talked to Sony and been looking around but haven't seen them yet...anyone?

Is this a follow-up to the Pearl?

I have been wondering to. :) About this and the newer Diamond...

I did a quick google on this and this website shows the VPLVW60 and VPLVW200 among sony projectors that are approved for sony financing.

http://www.audiocraft.com/SonyQualProd.html

Its updated to 4/13/07 but not sure if this worth anything or not. Could the VW60 and VW200 be the new projectors for CEDIA? Pearl+ and Diamond?

Interesting model numbers. I guess the Pearl will be phased out at as it hits a mid $3K price point which would allow the Pearl+ to come in at the originals former price point...then the Ruby2 can settle in just above the RS1s MSRP.
That way they can squeeze JVC in both directions. Thinking about the RS1? why not get a Pearl+ at $1k less...its specs are just as good*. Thinking about an RS1? Why not get a Ruby2, its a much higher spec'd pj with excellant optics and a better suite of features and its only $1500 more than the JVC.

I guess if the Pearl+ comes in at the original Pearls MSRP, then it wouldn't matter much how (in)substantial any improvments were as the name change is just a pj way of saying "New and improved taste!"

The Ruby2 otoh might be a whole 'nother beast compared to its predecessor.


*or close enough for rock and roll

Can I get in on the 'first wave' of pre-orders? ;)

Shawn

VPL-VW200

So that is the model number of the Diamond, cool...

VPL-VW200

So that is the model number of the Diamond, cool...
I wonder what the internal codenames are.

I wonder what the internal codenames are.


I bet I know what codename JVC gives them...Uhhh & Ohhh. :p Especially if they get them to market in the next couple months.

Hmmm, maybe it will be worthwhile to attend Infocomm next month, since Sony will be exhibiting. ;)

Isn't there a NYC show this weekend?

I'm really craving a diamond projector...

That way they can squeeze JVC in both directions. Thinking about the RS1? why not get a Pearl+ at $1k less...its specs are just as good*. Thinking about an RS1? Why not get a Ruby2, its a much higher spec'd pj with excellant optics and a better suite of features and its only $1500 more than the JVC.


... AND if you pre-order you can get one IMMEDIATELY (and wont have to wait for 6 months+.)

I just hope the new Xenon bulb ages more gracefully... so that if you calibrate it, the calibrations actually last more than a week... (somebody please give us LED/Laser)

The only thing we know for sure about the Diamond:

1) New Xenon Bulb with more lumens
2) 120 Hz
3) Similar improved panels of JVC/wiregrid polarizers

Here is to hoping for more!


Another small tidbit:

http://www.engadgethd.com/search/?q=sxrd

The magic behind Sony's SXRD line is getting an update. Currently, the three sensors that drives the whole picture was developed way back in '05 - eons ago in gadget years - but Sony has the next gen ready to go. Nah, they didn't increase the resolution past 1920x1080 but the biggest improvement in our eyes is the adoption of 120Hz. This is the latest craze in HDTVs as it helps smooth out the picture, creating a very film like response. This new speed is twice as fast as the previous generation so users should see the difference on almost every moving image with less smearing. Sony has plans to stuff these new chips into their latest HDTVs and projectors so there is yet another reason to hold off purchasing an HDTV till you can see these. Sorry 'bout that....

The difference between the VW50 & 60 is quit clear!

The VW50 goes to:
http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/500/medium/test.jpg

But the VW60 goes all the way to:
http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/500/er.jpg

The difference between the VW50 & 60 is quite clear!


Classic! :D

When the other guys are maxed out at 50 and have nowhere to go, with the VW60 you will have that little extra something to push you over the cliff.

That is great news for the VPW 200!!

The difference between the VW50 & 60 is quit clear!

The VW50 goes to:
http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/500/medium/test.jpg

But the VW60 goes all the way to:
http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/500/er.jpg

In that case I'm waiting for the VW11.

I have see and measure the new vw-60 for a Greek Avmagazine. The color was dark gray and was pre-production model. The dimensions were the same and the only different (outside) was the color.
The remote control was new (bigger) and a lot of the buttons does not work directly. It must use the menu button to enter in the menu to change values but not directly from the buttons in the RC. I can not enter into the secret menu. I don’t know if is the same or if does not work as the projector was pre-production.
The black levels was deeper than 50 with the better CR in auto 1 using the High lamp mode. I dont have any other info about this model.
Sorry for my bad English

Since you mentioned color, is there some reason that Sony doesn't feel the need to make the bezel black, for that matter the projector? I would much prefer a flat black projector.

Does VW60 have user adjustable convergence? What kind of native contrast should we expect? I hope RCP has been expanded to a true color management system.

