At the CEDIA show today in Indianapolis, Sony Electronics unveiled the VPL-VW100, a new high-definition front projector capable of displaying the highest resolution HDTV signal at its native resolution of 1920 X 1080 pixels progressive (1080p). The unit is based on the company's SXRD™ (Silicon X-tal Reflective Display) technology which is Sony's proprietary variation of LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon).

The VPLVW100 incorporates three SXRD chips -- one each for red, green and blue color reproduction -- to deliver more than 6 million native pixels. "Our goal is to optimize the home theater experience and this new SXRD projector is another example of how we're accomplishing that goal," said Randy Waynick, senior vice president of the Home Products Division for Sony Electronics. "This is absolutely a true movie theater experience in the comfort of your own home."

Borrowing technology found in Sony's acclaimed QUALIA 004 SXRD front projector, the VPL-VW100 features a 400-watt Pure Xenon lamp designed to approximate natural sunlight thereby improving the accuracy of its color reproduction. The unit's new automated "Advanced Iris" produces accurate blacks and produces an astounding rated contrast ratio of up to 15,000:1.

Additionally, thanks to an advanced cooling structure, the VPL-VW100 features a whisper-quiet fan noise of just 22dB which comes in handy for the intimate home theater experience.

The projector also features 1.8x powered lens zoom and powered focus as well as manual lens shift to adjust the vertical and/or horizontal location of the image for installation flexibility. HD Input options include 1080p HDMI and DVI-D plus RGB and component video.

The projector is scheduled to ship to authorized dealers in the U.S. in November, 2005 [update - now delayed to December, 2005] and will retail for "about $10,000." Considering most 3-chip DLP and DILA projectors are actually priced well above that, this may be the high-end projector bargain of the season.

Where to Buy:

• Sony VPL-VW100 on Vanns.com ($8999.99 as of 4/13/06 - add to cart to view current price)
• VPL-VW100 on OneCall - Save $500 until April 17, 2006
• VPL-VW100 at Sony's online store
• Sony VPL-VW100 at ABT Electronics
• VPL-VW100 on Amazon.com.