Sony’s VPL-VW350ES 4K Projector

As we are approaching the holiday gift-giving season, now is the time to look for top-notch electronic equipment for your home theater.  The Sony VPL-VW350ES projector is known for delivering high quality images that are more detailed than other projectors in its price range. While pricing is still on the upper end of most electronic audio and visual equipment, the VPL-VW350ES projector finally fulfills the promise of 4K resolution.

The VPL-VW350ES is rectangle in shape with rounded edges at the top and a delicate bow in the front and the rear. The coarse-textured, predominantly charcoal gray matte finish will blend in well with any home theater ceiling.  The charcoal gray coloring is complemented by the lens which is a glossy black.

This large projector weighs 31 pounds; the dimensions are measured at 18.25” wide by 7.7” high with a depth of 19.5”.  The inputs and controls are inconspicuously placed on the bottom left and right sides of the projector, while the vents border the lens in front to keep the equipment cool.  While the VPL-VW350ES projector is in use, it is almost completely silent, even when the “High” cooling mode is used.  Fan noise is not a problem with this particular projector.

The Sony clicker is very simple to use.  There are specific keys dedicated to nine picture modes and shortcuts have been developed for a number of the most frequently used adjustments.  Every key is completely backlit for easy use.

Setting up the VPL-VW350ES projector is easy as well, thanks to the motorized power zoom, lens shift and sharp focus, not to mention the independently adjustable legs on each corner.  The substantial lens shift can adjust to any installation, even those that are more complicated, without needing intricate extended mounting equipment.

The Sony VPL-VW350ES 4K projector provides marvelous picture quality overall with accurate color and great shadow detail.  It delivers best-in-class picture viewing with extra resolution for certain 4K sources. 4K content includes movies, including content from 4K Blu-ray players/discs, and high resolution photos.  Sony has stated that they are fully committed to supporting 4K content, including cable, satellite and on-air formats, in the future.

This Sony projector claims 1500 lumens.  Light outputs and black levels work well and the exceptional video processing helps to deliver a great viewing experience for all.  In addition, the VPL-VW350ES projector does support the full HD 3D standard, but it is 1080p only (standards for 4K 3D have not yet been developed.)  The RF transmitter is built into the projector, however 3D glasses are not included.  Both Sony and third party glasses work well, but must be purchased separately.

This projector includes two HDMI inputs that are capable of handling 4K input resolutions at 60 frames/second.  In addition, the projector also includes a USB port for updating software, a control only Ethernet/Lan port, an IR remote port, an RS-232 serial remote port and two remote triggers.

If you are planning to build a home theater in your home or if you are looking to upgrade your home theater viewing experience, consider adding a Sony VPL-VW350ES 4K projector to your Christmas wish list!