I have see and measure the new vw-60 for a Greek Avmagazine. The color was dark gray and was pre-production model. The dimensions were the same and the only different (outside) was the color.
The remote control was new (bigger) and a lot of the buttons does not work directly. It must use the menu button to enter in the menu to change values but not directly from the buttons in the RC. I can not enter into the secret menu. I don’t know if is the same or if does not work as the projector was pre-production.
The black levels was deeper than 50 with the better CR in auto 1 using the High lamp mode. I dont have any other info about this model.
Sorry for my bad English
So it does use a DI, correct?

I have see and measure the new vw-60 for a Greek Avmagazine. The color was dark gray and was pre-production model. The dimensions were the same and the only different (outside) was the color.

Just to clarify, you are definitely talking about a new Sony SXRD projector somewhere in the line of Pearl and Ruby? Because from what you wrote I got the impression you maybe mean a successor to the Sony LCD HS60 and therefore refer to the VPL-AW15 (http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news_details.php?id=13802) projector.

Don't know it's true or not. Though it's about time for the new Pearl talk to surface. The Pearl was first publicly shown in Hong Kong last Aug and the yearly cycle is almost up now...

regards,

Li On

The difference between the VW50 & 60 is quit clear!

The VW50 goes to:
http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/500/medium/test.jpg

But the VW60 goes all the way to:
http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/500/er.jpg


Alan's got wayyyyy too much time on his hands! :p

Just to clarify, you are definitely talking about a new Sony SXRD projector somewhere in the line of Pearl and Ruby? Because from what you wrote I got the impression you maybe mean a successor to the Sony LCD HS60 and therefore refer to the VPL-AW15 (http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news_details.php?id=13802) projector.

That MUST have been what he meant...

We can only hope that the Pearl Replacement is shown with the Ruby Repacement at CEDIA... I thought the Pearl replacement was a bit further off. It would be great if Sony and others would continue to release more projectors at the same time, instead of one at a time...

Does VW60 have user adjustable convergence?

I do not saw something like that in the menu.

So it does use a DI, correct?

Correct!

I hope RCP has been expanded to a true color management system.

The RCP was the some but as i mention before the item was pre-production.

Just to clarify, you are definitely talking about a new Sony SXRD projector somewhere in the line of Pearl and Ruby? Because from what you wrote I got the impression you maybe mean a successor to the Sony LCD HS60 and therefore refer to the VPL-AW15 (http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news_details.php?id=13802) projector.

Yes i am talking about new projector.

Oh crap... wow, that is really the new Pearl Replacement? Wow! So they really may have both the Pearl and Ruby replacements out in the market late Q4....

Any chance you have some info on the VW-200??

My only fear is that the new models will NOT have the panel improvements of the JVC, but only the fact the new panels will be 120 Hz... I really hope we see both the 120 Hz and the thinner JVC type of panels with native 20,000:1 on/off (Not just similar but 120 Hz capable).

If Only JVC could make a brighter version of the RS-1 and add some sort of variable iris.

How many RS1/HD1 user will jump ship? I need my pre-order list and I'm number 1! :D

regards,

Li On

How many RS1/HD1 user will jump ship? I need my pre-order list and I'm number 1! :D

regards,

Li On

The black levels looks good but i don't see so much details as i had see in HD1 or Cineversum BlackWing II.

We need to know if they are doing 120 Hz only, or are they using wiregrid polarizers and have increased the native contrast like JVC, using thinner panels, etc... If all they have done is gone to 120 Hz, then I expect it won't be a big inmprovement, at least not like JVC by increasing the native on/off contrast ability, which is the biggest improvement by far... 120 Hz capability is nice, but not without the native panel contrast increase of the JVC...

Detail? hmmm... maybe its out of focus or something :)

The black levels looks good but i don't see so much details as i had see in HD1 or Cineversum BlackWing II.

That's not true! We only want hype! :D

I hope Sony will lower the price further to directly compete with LCD models.

regards,

Li On

That's not true! We only want hype! :D

I hope Sony will lower the price further to directly compete with LCD models.

regards,

Li On

I wouldn't be surprised. I think the VW60 will be an improvement over the Pearl at a lower price. It just keeps with progression of past Sony SXRD projectors.

HealthNut - perhaps the additional improvements you seek will be in the VW200?

My guess is that:
VW60
120Hz panel driver
otherwise same as Pearl
user adjustable convergence has to be there in the final product
a new lens if we are lucky

VW200
This one might use panels with higher native contrast

Health Nut
Mr Stites has said that Sony has used wire grid polarizers for years. If we see an improvement it has to be from better wire grid polarizers or improved panels.

Mr Stites has said that Sony has used wire grid polarizers for years. If we see an improvement it has to be from better wire grid polarizers or improved panels.

