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Sony VPL HW20 Review | 85 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£2,530
  • Avg. price in US: ~$2,500
  • ANSI lumens: 1300
  • Native panel resolution: 1920x1080
  • Throw ratio: 1.47-2.18:1

Sony VPL HW20 review. Compare 85 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among projectors and if it is worth buying.

5.0

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the projector's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best projectors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.1

Technical Score

10.0%

4.5

User score

Good
5.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

6.0

Image Quality

22.0%

5.6

Projection & Lens

12.0%

5.3

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

1.9

Audio & Features

8.0%

2.7

Connectivity

6.0%

5.1

Design & Power

Good
4.5

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.

When it matters: When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

6.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Poor
  • 6.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    ?

    Input lag

    25.0%

    5.8

    Refresh rate

    20.0%

    8.6

    Output Resolution

    10.0%

    1.0

    HDR10 support

    10.0%

    ?

    Audio output power

  • 3.6
    Portable

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.4

    Weight

    20.0%

    ?

    Has A Built-In Speaker

    15.0%

    1.0

    Bluetooth connectivity

    15.0%

    1.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    15.0%

    1.0

    Smart TV features

  • 4.4
    Home theatre

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.6

    Output Resolution

    25.0%

    1.0

    HDR10 support

    20.0%

    1.0

    Dolby Vision support

    15.0%

    3.8

    ANSI lumens

    10.0%

    ?

    Audible noise

  • sony-vpl-hw20
sony-vpl-hw20

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sony VPL-HW20 is a Full HD 1080p home cinema projector featuring 3-panel SXRD technology, a 1,300 ANSI lumens brightness, and a high dynamic contrast ratio of 80,000:1. It includes a high-quality All Range Crisp Focus (ARC-F) lens with 1.6x manual zoom, a 200W UHP lamp, and dual HDMI inputs. Its primary strengths are its exceptionally quiet operation at 20dB (Eco mode), excellent out-of-the-box color accuracy, and smooth 24p film playback. However, it lacks 3D support, features side-mounted connections that can complicate some installations, and lacks the punchy brightness of competing LCD models in well-lit rooms.

Technical Specifications of Sony VPL HW20

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

6.0

Image Quality

22.0%

5.6

Projection & Lens

12.0%

5.3

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

1.9

Audio & Features

8.0%

2.7

Connectivity

6.0%

5.1

Design & Power

5.1
Sony VPL HW20 has a technical score of 5.07 points, which is lower than 81% of projectors.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.

When it matters: When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

6.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

4.5
Sony VPL HW20 has a user score of 4.5 points, which is lower than 99% of projectors.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters: When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
1.0
Sony VPL HW20 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 55.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.0

Overall score

40.0%

1.0

Price

3.8
Sony VPL HW20 has a quality-to-price ratio of 3.8 points, which is lower than 98.8% of products in this category.
ANSI lumens
What it is: Brightness output measured in ANSI lumens.
When it matters: When you watch with ambient light or on a large screen, higher brightness matters.

Importance: HIGH

1,300
Sony VPL HW20 reaches 1300 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 65.3% of projectors and equal to 1% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
What it is: Ratio of brightest white to darkest black displayed by the projector.
When it matters: When you watch movies in a dark room, stronger contrast matters.

Importance: HIGH

80,000:1
Sony VPL HW20 has a contrast ratio of 80000:1, higher than 70.8% of projectors and equal to 0.6% of projectors.
Full on/off contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
What it is: Native resolution of the display panel or imaging device.
When it matters: When picture sharpness matters enough that you want to know the projector's true native imaging resolution, not just supported input formats.

Importance: HIGH

1920x1080
Sony VPL HW20 uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 26.2% of projectors and equal to 60.1% of projectors.
Output Resolution
What it is: The resolution the projector can actually display through its imaging system.
When it matters: When you want to know the actual image detail the projector can put on screen rather than just the source format it accepts.

