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Review: Sony VWPRO1 Projector is Worth the Extra $1,000

It may look like the VPL-HW15, but Sony's new VPL-VWPRO1 SXRD projector for custom A/V dealers boasts a brighter picture, higher contrast ratio, better two-way communications.


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Sony VPL-VWPRO1 General Features


  • Acceptable Computer Signals : fH: 19 to 72kHz, fV : 48 to 92Hz, Maximum resolution 1920x1080 fV 60Hz
  • Enhanced SXRD Panels : Minimizing the pixel gap from .25 µm to .20 µm, improves brightness and contrast while reducing screen door effect.
  • Three SXRD 1920 x 1080p : Micro-display panels support Full HD 1080p resolution for an impressive combination of vivid color, film-like image quality, and high-definition brilliance. Enjoy cinematic-quality images.
  • 200W Ultra-High-Pressure Lamp : A 200W Ultra-High-Pressure Lamp delivers natural color with a brightness of 1300 ANSI lumens2.
  • BRAVIA Engine 2 : BRAVIA Engine 2 fully digital video processor uses a collection of unique Sony algorithms to significantly reduce noise, enhance overall image detail, and optimize contrast so every scene produces sharp, vibrant, life-like images.
  • Advanced Iris 3 : The Advanced Iris 3 function provides up to a 85,000:1 contrast ratio1 by optimizing both dark and bright scenes to produce deep black levels with stunning details.
  • 24p True Cinema : 24p True Cinema technology provides a direct connection to 24p video sources so you can avoid conversions and enjoy films at their intended 24 fps (frames per second).
  • x.v.Color : x.v.Color technology3 takes HD color expression to new levels. When connected to x.v.Color capable video sources, such as select Sony camcorders, the VPL-VWPRO1 can display nearly twice as many (1.8x) viewable colors as the existing RGB color standard, resulting in more natural, life-like images.
  • Deep Color : By combining a 10-bit processor with 10-bit SXRD™ panels, the VPL-VWPRO1 can create and display 64 times the level of color expression of 8-bit projectors, resulting in smoother color gradations and helping to avoid a “paint-by-numbers” look.
  • ARC-F (All Range Crisp Focus) Lens : A specially developed ARC-F (All Range Crisp Focus) lens takes full advantage of the SXRD panels to deliver Full HD 1080p resolution with superior clarity and focus.
  • Noise reduction functions : The VPL-VWPRO1 features noise reduction functions that analyze scenes in real time to identify various types of noise and reduce unwanted artifacts, such as mosquito noise and block noise, without compromising the video signal.
  • Panel Alignment function : A Panel Alignment function enables pixel alignment to within 1/10th of a pixel5, making it possible to shift the entire picture to adjust for color gaps and produce a brighter, clearer, and more detailed picture.
  • 1.6x Zoom Lens : A 1.6x zoom lens provides a short focus distance and takes full advantage of Sony® SXRDTM technology to provide superior resolution and focus.
  • Adjustable Lens Shift : Adjustable Lens Shift provides vertical and horizontal adjustments of the picture position expanding the projector's placement and installation options without distorting image quality.
  • Ultra Low Fan Noise 22dB : Exclusive Sony-designed fan delivers efficient cooling and whisper-quiet operation (22dB).
  • HDMI Inputs x 2 :The VPL-VWPRO1 BRAVIA SXRD 1080p Home Cinema Projector offers two HDMI inputs (up to 1080/60p capable) that deliver uncompressed digital video over one cable (cable sold separately).
  • Various Analog Inputs : The VPL-VWPRO1 features various analog inputs including YPbPr Component, S-Video, Composite video, and a PC input (D-sub 15-pin) for easy connection to a wide variety of video sources.
  • RS-232C connectivity : RS-232C connectivity enables operation of the projector using a home theater automation controller.
  • BRAVIA Sync : BRAVIA Sync gives you one-touch access and control functionality other over BRAVIA Sync compatible equipment using the projector’s remote and on-screen display5.
  • RCP (Real Color Processing) function : RCP (Real Color Processing) function allows adjustment of specific colors on the picture without changing the overall image's color and hue.
  • Functional Cosmetic Design for Home Theater : The VPL-VWPRO1 features a sophisticated yet functional design, with a dark exterior that coordinates well with home theater environments.