Somebody was saying that Sony and JVC worked jointly on the panels that JVC employed in the RS-1... I hope it is not true that the only improvement the Ruby will see is 120 Hz version of the panels and a slighly brighter bulb... that would be very dissapointing, especially if the bulb ages quickly, similar to the current Xenon bulb.

So will the Diamond be only a slight improvement (450W-600W Xenon + 120 Hz).

Or will it be a big improvement (800W Xenon + 120 Hz + native panels similar to JVC)

That will be the big question...

Big improvement for me would also include the extra panels for 2.35:1 as mentioned in the Diamond thread. Just dreaming on this one.

Or will it be a big improvement (800W Xenon + 120 Hz + native panels similar to JVC)


I'll take that one :D

Now were talking!!!!

If this is the final spec of the new SXRD panels, then they are only 5,000:1 contrast. Sure they are 120 Hz, but I don't see JVC contrast levels... (DI aside)

http://www.sony.co.jp/SonyInfo/News/Press/200704/07-033/index.html

If this is the final spec of the new SXRD panels, then they are only 5,000:1 contrast. Sure they are 120 Hz, but I don't see JVC contrast levels... (DI aside)

http://www.sony.co.jp/SonyInfo/News/Press/200704/07-033/index.html

I tried to translate that link that you posted and ran across this:

In order to hold down the occurrence and the like of unnecessary reflected light at the time of correspondence latest developing to the new illuminant with the optimization of device structure, device structure was optimized, the device where the pliability which does not depend on the illuminant spectrum is high was actualized. Because of this, to the solid illuminant such as LED and the laser from the extra high tension mercury lamp and the xenon lamp, it can correspond to various illuminants.

What's with the talk of LED and Lasers? Also, I didn't find any mention of the model number for this projector but it talks about a Xenon lamp. Is it referring to the 60 or 200..or both? I wasn't aware of any talks that the 60 would incorporate a Xenon bulb. Thanks for the link though. Can't wait to find out more of these new projectors!!

Nevermind, I re-read it again 9 times and think I understand what they are trying to say.

I have see and measure the new vw-60 for a Greek Avmagazine.
Is this the magazine? The front cover shows the VW60.

www.hxos.gr (http://www.hxos.gr/show_page.php?page_id=1830&cat_id=80)

It appears that the codename is "Amethyst" which is a purple quartz.

How many RS1/HD1 user will jump ship? I need my pre-order list and I'm number 1! :D

regards,

Li On
If the contrast ratio of the Sony is only 5000:1 at chip level, none.

How can some Greek magazine have a review sample on the cover of the so called 'Amethyst', when we just heard about it?

Personally, I'm more concerned about the Diamond... Considering the Amethyst will likely be a great deal, it doesn't represent the top of the line consumer product for Sony, the Diamond Does. And unfortunately, I think it is going to use the 5,000:1 contrast chip since apparently it is the newest chip. In fact, what is the native CR of the Ruby panels (without the DI)? I think it is listed on that same link. How different are the JVC and Sony technologies anyway? Is there some reason they wouldn't bring the same panels to market as JVC with 15,000-20,000:1 native CR?

It certainly would be dissapointing if the Diamond uses the same panels as the amethyst and the only real difference being a brighter Xenon bulb.., and a few other trivalities of mimimal improvement. Still hoping for 800W xenon + 15,000-20,000:1 native CR panels for the Diamond... but that would require another yet unannounced SXRD panel design...

In any case, JVC is supposed to release a higher end version of the RS-1, so I'm anxious to hear more about that as well...

Lets just hope that the 5k:1 panels are for VW60 and Sony have something similar to JVC in mind for Diamond.

How can some Greek magazine have a review sample on the cover of the so called 'Amethyst', when we just heard about it?
Different markets, different roll-outs. Not the first time I've seen Greek A/V sources get an early look at upcoming products.

Different markets, different roll-outs. Not the first time I've seen Greek A/V sources get an early look at upcoming products.
Correct indeed, given the size of the market you will think that mainstream companies like Sony will give first look in other markets on the other hand there is a very big community of HT enthusiastic’s that always looking for the extra something to satisfy their HT cravings… it seems over the last 3-4 years the Greek Market has been used either as test bed for some companies or first look for the European Market… I assume also, as I know Manos reputation that help’s too... leaving aside his relaxed review style he is also one of the best calibrators in country...

Good One Mano, Hope you continue doing what you know best...

Regards,
George - Γιώργος

There is no mention of DI for VW-60 in article above, only 5000:1 contrast so it looks this new Sony projector wont use DI. I only hope this doesent mean 5000 with DI :D

There is no mention of DI for VW-60 in article above, only 5000:1 contrast so it looks this new Sony projector wont use DI. I only hope this doesent mean 5000 with DI :D
I have read the review from HXOS and the contrast sony promises is 20000:1... with automatic iris..

