Sony VPL-HS51 Cineza LCD Front Projector

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 23 x 23 x 13 inches
• Shipping Weight: 23 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0006HU57U
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #140,983 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Sony VPL-HS51 LCD front projector's versatile cabinet, light weight, and easy-to-use features make it ideal for home theater use. The projector employs 3 proprietary 720p LCD panels that together provide 2,764,800 pixels (1,280 x 720 native pixel resolution) optimized for high-definition video inputs such as those from a DTV set-top box. Compatible inputs include standard 480i, progressive-scan 480p, and high-definition 720p and 1080i signals.

Sony's Advanced Iris function enables the projector to dynamically adjust the video image according to the level of the input signal, resulting in a high contrast ratio of up to 6,000:1 and reproduction of even the subtlest details. The projector's 1.6x zoom lens grants the projector a short throw distance, with the option to project on screen sizes of 40 to 200 inches. For placement considerations, you'll need to maintain anywhere from 4 to 6 feet of throw distance for a 40-inch screen to as much as 19 to 30 feet for a 200-inch screen.

You can easily adjust picture position using the lens-shift function, which broadens the projector's placement and installation options without distorting the image. Lens shift permits both horizontal and vertical adjustments, with a total shift of 2 picture heights, maximum up to maximum down and a total shift of 1 picture height, maximum left to maximum right. This allows for off-center positioning. You can mount the projector above the top of the screen or below the bottom of the screen, by up to half the screen's height.

An All Range Crisp-Focus (ARC-F) lens and powerful Real Color Processor (RCP) further enhance colors and images. The ARC-F lens offers an 8 percent focus improvement over standard projectors at screen center and a 20 percent improvement in focus at screen corners. And, with RCP, you can customize your picture by targeting specific items in a picture and fine-adjusting their color and hue without changing the overall picture's color and hue. For instance, you can fine-adjust the color of a strawberry without affecting human skin tones. Or you can alter the blue in a sky without affecting the color of water.

An advanced 12-bit panel driver brings high color graduation. This projector also offers a new HD I/P converter that improves not only NTSC video conversion but high-definition signals, as well. Further, the VPL-HS51's unique fan generates low noise for extremely quiet operation.

Supplied ImageDirector2 Gamma-control software enables Gamma adjustments to the VPL-HS51 via connection to a PC. Adjustments can be seen in real time, and personal preferences can be stored in the PC for future use. ImageDirector2 also works in conjunction with the Real Color Processing (RCP) function for precise picture adjustment.

Inputs and outputs include progressive-scan component-video, 2 composite-video, high-definition HDMI, S-video, USB, and a power on/off trigger. The HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) allows copy-protected, high-definition video content to be delivered from a DVI/HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection)-compatible set-top box. HDMI supports standard-definition (SD), enhanced definition (ED), or high-definition (HD) video, plus multi-channel digital audio--all using a single cable. It transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports up to 8-channel digital audio, with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements and requirements.

Optional projector accessories include a user-replaceable lamp (LMP-H130), a replacement air filter (PK-HS10FL), and suspension support (PSS-610). What's in the Box
Projector, a remote control (model RM-PJHS50), 2 AA remote batteries, an air filter (PK-HS10FL), a CD-ROM (ImageDirector2 Gamma-control software), a user's manual, and warranty/registration information.

Product Description

Sony's next-generation VPL-HS51 Cineza high-definition front projector is equipped with the latest 3LCD panel. It's packed with features like an advanced iris function, a high contrast ratio of up to 6000:1, and three proprietary 720p LCD panels that provide 2,764,800 pixel resolution (1280x720) optimized for HD video input. The VPL-HS51 also features an all range crisp focus (ARC-F) lens and the Real Color Processor (RCP) further enhances colors and images. Its lightweight design, versatile cabinet and easy-to-use features help create the ultimate home theater experience. Cinema Black Pro (with Advanced Iris Function and Lamp Control) High Contrast Ratio of up to 6000:1 (Advanced Iris Auto Mode ON) Lens Shift Function All Range Crisp Focus Lens (ARC-F Lens) Real Color Processing Function 1.6X Zoom Lens Three WXGA LCD Panels, .73" p-Si TFT Panels Resolution: 1280 x 720 (x 3) or 2,764,800 Total Pixels Lens: 1.6 Times Manual Zoom / Focus Lens (F2.4-3.1 / f21.3-34.1mm) Standard Lens Throwing Distance: 40" - 1.2m-1.8m; 60" - 1.8m-2.7m; 80" - 2.4m-3.7m; 100" - 2.9m-4.6m; 120" - 3.5m-5.5m; 150" 4.4m-6.9m; 180" - 5.3m-8.3m; 200" - 5.8m-9.2m HD/IP Converter Ceiling or Table Mount Capable Improved Lamp Life Up to 3000 Hours HDMI Digital Interface 12 Bit Panel Driver LSI LCD Panel with MicroLens Array (MLS) and Wide View (WV) Film Gamma Control Software (ImageDirector 2) Ethernet Connection Input Channel Switching

