Sony VPLHS20 Cineza Digital Home Entertainment LCD Projector

Viewers will also appreciate the projector's versatile broadcast facility, with the ability to accept 480i and 480p broadcast signals along with HD-compatible 1080i and 720p modes. The projector also accepts images from a computer signal, letting users display PowerPoint presentations, online movies, and more, and even includes a Memory Stick slot for instant playback of JPEG still images or MPEG digital movies.

The full impact of a movie's video images are aided by a variety of picture-sharpening features, including CineMotion 3:2 reverse pulldown, which automatically converts film frames to produce smoother-looking DVD images; Slide Shot 2 digital keystoning, which lets users align the picture horizontally and vertically on the screen with the press of a button so they don't have to futz with the position of the projector; and several preset picture modes (dynamic, cinema, and standard) that adjust to the broadcast source and viewing environment. The projector also lets users adjust the black level (the projector includes a 1,300:1 contrast ratio), color temperature (warm reds and cool blues), and brightness.

The projector's audio runs through a built-in speaker system (2 watts x 2), though it's recommended to use an outside audio source for best performance. Viewers can connect other components through the HD-HDMI interface (for high-definition signals), component input, S-video input, composite input, mini-USB input (for computer connection), and audio input.

What's in the Box
Projector, signal interface cable, replacement air filter, lens cap, remote control, two AA batteries, user's manual.

I decided to give Sony another chance. Got a second one after 2 weeks. This one had a strange problem so that if I flip the picture using the menu (needed for ceiling mounting), there would be light and dark vertical bands all across the screen. I sent it to Sony's Laredo, TX service center to get it fixed. It returned back from the service center with a change in the prizm assembly, but the original problem was not addressed at all. I sent it back to the service center, and this time around, it was fixed.

I must admit though, it has worked beautifully since then. No start up problems at all. No bad pixels. No mis-alignment of panels. Colors are amazingly real.

Out of the box, picture didn't look sharp enough and contrast definitely wasn't impressive. But after some tweaking, it is now at a level where I don't think the image is washed up. Brightness is ample - it tolerates some amount of ambient light without problems. Sony's included PJ multi cable works pretty well - I couldn't find any difference in Picture Quality using the included cable or much expensive component cables.

DVI picture using Bravo D1 is stunning. It's not HDTV but very very close. And of course, HDTV is the best. The scaler seems top notch but the deinterlacer is not stellar. Most progressive scan DVD players will have a better deinterlacer.

Remote is the worst thing on this machine. It is lighted but you have to cycle through Inputs using a single button. Same for wide mode. And it's not like you can quickly cycle - there is a noticeable time lag when switching between inputs or wide modes.

Power Lens and Zoom are quite handy during setup.

Overall, I think I'm impressed for what I've got for under 3 grand - just make sure you get a working piece.


Gorgeous color, many inputs   December 27, 2003
Robert Salita (CHI PAR PHX SYD PDX CLD NKC)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Gorgeous colors from the HS-20. No screen door or fixed panel noise. Some reports of convergence problems. Many input options made this a choice over other units. Cons: you may need to buy several expensive cables ($50) for VGA analog input, HDMI port use. Also, HDMI port has poor quality when used with VOOM. May be a problem with all HDMI. DVI input (and component) looks great though. See avsforum dot com for futher discussions.