Sony BRAVIA Projector 8 - 4K HDR Laser Home Theater Projector with Native 4K SXRD Panel, Black or White $15998

LowAndCheap

Aug 19, 2026 7:45 PM

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Joined May 2008

LowAndCheapAug 19, 2026 7:45 PM

76 Comments

Good deal, but unless you want a 135"-150" pic, why would anyone buy this over a flat panel these days? I'm genuinely curious as a projector owner myself.

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jaydillyo

Aug 19, 2026 8:06 PM

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Joined Nov 2014

jaydillyoAug 19, 2026 8:06 PM

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Quote from LowAndCheap

:

Good deal, but unless you want a 135"-150" pic, why would anyone buy this over a flat panel these days? I'm genuinely curious as a projector owner myself.

Acoustically transparent screen with speakers behind it.

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GeoffreyK24

Aug 19, 2026 8:49 PM

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GeoffreyK24Aug 19, 2026 8:49 PM

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Quote from LowAndCheap

:

Good deal, but unless you want a 135"-150" pic, why would anyone buy this over a flat panel these days? I'm genuinely curious as a projector owner myself.

Where did the 135"-150" come from? This model shows specs of throwing images from 39.82"-200.87".
I'm not saying I would invest in this particular model but the simplest answer is the immersion that comes from a projector is difficult to get from a TV. Yes, there are large panel displays available at lower prices than ever but for most anyone who would consider a serious model projector, there are a lot of factors that can play in and especially if you are working on or already have a home theater setup.
Beyond that, I don't think I ever want to invest in a massive panel TV for the simple fact that I don't want to even think about the nightmare that comes with deliveries/transport/damage/warranties/etc. That's just me though. I figure with my luck, I would get one of those 98" behemoths unboxed and it have a flicker or a line down the panel and I don't know if there would be enough curse words in all of the world's languages to temper how I would respond lol.
That being said, do whatever makes the most sense for you and your situation! Everyone has a different setup, space, needs, interests, yada yada

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dattguy

Aug 20, 2026 1:22 AM

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dattguyAug 20, 2026 1:22 AM

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Quote from GeoffreyK24

:

Where did the 135"-150" come from? This model shows specs of throwing images from 39.82"-200.87". I'm not saying I would invest in this particular model but the simplest answer is the immersion that comes from a projector is difficult to get from a TV. Yes, there are large panel displays available at lower prices than ever but for most anyone who would consider a serious model projector, there are a lot of factors that can play in and especially if you are working on or already have a home theater setup. Beyond that, I don't think I ever want to invest in a massive panel TV for the simple fact that I don't want to even think about the nightmare that comes with deliveries/transport/damage/warranties/etc. That's just me though. I figure with my luck, I would get one of those 98" behemoths unboxed and it have a flicker or a line down the panel and I don't know if there would be enough curse words in all of the world's languages to temper how I would respond lol. That being said, do whatever makes the most sense for you and your situation! Everyone has a different setup, space, needs, interests, yada yada

Agreed, also similarly should you move a large panel would be fragile to move to the next house. Projectors are infinitely more portable. Projectors can provide a more film-like experience that panels can't

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hermey

Aug 20, 2026 2:57 AM

570 Comments

Joined Oct 2010

hermeyAug 20, 2026 2:57 AM

570 Comments

Has HDMI, so deal!

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RacerXXY

Aug 20, 2026 5:23 AM

615 Comments

Joined Feb 2016

RacerXXYAug 20, 2026 5:23 AM

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Quote from LowAndCheap

:

Good deal, but unless you want a 135"-150" pic, why would anyone buy this over a flat panel these days? I'm genuinely curious as a projector owner myself.

TV screen size is like pizza where a few inches bigger makes a big difference. The largest TV at Sam's is 100", a projector with a 120" screen has a 44% larger viewing area then the 100" does and that makes the 120" significantly larger. If you compare a more common size panel TV like an 85", the 120" is almost double the viewing area at 99% more screen.

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LowAndCheap

Aug 20, 2026 10:36 AM

76 Comments

Joined May 2008

LowAndCheapAug 20, 2026 10:36 AM

76 Comments

Quote from dattguy

:

Agreed, also similarly should you move a large panel would be fragile to move to the next house. Projectors are infinitely more portable. Projectors can provide a more film-like experience that panels can't

Valid points for a lower end projector, but if you're paying $15k for a projector, you're probably paying double that or more for audio and a huge projector screen that isn't easy to uninstall and move. And not to mention the viability of building out a new HT room wherever you move to for that older gear. Add in the fact flat panels are brighter, get darker for HDR content and are now available in 115"+ at this price point and even the projector enthusiast like myself questions why continue going down this path.

Last edited by LowAndCheap August 20, 2026 at 03:39 AM.

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dattguy

Aug 20, 2026 1:07 PM

266 Comments

Joined Jul 2009

dattguyAug 20, 2026 1:07 PM

266 Comments

Quote from LowAndCheap

:

Valid points for a lower end projector, but if you're paying $15k for a projector, you're probably paying double that or more for audio and a huge projector screen that isn't easy to uninstall and move. And not to mention the viability of building out a new HT room wherever you move to for that older gear. Add in the fact flat panels are brighter, get darker for HDR content and are now available in 115"+ at this price point and even the projector enthusiast like myself questions why continue going down this path.

