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Official Sony VPL-VW95ES Owners Thread

post #1 of 3443
10/30/11 at 5:26am
Thread Starter 

Specifications and features:
http://www.pro.sony.eu/biz/lang/en/e...technicalspecs

Operating Instructions:
http://www.docs.sony.com/release/VPLVW95ES.pdf

Reviews:
Cinetson : http://www.audiovideohd.fr/tests/304...95ES-3D-0.html (french)
Joerod : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post21160666
SOWK : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showp...postcount=1018

User first impressions
RickAVManiac : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...2#post21148342
OzHDHT : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5#post21160345
Smittygt : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...0#post21171870
Thrang : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post21174076
Thrang part 2 : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...4#post21182644
lovingvdv part 1 : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...1#post21230321
lovingdvd part 2 : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...3#post21235673

lovingdvd detail comparison with the jvc rs20 : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...1#post21275101

Suggested Settings for closest to D65 and REC709 picture:
Pic Viewing Mode: Cinema 1
Cinema Black Pro (Iris): Auto 1
Motionflow: Low (or OFF)
Color Temp: Low 1
Gamma: Off (2.2)
Color Space: Normal

Suggested Settings for best 3D picture:
...Soon...

To reduce the visible Ghosting you can use the Monster Vision 3D Glasses or the Optoma (same as Monster)
Zombie10K : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...7#post21171987
Zombie10K Image comparison : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...2#post20912072
Monster Vision 3D Glasses : http://www.monstercable.com/max3d/default.asp
Note : AVS sell the Optoma glasses and emitter
Monster vs Optoma : http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post21180606

Lumens measurements:
Cinetson : 770 lumens at D65 and close to the min throw
Shepardos : 855 lumens at D65 and close the min throw http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...5#post21167155
RickAVManiac : 712 lumens at D65 and close to min throw
SOWK : 884 lumens at D65 and close throw



Ok, just finishing installing my new Sony 95. The first impression is really good but I will have to do more test before making any comments and comparison with my last projector the Sony HW30 and before that the JVC RS40. I choose the Sony 95 in hope to combine the best of the two.

I am no expert but if you have specifics questions, I will do my best to help you.

Should post my first impression on sunday night.





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Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #2 of 3443
10/30/11 at 5:27am
Thread Starter 
reserved
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post #3 of 3443
10/30/11 at 6:28am
Will you be doing a ceiling mount? Any idea if the Chief RPAU universal mount will work with the Sony?
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post #4 of 3443
10/30/11 at 7:18am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by md1953 View Post

Will you be doing a ceiling mount? Any idea if the Chief RPAU universal mount will work with the Sony?

No. Mine is shelf mount at the back of my room. I dont know if the RPUA will fit, but for reference, the 95 case and bracket hole, are the same as the Sony 90 and 85.
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post #5 of 3443
10/30/11 at 7:42am
Congratulations on getting one of the first 95's. The manual says to allow 12" of clearance on all sides. Is that much clearance really necessary in the rear? I currently have a wall mounted RS20 that is about 2" from the back wall and haven't had any problems with cooling.
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post #6 of 3443
10/30/11 at 8:01am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Smith View Post

Congratulations on getting one of the first 95's. The manual says to allow 12" of clearance on all sides. Is that much clearance really necessary in the rear? I currently have a wall mounted RS20 that is about 2" from the back wall and haven't had any problems with cooling.

I use the projector about 4 hours straight this morning and most of the heat get out from the front sides. There are vent on the back but it's way cooler in that section of the projector. My 95 is put againts my back wall and I feel no heat from the back of the projector, so I asume it will be ok.
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post #7 of 3443
10/30/11 at 9:18am
Can you please measure the light output to compare against krains values!?
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post #8 of 3443
10/30/11 at 11:48am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shepardos View Post

Can you please measure the light output to compare against krains values!?

I dont have a light meter but I have a Chroma 5 meter. I measure the FL reflected from my screen on a 100% white image and I've got 15FL (D65, high lamp).

For reference, my Sony HW30 at D65 and high lamp was 16.5FL. My JVC RS40 was 16FL (D65, High lamp)

My screen is a 120 inch Carada CCW (0.9 gain). My throw distance is 13ft
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post #9 of 3443
10/30/11 at 12:45pm
Thread Starter 
Good news...

With the help of my Chroma 5 meter and Chromapure software, I mesured the grayscale and color of the 95. I am happy to report, just like Kraine, that this beast is literraly calibrated "out of the box". The measures was so close to the target, I did not bother making any modifications for now.

