The VPLVW40 BRAVIA home cinema projector uses Sony’s BRAVIA Engine & trade full digital video processor for crisp and clear images. A digital contrast enhancer circuit improves contrast by enhancing all areas from dark to bright in parallel with texture control providing a three dimensional picture. Details in dark areas of the picture are there, just like they are supposed to be. Sony’s Advanced Iris function uses algorithms designed to analyze the histogram of each picture along with nonlinear amplification to dynamically adjust the iris for its optimum opening. The result is a stunningly high contrast ratio of up to 15,000:1. A Sony-designed fan efficiently removes heat at a barely noticeable noise spec of 22dB. Advanced Sony technologies ensure a clean picture, while the ultra quiet fan means noise won’t distract you from the beautiful projections. A specially designed crisp focus lens was developed to take full advantage of the full 1920 x 1080 HD resolution that the SXRD panel device offers. SXRD is a display technology developed by the legendary television engineers at Sony to meet and exceed the demands of a high definition image at its full 1080-line resolution. It is a 1920 x 1080p panel characterized by several key benefits, including full HD resolution, smooth film-like image with minimal screen door effects, high response times (2.5ms rise and fall), high contrast ratios, and accurate color rendition. PC video input, remote network connections (RS-232C), 12V trigger input Acceptable signals – 480/60i, 480/60p, 575/50i, 575/50p, 720/50p, 720/60p, 1080/50i, 1080/50p, 1080/60i, and 1080/60p Ultra high-pressure lamp (200W) for natural color 900 lumens brightness 3DY comb filter DRC palette presets (mode 1, mode 2) Color system – Auto, NTSC, PAL, and SECAM Wide mode – Wide zoom/normal/full/zoom Dimensions – Width 15.55 x Height 6.83 x Depth 18.56 Weight – 24.25 pounds

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars I’m in Heaven
I just hooked up my Sony vpl-vw40 projector and I’m very happy with it. I must admit that I have little experience and don’t have an extensive comparison backround, but it is more that I had hoped for. Nice blacks, vibrant colors. Also a very simple remote with intuitive functions. I just had over 20 people over- we watched “Night at the Museum” on Blue ray with a superb full 1080 res and then “Crouching Tiger” on traditional DVD. Upscaling to 1080p was great. Not quite as good as the BlueRay but pretty dang good for making up info. Everyone was amazed at the clarity. I hooked it to a Denon AVR-2308CI Home theater A/V Receiver and Fluance(tm) 5 Speaker SXHTB+ Surround Sound Home Theater System SX-HTB+. The speakers just boggle me. So much for so little. Anyways- there’s not any reviews I can see so far on this new projector, so hopefully this will be of use.

Jim

5 Stars VPL-VW40
Only one word…..AMAZING…..The picture quality, the blacks, the contrast….all excelent. Thanks to Sony for make another great product.

5 Stars 1080p front projection finally at an affordable price
I picked up the Sony VPL-VW40 to replace an aging 720p VPL-HS51 that has worked pretty well for over 3 years. One warranty repair was needed on the HS51 for a problem with the blue filter about a year and a half in, and it’s now out of warranty and was also about due for another lamp replacement so it seemed like a good time to upgrade.

I was a little worried that the VW40 might not be bright enough since it reportedly has a little lower maximum light output than the Epson 1080UB (which I also looked at), but I shouldn’t have been worried since I only project an about 85″ image (small room). To me the VW40 actually looks slightly brighter than the HS51 if anything. The big difference, though, is in resolution and black level. The image is much sharper and more detailed, especially with a 1080p source. I think it even looks somewhat better on upconverted content. It’s also quieter and I can’t even hear the fan noise unless I listen carefully for it. One thing I struggled with a bit is the sheer size and weight of the VW40. It’s a significant increase in both size and weight from the HS51 and I had to modify my home built ceiling mount to ensure it could handle it. It’s over 24lbs while the HS51 was less than 13lbs.

My reasons for choosing this model over the 1080UB include a couple of main factors. First, I’ve become accustomed to Sony projectors and I liked the similar features/connections/menus/etc. Secondly, the Sony is an SXRD (LCOS) projector vs the 3-LCD Epson. It has a sealed light path, so the need for a frequently replaced fine particle air filter is largely eliminated as is the danger of getting “dust blobs” in the picture. I’ve also heard some reports of convergence problems on the Epson. Otherwise, the performance of the projectors is very similar, with the Epson having a slight edge in maximum light output as well as black level, however both are so much better than the previous generation that the difference between them seems minor.

So far I’m very pleased with the projector’s performance, however, since it only comes with a 1-year warranty and my HS51 needed a warranty repair after more than 1 year I went ahead and got the extended warranty on this one, and would probably recommend that others do the same. As such you may want to factor that in to the total cost when comparing this unit with other models that may come with longer standard warranties (I believe the Epson has 2 years). I think you can even add the warranty to a refurbished unit if you want to make up for some of the extra cost, and Sony sometimes has an extra 10% off coupon for refurbished products.