Importance: HIGH

1920x1080
Sony VPL HW20 supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 24.9% of projectors and equal to 41% of projectors.
Projection technology
What it is: Projection imaging technology used by the projector.
When it matters: When color character, contrast behavior, and overall image personality matter before you compare brightness alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

LCoS
Show more
Throw ratio
What it is: Ratio between projection distance and image width.
When it matters: When room size and screen size have to match properly instead of guessing whether the projector will fit the space.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.47-2.18:1
Min throw distance
What it is: Minimum distance required between projector and screen.
When it matters: When room depth is limited and you still need a large image from a short placement distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Max projection size
What it is: Maximum supported image size for projection, measured diagonally.
When it matters: When you want a cinema-size picture, maximum projection size matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

300 inch
Sony VPL HW20 supports projection sizes up to 300 inch, larger than 51.8% of projectors and equal to 38% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
What it is: Optical zoom capability expressed as a ratio.
When it matters: When projector placement is not ideal and you need optical zoom to frame the image correctly.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.6
Sony VPL HW20 offers a zoom ratio of 1.6, wider than 58.4% of projectors and equal to 18.6% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
What it is: Motorized control of the optical zoom function.
When it matters: When the projector position is fixed but screen size or framing still needs to be adjusted from a distance.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony VPL HW20 does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
What it is: Time delay between input signal and displayed image, measured in milliseconds.
When it matters: When gaming responsiveness matters and you want controls to feel more immediate on fast titles.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
What it is: Automatically reduces input lag when gaming.
When it matters: When you play fast games, lower latency matters.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony VPL HW20 does not support ALLM. 20.3% of projectors support ALLM.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
What it is: Support for variable refresh rate to reduce screen tearing.
When it matters: When gaming matters and you want the projector to handle variable frame rates with less tearing or stutter.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony VPL HW20 does not support VRR. 1.9% of projectors support VRR.
HDMI version
What it is: Version of the HDMI standard supported.
When it matters: When source devices push newer HDMI features, refresh rates, or bandwidth levels that older ports may limit.

Importance: LOW

?
Max HDMI bandwidth
What it is: Maximum bandwidth supported by HDMI inputs, measured in Gbps.
When it matters: When newer consoles, gaming PCs, or media boxes need more HDMI throughput than older projectors can handle.

Importance: LOW

10.2 Gbps
Sony VPL HW20 supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 52.1% of projectors and equal to 45.4% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
What it is: Number of available HDMI input ports.
When it matters: When you need a console, streamer, set-top box, and another source connected at the same time without swapping cables.

Importance: LOW

2
Sony VPL HW20 has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.5% of projectors and equal to 47% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Support for Wi-Fi network connectivity.
When it matters: When the projector should handle network features, updates, or streaming functions without needing wired Ethernet only.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony VPL HW20 does not support Wi-Fi. 52.7% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Supported Wi-Fi standard version.
When it matters: When wireless stability and throughput matter for streaming, updates, or projector ecosystem features.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Support for Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
When it matters: When you plan to pair wireless speakers, headphones, remotes, or other accessories directly with the projector.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony VPL HW20 does not support Bluetooth. 50% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Supported Bluetooth version.
When it matters: When wireless accessory compatibility and connection quality matter beyond Bluetooth being a simple checkbox.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
What it is: Includes built-in Smart TV functions or operating system.
When it matters: When you prefer built-in apps and streaming convenience instead of adding an external media stick or box.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony VPL HW20 does not have smart TV features. 43.8% of projectors have smart TV features.
Operating system
What it is: The built-in software platform that runs the projector interface, streaming apps, and smart features.
When it matters: When you care about which apps are available, how modern the smart interface feels, and whether the projector includes a built-in streaming platform.

Importance: LOW

none
Android OS

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Dedicated smartphone app
What it is: Availability of a dedicated smartphone control app.
When it matters: When you want setup, input switching, or basic control handled from your phone without always reaching for a remote.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony VPL HW20 does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 35.6% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
What it is: Comes with a dedicated remote control for operation.
When it matters: When you want easier everyday control without extra gear, built-in convenience features matter.

Importance: LOW

yes
Sony VPL HW20 includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
Show more
Light source type
What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

Importance: LOW

lamp
Sony VPL HW20 uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 67.1% of projectors and equal to 33% of projectors.
UHP.
Laser Light Source
What it is: Whether the projector uses a laser light source instead of a traditional lamp.
When it matters: When lower maintenance, faster startup, and a lamp-free light engine matter over the long term.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony VPL HW20 does not use a laser light source. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
Lamp life
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in standard mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

2000 hours
Sony VPL HW20 offers lamp life of 2000 hours, longer than 96.3% of projectors and equal to 3.3% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in eco mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

?
Operating power consumption
What it is: Average power consumption during normal operation.
When it matters: When electricity use and heat output matter because the projector runs for long sessions or frequent daily use.