A polished version of VW50 (VW60) will be a big seller especially if Sony continues to lower their price for 1080p admission.
120Hz
15000:1 with DI
and hopefully user adjustable convergence will be a nice upgrade to stay competetive in a market segment.

I'd buy an RS-1 over that... Of course, the 60 would likely be less expensive. I don't like the "with the DI part" Sorry, it does make a huge difference if the panel can do that by itself, which is really the sole reason the JVC is doing so well... Think about it: what else is really making the JVC RS-1 sell like hotcakes? The native CR of the panels (without brightness compression)... (It sure isn't colors, lumens, etc...)

What is the native SXRD panel CR in the Ruby and Pearl right now, isn't it 3,000:1 and the better numbers achieved with the DI?

Still holding out hope the Diamond will have better native panels than the Amethyst....

http://www.hxos.gr/show_page.php?page_id=1830&cat_id=80

Can someone translate the article for us?

Why can't Sony make panels similar to JVC with native 15,000-20,000? The DI can then be used more as a flexibility tool rather than necessity.... Meaning if you open it all the way up for sports, you still have excellent on/off, but if you have a movie, you can get more in the range of 50,000:1 on/off with the DI....

Imagine madness if Sony sets MSRP at 3k-3.5k . I would buy it for sure. Where I live Sonys projectors sells at full MSRP :( :( :mad:

Any chance they can up the bulb strength in the Amethyst (over the Pearl) at least a little?

I'd buy an RS-1 over that... ....


Agreed. This does not sound that exciting so far.

Expecting something better than RS1 for substantially less money so sson is expecting too much. I expect the VW60 MSRP to be 3999$ or less with a street price that is lower.

I expect a Diamond to challenge RS1. If this is not the case I will be disappointed.

Sony targets the mass market. The congnoscenti may know the difference between DI and non-DI and marketing double talk regarding specs, but on paper they have 20000:1, a lower price and they slap Sony on the box. It will have no problems selling well.

There is no mention of DI for VW-60 in article above, only 5000:1 contrast so it looks this new Sony projector wont use DI. I only hope this doesent mean 5000 with DI :D

The new Sony has three mode for DI. Auto 1,Auto2 and manual.

So the Sony Pearl and Amethyst have the exact same lamp? darn, not even a 50 watt increase...?

If the Amethyst is out for review, has anyone talked about the Diamond? I thought the Diamond would be out first since the Ruby has been out a lot longer than the Pearl.

Manos, you must know something about the Diamond!!! :D VPLVW-200

(Any chance we can get JVC to put in a 1kW Xenon bulb and a DI, I'd pay $18,000 for that ...., somebody do something significant by the end of the year!)

How about vertical stretch? ANy chance of it in the VW60?

Any way to adjust the colors? I *really* liked the picture of the Pearl, overall, but I was starting to tire of the oversaturated colors.

Best Regards,
Doug

...... using thinner panels, etc...

What is the value in thinner panels?

And whats DI stand for? :o

And whats DI stand for?Dynamic Iris

Dynamic Iris
thank you sir
:cool:

Here are some photos from my cell phone.

Manos you should have taken a better cell phone for the disbelievers....

Guys, the photos are 100% real !!!

Afterall the A/V magazine which includes the fisrt impressions from Manos , is already on streets...

The Amethyst is a Bravia? :( Isn't Bravia Sony's low end Joe Six Pack business unit? That means worse than the Pearl? :confused: Which features are going to be taken away from the Amethyst? Lower version of Sony's DRC video processor, no 24p input displayed at a multiple of 24, overscan with no way to disable and possibly a plastic lens instead of glass with lower quality polarizers and filters which will make colors worse? If Sony took away any features from the Pearl for the Amethyst, that would be 100% unacceptable for me!

Maybe it is a more fully featured improvement that will be available for a lower cost for J6P, and the Diamond will be much better for those who want to pay a premium...

It would be very silly to have a 120Hz panel that could not display at an integral rate of 24fps.

To another poster, the thinner panels switch faster, but there has been a tradeoff with uniformity or shading issues, IIRC.

Best Regards,
Doug

Hello everybody,

Now I have a Barco CRT pj with an external Dreamscaler 2 (Dreamvision) and I'm quite happy with them. But I'm considering to change them and evoluate to new technologies. But I'm a little bit lost.

A friend lent me a Sony Qualia 004 for the week-end and I've connected to a Sony BDP-S1. Even I find it impressive, it's very hard to compare, because I think it's definitively different.

So I would very much appreciated if somebody help me understanding this new World.

1) Is now the Qualia 004 "out of date" compare to actual Sony VPL-VW100 and the future Sony VPL-VW200 or the JVC RS1
2) Do these projectors accept 1080p/60/50 or/and 1080p/24
3) any other comment that could help me is most welcome.

Thanks to everyboby for the amazing amout of informations in this forum.

