New Sony VPL-HW30ES 3D Home Cinema Projector

Wow!  This is cool.  The announcement of the VPL-HW30ES first appeared almost a week ago, over in Europe.  I heard about it at the end of Infocomm.  Sorry it's taken me so long to write about the HW30ES, or HW30, whichever it ends up being called.   The first announcement only mentioned the EU and Japan.  TWICE magazine posted information about the VPL-HW30 projector, with a price for the US market. I mentioned it, so let's get that out of the way.  It was reported that the VPL-HW30 will sell for $3699. The price point should shake up the young field of 3D ready home cinema projectors. The Sony VPL-HW30ES projector is claiming 1300 lumens - the same as the three more expensive JVC 3D ready projectors, but the one JVC we received for review was very disappointing in terms of brightness.  We would expect this Sony HW30ES to do a lot better. Contrast (using a dynamic iris) is 70,000:1. The  HW30ES handles up to 240hz, a definite plus not found on many lower cost 3D projectors.  Sony's new active shutter glasses (apparently not included), are $129.  The real news is the weight, which is an exceptionally light 59 grams - just over 2 ounces. Apparently, the emitter for the 3D glasses is optional at $79.95 and outboard.  A small savings for those not into 3D, or at least not yet.  Still an emitter and four to six pair of glasses, will be a nice little additional dent into your credit card. I can't wait to lay my hands on this Sony projector.  I've got the content all ready and waiting.  Come on, Sony!   -art