I've decided to build a dedicated home theater in my basement and have narrowed my choices to the following two projectors. I can get a new VPL-VW60 for less than the cost of the VPL-HW10. Would there be any bennefit to paying more for a HW10?

Thanks,
-Brandon

I am in the same boat as you. As far as I can tell, there seems to be the benefit of the direct digital drive panels in the HW10. This could be the reason the "bright corners" have been lessened and Jason noted a markedly sharp picture for SXRD.

My money is still on the VW60. It's nice to have the ability to scale within the projector (unless you already have a VP.) and I'm quite sure my lazy arse will fully utilize this fuction while I'm standing at the screen, focusing AND when I employ the zoom for 2.35:1 viewing. (Lenses can wait...)

As to whether the lenses are of the same quality is up in the air. To me, it still seems like the VW60 gets the nod. Even moreso if you can get it cheaper.

I've decided to build a dedicated home theater in my basement and have narrowed my choices to the following two projectors. I can get a new VPL-VW60 for less than the cost of the VPL-HW10. Would there be any bennefit to paying more for a HW10?

Thanks,
-Brandon

Decide on the projector when your build is 95% complete.

I concur with Kevin. Wait to buy the projector when you need it. As far as the general question...they are both excellent, but the overall advantage going to the VW60. BUT,I have no idea how you could get a new VW60 less than a new HW10...sounds fishy.

both of these pjs are on my potential list.

As I'll be using either one in a short throw configuration, I'm interested to see the graph of the HW10 contrast vs. throw distance. I know I have seen this chart for the VW60 posted somewhere here - I wonder if the new and improved HW10 might have less of a drop off at the short end of the throw?

btw, if anyone has a link to that chart for the WV60, I'd appreciate it - I can't seem to find it after a relatively quick search.

Decide on the projector when your build is 95% complete.

Agreed, by the time you're a few weeks from projector installation, there will be either new models that are better, or significant price drops on the currently available ones...

Decide on the projector when your build is 95% complete.

+1. Carpet is being installed in my home theater this week and I am glad I waited to buy the projector. Was going to go with the Sony VW40 and now settled/ordered a HW10 from Jason.

I looked at the VW60 and agree that you can find them for around the same price as the HW10, but Jason is right, they are from "fishy" sources. From a reputable place that is an authorized Sony dealer, the price is definately higher. I would be carefull buying from shady sources because the warranty may not be honored by Sony.

the major differences i can see are: HDMI 1.3 with Deep Color support and second-generation video processing.
indeed, from an authorized dealer, the VW60 would still be about $1K more than the HW10 and i think i could buy an external video processor for about the same which would offset the vertical stretch advantage of the VW60...

The price for the VW60 is directly through Sony, so that doesn't concern me. If I don't have any interest in adding an anamorphich lens, would the VW60 still be a better choice than the HW10?

Thanks,
-Brandon

I concur with Kevin. Wait to buy the projector when you need it. As far as the general question...they are both excellent, but the overall advantage going to the VW60. BUT,I have no idea how you could get a new VW60 less than a new HW10...sounds fishy.

Jason,

What gives the VW60 "the overall advantage"?

I concur with Kevin. Wait to buy the projector when you need it. As far as the general question...they are both excellent, but the overall advantage going to the VW60. BUT,I have no idea how you could get a new VW60 less than a new HW10...sounds fishy.

Jason,

I gave my neighbor a whole list of components, HW10, mount, HDMI cable and screen and told him to call you for the package price. I also told him to ask you for advice.

Kevin

The price for the VW60 is directly through Sony, so that doesn't concern me. If I don't have any interest in adding an anamorphich lens, would the VW60 still be a better choice than the HW10?

Thanks,
-Brandon

Is that some special deal you are getting? The Sony site still has it listed at $4999.

Thanks,

Kevin

Kevin,

I'm having the same dilemma that the OP has. I can purchase the VW60 for 40% of the Sony list directly from Sony as a retail partner through my employer. Generally the older the product the greater the discount.

This means is it worth it to wait for the HW10 (with little discount) or get a great deal on a new VW60 that has older technology.

Thoughts?

Kevin,

I'm having the same dilemma that the OP has. I can purchase the VW60 for 40% of the Sony list directly from Sony as a retail partner through my employer. Generally the older the product the greater the discount.

This means is it worth it to wait for the HW10 (with little discount) or get a great deal on a new VW60 that has older technology.

Thoughts?

What makes you think HW10 is "newer technology"? Sony didn't say they are using new SXRD panels or polarizers; VW60 may have better lens and it does have more features.

