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Sony VPL-VW100

1080p high-definition SXRD™ projector

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Our take on the Sony VPL-VW100

Products that combine breakthrough performance and a breakthrough price don't come along often. In his in-depth review in the December 2005 issue of Widescreen Review, video guru Greg Rogers put this projector through its paces and concluded: "The Sony VPL-VW100 1080p SXRD front projector ($9,999) is a breakthrough product that will have a major impact on the home theater industry. It shatters the previous $30,000 price barrier for 1080p front projectors."

Each of the VPL-VW100's three ultra-high-resolution SXRD (Silicon Crystal Reflective Display) panels has 1920 x 1080 pixels. That's twice the number of pixels available from 720p projectors — more pixels reveal greater detail, depth and dimensionality. And 1080p is also a pixel-perfect match for 1080i high-definition programs, the most common HD format. (HDTV reception requires a separate HDTV tuner.) All video signals are automatically converted to precisely match the projector's 1080p native resolution. The VPL-VW100's powerful video processing circuitry is actually more advanced than what you'll find in many current standalone video processors.

Because there are three SXRD image chips — one each for red, green, and blue — colors look extraordinarily rich, radiant and rock-steady. The Real Color Processing color management system makes it easy to fine-tune specific colors and hues without affecting skin tones. Along with exceptional resolution and color, the VPL-VW100 provides contrast and black level performance that only CRT-based projectors could deliver before now. Sony's Advanced Iris system includes an "Auto" mode that monitors the incoming video signal and adjusts the projector's light output on the fly, optimizing black level and contrast on a scene-by-scene basis. Sony specs the maximum contrast ratio at an astonishing 15,000:1. (When Greg Rogers measured contrast for his review, the projector actually delivered 16,700:1.)

With its standard-throw lens, the VPL-VW100 is a good choice for medium- and larger-sized rooms (you can place it on a table, or ceiling-mount it with an optional bracket). The 400-watt Xenon lamp generates a brighter, purer light than typical UHP mercury lamps, but for the best possible image quality, Sony recommends using a 120" or smaller screen. The projector's "lens shift" feature lets you adjust the image either horizontally or vertically, to allow for off-center projector placement. Unlike digital keystone correction, lens shift doesn't reduce image resolution.

The VPL-VW100 has every type of video input you're likely to need. And for maximum future-readiness, the HDMI input accepts 1080p signals. To really see what this projector can do, feed it a 1080p signal from Sony's Blu-ray Disc player.

For optimum performance, a separate projection screen is recommended.

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Highlights:

  • HDTV-ready projector (digital TV reception requires a separate HDTV tuner)
  • widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio (can also display 4:3 material)
  • 3 SXRD panels (1920 x 1080 pixels each)
  • ultra-fast pixel response time (5 milliseconds)
  • 15,000:1 max. contrast ratio (with dynamic iris)
  • light output: 1200 ANSI lumens
  • adjustable/dynamic Advanced Iris for improved contrast and black level
  • DRC MultiFunction v2 (upconverts 480i and 1080i signals)
  • 10-bit digital video processing
  • Real Color Processing color management system
  • 1.8X motorized zoom/focus lens (standard-throw)
  • lens shift image adjustment (manual horizontal, motorized vertical)
  • 400W pure Xenon lamp for more accurate colors (3000-hour rated life)
  • ultra-quiet cooling fan (22 dB)
  • illuminated remote control
  • 6 video inputs, including:
    • 1 composite video
    • 1 S-video
    • 1 component video (accepts 1080i/720p/480p/480i signals)
    • 1 DVI digital video input (accepts signals up to 1080i)
    • 1 HDMI digital audio/video input (accepts signals up to 1080p)
    • 1 HD15 (compatible with HDTV RGB, component or computer signals)
  • Ethernet port
  • mini-USB port
  • 12-volt minijack trigger output (to operate an electric screen)
  • 19-5/8"W x 7"H x 20-5/8"D
  • weight: 41.8 lbs.
  • warranty: 2 years parts & labor — carry-in service (90 days on lamp)
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
  • Note: front projectors don't include any type of built-in TV tuner, but they display signals from an HDTV tuner, satellite receiver, cable box, or a VCR's TV tuner
Take a Close Look at Sony's HD Products
 

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Features and Specs

Features and Specs
Display
Type
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SXRD
3D-Capable
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Aspect Ratio
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16:9
Contrast Ratio
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15,000:1
Resolution (pixels)
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1920 x 1080
Approximate Lamp Life
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3,000 Hours
Bulb Wattage
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400
Brightness (in ANSI Lumens)
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1200
General
Vertical Lens Shift
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Yes
Horizontal Lens Shift
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Yes
Vertical Keystone Correction
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Yes
Horizontal Keystone Correction
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No
Width (inches)
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19-5/8
Height (inches)
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7
Depth (inches)
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20-5/8
Weight
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41.8 lbs
Parts Warranty
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2 Yrs/90 Days Lamp
Labor Warranty
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2 Years
Type of Warranty Service
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Carry-in
Connections
Total Video Inputs
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5
HDMI Inputs
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Component Video Inputs
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S-Video Inputs
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Composite Video Inputs
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USB Media Port
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PC Input
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RS-232 Port
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Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • Digital video projector
  • RM-PJVW100 wireless remote control
  • 2 "AA" batteries
  • 9.75' AC power cord
  • ImageDirector2 CD-ROM
  • Air filter cover
  • Lens cap
  • Operating Instructions

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features
Input and Output Notes

Features

Adjustable Image Size: The Sony VPL-VW100 video projector can produce an image that is adjustable between 40" and 300" (measured diagonally).

