lum even set 100% light output in others mode. Don't know is it correct.

Kris Deering's picture
Submitted by Kris Deering on May 5, 2019 - 9:32am
This is typically the case with ALL projectors. Rated lumen output is usually based on a "high bright" mode that is far from correct for white balance (typically really blue). When I report the peak light output I saw on my screen in my reviews, it is based on the mode that gives the closest accurate white balance out of the box (in the case of the Sony, that is the Reference picture mode with D6500). Hope this helps!
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