Best regards from Switzerland.

Arnaud

So you're saying if the Pearl as it is now were displayed at CEDIA, would be considered Bravia or less? You think that Sony has traveled far enough on the experience curve with its SXRD to have Pearl quality move from the XBR business unit to its Bravia? That's very fast to be able to improve production techniques from XBR levels and put that in a Bravia less than a year later, yet still retain XBR quality levels and beyond of the previous year!

Yes, it is.

As far as I can tell, they have had no issues getting the Pearl to market so far.

The preorders were filled very quickly, and their distribution channels were fully stocked in fairly short order.

Maybe they have the product, name and vision to introduce a high quality FP to a market that had never before even considered it?

Maybe not. :)

Best Regards,
Doug

The new Sony has three mode for DI. Auto 1,Auto2 and manual.

Any chance on some info on the DSP-Z11 (from the same magazine)?
Specs, pricing and a release date would be great.

Thanks

reio-ta

Bravia is just the new method of marketing for sony display products in europe.

All high end tvs (including the new 70ins sxrd rear PJ TVs) etc are now branded under the bravia range, and all sonys new projectors will fall under the Bravia branding.

I dont think this will mean the vw60 will have stripped features, none of the other products do compared to there NA counterparts. as said bravia is just a euro branding thing, so yes if the pearl was released now it would have the same price but be considered a bravia. the bravia brand has just gained wide acceptance in europe so i think Sony are just running with it as it has gain recognition.

As the review was from greece i guess it falls under the Bravia branding but in NA it may not.

What is the value in thinner panels?



Less scatter, more contrast... This was the huge improvement gained by JVC, the native contrast improvement in the panels used in the RS-1, which is really the singlehanded reason for its success.... It's just so important.

How about vertical stretch? ANy chance of it in the VW60?

Yes, by now, this should be a feature in EVERY new front projector of this caliber. It is getting rediculous not to have it. People get mad enough when they don't have that ability in the Blu Ray player... At the very least the projector, which has a nice processor, should easily perform this task as an option.

I would hope as well they could improve the sharpness. if that needs better optics or better panel drivers or somthing else then so be it.

But to me it looks like a tweaked/pimped vw50 for this year then a leap next year perhaps.

1) Is now the Qualia 004 "out of date" compare to actual Sony VPL-VW100 and the future Sony VPL-VW200 or the JVC RS1
2) Do these projectors accept 1080p/60/50 or/and 1080p/24
3) any other comment that could help me is most welcome.


1) The Sony Qualia 004 was the first line of consumer 1080p projectors from Sony and was considered more of a cost no object/premium line of products for consumers. The 004 still to this day has the best lenses, bulb, and optics compared to the newest Sony projectors. Unfortunately, the Qualia line was discontinued. The SXRD panels of the Qualia, and the other components have since been improved/updated in the Ruby and Pearl. I haven't seen a Ruby side-by-side with a Qualia, but nonetheless it really doesn't matter anymore.

From my reading, I don't think there are *major* overall differences between the Ruby/Pearl/RS-1, but the *overall* best projector of the three, or at least the vast majority of people would pick the RS-1 (which is a much longer discussion). I have a Ruby but would buy an RS-1 *if* I were buying *today*.

2) The Pearl and RS-1 accept 1080p24 (and 1080p50/60 I believe). The Ruby only accepts 1080p48 via DVI, not 1080p24.

3) Everybody wants the most projector for the money, and everybody is on different budgets. For me, so far, I'm not impressed by the Amethyst from what I read, but it will probably be the best projector for its cost category. After all, if it is only going to cost $3,999.00 retail, then perhaps it is the best bang for the buck. For me, I need more bang.

There is a lot of question about just how much improvement the Diamond will offer over the Ruby. Of course the Diamond (like the Ruby before it) will have a XENON bulb, which allows for greater color purity (not sure how visible it is, but nonetheless...). The Xenon bulb in the Diamond *will* be more powerful than the Ruby (what was the power of the bulb in the 004 by the way?) . We just don't know what XENON bulb will be used yet and how much more powerful it will be. The Xenon bulb in the Ruby is 400W and the projector is rated around 800 ANSI lumens.

so the question remains: will it be a 450W, 600W, or 800W bulb? Here is to hoping for an 800W bulb in the Diamond!!! The other problem with the Xenon bulb in the Ruby was the rapid aging of the bulb which made the Ruby very tedious to calibrate since the projector would lose calibration fairly quick... somebodymentioned there have been improvements in Xenon bulbs, so we can only hope for a slower aging xenon bulb as well...

My fear is that the Diamond improvements are going to be similar to the Amethyst... very mild. Welcomed for sure, but mild. It is too bad there isn't a Qualia line still, I'd love to buy the Qualia replacement instead of the Ruby Replacement... If you think about it, What would the Diamond be over the Amethyst? Just a more powerful XENON bulb using the same SXRD panels as the Amethyst?? I hope Sony has more in store for the Diamond...

