OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Projectors Methodology v3.0
Projectors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Projectors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Projectors Methodology v3.0

Sony VPL-HW20 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£2,530Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:1300Throw ratio:1.47-2.18:1Lamp life:2000 hours

Sony VPL-HW20 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 7 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony VPL-HW20
7.0/10

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components

35%

5.7

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.5

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 57% of projectors
5.2

Value for money

Value for money
5.2/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 98%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

42%

6.4

Image Quality

22%

5.5

Projection & Lens

12%

5.3

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.4

Audio & Features

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

5.1

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 85%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models

80%

8.6

Average grade

20%

8.0

Popularity

Grades by review (7)
7 reviews: 6 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 70%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • sony-vpl-hw20
sony-vpl-hw20
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Sony VPL-HW20

Based on 7

Reviewers praise the deep blacks, rich colour and quiet fan, but find calibration fiddly and connections limited.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of projector Sony VPL-HW20

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components:

42%

6.4

Image Quality

22%

5.5

Projection & Lens

12%

5.3

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.4

Audio & Features

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

5.1

Design & Power

5.7
Reviews score
8.5
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.2/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

5.2
ANSI lumens
1,300
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 1,300 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 64.5% of projectors and equal to 0.9% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
80,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 80000:1, higher than 72.4% of projectors and equal to 0.5% of projectors.
Full on/off contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
1920x1080
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 27% of projectors and equal to 59.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1920x1080
This projector supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 25.9% of projectors and equal to 42.3% of projectors.
Projection technology
LCoS
Show more
What reviewers say
Throw ratio
1.47-2.18:1
Min throw distance
1.4 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.4 m, longer than 78.2% of projectors and equal to 1% of projectors.
Max projection size
300 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 300 inch, larger than 51.5% of projectors and equal to 38% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
1.6
Market range: <1.1 – >2.06
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.6, wider than 61.5% of projectors and equal to 17% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Input lag
?
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not switch to low-latency mode automatically. 16.1% of projectors offer this.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support variable refresh rate. 1.8% of projectors offer this.
HDMI version
1.4
This projector supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54% of projectors and equal to 35.7% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
10.2 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 51.2% of projectors and equal to 46.5% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.9% of projectors and equal to 47.3% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Light source type
lamp
This projector uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 66.5% of projectors and equal to 33.5% of projectors.
UHP.
Laser light source
no
This projector does not have a laser light source. 26.8% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
2000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 2000 hours, longer than 96.6% of projectors and equal to 2.9% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
?
Operating power consumption
300 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 300 W of power, more than 69.9% of projectors and equal to 3.2% of projectors.
Show more
What reviewers say

Sony VPL-HW20 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector 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.
    80,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 6 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector 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
  • 0.3 2x wider zoom range
    This projector 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
  • 14.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 70% of models

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (7)
    7 reviews: 6 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.5 vs 7.4
  • 50 inch larger image size
    This projector 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
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 14.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 70% of models

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (7)
    7 reviews: 6 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.5 vs 7.4
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector 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.
    80,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 0.3 2x wider zoom range
    This projector 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
  • 50 inch larger image size
    This projector 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
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 6 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector 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
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector 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
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    UHP.
    lamp vs laser
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector 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 connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • 40.9% dimmer image
    This projector 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 Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.4 vs 2
  • 32.8% worse value for money
    Sony VPL-HW20 has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.23 vs 6.9).
    5.23 vs 6.95
  • 3.83x more expensive
    Sony VPL-HW20 is more expensive than the average projector (£2,530 vs £660).
    £2,530 vs £660
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 40.9% dimmer image
    This projector 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 video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • 11 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2010 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    October 2010
    2010 vs 2021
  • No 3D glasses support
    This projector does not display 3D with glasses, while the average projector does. 54.4% of projectors offer 3D with glasses.
  • 0.39 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.4 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    1.4 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 5 % less horizontal lens shift
    This projector has fewer horizontal lens shift than the average projector (25 % vs 30 %). The average projector has 30 % horizontal lens shift.
    25 % vs 30 %
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector 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
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector 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
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.4 vs 2
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • No headphone jack
    This projector does not have a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the average projector does. 84.4% of projectors offer a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    This projector has fewer USB ports than the average projector (0 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    0 vs 1
  • No built-in speaker
    This projector does not have a built-in speaker, while the average projector does. 87% of projectors have one.
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 82.4% of projectors have one.
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    UHP.
    lamp vs laser
  • 18,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (2000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    2,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 3.36x heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (10 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    10 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 70 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (300 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    300 W vs 230 W
  • 110.4 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (407.4 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    407.4 mm vs 297 mm
  • 57.2 mm taller body
    This projector is taller than the average projector (179.2 mm vs 122 mm). The average projector has a height of 122 mm.
    179.2 mm vs 122 mm

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

10
homecinemachoice.com
✓ explicit
14/02/2011
Hands-on review · Mid-range SXRD projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW20 gives deep blacks, vivid colour and sharp HD images, suiting home cinema fans willing to tweak the colours.
8.0
whathifi.com
✓ explicit
07/02/2011
Expert review · Natural-colour projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW20 is a quiet, stylish projector with smooth, natural colours, though it lacks punch and fast motion is not perfectly smooth.
8.0
avforums.com
✓ explicit
30/12/2010
Lab test · Calibrated measurements
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW20 is an accurate, flexible projector whose colours are near perfect straight out of the box, though it has no 3D playback.
8.0
homecinemabuyer.co.uk
✓ explicit
27/11/2010
Measured review · Full HD
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW20 gives sharp, rich pictures with very good blacks and quiet running, but moving HD images lose clarity.
9.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
04/11/2010
Hands-on review · Full HD projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW20 is a strong step up from its predecessor, with brighter, punchier pictures and deep blacks, though colours need careful calibration.
10
techradar.com
✓ explicit
05/01/2010
Hands-on test · Home cinema
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW20 is a clear step up from the HW15, with deep blacks and vivid colour, though getting the colour settings right takes patience.
9.0
lesnumeriques.com
≈ estimated
22/05/2011
Lab test · Home cinema projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW20 is a quiet projector with deep blacks and accurate colours, but it has no motion smoothing or 3D, so fast scenes look less fluid.

Third-party reviews

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 don't like 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

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.

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