Sony VPL-HS20

[03turborolla]

Hi,

I am new to projectors and had a few questons. I saw this projector on display the other day. It had a HD DVD in and I thought the picture was awesome. Could you guys tell me the pros and cons to this projector as I am new to it. Also is it worth going for the new model HS51?? Or jsut save the money and go for the 20. The other one I looked at was the Hitachi PJTX200
Thanks and hopefully you can point me in the right direction.
Clayton

 

[BMXTRIX]

The HS20 has been out of production for over a year and a half - see specs here:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sony-VPL-HS20.htm
the HS51 - about a year and a half as well...
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sony-VPL-HS51.htm

the HS51A is a current model...
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sony-VPL-HS51A.htm

though I hear more about the HS60 than the HS51A typically...
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sony-VPL-HS60.htm

The Hitachi you mention...
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Hitachi-PJ-TX200.htm
is a model I would put fairly high on any list I had, but in reality, I more than likely would get the Sanyo PLV-Z4 or the Panasonic AE900U
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sanyo-PLV-Z4.htm AND http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/SanyoPLVZ4projectorreviewp1.php
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Panasonic_Home-PT-AE900U.htm AND http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/SanyoPLVZ4projectorreviewp1.php

Both of which can be had for well under $2,000 - closer to $1,500 really. Great deal for a very impressive image.

There is tons of info out there on the projectors listed and you really should consider that the Sony you saw is close to a poor projector by the standards that have been set by today's current lineup of LCD projectors.

Then there is always DLP - like the InFocus IN76 or the Optoma HD72 which will produce a slightly better overall image by most accounts, but are more limited in their setup options and may produce the rainbow effect (RBE) to those who suffer from it.
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/InFocusIN76DLPprojector.php
AND
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/OptomaHD72p1.php