I have had a JVG G10 D-ILA projector (actually a Dukand Image Pro 9000 - same thing just rebranded) for about 5 years. I had it calibrated last year by William Phelps and the picture has been great so far. I have it hooked up through my HTPC and watch mostly DVD's using Theater Tek or Over the air HD footbal broadcasts. 120" Dalite screen.

I was over at a neighbor's house who had an 3 year old entry level Sony projector and the picture was awesome - it just was alot brighter than my projectors image.

My question: What differences can I expect to see with the new Sony VW60 compared to my old D-ila? I hate to have to turn the lights all the way off and cover the windows during the day when watching tv.
I have read all the reviews on the Sony, and have seen it advertised for around $3,600 which fits my budget.
Any help is greatly appreciated!

thanks
gordon

bump

Gordon,

I have my new VW60 nicely calibrated (See my last post under the VW60 tweak thread)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12038989#post12038989

...and it has RICH blacks when set at the final settings I came to, eye popping color, great motion...all lovely. Blows the Runco CL710 it replaced out the door, which is no slouch itself.

But I sure wouldn't want to be the guy who promises you that you can open the drapes in the daytime and get a great picture. Of course it's going to be washed out, any FP would be, I'd think. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. It doesn't even occur to me to think of turning the lights on in my theater room at night while watching my VW60, what to speak of opening the drapes in the day. But with the lights out and the drapes closed, it's a blast like nothing I've ever seen outside a quality movie theater, day or night.

Sony is supposed to have made their own screen (you can look it up on SonyStyle) that only reflects RGB and cancels out sunlight, thereby reflecting back a good, reasonable level of nothing but your picture even with lights on or the drapes open. This and a VW60 may be your solution. In any event, I highly recommend the VW60 for its clarity, sharpness, punch and contrast, what to speak of its very high amount of tweakable controls that allow you to tune the pic. to your liking.

Omar

You may want to look at the Infocus IN82 which is within a couple hundred dollars (street) of the VW60. It has higher light output but is a DLP.

http://www.projectorreviews.com/infocus/in82/index.php

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=911146

If you're on a budget, the Panasonic AX200u may be an option

http://www.projectorreviews.com/panasonic/pt-ax200u/index.php

Yeah, I'm moving from the JVC G1000/HTPC setup to hopefully a Sim2 380. My first choice before was the Sony, but I like the picture of the HT380 better. I went for better picture(That is just me though)...everyone has to make their own mind up regarding cost and benefit.

thanks guys for the replies. I am really leaning towards the Sony PJ. Would I still have to use the HTPC with this pj (as I did with my old Dila) or do I just buy a blue ray dvd player and hook up the high def Time warner cable hdmi directly to the pj?

thanks!

gordon

A HTPC is not needed!

The VW60 is a beautiful projector. I am using a PS3 and Toshiba HD-a35 both via HDMI and the picture is amazing! Good luck with your purchase.

great thanks for all your great advice. Can anyone tell me what the difference in picture quality will be between the Dukane and the Sony? Thanks
gordon

How many hours do you have on your current lamp? That can significantly affect the amount of light output. I believe you can also use the lamp from the G15 in that projector, which would give you a good boost. I haven't priced bulbs in quite a while, last time I looked they were running around $800. Of course that Sony is going to improve your resolution a little, and probably run somewhat more quiet too. Just a thought, in case you want to put off the large purchase for a bit, while still getting an improved picture.

P.S. - Also I should mention, since you had your machine calibrated, it is likely not being driven as high as the entry level Sony (unless they also had their machine calibrated). This could account for a lot of the difference in brightness level that you noted.

Thank for the info guys. I have since ordered a Sony Black pearl that I am installing as we speak!

I think I have my problem solved!
gordon

I'm sure it will be a great improvement over the JVC. Good luck with your new projector!

The Black Pearl will outperform the G10 in every way. No question there.
The differences are as follows:
1. Much better contrast/black levels.
2. Sharper.
3. Native 16:9.
4. HDMI inputs for current formats.
5. More accurate colors.
6. Calibration capabilities built in.

I could go on and on...Basically if you are looking at buying one, do not hesitate as there is no way you would be disappointed.

7. Higher Resolution too.