Agree on the $15K projector, hard to make the point there. My intent was towards the sub-$5K models. A new HT room isn't that hard to achieve with a projector screen and reasonably priced light blocking drapes. Hiding wiring can be another story though, but can be done

1

SpinControl

Aug 20, 2026 1:20 PM

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Joined Sep 2009

SpinControlAug 20, 2026 1:20 PM

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Quote from GeoffreyK24

:

Where did the 135"-150" come from? This model shows specs of throwing images from 39.82"-200.87".
I'm not saying I would invest in this particular model but the simplest answer is the immersion that comes from a projector is difficult to get from a TV. Yes, there are large panel displays available at lower prices than ever but for most anyone who would consider a serious model projector, there are a lot of factors that can play in and especially if you are working on or already have a home theater setup.
Beyond that, I don't think I ever want to invest in a massive panel TV for the simple fact that I don't want to even think about the nightmare that comes with deliveries/transport/damage/warranties/etc. That's just me though. I figure with my luck, I would get one of those 98" behemoths unboxed and it have a flicker or a line down the panel and I don't know if there would be enough curse words in all of the world's languages to temper how I would respond lol.
That being said, do whatever makes the most sense for you and your situation! Everyone has a different setup, space, needs, interests, yada yada

It's 4x-5x-15x the cost to have this projector compared to a television (depending on features) though. And don't even talk about the lack of raw brightness, black levels, or HDR/DolbyVision even for this unit. For the $ difference, just hire Geek Squad (or similar) to install the 98-100" panel. I am sure they will deliver and test the setup before mounting (one would hope).

That said, I am all for a projector as I have had one in the past. The immersion is great, but my 1080p at 130" was a little lacking in pop and clarity. I imagine that some of that has changed with native 4k. I wouldn't spend $16-20k though as I can get close with a $3,500 unit. Lasers and bulbs do not last forever. By the time lasers lose brightness, or bulb goes out, time to get newer tech.

However, if I did not have the dedicated space for a projector and speakers, I'd go in for a 100" on the wall. It can be a selling point with the house. If I am moving, I am upgrading! You could even place a 100" behind the retractable screen for times when you don't need the bigger size or for sports, etc. where refresh is important.

Last edited by SpinControl August 20, 2026 at 06:25 AM.

1

GeoffreyK24

Aug 20, 2026 3:07 PM

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Joined Jan 2019

GeoffreyK24Aug 20, 2026 3:07 PM

3.8K Comments

Quote from sdslicker

:

I think the sizing logic proposed is sound. Smaller than 135", and you're better off with a flat panel. And bigger than 150", and you're getting close to the limit of the specs which means the image is getting dim. The proposed 135-150" is probably the sweet spot.

Sorry but 150" image is still 50" shy of the "limit of the specs". Anyone investing in a projector in this price range (or implementing any projector correctly) is utilizing it in a light controlled environment. Preference isn't spec.

sdslicker

Aug 21, 2026 1:39 AM

744 Comments

Joined Feb 2010

sdslickerAug 21, 2026 1:39 AM

744 Comments

Quote from GeoffreyK24

:

Sorry but 150" image is still 50" shy of the "limit of the specs". Anyone investing in a projector in this price range (or implementing any projector correctly) is utilizing it in a light controlled environment. Preference isn't spec.

I called it a sweet spot, not a spec.

3

LowAndCheap

Aug 21, 2026 4:32 PM

76 Comments

Joined May 2008

LowAndCheapAug 21, 2026 4:32 PM

76 Comments

Quote from SpinControl

:

It's 4x-5x-15x the cost to have this projector compared to a television (depending on features) though. And don't even talk about the lack of raw brightness, black levels, or HDR/DolbyVision even for this unit. For the $ difference, just hire Geek Squad (or similar) to install the 98-100" panel. I am sure they will deliver and test the setup before mounting (one would hope).That said, I am all for a projector as I have had one in the past. The immersion is great, but my 1080p at 130" was a little lacking in pop and clarity. I imagine that some of that has changed with native 4k. I wouldn't spend $16-20k though as I can get close with a $3,500 unit. Lasers and bulbs do not last forever. By the time lasers lose brightness, or bulb goes out, time to get newer tech.However, if I did not have the dedicated space for a projector and speakers, I'd go in for a 100" on the wall. It can be a selling point with the house. If I am moving, I am upgrading! You could even place a 100" behind the retractable screen for times when you don't need the bigger size or for sports, etc. where refresh is important.

100% agree. I'm just waiting for 115-120" panels to get to $3k and my projector is getting retired.

1

LivelyNose475

Aug 23, 2026 2:55 AM

3 Comments

Joined Oct 2022

LivelyNose475Aug 23, 2026 2:55 AM

3 Comments

Obviously this projector is so bad that people would rather have a generic TV vs projector debate. Sony removing the Iris and then upping the price $6k (50%) is insane and why they will likely be out of the home projector business soon.

Sony BRAVIA Projector 8 - 4K HDR Laser Home Theater Projector with Native 4K SXRD Panel, Black or White $15998

$15,998

$19,000

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