At A Glance
- Input lag reduction makes this unit great for gaming
- Future proof - IMAX, HRD, and 3D Compatible
- Save time by saving up to 5 screen formats
- Motionflow technology to reduce blurring
- Outstanding visual specs: 1800 lumens, Native 4K resolution, 350,000:1 dynamic contrast
- 280-W ultra-high pressure lamp lasts 6,000 hours
- Pricey but fairly priced unit
- Best suited for a large, ultra dark home theater space
- Somewhat of a heavy unit
Our Take
For a full-fledged home theater experience, the Sony VPL-VW695ES, or 4K SXRD, is impressive. Native 4K resolution with dynamic contrast is IMAX enhanced. You can finally have a stunning picture quality that helps you immerse yourself into movie watching or even gaming.
Let’s face it: The world can sometimes be a stressful place. As such, sometimes, we all need to escape into the movies. Until recently, the most immersive experience possible was at your local theater. However, today, projectors like the Sony VPL-VW695ES are making it possible to bring the movie theater experience into your man cave or dedicated home theater.
Why Choose a Project Instead of A TV?
Considering how affordable huge flat screen televisions are these days, you may wonder why you would want a projector. However, die-hard movie lovers will understand: You want to disappear into the world of movies or video games for just a while. To qualify as a fully-immersive experience, even the largest flatscreen won’t cut it.
Today’s flatscreen TVs have a wealth of features like app integration and the high definition picture quality can be as good as it gets. With a projector like the Sony VPL-VW695ES, you can take that picture and blow it up to the size of a wall. Then, with a great audio system and the most comfortable seating, you have an experience that beats the movies.
Standout Features
Compared to similar projectors in this category, the Sony VPL-VW695ES is perhaps the best model for video gamers. Besides, it features IMAX and 3D compatibility. So, pretty much everything you could want in your home theater is within reach.
With a maximum screen size of up to 300 inches (25 feet), you can escape to a fantastic home theater whenever you like. You can also project onto a screen as small as 60 inches for smaller rooms. However, with any projector: the bigger the screen, the better.
Picture Position Memory
For those who aren’t audio-visual experts, you can easily change the aspect ratio of your screen with stored settings. Nine calibrated picture modes let you switch between movie watching, gaming, or watching your favorite television shows.
IMAX enhanced
Unlike some of the competing brands, the Sony VPL-VW695ES is ready for IMAX. Thus, you can enjoy the newest, proprietary Digital Media Remastering technology for the highest-quality picture possible. Along with a separate IMAX-compatible audio system, your home theater will be most impressive. Again, you might need reminders to leave your home occasionally.
Check out the demo above to see how beautiful this screen looks.
What Others are Saying - Online Reviews
As always, we scour the internet to see what consumers have to say. Below a customer on the Sony website gives a glowing review. They point out that the projector satisfied expectations and was more affordable than a laser projector. For the money, you expect a stunning picture quality, and it delivers.
“This projector is a great machine and excellent fit for my dedicated Home Theater….. I was going to get a JVC NX7 but I’m glad I didn’t because I’m super satisfied with the picture quality I’m getting with this Sony 695”
Another reviewer suggests you may need to purchase Sony’s mounting hardware rather than rely on Universal Mounts. Still, they gave it a 5-Star rating.
“This uses a triangular mounting screw pattern, where universal mounts have four arms. I was able to rig it, but save a headache and get a Sony Mount. Just installed yesterday and so far very impressed!”
Finally, the following reviewer is similarly impressed by the picture quality, seeing every detail with rich contrast.
“Coming from an Optoma 4K eshift projector, I am blown away by the 695es! This thing is really good at just about everything and is one of the most well rounded projectors I have every had the opportunity to see. The projector displays a beautiful true 4k image with really good color… has good brightness… and has a very sharp picture.”
The Competition
The pricing for the high-end units can be prohibitive for some. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
JVC DLA-NX9
For those ready to make a sizable investment in a projector, the JVC DLA-Nx9 might be the closest competitor. Along with a higher cost, it features 8K picture resolution with a higher 2,200 lumens of bright light. Three potential drawbacks are it may not be as responsive for gaming, it may not be IMAX-enhanced, and the lamp needs replacing more frequently. (4,500 hours in Low mode).
- 2200 lumens of bright light
- 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
- Up to 8K (8192 x 4320) resolution with e-shift
- Great black levels and contrast
- Projects a screen comparable to a movie theater at home
- Costs as much as a small subcompact car
- Not IMAX-enhanced
- Must replace the NSH 265 W lamp after 4500 hours
JVC DLA-NX7
For a considerably lower price, you consider the JVC DLA-NX7, with a maximum screen size of up to 200 inches, or over 16 feet. The recommendation for the NX9 is a little bit larger at closer to a maximum of 245 inches. Otherwise, this model shares the same drawbacks as the NX9 when compared to the Sony VPL-VW695ES.
Sony VPL-VW295ES
Another competitor is the Sony model, the VPL-VW295ES. For a considerably lower price, you can get a native 4K picture with slightly lower lumens at 1,500. It’s also IMAX-enhanced with Motionflow and 4K gaming ability. The one drawback is the VPL-VW295ES doesn’t have Dynamic Contrast, so you’ll have to decide how important that is to you.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a projector that delivers an IMAX-quality experience, the Sony VPL-VW695ES or VPL-VW295ES may be the choice for you. Plus, these projectors are optimized for video gaming. On the other hand, you might be looking for 8K resolution and prefer the contrast and picture quality of the JVC projectors.
Check out the Sony VPL-VW695ES projector for yourself. Is this model the ticket to the home theater of your dreams?