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The REALiS SX80 is an affordable high performance SXGA+ projector, providing greater image quality, resolution, and color reproduction, designed to meet the needs of users in corporate, educational, and specialized fields. This exceptional projector also features new, advanced third generation AISYS technology – with improved light efficiency, uniformity, and expanded color space for extremely accurate color reproduction, delivering razor sharp image quality.This exceptional projector boasts a wide variety of features that make it a versatile and easy-to-use performer. The REALiS SX80 includes an HDMI terminal for projection of high quality digital images and video, a built-in network port for remote network operation, and a built in USB port for seamless pc-free presentations and PictBridge camera compatibility. Its 1.5x powered zoom lens with autofocus features a 10:0 lens offset, so now the bottom edges of projected images have been made to match the optical axis of the lens.Containing all the technology needed for superior performance, as well as fast, easy, and quiet operation, the REALiS SX80 delivers more of what you need in a top-line projector.

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Dim the lights and experience high definition resolution and film-like picture quality at home with the VPL-VW70 BRAVIA SXRD 1080p home theater front projector. It features three SXRD micro-display panels that provide full 1080p resolution. With Anamorphic Zoom mode, you can pair this projector with an external anamorphic lens to experience movies in their native 2:35:1 aspect ratio. The VPL-VW70 features 50,000:1 dynamic contrast, brightness of 800 ANSI lumens and the BRAVIA Engine PRO all-digital video processing system which reduces image noise and enhances color. Plus, an ultra-quiet fan and an improved lamp life combined with a lightweight, versatile design and easy-to-use features to help create the ultimate home theater experience.

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The Precision Pro8100 Home Theater projector features state-of-the-art engineering to provide optimal video clarity. With full 1080p HD resolution using a C2Fine liquid crystal panel and a Silicon Optix Reon-VX high-performance video processor with HQV (Hollywood Quality Video) for stunning HD movies, videos and TV. ViewSonic’s Precision Color System technology provides sophisticated color tuning, including 33 levels of gamma correction, 3D color management and auto contrast. For your ultimate home theater experience, choose the Precision Pro8100 projector by ViewSonic.

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Included Accessories: Remote control (RM-PJVW100), AC cord, 2 AA batteries, lens cap, CD-ROM and instruction manual.

With Sony’s VPL-VW50 SXRD 1080p Home Theater Front Projector you can transform your home into the ultimate movie theater. Bring your entertainment to life with full high-definition resolution and superior picture quality — the SXRD display technology exceeds the demands of high definition images at full 1080 line resolution. It’s packed with features like advanced iris function, 15,000:1 contrast ratio and three SXRD 1920 x 1080 panels that provide full 1080p resolution. An All Range Crisp Focus (ARC-F) lens, Real Color Processor (RCP) that further enhances colors and images, an ultra-quiet fan and an improved lamp life. Images in bright scenes are crisp and clear and black levels in dark scenes are deep and detailed. You’ll get full HD resolution, smooth film-like image with minimal screen door effects, high response times (2.5ms rise and fall), high contrast ratios and accurate color rendition. Bring your entertainment to life with the VPL-VW50 SXRD 1080p Home Theater Front Projector. Projection Picture Size – 40 to 300 measured diagonally Wide Mode – Full, Normal, Wide Zoom, Zoom Panel Type – 0.61 SXRD panel (2,073,600 pixels per panel) Vertical Keystone On/off lens control High altitude mode 3DY Comb Filter Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) input – 1 (side) S-Video input(s) – Y/C mini DIN 4-pin type Network connection – D-sub 9-pin (female) RJ-45 10 BASE-T/100BASE-TX RS232 Control – Remote connector (D-sub 9) PC inputs – 1 (side) – Maximum resolution – 1920 x 1080; fV – 60Hz HDMI connections – 2 (side) Digital RGB/Y/Cb(Pb)Cr(Pr) with PC timing support DVI signal settings – Auto, Computer, Video GBR Auto, NTSC, PAL, SECAM color systems support Optional Accessories – LMP-H200 Replacement Lamp, Black(PSS-610) or White(PSS-H10) Ceiling Mounts Co

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Sanyo PLV-Z700 High Contrast Home Entertainment Projector The PLV-Z700 is a Full HD LCD projector intended for popular residential applications, such as home theaters and media rooms. While the PLV-Z700 is SANYO’s entry-level projector equipped with a state-of-the-art Full 1080p HD 3LCD panel, the most advanced lens-shifting technology in the industry, a new variable iris, and SANYO’s 3D color management system.

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The Precision Pro8100 Home Theater projector features state-of-the-art engineering to provide optimal video clarity. With full 1080p HD resolution using a C2Fine liquid crystal panel and a Silicon Optix Reon-VX high-performance video processor with HQV (Hollywood Quality Video) for stunning HD movies, videos and TV. ViewSonic’s Precision Color System technology provides sophisticated color tuning, including 33 levels of gamma correction, 3D color management and auto contrast. For your ultimate home theater experience, choose the Precision Pro8100 projector by ViewSonic.

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