Comments on: Sony VPL-HW50ES Projector – Sony Gets It Right

By: Art Feierman

Art Feierman — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 22:59:32 +0000

Hi Dennis, I’m going to remained slammed for the next 6 weeks with a steady stream of projectors to review, including in house: Optoma HD23, BenQ W1070, and a JVC DLA-X35 arriving next week, then plenty more. That usually means I don’t get back to my “competitors pages” to update.

But, while I did like the XV-Z30000, and will always like the DLP “look and feel”, I personally would definitely go with the Sony in this case. Better blacks, more brightness (with your screen that shouldn’t be an issue, except for 3D). Myself, I’d go with the Sony, or if the budget’s tighter, the Epson 5020. Those two definitely have the blackest blacks in the price range (well, the JVC X35 should be competitive but different (no iris, probably can’t get as black but a bit more dynamic range. Myself, I’d be leaning Sony, as you definitely don’t need the Epson’s brightest mode horsepower. On the other hand, should you go with the Epson, and be capable of 2000 lumens on the screen, that might open you up to more viewing not in the evening hours (I’m thinking HDTV and sports, rather than movies. -art
PS. Keep me posted please! As you know, our readers love to get some feedback from our other readers… When we design our new website, I’m even considering a section for posting images of peoples theaters, etc…nothing too fancy, a couple of photos and some comment area… we shall see.

By: Dennis Korabiak

Dennis Korabiak — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:23:31 +0000

Can you say when you will be updating your report with a comparison of other projectors to the Sony? I’m upgrading my setup and believe the Sony 50ES or the Sharp XV-Z30000 are my best options.

for reference, I now have a Sharp XV-Z12000mkII using a 90 inch diagonal Da-Lite DaMat 1.0 screen. We only use it for evening viewing as my setup is in a partially light controlled family room. While I am happy with the existing setup, I would like better blacks and a brighter image, so it’s time for an upgrade.

By: Art Feierman

Art Feierman — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 18:18:48 +0000

The next major show is CES which is trade only – though some people find a way. That will be in Las Vegas, early January. Finding places to see projectors has always been the challenge. Sometimes distributors run local events, but usually limited to the couple of projectors they carry, and a whole bunch of whatever else they are selling. Tough! good luck! -art

By: Art Feierman

Art Feierman — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 01:01:39 +0000

I would think so. I didn’t look, but considering it’s in the same box, I can’t think of a reason why they would change something like that. -a

By: Demetrius

Demetrius — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 13:48:38 +0000

Can you use the same ceiling mount on the HW50 that you would use on the HW30?

By: Ron Pharr

Ron Pharr — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:10:33 +0000

I moved recently and am making my first attempt at a Home Theater. I have a media room at my new house so I can control the lighting. I am currently looking at the Epson 6020 and the Sony HW50ES. Really looking forward to your comparison. I was wondering if there is a show that I could go see various projectors displayed. I live just North of Houston TX. Thanks.

By: Sony VPL-HW50ES Projector – Sony Gets It Right - 21stcenturyoffice.net

Sony VPL-HW50ES Projector – Sony Gets It Right - 21stcenturyoffice.net — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:45:53 +0000

[...] The Art of Home Theater Projectors [...]

By: Art Feierman

Art Feierman — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 22:10:17 +0000

Hi CaW, To my understanding the HW30ES stays in the lineup as the “entry level” projector. (A hellofa entry level projector, btw.)

The VPL-HW50ES has a tentative list price of $3999 with a spare lamp (and 2 pair of 3D glasses. If I’m correct, the HW30ES will get a price drop as it was officially almost that much when launched. -art

By: Art Feierman

Art Feierman — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 22:05:03 +0000

Greetings Matthieu!

It’s going to be interesting for sure. My prelim thoughts give the HW50ES the advantage, but we’ll know soon enough. If the Epson scheduled to arrive by Oct 1, is the 5020 or 6020, we’ll know quickly as I’ll be able to run them side by side…

I haven’t put the sony side by side with the 5010 I have here. I’m about to write a “first look blog” in a minute, and save the side by side details for the full review – hopefully by Thursday, so hang in there! -art

By: Art Feierman

Art Feierman — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 21:48:40 +0000

working on a “first blog” as soon as I finish answering a bunch of questions from you folks… -art