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No problems after nearly a year., January 11, 2006

By 

jpr (CO, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony VPL-HS51 Cineza LCD Front Projector (Electronics)

I find the previous review strange, because it was the same sort of lamp-replacement runaround from Infocus that prompted me to switch brands from Infocus to Sony nearly a year ago. I guess I must assume that similar problems affect several, possibly even most brands.

Note that this unit has a "high altitude" setting. I'm at around 5000ft and I did enable that option during initial set up. It causes the fans to run at a slightly higher speed for more effective cooling at altitude, resulting in just a bit more noise, but nothing compared to my old Infocus. I imagine that high altitude operation without using the setting might lead to premature failure, whereas running the high altitude setting at lower elevations might actually keep things cooler and possibly even improve longevity. Just a thought. Stable power is also important for front projectors. I have my unit on a good quality power conditioner/UPS to protect against any spikes or brownouts.

In any case, I've had the unit nearly a year and have been pleased with its performance. Image quality is excellent, especially when using the HDMI input. It's seen extensive use (somewhere over 2000 hours, I haven't checked lately) and I've only had to replace the air filter thus far. The unit came with a spare filter in the box.
The VPL-HS51 was a truly exceptional product a year ago, though now there are a few other similar/comparable units on the market, and some people are starting to look at moving to 1080p with the advent of Blueray and HD DVD. Even so, I personally feel no need to upgrade in the short term and wouldn't hesitate to recommend this projector to anyone who will be satisfied with 1280x720. If you run large screen sizes (e.g. larger than 80"), have a short viewing distance, and good eyesight it probably makes sense to go for 1080p even if it means waiting a little longer to make a purchase, but otherwise I think most people would be happy with 720.

There are plenty of excellent reviews of the VPL-HS51 on the web already so I won't go into great detail here, but in short, I'm completely satisfied and haven't had any problems whatsoever.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Horrible Support - Do not buy., April 25, 2006

By 

J. Tobias (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony VPL-HS51 Cineza LCD Front Projector (Electronics)

I have to say the same thing as the last review. I purchased the Sony projector 4 months ago. The bulb is only under warantee for 3 months. The first CS person told me it was covered and to take it in to a depot. Then I was told it wasn't covered by the depot but that I could purchase it for $450 plus the labour of $150 to install a bulb that can't take them more then 5 minutes.

I have gone back and forth with Sony support for 4 weeks. And they are now saying they'll give me a discount but the discount is based on getting it fixed at the depot and I'll get sony gift certificates back.

I have purchased a lot of Sony stuff in my life but I will never buy anything again. I was so disappointed with support on this product that I would never have bought one given the choice.

It is very good quality but the cost of ownership is just too ridiculous.

I can't stress enough that there are many other great products out there. Go with one that has good support.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Video Projector Under 10k, August 20, 2006

By 

Joe Score (Cincinnati Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony VPL-HS51 Cineza LCD Front Projector (Electronics)

The VPL-HS51 is the best video projector on the market for less than 10k. Far better than any DLP projector, since their is NO rainbow effect and once you see the DLP rainbow you will see this in every show.
Back to the HS51, I bought mine from Amazon one year ago and have 1,000 hours on the unit. NO problems, period. I do suggest running the projector in the LOW brightness setting since this will extend the bulb life. Also suggest using a PC UPS so if the power goes off, you can turn off the projector and the fan continues to run.
Since my room can be made 100% dark, I do not use a screen for the 9 foot HD picture. My wall is painted with SW extra white paint.
The HS51 has all the advanced features and inputs. Few projectors on the market have "lens shift" and the HS51 has two.
Thanks,
Joe Score
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