I have own 10 projectors in the last 3 years and none of them "out of the box" was close to targets as the Sony 95...
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post #10 of 3443
10/30/11 at 12:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RickAVManiac View Post

Good news...

With the help of my Chroma 5 meter and Chromapure software, I mesured the grayscale and color of the 95. I am happy to report, just like Kraine, that this beast is literraly calibrated "out of the box". The measures was so close to the target, I did not bother making any modifications for now.

I have own 10 projectors in the last 3 years and none of them "out of the box" was close to targets as the Sony 95...

That is pretty sweet I must say! The convenience of having a close to perfectly calibrated projector when you just take it out of the box and press the on button is simply awesome. I would give + points to the 95 for that compared to other projectors. Congrats on your purchase! I am awaiting your impressions
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post #11 of 3443
10/30/11 at 1:01pm
RickAVManiac

You lucky guy , beat us all

I you using gamma off too ? ( when I had the 90ES , I used the gamma 5 - with a gamma around 2.35 and it was superb. but I have a batcave ) has the 95ES gamma setting for around 2.3-2.5 too ? ( I think it must be the gamma 4,5 or 6 then !? ).

Thanks for any info, mine is delayed and will first arrieve around the 3-5 nov


dj
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post #12 of 3443
10/30/11 at 2:19pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by d.j. View Post

RickAVManiac

You lucky guy , beat us all

I you using gamma off too ? ( when I had the 90ES , I used the gamma 5 - with a gamma around 2.35 and it was superb. but I have a batcave ) has the 95ES gamma setting for around 2.3-2.5 too ? ( I think it must be the gamma 4,5 or 6 then !? ).

Thanks for any info, mine is delayed and will first arrieve around the 3-5 nov


dj

Yes, I am using gamma "off". I have not measure all the gamma setting, but I will try to measure 4,5,6 too see if it will do around 2.3-2.5
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post #13 of 3443
10/30/11 at 2:24pm
Thread Starter 
Another good news...

No bright corner... I repeat no bright corner! The luminosity is uniform all across the screen
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post #14 of 3443
10/30/11 at 2:56pm
Hi rick, here are my measurements on gamma 4 and 6 out of the box.

Good to know that you have your VW95ES
LL
LL
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post #15 of 3443
10/30/11 at 3:03pm
One big question for potential owners of the 95 is that is the projector bright enough on normal lamp mode? I know that it is a subjective question and brightness is different depending on screen size, gain, and distance from screen to projector. My 100% light controlled room is perfect for a 106 inch 16x9 screen and if I get a screen it will most likely be a Carada Brilliant White with 1.4 gain. I will be projecting the image about 13 feet away. I'm thinking in my situation it will be bright enough. How is it for you Rick? Do you need to put it on high lamp mode to get your brightness satisfaction or is normal perfect for you? Another interesting thing about the 95 is that even on high lamp mode its not loud, so that is another plus. The only problem is that if its on high, the bulb will wear out quicker...BUT the prices on the Sony bulbs are reasonable, so its still not that big of a deal.
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post #16 of 3443
10/30/11 at 3:17pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by kraine View Post

Hi rick, here are my measurements on gamma 4 and 6 out of the box.

Good to know that you have your VW95ES

Thanks Kraine !
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post #17 of 3443
10/30/11 at 3:24pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by SED <--- Rules View Post

One big question for potential owners of the 95 is that is the projector bright enough on normal lamp mode? I know that it is a subjective question and brightness is different depending on screen size, gain, and distance from screen to projector. My 100% light controlled room is perfect for a 106 inch 16x9 screen and if I get a screen it will most likely be a Carada Brilliant White with 1.4 gain. I will be projecting the image about 13 feet away. I'm thinking in my situation it will be bright enough. How is it for you Rick? Do you need to put it on high lamp mode to get your brightness satisfaction or is normal perfect for you? Another interesting thing about the 95 is that even on high lamp mode its not loud, so that is another plus. The only problem is that if its on high, the bulb will wear out quicker...BUT the prices on the Sony bulbs are reasonable, so its still not that big of a deal.

For me, the projector is bright enough on low lamp mode. I get 10FL on my 120 inch screen with a 0.9 gain. My room is a complete bat cave. More than 12Fl it's hurt my eye. I use high lamp mode to watch hockey with some ambient light.

For reference, before making my room a bat cave my ideal FL was around 18. When your room is a dark hole, 18 FL is way too much... At least for me.

I can also confirm that the projector in high lamp is not loud at all. Actually the noise from the projector almost not change from low to high.
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post #18 of 3443
10/30/11 at 5:13pm
As I posted in the other thread I am just getting (crawling) in from a "The Hangover" style weekend! I will post my Review on Halloween Night.

