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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
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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.

Sony VPL-HW15 Projector – Performance-2
Sony VPL-HW15 Projector Calibration and Settings