Importance: LOW

300 W
Sony VPL HW20 uses 300 W of power, more than 67.5% of projectors and equal to 3.3% of projectors.
Show more

Sony VPL HW20 vs the average projector

  • Higher contrast ratio
    Sony VPL HW20 has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (80000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Full on/off contrast ratio.
    What it is: Ratio of brightest white to darkest black displayed by the projector.
    When it matters: When you watch movies in a dark room, stronger contrast matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sony VPL HW20 has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (80000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.80,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 0.3 2x wider zoom range
    Sony VPL HW20 has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (1.6 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    What it is: Optical zoom capability expressed as a ratio.
    When it matters: When projector placement is not ideal and you need optical zoom to frame the image correctly.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony VPL HW20 has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (1.6 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.1.6 vs 1.3
  • 6 dB quieter eco mode
    Sony VPL HW20 has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (22 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    What it is: Sound level produced in eco or quiet mode, measured in decibels.
    When it matters: When you watch in a quiet room close to the projector, lower noise matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW20 has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (22 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.22 dB vs 28 dB
  • 50 inch larger image size
    Sony VPL HW20 has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    What it is: Maximum supported image size for projection, measured diagonally.
    When it matters: When you want a cinema-size picture, maximum projection size matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony VPL HW20 has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.300 inch vs 250 inch
  • Includes VGA
    Sony VPL HW20 includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 43.1% of projectors include VGA input.
    What it is: Presence of a VGA connector for analog video input.
    When it matters: When older laptops, PCs, or legacy AV hardware still need an analog video input path.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW20 includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 43.1% of projectors include VGA input.
  • 5 % more vertical lens shift
    Sony VPL HW20 has more vertical lens shift than the average projector (65 % vs 60 %). The average projector has 60 % vertical lens shift.
    What it is: Vertical lens shift adjustment range for image positioning.
    When it matters: When you want installation flexibility without depending only on digital keystone correction.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony VPL HW20 has more vertical lens shift than the average projector (65 % vs 60 %). The average projector has 60 % vertical lens shift.65 % vs 60 %
  • Higher contrast ratio
    Sony VPL HW20 has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (80000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
  • 0.3 2x wider zoom range
    Sony VPL HW20 has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (1.6 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
  • 50 inch larger image size
    Sony VPL HW20 has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
  • 5 % more vertical lens shift
    Sony VPL HW20 has more vertical lens shift than the average projector (65 % vs 60 %). The average projector has 60 % vertical lens shift.
  • Includes VGA
    Sony VPL HW20 includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 43.1% of projectors include VGA input.
  • 6 dB quieter eco mode
    Sony VPL HW20 has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (22 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.