Sony VPL-VWPRO1 SXRD Projector Specs


Display
Display Resolution : 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Screen Size (measured diagonally) : 40" to 200" measured diagonally (projected)

Power
Power Consumption (in Operation) : 300W
Power Consumption (in Standby) : 8W; :0.5W (low mode)
Power Requirements : AC 100 to 240V, 3.0-1.3A, 50/60H z

Video
Brightness : 1,300 Lumens
Contrast Ratio : Up to 85,000:1

General
Lens : 1.6 times zoom lens (manual), f=18.5 to 29.6 mm / F2.50 to F3.40
Projection Picture Size : 40 to 300 inches (1,016mm to 7,620mm) (measured diagonally)
Television Type : HD Front Projectors

Video Features
Acceptable Video Signals : 15kHz RGB/component 50/60Hz, Progressive component 50/60Hz, 480/60i, 576/50i, 480/60p, 576/50p, 720/60p, 720/50p, 1080/60i, 1080/50i,1080/48i; 1080/60p (HDMI only), 1080/50p (HDMI only), 1080/24p(HDMI only); Composite video, Y/C video
Deep Color : Yes
Lens Shift Function : Yes
Micro Display Type : 0.61-inch (15.4mm) SXRD panel, 6,220,800 pixels (2,073,600 pixels x3)
Video Processing : Yes (BRAVIA Engine2)
Wide Mode : Wide Zoom, Normal, Full, Zoom, Full1, Full2
x.v.Color Technology : Yes

Weights and Measurements
Dimensions (Approx.) : 16 1/8 x 71/8 x 18 3/8 inches
Weight (Approx.) : 22 lbs

Service and Warranty Information
Limited Warranty Term : Product Warranty - 2 Years Parts and Labor except the lamp. Lamp Warranty - 90 Days from date of purchase.

Display Features
Display Technology : SXRD Technology

Operating Conditions
Operating Humidity : 35 to 85% (no condensation)
Operating Temperature : 41 to 95 F degrees (5 to 35 C degrees)

TV System
Color System : NTSC3.58 / PAL / SECAM / NTSC4.43 / PAL-M / PAL-N / PAL60

Convenience Features
BRAVIA Theatre Sync : Yes (One-Button Home Theater Control (HDMI-CEC))

Inputs and Outputs
Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Input(s) : Phono type / HD D-sub 15-pin
Component/Progressive : Phono type / HD D-sub 15-pin
Composite Video Input(s) : Phono Type
HDMI Connection(s) : 2
RS-232C Input(s) : D-sub 9-pin
S-Video Input(s) : Y/C mini DIN 4-pin type



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Article Topics

News · Product News · Displays · Projectors and Screens · All topics

About the Author

Joe Whitaker is the Senior Development Director at The Soho Shop an integration firm in St. Charles Missouri that specializes in solution based residential and light commercial systems. Having Co-Founded the #1 Control4 dealership in San Antonio and central Texas, Revolution IT, Joe has went on to help build other companies in system design and process development. Joe’s involvement in the custom electronics industry has been beneficial to more than just the companies he has helped to deploy technology, having added a helping hand to marketing, product and technical editorials, product designs, new product concepts, and joining some of the leading manufacturers development and testing teams.

29 Comments (displayed in order by date/time)

Posted by Nonbeliever  on  11/26  at  09:53 AM

Oh wait a special edition from Sony. Wow must be thought out and awesome. Oh yeah that’s right I almost forgot how these A-holes screwed me on the entire Qualia line. Remember that fiasco. Special dealer line, the ultimate high end for those special clients. Then 6 months later they disco the entire line making us, the dealers who went out there with these special clients, with egg on our face paying what they did and then seeing Sony BLOW out all products. No matter what they offer there is an option in our office. Done with this group.