Nice job getting the party started Rick.
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post #19 of 3443
10/30/11 at 6:52pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by joerod View Post

As I posted in the other thread I am just getting (crawling) in from a "The Hangover" style weekend! I will post my Review on Halloween Night.

Nice job getting the party started Rick.

Great :-)
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post #20 of 3443
10/30/11 at 7:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RickAVManiac View Post

Another good news...

No bright corner... I repeat no bright corner! The luminosity is uniform all across the screen

Fantastic! Thanks so much for letting us know. I read below you have a total bat cave. So am I correct to assume you tested this by watching in the pitch dark and putting up a 0% full field pattern? No hints *whatsoever* of any lightness in the corners?
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post #21 of 3443
10/30/11 at 7:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RickAVManiac View Post

For me, the projector is bright enough on low lamp mode. I get 10FL on my 120 inch screen with a 0.9 gain. My room is a complete bat cave. More than 12Fl it's hurt my eye. I use high lamp mode to watch hockey with some ambient light.

For reference, before making my room a bat cave my ideal FL was around 18. When your room is a dark hole, 18 FL is way too much... At least for me.

I can also confirm that the projector in high lamp is not loud at all. Actually the noise from the projector almost not change from low to high.

Very interesting. Coderguy's screen calculator here http://www.eliteprojectorcalculator.com estimates that your ftL is 10.3 and you measured 10ftL. Wow Coderguy - nice job!
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post #22 of 3443
10/30/11 at 7:17pm
RickAVManiac - any chance you can measure the light output at short throw and at long throw? If not, hopefully Joerod will do this. We really need to better understand what the light loss is from short to long throw so we can all estimate our ftL depending on our set ups.

Also - how is the convergence when you view it with a single pixel grid, like the one on the AVS HD 709 disc? And the dots in between those grids on that disc - do they look like a single white pixel up close or a clump of RGB pixels?

How is the 3D?

How would you compare the black level to that of your RS40? Same question for the sharpness.

Anything that stands out as something you do not like about the 95 so far?
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post #23 of 3443
10/30/11 at 7:27pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by lovingdvd View Post

Fantastic! Thanks so much for letting us know. I read below you have a total bat cave. So am I correct to assume you tested this by watching in the pitch dark and putting up a 0% full field pattern? No hints *whatsoever* of any lightness in the corners?

Exactly what I did and NO bright corner, no even a faint.
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post #24 of 3443
10/30/11 at 8:15pm
I just got my 95ES on Friday.

It's going to be installed on Thursday and I have a lot of ambient light and no light at all. It's not a dedicated theater room (bar/pool table). It will be set shooting on a 106" Black Diamond G3 1.4 gain and shooting from 15 feet.

This is my FIRST projector and I'm very very excited. Unfortunately I don't have a chroma meter nor would I know what to do with one. I'm very excited to hear it comes out calibrated.

I'm sure it's not as simple as a turn on and go so I will be visiting this thread frequently for tips.

Canadians: Quebec Acoustics has them in stock and I got in a couple days. Richard is great to deal with and he covered the extra cost to overnight to Toronto.
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post #25 of 3443
10/31/11 at 5:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by kraine View Post

Hi rick, here are my measurements on gamma 4 and 6 out of the box.

Good to know that you have your VW95ES


Thanks Kraine

You didnt by luck meassure the gamma 5 too ? ( it looks like 4 - or maybe 5 - will be fine for black rooms )

dj
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post #26 of 3443
10/31/11 at 5:54am
Thread Starter 
Ok here my impressions so far...

First, I am no expert, so it's only a personal opinion base on my specific taste and specific setup. Also, I am a french canadian, sorry for my english.

For reference, my last projector was :
- Panasonic PT-AE7000 (2 weeks only, sold but still in my room)
- Sony HW30 (Buy in September and sold, last week)
- JVC RS40 (Buy in May and sold 1 months ago)

Yeah, I know, I change often but I was seeking for a excellent 2D and 3D projector. I know DLP make good 3D but my goal and setup was really to use only one projector. DLP 3D projector can be hard to setup in my room and base on what is available right now, the 2D performance is not up to my taste.

Also, I would say up front that I will not talk about the Panasonic, I've been so disappointed with this projector, I will have to put my flame suite ON just to talk about it. So, my impression will compare only with the Sony HW30 and the RS40.


Positives :

- Sharpness freak...Meet your god. Wow this beast is sharp and clear. Sharper than the rs40 and the hw30. If you like to watch TV, sports, discovery channel kind of things, you will fall in love with the Sony 95. Every bit of detail is there. Of course blu ray film too are crystal but the biggest difference is perceived in high details programs.