On the other hand, there has been talk about JVC releasing a more powerful (better and more expensive) version of the RS-1, so I am anxious to hear about that as well.

By the way, is the dark chip 4 a rumor? What was that thread quoting an Infocus 1080p DLP with LED and 2,000 ANSI lumens with 100,000:1 contrast, was that a joke?

well past TI chip revisions had a press release before they showed in product and i would of expected CES to have showcased the chip if its turning up in product now.
I cant find any info on the new DC4, so i remain unconvinced, i mean if they had made that big a jump i think we would all know about it.

gandley
I think VW60 could get improved sharpness from better panel drivers for sure.

Health Nut
I hope you don´t read my words for the IN82 having a powerful LED light engine. I basically said LEDs could give you great on/off contrast numbers but of limited usefulness becauase brightness compression would be enormous if the LEDs were used aggressively. One rumor is that DC4 will give us greater than 12 degree mirror angle. I doubt the cr change is enormous. It has been to quite for that to be the case.

What is the native SXRD panel CR in the Ruby and Pearl right now, isn't it 3,000:1 and the better numbers achieved with the DI?
The native CR of the 0.61" SXRD used in the Ruby, Pearl, and the RPTVs is 5,000:1

AFAIK the > 2 year old 0.61" SXRD panels are still thinner, and faster than the newer RS1 LCOS panels.

The Q04 uses a 700W bulb which produced ~1,500 lumens off the older .79"/3,000:1 SXRD used by that device.

Just shows you all the more how amazing the CR is of the RS-1, that they were able to achieve that without a DI...

I don't understand why Sony can't schieve better native contrast. 120 Hz capability is nice, but not as nice as almost 20,000:1 native CR without a DI.

Can you imagine The RS-1 with a 600W or 800W Xenon bulb and a DI?

(If I can't get it from the Diamond, I hope JVC has the more powerful version coming out soon. Otherwise maybe I'll go to a Dark Chip 4 or a 4K projector or such... )

(If I can't get it from the Diamond, I hope JVC has the more powerful version coming out soon.
Apparently they do, but no details available as yet....

Health Nut
We still do not know what panels will be used in Diamond. It makes sense for Sony to use the "new" 120Hz panels in new rear projection TVs and say VW60.
New panels with new technology with a lower initial production capacity would be well suited to end up in the Diamond and a top of the line RPTV.

I hope so... seriously. Otherwise the Diamond is just an Amethyst with a more powerful Xenon bulb.

SONY remember to add:
Adjustable Convergence
Anamorphic Capabilities
HDMI 1.3
Code name it "DLP Killer"!

P.S. 120 Hz is nice too.

Apparently they do, but no details available as yet....

Any links to support this?
Pretty bold statement for your first post. :rolleyes:

Does 120Hz mean that Sony is planning to actually calculate intermediate images (like e.g. Micronas RealMotion)? Or is it just the internal driving frequency of the chip?

So the Diamond is going to have more lumens...anyone know how many?

How many lumens will I need to be able to use the projector when there is a good amount of light in the room?

Any links to support this?
Pretty bold statement for your first post. :rolleyes:
It came from what I understood from the avforums thread #522110 (I'm not allowed to post URLs due to low post-count)

That thread has grown since with other comments to the contrary, but I'd expect JVC to be ready with an answer to the Diamond as soon as the Diamond's announced in order to sink Sony's flagship.... The ideas already stated on AVS could provide significant "numbers" improvements + other things to the JVC without too much extra development (addition of (turn-offable) fixed/dynamic iris, brighter bulb, Colour management, vertical stretch etc) which by themselves could ruin any Sony sales-pitch except for 120Hz (which I'm not sure would sell itself that well to normal people.... How many people were sold on the difference between 50Hz and 100Hz CRTs?)

I still have yet to know why 120 Hz is going to be very helpful. Something about built in 3:2 and you can't remove it anyway... and there is an interpolated intermediate frame (If Sony is even doing that). I still don't understand. I remember everybody being excited about 120 Hz because it was the common demonator of 24 and 60. But if the projector can take 24 and display 48 or 72 anyway, what does 120 Hz help? Actually, with SXRD, why not just display 1080p24, why even double the frame to 48, let alone 120 Hz if you are just repeating 5 frames anyway...? I know I'm missing something, but I'm not sure what.

but I'd expect JVC to be ready with an answer to the Diamond as soon as the Diamond's announced in order to sink Sony's flagship....