Posted by Joe Whitaker  on  11/27  at  10:24 AM

This is not really a “special edition” per se. The thing that could make it special is Sony’s new stance on it’s “normal” Custom Integrator line.The thing that makes it a little more exclusive is the death of online sales and it’s stance to back the CI market and take these products out of the usual big box retailers. We would have still seen this projector released even if Sony did not change it’s stance. Also this is not a ultimate high end by any means. This projector is actually the base model for the CI market. Kind of like an any man’s projector. Just wanted to clarify that if I didn’t make it clear in the article.

wink

Posted by James  on  11/29  at  08:35 AM

Where can I purchase one from?
Why is SonyStyle not selling these on their website?

Posted by Julie Jacobson  on  11/29  at  09:21 AM

James, these units are available only through specialty AV dealers. You won’t find them at Best Buy or online.

Posted by John  on  12/06  at  06:27 PM

HI Joe, Is this projector much better than VPL-VW60 and VPL-HW15?

Thanks!

Posted by Joe Whitaker  on  12/06  at  06:36 PM

Much better. Benefits all the way around, but with the nice form factor of the hw15. Well worth it!

Posted by John  on  12/06  at  08:01 PM

HI Joe, What I want to know is compare VWPRO1 to VW60?  Will it be a good and noticeable upgrade? Thanks!!

Posted by Joe Whitaker  on  12/06  at  08:25 PM

So here’s a quick break down off the top of my head.
VWPRO 85,000:1 contrast ratio
VW65   35,000:1 contrast ratio

VWPRO 1,300 lumens
VW65   1,000 lumens

These are the 2 most obvious difference, and these 2 alone mean a big upgrade in a home theater setting. Some of the technology in the 2 is the same, maybe just a little refined. I would say this would be a good upgrade.

Posted by John  on  12/07  at  10:18 AM

Thanks Joe. VW60 has 35,000:1 contrast ratio and 1000 lumnes. But is VW60 has Motorized Lens Shift vs VWPRO1 manual lens shift, what does that mean and is it a big difference?

Posted by Joe Whitaker  on  12/07  at  10:40 AM

Ok let me go into detail on this feature that as described can be misleading.

Lens shift is moving the image horizontal or vertical .

The VW60 has motorized lens shift for vertical and manual for horizontal.

The VWPRO1 has motorized vertical and horizontal lens shift.

I think you may be thinking of motorized zoom and focus adjustments .

If i am not mistaken the VW60 does have a motorized zoom and focus, but this is a feature that is really only utilized on installation for most.

The VWPRO1 has manual zoom and focus.

Considering that this projector is 1,500.00 less than the VW60 was it is a decent trade off for the price. But don’t think that Sony does not have other projectors a little higher up on the food chain that have all the features you may want. For me the 3d projector of Sony’s is awesome, and really the best 2d projector they have ever made.

Having said this the VWPRO1 is the best projector out there at this price point. Add a little coin to the budget and Sony can provide you more feature….. and even some future proofing.

Posted by John  on  12/07  at  11:07 AM

Hi Joe, Sincerely thank u for that clear reply. Sony 3D might be greater, but too $$$$.

Are you sure that PRO1 does have motorized Lens shift? I thought that was also manual with the two knows in the top-front.

WIth your recommenation and suggestion, I may be looking into a VWPRO1.

You mentioned that you tested VWPro1 on Elite Screen, I have an Elite CineTension2 CineWhite 120” screen, would that be a good choice for VWPro1?

Thanks in advance.  grin

Posted by Joe Whitaker  on  12/07  at  11:26 AM

You may be right in that not having motorized lens shift. I will have a peak at it again. It is one of those things you only touch during install. But I think that it had it. At any rate that wouldn’t matter as it is something that is touched once.

Your screen should work great with that projector. If you need any assistance or further detail please feel free to send me an email directly.

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Thanks for reading!

Posted by Jerry  on  12/07  at  08:21 PM

What is the price of the Sony 3D

Posted by John  on  12/07  at  09:33 PM

I belive the Sony 3D MSRP is $9999, that’s because it’s first Sony’s 3D.

Joe, have u had chance to play with VW60 before?

Do you have any photos of VWPro1 in action? Thanks!!

Posted by Joe Whitaker  on  12/08  at  07:53 AM

He is correct on the 3d pricing. It is by far the best 2d projector has ever made, with some extra’s I will have a review up on it in the coming weeks.

The VW60 i had experience with a while back. As far as i know it is a discontinued model with Sony Style.

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