Total
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
Connectivity
Design & Power
  • No HDR10 support
    Sony VPL HW20 does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 40.9% dimmer image
    Sony VPL HW20 has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (1,300 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
  • No 3D support
    Sony VPL HW20 does not support 3D playback, while the average projector does. 55.1% of projectors support 3D playback.
    No supported 3D playback format is stated.
  • No 3D glasses support
    Sony VPL HW20 does not support 3D glasses, while the average projector does. 55.9% of projectors support 3D glasses.
  • 5 % less horizontal lens shift
    Sony VPL HW20 has fewer horizontal lens shift than the average projector (25 % vs 30 %). The average projector has 30 % horizontal lens shift.
  • Limited HDMI format
    Sony VPL HW20 supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    Sony VPL HW20 has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
  • No Wi-Fi support
    Sony VPL HW20 does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • No 3.5 mm jack
    Sony VPL HW20 does not include a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the average projector does. 82.2% of projectors include a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    Sony VPL HW20 has fewer USB ports than the average projector (0 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
  • No built-in speaker
    Sony VPL HW20 drawback: no built-in speaker. 85.3% of projectors have a built-in speaker.
  • No sleep timer
    Sony VPL HW20 does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 80.8% of projectors have a sleep timer.
  • Basic light source
    Sony VPL HW20 has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    UHP.
  • 18,000 hours shorter lamp life
    Sony VPL HW20 has a lower lamp life than the average projector (2,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
  • 3.23x heavier weight
    Sony VPL HW20 is heavier than the average projector (10 kg vs 3.1 kg). The average projector weighs 3.1 kg.
  • 66.1 W higher power use
    Sony VPL HW20 uses more power than the average projector (300 W vs 233.9 W). The average projector uses 233.9 W of power.
  • 107.9 mm wider body
    Sony VPL HW20 is wider than the average projector (407.4 mm vs 299.5 mm). The average projector has a width of 299.5 mm.
  • 11 older model
    Sony VPL HW20 was released earlier than the average projector (2,010 vs 2,021). The average projector was released in 2,021.
    October 2010
  • 52.2 mm taller body
    Sony VPL HW20 is taller than the average projector (179.2 mm vs 127 mm). The average projector has a height of 127 mm.
  • No HDR10 support
    Sony VPL HW20 does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
    What it is: Support for HDR10 high dynamic range standard.
    When it matters: When you want the projector to handle mainstream HDR movie and streaming content instead of standard dynamic range only.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony VPL HW20 does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Limited HDMI format
    Sony VPL HW20 supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    What it is: Highest HDMI input format supported by the projector.
    When it matters: When you want to confirm the exact signal format the projector can accept from high-end modern sources.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony VPL HW20 supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • Basic light source
    Sony VPL HW20 has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    UHP.
    What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
    When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW20 has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.lamp vs laser
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    Sony VPL HW20 has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    What it is: Maximum bandwidth supported by HDMI inputs, measured in Gbps.
    When it matters: When newer consoles, gaming PCs, or media boxes need more HDMI throughput than older projectors can handle.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW20 has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi support
    Sony VPL HW20 does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
    What it is: Support for Wi-Fi network connectivity.
    When it matters: When the projector should handle network features, updates, or streaming functions without needing wired Ethernet only.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW20 does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • 40.9% dimmer image
    Sony VPL HW20 has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (1,300 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    What it is: Brightness output measured in ANSI lumens.
    When it matters: When you watch with ambient light or on a large screen, higher brightness matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sony VPL HW20 has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (1,300 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.1,300 vs 2,200
  • No 3D support
    Sony VPL HW20 does not support 3D playback, while the average projector does. 55.1% of projectors support 3D playback.
    No supported 3D playback format is stated.
    What it is: Whether the projector supports 3D playback in any format.
    When it matters: When you want real 3D playback rather than support for only one niche 3D format.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW20 does not support 3D playback, while the average projector does. 55.1% of projectors support 3D playback.
  • No built-in speaker
    Sony VPL HW20 drawback: no built-in speaker. 85.3% of projectors have a built-in speaker.
    What it is: Whether the projector includes a built-in speaker for basic sound output.
    When it matters: When you want basic sound without carrying extra speakers for quick setups, travel use, or casual viewing.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW20 drawback: no built-in speaker. 85.3% of projectors have a built-in speaker.
Total
Overall
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
HDMI & Gaming
Connectivity
Audio & Features
Design & Power

Graphic comparison of Sony VPL HW20 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony VPL HW20?

  • Excellent picture quality with natural, textured color palettes
  • Extremely quiet operation, especially in low lamp mode (as low as 20dB)
  • Significant brightness and contrast improvements over the previous HW15 model
  • Superb high-definition detail and sharpness from Blu-ray sources
  • Easy setup process with high-quality, backlit remote control
  • Strong value proposition for a 1080p home cinema dedicated room

What customers dislike about Sony VPL HW20?

  • Lacks 3D playback capability
  • Manual lens shift and focus controls (not motorized)
  • Out-of-the-box color accuracy can require manual calibration to look its best
  • Noticeable fall in clarity during very fast-moving images
  • Connections are side-mounted, which can be less ideal for some installations
  • Black levels, while good, do not match more expensive competitors like JVC models

Expert reviews

H
homecinemachoice.com
14/02/2011
Sony VPL-HW20 review - Projectors - Home Cinema Choice

The Sony VPL-HW20 is lauded as a high-performance Full HD SXRD projector offering significant upgrades over its predecessor, delivering enhanced brightness, contrast, and sharp 1080p imagery for its price point. Its design features quiet operation, low video noise, and effective color calibration via the Real Colour Processor, producing deep blacks without sacrificing image...Read more

W
whathifi.com
07/02/2011
Sony VPL-HW20 review | What Hi-Fi?