I'm glad the competition is there. But Sony already knows what JVC is capable of... so they in turn are having to increase the performance of the Diamond hopefully :)

As far as bulb strength, I was hoping Manos had the answer for the Amethyst. I was hoping they used at least a slightly more powerful bulb. He didn't comment on the bulb strength compared to the Pearl.

For the Sony Diamond, I'm hoping for twice the bulb strength compared to the Ruby. The Ruby used a 400W xenon bulb for 800 Lumens. However, as noted previously, the older Qualia 004 used a 700W xenon bulb for 1500 Lumens. Although I'd love to see 800W in the Diamond, if I had to guess it would be a 600W bulb, pure guess, hope I'm wrong and we get an 800W bulb.

So maybe Sony chose higher refresh rates over higher native CR? Perhaps it is too hard to have 120 Hz and the improvements of the JVC panels at the same time?

What ms value you get for sxrd refresh depends on how you measure it. Gray to gray or other. You see both 2.5ms or 5ms depending on the measure.

I believe that the panels used to be driven at 96Hz. Now it is supposedly 120fps and the internals at 240Hz if I understand things correctly.

I am very excited about this new projector. i was going to buy the pearl, but since my dedicated room is still being built, I think it makes sence to wait for for the VW60. I hope the prising continues to decrease, which I think it will. Any news on the bulb, I hope the VW60 is a little brighter. I plan on buying a studiotek 130 110" diaganol screen. my room is completely dark so i think the studiotek is a great option.

How many others were planning on buying a pearl till there heard of the VW60?

I still have yet to know why 120 Hz is going to be very helpful. Something about built in 3:2 and you can't remove it anyway... and there is an interpolated intermediate frame (If Sony is even doing that). I still don't understand. I remember everybody being excited about 120 Hz because it was the common demonator of 24 and 60. But if the projector can take 24 and display 48 or 72 anyway, what does 120 Hz help? Actually, with SXRD, why not just display 1080p24, why even double the frame to 48, let alone 120 Hz if you are just repeating 5 frames anyway...? I know I'm missing something, but I'm not sure what.


It helps for mixed content, that is content which either switches between video and film, or has video (like subtitles) laid over film. It also means we don't have to worry about refresh rates at all. Set and forget. Film, video, it doesn't matter.

sorry if this has been asked and answered already, but any idea if this projector will have vertical and horizontal lens shift? One problem with the pearl is that it is far less flexible than the RS1 on the high end or the LCD competitors from Epson/Panasonic on the low end.

So the Diamond is going to have more lumens...anyone know how many?

How many lumens will I need to be able to use the projector when there is a good amount of light in the room?

Anyone? thanks.

You will need 751.57 lumens in a light room.... Just kidding. Depends on size of screen and type/amount of ambient light... In general, all things being equal (which they really aren't) the more Ansi Lumens the better. Now If we could only get that Vaporware (wishful thinkingware) In Focus IN82 with 2,000 Ansi Lumens and 100,000:1 on/off, we'd all be set :) You'll also need a high gain/ambient light rejecting screen it sounds like in your situation...

In any case, we don't know yet about the bulb strength in the Diamond, look back to yeaterday's post. I hope the Diamond is at least as bright as the Qualia 004 (1500 Lumens) compared to the Ruby's 800 lumens.

I am really curious about pricing on this unit. Not that Sony ever breaks any molds when it comes to pricing but I am hoping for a 3999 price point. One can hope.

I am really curious about pricing on this unit. Not that Sony ever breaks any molds when it comes to pricing but I am hoping for a 3999 price point. One can hope.

Are you kidding?

The Ruby DESTROYED the 1080p price barrier, and the Pearl did it again a short while later.

Heck, even at $30K the Qualia was a pretty good value for 1080p at the time.... 3 DLP for 6 figures was the only real competition...

The Ruby DESTROYED the 1080p price barrier, and the Pearl did it again a short while later.

Yes, I don't know what Saluki is talking about....

Are you kidding?

The Ruby DESTROYED the 1080p price barrier, and the Pearl did it again a short while later.

Heck, even at $30K the Qualia was a pretty good value for 1080p at the time.... 3 DLP for 6 figures was the only real competition...


This is true, I guess I am just always thinking of their overpriced LCDs and Rear projections. Sorry. Anyway, then I really hope they do it again and hit a low price point of 3,000-4,000. Seems that if the VPL-W15 is at 1295 then the 60 would drop as well.

Maybe you could be interested in reading some (partially) new info, and not only that... :cool: :D :rolleyes:

http://www.htprojectors.com/indexENG.asp


http://www.htprojectors.com/htprojectors/preload.asp?ID=253&PROD=3338

Maybe you could be interested in reading some (partially) new info, and not only that... :cool: :D :rolleyes:

http://www.htprojectors.com/indexENG.asp


http://www.htprojectors.com/htprojectors/preload.asp?ID=253&PROD=3338

Only the pages in Italian work.

