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Sony VPL-HS51A Cineza Projector Review

by Clint DeBoer last modified December 07, 2007 10:26
Sony VPL-HS51A Cineza Projector Review

Sony Cineza VPL-HS51A

Summary

  • Product Name: VPL-HS51A Cineza Projector
  • Manufacturer: Sony Electronics
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStarhalf-star
  • Value Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
  • Review Date: February 03, 2005
  • MSRP: $3499
Specifications

Brightness: 1200 ANSI lumens (max)
Contrast: Up to 10,000:1 (stated full on/off)
Resolution: 1280 x 720 native HD resolution (1920 x 1080 maximum)
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen native 16:9 aspect ratio (4:3 compatible)
Supported Screen Size: 40-300 inches diagonal
LCD Panel: D-4; 3 x 0.73” TFT LCD
Lens: All Range Crisp Focus Lens (ARC-F Lens)
Iris: Dynamic Iris optical system constantly adjusts the brightness and gamma characteristics in real time
Accepted Video Formats: 480i/575i/1080i and 480p/720p/1080p(24) (PAL equivalents supported)
Accepted Computer Formats:
RGB: Horizontal 19 to 72kHz, Vertical: 48 to 92Hz; Max input resolution WXGA (1280 x 768, fV:60Hz)
Video Inputs:
HDMI-HDCP, component, composite, S-video, and PC/RGB (HD15)
Color System: NTSC, PAL, SECAM, NTSC 4.43, PAL-M, PAL-N, PAL60

Projection Lens: 1.6x optical zoom; f = 21.3 - 34.1 mm/F2.4 - 3.16, manual focus & zoom
Lens Shift: Vertical and horizontal (100% vertical, 50% horizontal)
Keystone Correction: +/- 30 degrees
Lamp: 135 W UHP lamp
Mounting: ceiling, desk, front/rear (menu configurable)
Power Supply: 100-240 volts, 50-60Hz
Power Consumption: 195 watts (maximum), 4.5 W (standby), 0.5 watts (ECO mode with fan stopped)
Operating Temperature: 32 - 95 degrees F (0 - 35 degrees C); 35-85% humidity (no condensation)
Projection Method: Front/rear/ceiling mount/table-top
Remote Control: Backlit, AA x 2 batteries
Standard Accessories
: Power cord, Wireless remote control unit, batteries for remote control, replacement air filter, CD-ROM application software, owner's manual
Operating Noise: 30dB (minimum)
Dimensions: 13 5/8” x 5 7/8” x 14 5/8” in. (348 x 135 x 360 mm)
Weight: 12.4 lbs (5.7 kg)


Pros

  • Excellent black levels
  • 1.55x optical zoom
  • Deep, rich colors
  • Usable picture/color controls for HDMI input
  • 3000 hour lamp life
  • 12VDC trigger output

Cons

  • Requires calibration out of the box
  • IR sensor on front only
  • Large 5% overscan on component (undefeatable)

Introduction

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 we now 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.
  1. VPL-HS51A Features & Favorites
  2. VPL-HS51A Setup, Installation & Connections
  3. VPL-HS51A Remote, Menu System & Calibration
  4. VPL-HS51A Viewing Evaluation & Conclusion