Projection System: SXRD is a display technology developed by the television engineers at Sony to reproduce a high definition image at its full 1080 line resolution. This projector uses three 0.61 inch, 2,073,600 pixel SXRD panels, one each for red, green, and blue. The result is a 1920 x 1080p panel characterized by several key benefits; full HD resolution, smooth film-like image with minimal screen door effects, fast pixel response times (5ms rise and fall), high contrast ratios, and accurate color rendition.

Note: Because the images from the three SXRD panels are superimposed over each other, the projector's native resolution is 1920 x 1080, a total of 2,073,600 pixels.

Video Signal Compatibility: This unit can accept nearly any video signal available today, including 480i, 480p, 575i, 575p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p (1080p through HDMI input only). It will also accept a wide range of computer video signals, and is compatible with NTSC, PAL, SECAM, PAL-M, PAL-N, and PAL60 color formats.

Note: The projector has no internal tuner and all video signals are displayed in 1920 x 1080 (1080p) resolution.

Lens Throw Distance: The projector's adjustable lens provides a wide range of placement possibilities for a given screen size. The throw distance (distance from lens to screen) range for several screen sizes, 16:9 and 4:3, are given below:

Screen Size Throw Distance (16:9) Throw Distance (4:3)
40" 3.98 to 6.91 feet 4.90 to 8.49 feet
60" 6.04 to 10.44 feet 7.43 to 12.80 feet
80" 8.11 to 13.97 feet 9.96 to 17.13 feet
100" 10.18 to 17.5 feet 12.49 to 21.45 feet
120" 12.24 to 21.03 feet 15.02 to 25.77 feet
150" 15.34 to 26.32 feet 18.81 to 32.25 feet
180" 18.45 to 31.61 feet 22.60 to 38.73 feet
200" 20.51 to 35.15 feet 25.14 to 43.05 feet
250" 25.68 to 43.97 feet 31.46 to 53.85 feet
300" 30.84 to 52.8 feet 37.78 to 64.66 feet

Adjust Signal: You can adjust the input signal for the clearest picture:

  • Dot Phase: synchronize with a computer input
  • Horizontal Size: adjust the horizontal size of a computer signal input
  • Shift: the image can be shifted vertically and horizontally

Wide Modes: You can select various wide screen modes, depending on the type of video signal received:

  • Full: a 16:9 squeezed picture is displayed normally, a 4:3 picture is enlarged horizontally to fit the screen
  • Normal: a 4:3 picture is displayed in the center of the screen with its original aspect ratio, it fills a 16:9 screen vertically, but not horizontally
  • Wide Zoom: a 4:3 picture is enlarged with the top and bottom of the picture squeezed to fit the screen
  • Zoom: the picture is enlarged vertically and horizontally in the same ratio to fit the screen
  • Subtitle: the subtitle area is compressed and displayed at the bottom of the screen
  • V Position: adjust the vertical position when in Zoom or Subtitle wide modes
  • Title Area: moves subtitles up or down (in Subtitle mode)

Picture Modes: You can select from the following picture modes directly from the remote control:

  • Standard: recommended for normal viewing conditions
  • Dynamic: enhanced picture contrast and sharpness
  • Cinema: provides soft, film-like picture, recommended for a dark setting
  • User 1, 2, and 3: three favorite picture settings stored in memory

Picture Adjustments: In addition to the above picture modes, you can adjust the following and customize your user presets:

  • Contrast: adjusts white level
  • Brightness: adjusts the light output
  • Color: adjusts the intensity of the color density
  • Hue: adjusts the color tone
  • Sharpness: defines the outline of an object
  • Noise Reduction: reduces the roughness of the picture
  • Black Level: adjust to emphasize black depending on the source
  • Gamma Correction: adjusts the tone response characteristics, use included CD-ROM
  • Color Temperature:
    • High: makes white more blue
    • Middle: neutral tint
    • Low: makes white more red
    • Custom: program your favorite color temperatures and store in three presets
  • Advanced Iris: the dynamic iris has three settings
    • Off: normal contrast
    • On: enhances black level
    • Auto: adjusts to optimal iris setting based on the scene, emphasizes contrast

Real Color Processing: This feature allows you to adjust the color and hue of a selected on-screen target independently. You can adjust the red, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and magenta levels. Once adjusted, you can store the settings in memory (User 1, User 2, or User 3).

Color Space: You can convert the range of color reproduction from Normal to Wide, which reproduces more natural color tones in a wider color range.