What makes you think HW10 is "newer technology"? Sony didn't say they are using new SXRD panels or polarizers; VW60 may have better lens and it does have more features.

An early post refers to "second generation Video processing". I guess what we are wondering is what are the ACTUAL differences in performance between these 2 projectors and whether one or the other stands as a superior product? Does the VW60 indeed have a "better lens. . and more features"?

What makes you think HW10 is "newer technology"? Sony didn't say they are using new SXRD panels or polarizers; VW60 may have better lens and it does have more features.

Honestly, my own ignorance. My biggest fear is forking over big (for me) money for something that is teetering towards obsolescence.

An early post refers to "second generation Video processing". I guess what we are wondering is what are the ACTUAL differences in performance between these 2 projectors and whether one or the other stands as a superior product? Does the VW60 indeed have a "better lens. . and more features"? There must be something going on in the processing or the lens quality in the HW10 for Jason to be so impressed with the sharpness of the image. I think he described it as the best he has seen so far from the LCOS technology.

The you should never, ever buy a projector, because the newest model is almost always cheaper/and/or better. Of course, then you will never know the joy of really really big theater in your home! :-)
Best,
ChrisHonestly, my own ignorance. My biggest fear is forking over big (for me) money for something that is teetering towards obsolescence.

I think any projector that is lamp based is heading towards obsolescence. Lasers will likely eventually take over. So might as well choose something that'll keep you happy for several years and not worry about the next big thing.

Honestly, my own ignorance. My biggest fear is forking over big (for me) money for something that is teetering towards obsolescence.
Realize that obsolescence is more of an emotional obsession, rather than a real fact. If you use the term rigorously, then it means that the product is beyond its useful/serviceable life, i.e., that it no longer makes sense to use it. Given that the HW10 is a derivative from the VW60, which itself was a derivative of the VW50, the VW100 and, ultimately, the Qualia, one should maintain a bit of perspective on this. After all, it is not like the technology fairy is going to come along and confiscate the unit! :)

There must be something going on in the processing or the lens quality in the HW10 for Jason to be so impressed with the sharpness of the image. I think he described it as the best he has seen so far from the LCOS technology.

I agree that his comments suggest an improvement. I guess I am looking for a more substantial explanation of what the improvement is based on and whether it merits choosing the HW10 over a VW60 since I have also been told that the VW60 has a better "lens" and "more features". Many times, the newer product is "better", but sometimes they are also cheapened in certain ways and the older one may be the better choice - especially if street pricing is nearly equal.

Jason has reviewed both and tested each unit more han anyone else on the forum. I believe his words were "A Slight Edge goes to the VW60 overall"

Now he didn't explain what the edge was but you have to determine if the extra money being sprent on the VW60 would be worth it to you.

For me it is since motorized zoom is nice and the 2.35 stretch I will need when I get my lens.

If the vx60 is less, I would go for it no doubt about it. BTW what happened to the HW10 on Sony's web site its no longer there?

If the vx60 is less, I would go for it no doubt about it. BTW what happened to the HW10 on Sony's web site its no longer there?

Why would you choose the VW60?

Why would you choose the VW60?
If it was less than the new hw10

Hi Guys,
I have the opportunity to purchase a demo unit (VW60) with full warantee for $2,000 the lamp has 500 hrs

is it worth it?

$2000 sounds like an outstanding price!

A couple considerations: @ 500hrs on the lamp, some might consider it close to 1/2 gone. Meaning, if you plan on doing a lot of viewing, you will be looking at a $350 outlay in a short time. Another thing to check (if possible) is to enter the Service menu and check how many hours are on the panels. It may have only 500hrs on THIS bulb, but it may have been used heavily in the past few years. Not sure what the lifespan of a standard projector is, but your warranty will at least get you two years worth of viewing.

I say, go for it! I would!

Hi Guys,
I have the opportunity to purchase a demo unit (VW60) with full warantee for $2,000 the lamp has 500 hrs

is it worth it?

Don't do it. It sounds like a bad deal. I would call them right away and tell them you are not interested.




... and then pm me with their contact info, because I would like to to talk to them about... uh... what a bad deal it is and how I really am not interested in buying it.
:)

Hi Guys,
I have the opportunity to purchase a demo unit (VW60) with full warantee for $2,000 the lamp has 500 hrs

is it worth it?

If it comes with a full SONY factory warranty from day of purchase snap it up immediately because it is a killer deal and then contact:

Jason C. Turk
Sales and Installations
A/V Science, Inc.
585-454-1460 x102
jason@avscience.com

And order a brand new projector lamp from AVS. Replace the original lamp and keep it as a back up lamp for when you need to change out future lamps or if a lamp ever prematurely dies. Ths way you have the best of both worlds.

