X1 ULTIMATE FOR PROJECTORS Posted on June 25, 2022 By Phil Jones Superior processing separates Sony’s video displays from the competition. Last year Sony began equipping their new 4K home theater projectors with a version of the same X1 Processor that has been optimized for projectors. The X1 Ultimate video processor was first introduced in Sony’s flagship SXRD projector the VPL-GTZ380. This video processor is based on the original X1 Ultimate Processor used for Sony’s top-of-the-line BRAVIA TVs. The X1 Ultimate is Sony’s most powerful video processor While the processor was originally designed for Sony’s Master Series LCD and OLED flat-panel televisions, this version has been optimized for projectors with the goal of enhancing the picture quality of projected images. The X1 Ultimate Processor not only improves the detail and resolution of any source, but it also provides a noticeable improvement in the HDR performance compared to the old Sony 4K SXRD models. HDR content will be brighter with richer colors, deeper black levels, and bright highlight detail will be more visible. Dynamic HDR Enhancer processes HDR content scene by scene to enhances the brightness and contrast Of all the benefits of the X1 Ultimate Processor, the most notable is the Dynamic HDR Enhancer feature which dramatically improves the look of HDR content. Thanks to the Dynamic HDR Enhancer, the Sony projectors can analyze HDR content scene by scene for precise dynamic tone mapping of HDR10 content. HDR analysis and tone mapping might be a new concept for a lot of projector manufacturers, but Sony began blazing the trail back in 2017 when their 4K TV lineup introduced the X1 Processor. HDR scenes are brighter, with richer colors and a better black level. Precision tone mapping is combined with a dynamic laser light modulation to greatly improve the look of HDR content. In a recent article, we took a deep dive into how the X1 Ultimate processor helped the GTZ380 achieve the best HDR picture we have ever seen. Check it out! Object-based HDR Remaster analyses the color of individual objects onscreen and adjusts the contrast for a more realistic image In addition, a second feature called Object-Based HDR Remaster analyzes and adjusts the colors and contrast of individual objects on the screen. Some projectors can adjust contrast frame-by-frame, this is accomplished along a single contrast curve. The X1 Ultimate adjusts each object in each frame individually of both SDR and HDR content using multiple contrast curves per frame. Because of Object-Based HDR Remaster, you will experience results in greater depth, richer textures, and an even more realistic SDR and HDR image. Two image improvement databases work together to improve picture quality, one helps reduce noise, and the other is used for upscale. While more and more 4K HDR content is available every day, we still watch a lot of HD content. When HD content is projected onto a massive screen, you often see noise and artifacts. For even better 4K upscaling, the X1 Ultimate also includes Dual Database Processing. Two powerful image improvement databases work together, dynamically improving images in real-time. 4K X-Reality PRO™ upscales images to near 4K clarity while a second database cleans the picture and reduces onscreen noise. The Sony projectors are compatible with both HDR10 and HLG content. Since most HDR10+ and Dolby Vision content is either backward compatible with or available in HDR10, you will be able to watch most of the HDR content available on 4K Blu-ray Disc and streaming services. HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) was developed for live broadcast, so you are all set to enjoy sports and award shows when the networks start broadcasting.
