Sony SXRD VPL VW40 1080p Home Theater Projector

Editorial Review
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
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Customer Reviews

1080p front projection finally at an affordable price

2008-06-26
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.

VPL-VW40

2008-05-24
Only one word.....AMAZING.....The picture quality, the blacks, the contrast....all excelent. Thanks to Sony for make another great product.

A+

2008-05-17
Phenomenal. Compared to a 52XBR5, it bests it in just about everything minus that 120hz motionflow the xbr5 has. Great price, much quieter than my PS3 and/or my xbox 360, for it is just about inaudible. Colors do need some tweaking out of the box. I would recommend a calibration dvd. No screendoor effect allows me to sit 8 feet close to a 103" screen. Great flexibility as well.

I'm in Heaven

2008-02-10
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

Home Entertainment Products and Books

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The second edition has been updated with all the key developments of the past three years, and includes new and expanded sections on digital video interfaces, DSP, DVD, video servers, automation systems, HDTV, 8-VSB modulation and the ATSC system.

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* New edition includes more information on HDTV (high definition) and ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committe) - the body that drew up the standards for Digital Television in the U.S.
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