Sony VPL-HS51A Cineza LCD Projector Review!

Clint DeBoer · #1 02-06-2006, 11:15 AM

Sony made a splash with its VPL-HS51 Cineza LCD projector at last year's CEDIA. It had a 6000:1 contrast ratio that, for possibly the first time, rivaled DLP, thanks in no small part to a dynamic iris system. While we wanted to get our hands on a review sample, our schedule pushed it off until now when we finally got our hands on the newly improved VPL-HS51A. The 'A' denotes a slightly revised model that now boasts a 10,000:1 stated contrast ratio. With its price point coming in right at the sweet spot of those wanting to get into decent quality 720p projectors - we were anxious to run the Sony through our barrage of tests.

[Read the Review]

ned · #2 02-06-2006, 04:28 PM

Great review! I'm impressed with the 50% horizontal shift, something that I miss from my H78DC3.

awesomebase · #3 02-06-2006, 04:41 PM

I've always wanted this projector (actually the original VPL-HS51) for the home theater I'm building and this review provided some great info on the update.
The only thing I would mention is that there is another Sony projector (it is a 1080p projector with an MSRP of $10K) that I think takes the cake for claimed contrast levels at 15,000 to 1. It came out in August or September of 2005 and I remember thinking the same thing as you stated in your review about just how ridiculous this "measure" is going to get!

ned · #4 02-06-2006, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awesomebase

I've always wanted this projector (actually the original VPL-HS51) for the home theater I'm building and this review provided some great info on the update.
The only thing I would mention is that there is another Sony projector (it is a 1080p projector with an MSRP of $10K) that I think takes the cake for claimed contrast levels at 15,000 to 1. It came out in August or September of 2005 and I remember thinking the same thing as you stated in your review about just how ridiculous this "measure" is going to get!

Are you referiing to the Ruby?

jcPanny · #5 02-06-2006, 06:17 PM

So is the competitors LCD projector your Yamaha or was it the new Panasonic AE900U?

Clint DeBoer · #6 02-06-2006, 08:14 PM

That's the Panasonic PT-AE900U. It was just courtesy not to put the name in there.

MAX661 · #7 02-06-2006, 08:23 PM

So if you had to make a decision on which one to get would it be the Sony or Panasonic Clint?

The Dukester · #8 02-06-2006, 08:23 PM

I've been chomping at the bit to see this review. So, how do you think it stacks up with the Panny, the Yamaha you have at your house and the Optoma HD72? Would you prefer one over the other in a room where light is not totally controled with offwhite walls or just match the screen up to the pj?

Thanks,
Duke

BMXTRIX · #9 02-07-2006, 12:57 AM

What about the lens shift? Is that locking yet? A lot of people complained that the lens shift with the old model didn't lock which often caused the lens to move out of alignment after a brief period of time... or if someone walked on the floor upstairs.

Also - gotta say that the 3,000 hour claimed lamp life almost seems like a joke. Why bother making any lamp life claims when the warranty is for 90 days on lamps? I know some may (MAY!) see that time frame, but really... about 1,000 -> 2,000 hours seems much more realistic when talking lamp life.

I like the Sony's a lot, but they are often tough to find a good deal on and the competition from DLP projectors which cost less and the other batch of LCD projectors which cost far less seems to me to make the value seem a bit inaccurate.

Plus - why is it that in several generations of Cineza Sony STILL does not have a decent deinterlacer on board? This isn't a new problem but is several years old!

Finally - were tests made on how the unit responded with light output in lens shifted positions and at different zoom distances? This has been brought up as having a dramatic impact on image quality and light output from the HS-51 before?

Not that ANY of those things takes away from a great projector... it just seems a bit expensive to me and not nearly worth a 5 star value rating when compared to the competition right now. Just an IMO though.

cthomp · #10 02-07-2006, 01:31 AM

Thanks for the review on the Sony! I will be purchasing a projector soon and need all the input I can get, since I do not have the luxury of actually seeing any of these in action here in Alaska. I am torn between 4 projectors at this point. The Panny PT-AE900U, Sanyo PLV-Z4, Sony VPL-HS51A and the Optoma HD72. I too would like Clint's opinion on which he would prefer. It is really hard to pass up on the Panny with the current $700 rebate! $400 cash and $300 in Blockbuster coupons. On the other hand the Sanyo comes with a free spare lamp ($300). Both the Panasonic and the Sanyo can be had for approx. $1500 (taking rebates in to consideration). The best price I have seen on the Sony is $2500. Is the Sony $1000 better? I would be interested in seeing how Madagascar looks on the Panasonic vs the Sony! I have read both Clint's reviews and the AE900U outscores the Sony 71 vs 44. How is the Sony a 5 star value? Which projector would be better for standard definition viewing (Dish Network)? Will you be reviewing the Sanyo soon? Keep up the good work and Thanks!