Michael,
this sound pretty impossible, since Italian and English pages are different (I mean different #s).
Anyway, I've checked with both Firefox and IE, and my links do work in English. Should you have trouble, even though I don't understand how you could be redirected to the Italian site, just go to www.htprojectors.com, choose the English site and enter. That's all!

They work for me, too.

Best Regards,
Doug

So is the VW60 using brightEra?. That would be a nice boost if it did.

So cheap, brighter, improved contrast, 120hz panels, (and possibly fingers crossed a little sharper.)

Wont make me get rid of my JVC, but its a nice addition to the 1080p range. Good for Sony.

And nice to see Andrea around again.

"So is the VW60 using brightEra?. That would be a nice boost if it did."

From reading that page I think the BrightEra stuff is for a new LCD panel so it won't be in the VW60.

Shawn

BrightEra seems to be the previously annonced BiNa:6 VAN LCD.

So is the VW60 using brightEra?. ...

And nice to see Andrea around again.

No gandley, Shawn is right: BrightEra is only for business and transmittive LCDs.

And thanks for your appreciation!

Ok, thanks for that, seeing SXRD in the illustration thru me as regards BrightEra.

Michael,
this sound pretty impossible, since Italian and English pages are different (I mean different #s).
Anyway, I've checked with both Firefox and IE, and my links do work in English. Should you have trouble, even though I don't understand how you could be redirected to the Italian site, just go to www.htprojectors.com, choose the English site and enter. That's all!

Now the site works in English as well. Earlier I was getting some error messages in Opera. Thanks.

P.S. Honestly, I like more my white Pearl than this black Amethyst. It probably just a matter of taste. :rolleyes:

@ Andrea
Thanks a lot for gathering all that information regarding the vw60!
My biggest problem with the Pearl was not so much the black level or contrast, but much more the softness of the picture. This is an essential point for me, as I use an HTPC.

Has there been an improvement with the Amethyst over the Pearl?

Regards
Dominik

P.S. Honestly, I like more my white Pearl than this black Amethyst. It probably just a matter of taste. :rolleyes:


Yes, it's like the HD1-RS1 with silver finish or the jap version that is white... different tastes!

My biggest problem with the Pearl was not so much the black level or contrast, but much more the softness of the picture. This is an essential point for me, as I use an HTPC.

Has there been an improvement with the Amethyst over the Pearl?

Regards
Dominik

Domink,
I really can't tell... We should ask Manos to understand his findings. My idea will be clear AFTER a complete test!

the softness issue is an interesting one as it varied from pearl to pearl. I had 3 pearls and the last one i had was very sharp (well for SXRD) and the first one was average at best.

When my JVC arrived i compared the picture with a good pearl that had excellent to no MC and i was very surprised to find the JVC was barely sharper. it was very close/ a none issue.

I can confirm that there's no standardization among different units, even with digital projectors. What is normal with an analog device like a CRT, can happen with 2 or 3 samples coming from the same manufacturer... and it actually happened to me too when testing!

Confirmation of previous information, seen at Cinemotion.biz (http://www.cinemotion.biz/informacion.php?iinfo=152).
The native contrast without DI is as expected lower than the JVC.
Apparently, the annoucement for VW200, aka Diamond, is coming soon too... :)

We had tested there is a few months projector VPL VW50, one of the best apparatuses of the market offering a resolution Full HD. Left at the end last October, it gained a strong success near the press and of impassioned homecinema.
Today, the first information circulates on the specifications of its substitute, called in all logic, VPL VW60... the pearl leaving place with the amethyst.

Us should receive more concrete information in the days which come, but while waiting, here the principal characteristics knowing that these last are obviously still likely to be modified.

Technology SXRD
Resolution of 1920x1080
Treatment of 120Hz
(multiple of 24 with the passage, necessary to the good posting of the 24p)
Panels of 0,61"

Contrast native of 5 000:1
Contrast dynamic of 20 000:1
3 modes of irises available

Lens motorized vertical Shift
Zoom and developed motorized
Level of noise: 22dB


With regard to the connector industry, it should remain identical to that currently visible on the panel postpones pearl. The hull will be always the same one but will pass on the obscure side of the force by covering its white pearly with an enamelled black.
One also speaks about the possibility of regulating convergences via the menu as currently Jvc DLA HD1 proposes it, Sony having had besides a certain number of returns of apparatuses following preoccupations with alignments of the matrices.
Lastly, VPL VW60 will always profit from the services of the Premium Support for the guarantee.

Return in a few days for more information, we will also speak to you about VPL VW200 called Diamond, successor of Ruby which is VPL VW100.

Place your bets on the wattage of the Diamond XENON bulb.... my guess is 600.

(Also place your bets that the Diamond is not too much more than an Amethyst with a brighter Xenon bulb).