Over Scan: Over Scan hides the outline of the input signal, useful when noise appears around the edge.

Screen Area: When the over scan feature is turned on, the displayed picture can be enlarged to fill the screen area.

DRC-MFv2: DRC-MFv2 (Digital Reality Creation Multi-Function version 2) smoothes out video images that look rougher as the size increases. DRC mode 1 is designed for moving pictures and mode 2 is for still pictures, it can also be turned off. DRC Palette allows you customize the level of detail (Reality) and smoothness (Clarity) for input sources.

Film Mode: Film Mode can automatically detect 2-3 and 2-2 pull-down formats so it can reproduce film sources with smoother motion.

High Altitude: The Cooling Setting has a high altitude option for use over 1500 meters. The high setting turns the fan faster so it's slightly louder.

Power Saving Mode: When activated, the projector goes into Power Saving mode if no signal is input for 10 minutes. The lamp goes out and the cooling fan continues to run. It is cancelled when a signal is input or any button is pressed.

Background: When no signal is input the background color can be set to blue or black.

Auto Input Search: The VPL-VW100 will automatically find an active input when the input button is pressed. If you prefer to change inputs manually, turn this feature off.

Test Pattern: You can project a test pattern to help adjust the lens focus, lens zoom, lens shift, and vertical keystone to best fit the screen.

Installation Menu: During the initial setup, or subsequent adjustment, these features help optimize performance and offer placement flexibility:

  • V Keystone: corrects vertical trapezoidal distortion
  • Image Flip: flips the image vertically or horizontally
  • Lens Control: allows lens focus, zoom, and shift adjustment; Lens Control can be turned off in the menu so it isn't accidentally changed
  • IR Receiver: there are infrared receivers on the front and back of the projector, you can activate either, or both of them
  • Illumination: turns on (or off) the illumination on the top panel of the projector

Zoom/Focus: The VPL-VW100 features a 1.8x electric zoom lens. Both the picture size (zoom) and focus are adjusted using the arrow buttons on the side of the projector or the remote. A test pattern can be displayed on screen to help you focus.

Lens Shift: The lens shift controls allow you to adjust the image either horizontally or vertically, to allow for off-center projector placement.

Mounting Options: The VPL-VW100 can be placed on a table top or ceiling mounted using the PSS-H10 or PSS-610 Projector Suspension Support.

Lamp and Air Filter: This projector has a user-replaceable Sony LMP-H400 pure xenon lamp, rated for approximately 3000 hours. When the lamp dims, causing the color balance to become strange, or when "Please replace the lamp" appears on the screen, the lamp is exhausted and should be replaced as soon as possible. In addition, the projector is equipped with a removable air filter which should be cleaned after approximately 1250 hours use. A new air filter is also supplied with the replacement lamp and should be installed at the same time.

Note: The Information Menu has a lamp timer to indicate how long the lamp has been in use.

Remote Control: The supplied remote allows you to control all the projector's functions, including focus and zoom. Using the backlight button, you can illuminate for approximately 30 seconds. Infrared receivers are located on the front and the rear of the projector.

Remote Dimensions:

  • Width: 2.068"
  • Height: 0.995"
  • Depth: 7.338"

Network: The VPL-VW100 can be networked into you LAN and you can check the status of and control the projector with your computer. You can set internet protocols such as IP address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, and DNS Server when accessing the projector from a computer or using the included ImageDirector2 software.

Warranty: The projector is covered by a 2-year parts and labor warranty, while the lamp is covered for 90 days.

Input and Output Notes

Input A (HD15): This input features an HD D-Sub 15 jack that is compatible with HDTV RGB, component, or computer sources.

HDMI Input: The High Definition Multimedia Interface provides input for a DVD player, Blu-ray Disc player, HD-DVD player, or Digital Tuner with HDMI output. Digital video signals are passed through this connection.

DVI: The DVI input is compatible with HDTV RGB or computer sources.

Component Video Input: The component video input will accept 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i signals.

12-Volt Trigger: A mini-jack trigger output provides a constant 12-Volt DC output while the projector is on. If you connect your motorized projection screen to the trigger output, when you turn on the projector the screen will move down; when you turn the projector off, the screen will return to the storage position.

RS-232: The VPL-VW100 can be controlled by compatible home automation systems using the RS-232 port.

Network: RJ-45 jack for integrating with your LAN.

 

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Accessories

Things you'll need

Screens
A superior screen will bring out the detail in the picture.
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84" fixed-frame projection screen
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Setup Discs
Optimize the picture quality of your new projector or tune up your home audio system for maximum performance.
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Extras

Professional Installation
Have your new projector installed by qualified professionals.
Component Video Cables
Use component video cables to make high-definition connections when HDMI isn't an option.
Monster Cable 700CV
Component video cable (4 meters/13.2 ft.)
$119.95
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Composite Video Cables
Even basic components will look better with better cables. It's especially important for longer runs.
Monster Video® 2
Composite video cable (4 meters, 13.2 ft.)
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S-Video Cables
Use better cables for your components that use S-Video. It's especially important for longer runs.
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Also available in:
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