- Image dynamic. Thats the major point I wish to upgrade on my HW30. The Sony HW30 is a great projector but the image dynamic on low light scene was not up to my taste. Problem solve with the Sony 95!

- Black level is very good. Better than the HW30 and equal to the RS40

- Grayscale and color "out of the box" is almost perfect

- The CMS works. No bugs. I repeat the CMS works. "What? A working CMS on a projector? Are you kidding me?" Yes, one last time : THE CMS WORKS !!!

- Image uniformity. No bright corner

- Motion is very good and excellent FI. Beat the rs40 easily.

- The best 3D projector I've seen! It's NOT perfect far from it, but it is awesome. For me, the HW30 was the best 3D so fare. The Sony 95 bring almost all the good of the HW30 : Pop-up, depth, good luminosity and vivid color. Also, the 95 bring is strength to the table : Image clarity, sharpness, dynamic and contrast. The image look way more natural, more dynamic and more 3D... So overall more convincing.

- Cannot explain technically why, but this is the less eye/brain fatigue 3D projector I've seen. Maybe related to the natural / sharp look, you dont have to force your vision or something like that... I dont know...

- The build-in 3D emitter is very strong and effective. Better than the HW30.


Negatives :

- Black level. Although the black level can compete with the best projector, it's not the best. The RS50 had better black in very low light scene. *By no mean this is a deal breaker. The black of the 95 are excellent and after reaching this kind of black, I am seeking for other advantages in a projector.

- 3D brightness. Could always be better. In my setup the HW30 was about 10% brighter. For now, the lamp is new so no problem (cannot really see the difference) but I have concern over time...

- 3D ghosting. Still present on the 95, you can spot ghosting here and there. By no mean it's a deal breaker but this machine will be incredible if the ghosting could be tame down (Maybe Monster glasses?)


That's it for now... Dont forget, first impression tend to change as we get use to the projector but so far I am very impress by the Sony 95.
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post #27 of 3443
10/31/11 at 6:50am
Thanks for the review.

And thank you coderguy for your calculator, after a confirmation from a 95 owner for FL accuracy, seeing I should get FL in the 12-14 range on high lamp with this projector at my throw was a relief!

Can't wait to get my hands on this projector!
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post #28 of 3443
10/31/11 at 7:06am
Thank you Rick, great impressions.
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post #29 of 3443
10/31/11 at 7:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by damelon View Post

Thanks for the review.

And thank you coderguy for your calculator, after a confirmation from a 95 owner for FL accuracy, seeing I should get FL in the 12-14 range on high lamp with this projector at my throw was a relief!

Can't wait to get my hands on this projector!

but doesnt that mean you're only going to have 4 or 5 FL for 3D??
is that even viewable?
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post #30 of 3443
10/31/11 at 7:42am
RickAVManiac - thanks for the great impressions!

So are you keeping the VW95 and no longer looking for a better projector for the short term? If so I think that is the ultimate complement to the VW95, considering your quest for the best pj you can reasonably get on today's market.

I have a RS20 and am very satisfied with the black level and fade to black. I have never seen the later generation models like the RS40 or later, so I cannot judge when you say the VW95 has black equivalent to the RS40.

Are you familiar with the black level in the RS20? If so, how does the VW95 black level compare to the RS20? If the VW95 is at least the same black level, then I will be satisfied with the VW95 especially given all its other advantages. I just don't want to take a step DOWN in terms of black level - that is my concern.

Is it possible for you to measure your ftL from the longest throw? Many of us are looking for that reference point. We have the data for shortest throw, but need the longest throw so many of use can judge what brightness to expect before making a purchase decision.

How does your convergence look with a single pixel grid like the one on the HD 709 calibration disc? Was it necessary to use the convergence fine tuning?

Did you do any viewing with the auto-iris and if so what are your impressions of it? Kraine and someone else I believe said they do not find it necessary to use. I would be surprised if I didn't use it - its perfected to the point where I would think it would only help and not distract.

You mention that the real strenght of the VW95 is for TV, sports, discovery channel, etc - that is exactly what I was expecting. Since I mostly watch that type of material I am giving the VW95 priority in this year's purchase decision.

However, I do occasionally watch dark movies. I just want to be sure that when I do, the blacks and contrast is still very acceptable and at least just as good as my RS20. My guess is that it would be. So if I can get the RS20 level of performance for dark movies, plus an exceptionally better level of performance with all other material I think I would be very happy with the VW95. That do you think? Thanks!
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