Sony VPL-HW15 Projector - Performance-3

Posted on September 9, 2009 by Art Feierman

Close up of a computer monitor, from Space Cowboys (Blu-ray), left to right VPL-HW15, Epson Home Cinema 6500UB, Sanyo PLV-Z3000, and Sharp XV-Z15000.

VPL-HW15

Epson Home Cinema 6500UB

Sanyo PLV-Z3000

Sharp XV-Z15000

Sony VPL-HW15: Bottom Line Sharpness

Light Leakage

Light leakage is not a problem with the VPL-HW15. There is minor light leakage through the lens, especially if you are using the full lens shift, but the levels are low enough not to be a factor.

Image Noise

The Sony HW15 is very good, when it comes to image noise. Background noise is less than most projectors, especially compared to a couple of DLP projectors recently reviewed. While one can always detect minor flaws, especially when looking, overall, the VPL-HW15 performs well in this regard.

Audible Noise

The VPL-HW15 is about average (or a little better) at audible noise as well. The Sony claims 22 db in eco-mode (low lamp power), which is better than most projectors. Sony does not provide a spec for full power operation, but it probably isn't more than an extra 5 or 6 db. The noisier home theater projectors at full power, tend to be up in the 31-34 db range, so this is a sonically quieter unit than many. Even for those who are the most noise adverse should be able to live with the HW15 at full power, and certainly, at low power.