Sony VPL-HW15 Projector - Image Quality-2

All considered, I'd say that the HW15, though it can't beat the Epson, should have the advantage on other ultra-high contrast 3LCD projectors like the Panasonic PT-AE3000 and the Sanyo PLV-Z3000. Whether the VPL-HW15, however can outperform the expected new Panasonic, would be pure guesswork. With the new Epson Home Cinema 8500UB claiming 200,000:1 contrast, and considering how the Sony compares to the older Epson, the new Epson should definitely beat the Sony in black levels (though will still do better skin tones, etc.)

In the overexposed version of the satellite, above, you can see the differences in the black levels in the letterbox area, and also in the starfield. (again, note: Sony on the left.) Even compensating for the extra brightness of the Sony (notice the pause icon in the lower left), the Epson has an advantage.

In the overexposed version of the satellite, above, you can see the differences in the black levels in the letterbox area, and also in the starfield. (again, note: Sony on the left.) Even compensating for the extra brightness of the Sony (notice the pause icon in the lower left), the Epson has an advantage.

Below is a side by side, with a lower cost, but excellent projector I've recently reviewed, the new Mitsubishi HC3800 (which ships late Oct. 09). At half the price, the HC3800 has black level performance that's better than entry level, but not "ultra-high" contrast projectors like the Sony. Look closely in the dark areas, and you can see that there is a very real difference between the two.