I have been considering the vpl-vw50 for some time now. Since the 40 and 60 have hit the market, the 50s are going for a tremendous bargain if you can find them. And from based on my reading, the 40 isn't really any different from the 50 at all.

My question is, what are the differences in regards to display quality? Are there any at all and is the vw40 just a rebadged 50?

Cheers,
JD

I have been considering the vpl-vw50 for some time now. Since the 40 and 60 have hit the market, the 50s are going for a tremendous bargain if you can find them. And from based on my reading, the 40 isn't really any different from the 50 at all.

My question is, what are the differences in regards to display quality? Are there any at all and is the vw40 just a rebadged 50?

Cheers,
JD

It is very similar to the 50, but is not exactly the same. The main differences are that it uses a quieter fan like the 60, and it has a shorter warranty than the 50.

That said, we've also heard that the 40 also uses a few internal components that are the same as the 60, but different from the 50. I don't know if these are necessarily better components, but it allows for more standardization between the newer models.

I might suggest a little *caveat emptor* though. If you decide to go this route, make sure you are buying from an authorized dealer and that you are getting a US product with a Sony US warranty. Some companies sell Japanese (etc.) units and give you a third party (non-Sony) warranty. Some companies sell US goods, but are not authorized dealers so Sony will not honor the warranty. Some companies have a great price, but then you find out that the lamp, remote, power cord, etc. all cost "extra". Some companies sell you used or damaged goods, and some just take your money and send you nothing at all. I've heard all of the above horror stories at one time or another.

Botom line is that the 50 is/was a great projector, but make sure you are getting one from a trustworthy source. If you are getting one from good people, no worries! If you are suspicious, trust your instincts. And if it sounds too good to be true...

I have read some reviews that say the 40 has sharper focus than the 50, but I have not compared them myself. However, as one who just fired up his brand new VW40 last night, I have to say that the focus IS sharp, and it throws an awesome picture.

Marc/mlbrand,
Thanks for the advice. I'm picking up a used Pearl from another AVS member and was curious as to the differences between the 40 and 50. I am currently running a Panasonic AX-200, so with the Pearl I'm hoping for a big improvement in the area of picture quality and black levels.

You will not be disappointed! :)