Sony VPL-HW15 Projector - Physical Tour

Posted on September 1, 2009 by Art Feierman

Sony VPL-HW15 Projector - Appearance

The new Sony VPL-HW15 projector is physically identical to the HW10 it replaces. Like the older projector, the VPL-HW15 is a larger home theater projector, finished in an almost black, piano type, shiny finish on the top, while most other surfaces are a flat black. If you are ceiling mounting, of course, the projector is inverted, with the piano finish facing down, where it is nicely attractive with lights on.

Sony's manual zoom lens, with its 1.6:1 zoom ratio, is partially recessed.

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The lens zoom and focus are adjusted from the lens trim rings. If you are facing the front of the projector, the infra-red sensor for the remote, is just to the right of the lens area. Two screw thread adjustable feet can be found on the bottom just behind the front.

Moving to the top of the Sony VPL HW15, all you will find, are the two manual lens shift wheels, just behind the lens in the front.

VPL-HW15 Control Panel

Click to Enlarge.So close

Sony relies on a very small, and basic, control panel located on the side of the projector, right above all the inputs and outputs (left side, if viewing from the front). This is unlike most projectors which tend to put the control panel on the top. There are others like this Sony, though, including the Panasonic PT-AE3000.

Click Image to Enlarge

Looking at the control panel from that side of the projector, you'll find a small power button, closest to the front (once for on, twice for off). Next to it, is a button for Input selection, then one to bring up the menus. The rest of the control panel consists of four arrow keys in a round configuration, with a center enter button. I'm not sure if I'm a fan of side mounted control panels and input areas. It may allow you to place the projector a couple inches closer to the back wall, if shelf mounting, but when ceiling mounting, if people enter your theater from that side, they will have the best look at all those cables. Not an issue for most of us, but, forewarned is forearmed, as they say.