Sony has announced the shocking news that it’s about to end sales of its highly sought-after projectors in Europe, including in the U.K. It says it has been forced to quit the market due to new legal restrictions taken by the EU, which are also adhered to by the U.K.
In its press release announcing the move, Sony’s explanation is about as clear as mud, but the button line is that new export-related measures and restrictions mean that it’s now “prohibited to sell, supply, transfer or export, directly or indirectly, dual-use goods and technology” within the European region.
The only saving grace is that Sony is allowed to continue selling its current stock in Europe, but once those units have left the shop shelves, they won’t be replaced. So if you really want to buy a Sony projector, you’d better rush out and get it fast.
“We remain committed to compliance with applicable laws and regulations and responsible business practices and are working closely with our business partners to support a smooth transition,” Sony added in its statement.
One theory put forward by StereoNet is that Sony's decision is linked to Regulation (EU) 2023/2049, which comes into effect on January 1, 2026 and prohibits the manufacture and importation of mercury-containing products, including Ultra-High-Performance (UHP) projector lamps, for environmental protection reasons.
However, a post on the StereoNet forums explains offers an alternative reason, saying that the new sanctions are likely related to a supplier of dual-use technologies that are used in the manufacture of Sony’s projectors. Apparently, the supplier in question runs a factory in China that also exports some kind of equipment to Russia. That factory has now been sanctioned, and Sony can no longer use the products it provides in Europe. Hence, it has no choice but to shut down its European projector business.
Steve May at Inside CI managed to get a hold of the full list of Sony projectors that are currently on sale in Europe and affected by the decision. They include high-end models such as the Sony Bravia Projector 8, model number VPL-XW5000ES, and the Bravia Projector 9.
Here’s the full list:
Sony projector fans can only hope that U.S. President Donald Trump makes good on his promise of bringing peace to Ukraine. If that happens, there might just be some sanctions relief, enabling Sony to consider jumping back into the European projector market.