For me it is since motorized zoom is nice and the 2.35 stretch I will need when I get my lens.

I just have my VW60 for 2 mth, so I am still a newbie of this projector thing. What is the 2.35 stretch?

$2000 sounds like an outstanding price!

A couple considerations: @ 500hrs on the lamp, some might consider it close to 1/2 gone. Meaning, if you plan on doing a lot of viewing, you will be looking at a $350 outlay in a short time. Another thing to check (if possible) is to enter the Service menu and check how many hours are on the panels. It may have only 500hrs on THIS bulb, but it may have been used heavily in the past few years. Not sure what the lifespan of a standard projector is, but your warranty will at least get you two years worth of viewing.

I say, go for it! I would!

How can I get into the service manual to check the panels hours?

Kevin,

I'm having the same dilemma that the OP has. I can purchase the VW60 for 40% of the Sony list directly from Sony as a retail partner through my employer. Generally the older the product the greater the discount.

This means is it worth it to wait for the HW10 (with little discount) or get a great deal on a new VW60 that has older technology.

Thoughts?

Given the same price I'd still take the VW60.

Given the same price I'd still take the VW60.

What about a killer deal VW200? Is it that much better than the VW60?

Given the same price I'd still take the VW60.

What makes the VW60 better?

Which of the two has better contrast?

Which of the two has better contrast?

According to Sony The VW60... but looking at this comparison http://www.homecinema-fr.com/Colorimetre/images_forum/Mlill/mesures-luxmetre/mesures-projecteurs.xls

They measured the VW60 (D65 Calibrated) 4400:1(native) /17700:1(dynamic iris)
and the HW10 (D65 calibrated) 4920:1(native) / 18,900:1(dynamic iris)

According to Sony The VW60... but looking at this comparison http://www.homecinema-fr.com/Colorimetre/images_forum/Mlill/mesures-luxmetre/mesures-projecteurs.xls

They measured the VW60 (D65 Calibrated) 4400:1(iris off) /17700:1(iris on)
and the HW10 (D65 calibrated) 4920:1(iris off) / 18,900:1(iris on)

And apart from this subjective review, is there anything else they can confirm is better on the HW10?

The bottom line is these threads are generally a waste of time as owners of the VW60 will tell you its the one to buy, and new owners of the HW10 will tell its the one to buy because its either newer or cheaper.

According to Sony The VW60... but looking at this comparison http://www.homecinema-fr.com/Colorimetre/images_forum/Mlill/mesures-luxmetre/mesures-projecteurs.xls

They measured the VW60 (D65 Calibrated) 4400:1(iris off) /17700:1(iris on)
and the HW10 (D65 calibrated) 4920:1(iris off) / 18,900:1(iris on)It is not clear if the smaller number is iris off (static open) or iris on (static closed). The larger number is clearly iris auto (dynamic)

And apart from this subjective review, is there anything else they can confirm is better on the HW10?

The bottom line is these threads are generally a waste of time as owners of the VW60 will tell you its the one to buy, and new owners of the HW10 will tell its the one to buy because its either newer or cheaper.

Having watched them both I would be happy with either, very similar picture , the hw10 a bit sharper

It is not clear if the smaller number is iris off (static open) or iris on (static closed). The larger number is clearly iris auto (dynamic)

Looking at all the information they have in that file... it appears that the smaller number is static closed..... with iris off the hw10 got 3975:1 and the vw60 got 3480:1

I dont know about everyone else but I certainly dont buy projectors just for the best contrast ratio available - the unit has be revelatory in EVERY department.

Just my 2 cents.

Agreed.

While projectors reach a point of diminishing returns in any of the image quality categories, night scenes and day scenes need to look right, and this is where contrast dynamics contribute greatly.

I look forward to comparing the HW10 to my HS51A. I am hoping the HW10 offers enough contrast dynamic range to avoid spending more on something like the RS10/20.

Looking at all the information they have in that file... it appears that the smaller number is static closed..... with iris off the hw10 got 3975:1 and the vw60 got 3480:1
Then compare what they got for the VW60 to what WSR did (Greg Rogers' review), and you basically see that they are within sampling differences of each other for on/off CR. The issue for the VW60 vs. the HW10 is whether the incremental features (automated zoom, focus, etc.) mean anything. There may also be differences in the glass (lens), but that's not really something that will show up in these types of numbers.