[R_Bardwell]

Hi, I've been lurking here for quite a while and I know you guys are the authority on this kind of stuff.


Here we go,

I've been wanting to get into using a projector for a while but the cost has been keeping me down. Well, I have a guy who is going to sell me a Sony VPL-400. I've read about the VPL-W400Q. He says the model # on this projector is VPL-400. Is there a difference???? Are these the same projector?? He lives a good ways away from me but I'm going to check it out if it is the right projector. It is a friend of mine's uncle and he got the projector from an estate auction, and he only wants $400 for it. Should I go take a look? Or am I looking at a bad projector??? Someone please help and explaining this to me.


Thank you.


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Is there a suspect in your family? Contact the Ministry of Information. Ring 100 00 00.

 

[Robert Clark]

Projector Central's extensive database does not include a mention of a Sony VPL-400 but only lists the VPL-W400Q so they are probably the same: http://www.projectorcentral.com/proj...fm?part_id=111


It was rather nicely reviewed a few years back by several mags but time and technology has probably passed it by, but for $400 it should be a great buy for you.

At least fun to play with if it works...


Robert


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Robert Clark

See our home theater (with very poor quality pics!)
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Album...874&a=12744078


[This message has been edited by Robert Clark (edited 07-17-2001).]

 

[Jeff Beaver]

Quote:

Originally posted by Robert Clark: It was rather nicely reviewed a few years back by several mags but time and technology has probably passed it by, but for $400 it should be a great buy for you. At least fun to play with if it works... Robert [/b]

Well! I happen to own a VPL-W400Q, and it ain't bad! Being native 16X9, no panamorph is needed, and having a decent scaler (well not great, but decent), no HTPC is needed. A staggered pixel array reduces screen door to a non-issue and a HDTV 1080i signal looks outstanding. It will not accept a progressive DVD image (480p), but a conventional DVD image looks fine. A few things to keep in mind.


1. It's not a bright projector. You must be able to control the room light, or forget it.

2. The warranty (3 years, US) is probably expired. All too common repairs range from a blue deflector plate replacement ($300?) to a new prism block ($2,200+).

3. A "3,000 hour" bulb is actually good for 1,000 hours and costs $350.


At $400 it could be a good buy. It's possible the warranty has a few months to go, in which case Sony's super service will fix it up for no more than the cost of UPS one way to Norcross, Georgia. You can call Sony with the serial number and they should be able to tell you. Or, if all it needs is a cleaning and deflector plate, it's still not a bad deal. A bad prism block is a killer. If it's shot, a 10HT owner might be interested in the lens which is a longer throw version of the one that ships with the 10HT, and reportedly fits "fairly well".


Here's a link where you can read all about it.
http://www.thebigpicturedvd.com/cgi-...conf=DCConfID1


Jeff

 

[Robert Clark]

Jeff,


Certainly no slight meant towards your projector, it was considered very good just 2 scant years ago. Projector technology is moving forward at an incredible rate, and 400 lumens is definitely not "state of the art" any more.

I'm for whatever lets us enjoy movies with a decent, huge picture that lets us recreate the theater experience at home.

At $400 it's certainly worth trying.

My projector certainly wouldn't be on most peoples most wanted list (Davis 650). http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif


Happy viewing!


Robert


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Robert Clark

See our home theater (with very poor quality pics!)
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Album...874&a=12744078

 

[Luis Gabriel Gerena]

If you finally buy the projector feel free to check this thread at the BigPicture forum: http://www.thebigpicturedvd.com/dcfo...D24/2680.shtml


I've been tweaking the W400 for sometime and right now the difference from the stock settings to my new values are impressive..its like I just have a different projector specially in light output and color rendition. If still has any warranty left and you have light control for $400 it's a steal! Just contact me if you buy it and will have it delivering a stunning picture in no time.

Regards