The Sony VPL-HW20 is a stylish, glossy home cinema projector that offers an incredibly user-friendly setup thanks to its intuitive vertical and horizontal position adjusters, paired with manual focus and zoom controls. Built around Sony’s proprietary SXRD liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) technology, it delivers a highly refined, smooth, and rich picture with exceptionally natural...Read more

A
avforums.com
30/12/2010
Sony HW20 (VPL-HW20) SXRD Projector Review | AVForums

The AVForums review praises the Sony HW20 (VPL-HW20) SXRD projector for offering exceptional out-of-the-box color accuracy, deep black levels, and impressive 3-panel SXRD image quality that eliminates pixel structure. Key strengths include a highly capable video processing engine, smooth 24fps film playback, and detailed shadow performance, making it a high-value option for...Read more

H
homecinemabuyer.co.uk
27/11/2010
Sony VPL-HW20 Projector Review - Home Cinema Buyer

The Home Cinema Buyer review of the Sony VPL-HW20 evaluates this prestige-market projector as an impressive, high-quality successor to the older VPL-HW15 model. On the positive side, the projector features an upgraded optical engine that provides a major boost in brightness, which significantly enhances shadow details and gives the images more overall sparkle. Additionally, it...Read more

T
trustedreviews.com
04/11/2010
Sony VPL-HW20 Review - Trusted Reviews

The Sony VPL-HW20, evaluated by Trusted Reviews, features a redesigned chipset and optical system that offers a 30% increase in brightness and contrast over the HW15. Key advantages include exceptional out-of-the-box picture quality, high-clarity 1080p images, and an effective "Auto1" iris setting, producing deep blacks for its price point. While offering high-value performance, the...Read more

T
techradar.com
05/01/2010
Sony VPL-HW20 review - TechRadar Would you like a summary of the pros and cons identified in these specific tests to help with your evaluation?

The Sony VPL-HW20 is a home cinema projector that introduces a completely redesigned SXRD chipset with tighter pixel spacing alongside an overhauled optical system. These hardware updates deliver a notable 30% boost to both brightness and contrast compared to its predecessor, achieving a claimed 1,300 ANSI Lumens and an 80,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. It excels at producing deep,...Read more

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projector-database.com
01/11/2010
Sony VPL HW20 - HCinema Projector Database (Product Data Sheet and Test Summary)

The Sony VPL-HW20 is a high-end Full HD home cinema projector built in 2010 that utilizes a 3 x 0.61" SXRD panel system to deliver a 1920 x 1080 resolution. It is capable of projecting a maximum image width of up to 366 cm in dark rooms, though it is recommended to stay under 244 cm if ambient light is present. In test evaluations, the projector achieved a "very good" rating,...Read more

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heimkinoverein.de
14/06/2012
Review of the Sony HW20, JVC HD950, Epson 9000, and Sharp 17000

A comparative review on Heimkinoverein tests the Sony VPL-HW20, JVC DLA-HD950, Epson EH-TW9000, and Sharp XV-Z17000, highlighting the JVC's superior native contrast (29,000:1) and black levels, while praising the Sony for its high-quality chassis and effective iris, despite lacking frame interpolation. The Epson stands out for its smooth frame interpolation and extensive menu,...Read more

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projektoren-datenbank.com
26/04/2011
Sony VPL HW20 HDTV SXRD Projector Specifications and Review

The Sony VPL-HW20 is a high-end Full HD (1920 x 1080) home cinema projector featuring a 3-panel SXRD projection system. Released in 2010, the unit delivers a brightness of 1,300 ANSI lumens alongside a high dynamic contrast ratio of 80,000:1. It is praised for its incredibly quiet operation, registering at just 22 decibels. Reviewers and users highlight its strong light output and...Read more

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hcinema.de
01/04/2011
Sony VPL HW20 - Home Cinema Projector Datasheet

The Sony VPL HW20 is a high-end home cinema SXRD projector released in 2010 that delivers a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution with a 16:9 native aspect ratio. It features a light output of 1,300 ANSI lumens, a high contrast ratio of 80,000:1, and an integrated dynamic iris to optimize deep black levels, measured down to a minimum of 0.007 lumens. Designed primarily for dark...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
22/05/2011
Sony VPL-HW20 Review - Les Numériques

The French review from Les Numériques awards the Sony VPL-HW20 Full HD projector a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, praising its excellent 2D image quality and theater-like performance. The review highlights several major pros, including deep black levels, highly accurate colors with a low DeltaE of 1.8, and incredibly quiet operation. Additionally, the projector is lauded for its advanced...Read more

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fwdmagazine.be
12/04/2011
Optoma HD87 projector review (including comparison with Sony VPL-HW20)", "Review: Optoma HD87 projector (including comparison with Sony VPL-HW20)

The Optoma HD87 is a DLP home cinema projector that stands out for its extensive connectivity, out-of-the-box performance, and flexible lens options, offering standard, short-throw, and long-throw configurations. Designed with advanced calibration in mind, its menu offers highly precise color management settings based on measured values, making it exceptionally easy to tune colors...Read more

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