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-HW50ES review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£2,820Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:1700Throw ratio:?Lamp life:2000 hours

Sony VPL-HW50ES Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 18 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony VPL-HW50ES
7.2/10

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 55% of models
Score components

35%

5.8

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

8.9

Reviews score

10%

?

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

▲Better than 55% of projectors
5.3

Value for money

Value for money
5.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

▼Worse than 96%
5.8

Technical score

Technical score
5.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

42%

6.4

Image Quality

22%

6.0

Projection & Lens

12%

5.6

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.2

Connectivity

6%

4.9

Design & Power

▼Worse than 79%
8.9

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models

80%

8.9

Average grade

20%

8.9

Popularity

Grades by review (18)
18 reviews: 9 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
★Better than 96%
?

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-hw50es
sony-vpl-hw50es
Where to buy
    N/A~ £2,820
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-HW50ES

Based on 10

Reviewers praise the deep blacks, quiet running and accurate colour, but criticise the lens controls, weak 3D and motion smoothing.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Projectors model ranking

Ranked #801 of 985 models in Projectors (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of projector Sony VPL-HW50ES

Technical score
Technical score
5.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components:

42%

6.4

Image Quality

22%

6.0

Projection & Lens

12%

5.6

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.2

Connectivity

6%

4.9

Design & Power

5.8
Reviews score
8.9
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components:

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

5.3
ANSI lumens
1,700
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 1,700 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 61.5% of projectors and equal to 0.3% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
100,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 100000:1, higher than 73.1% of projectors and equal to 3.5% of projectors.
Dynamic 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
?
Min throw distance
1.21 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.21 m, longer than 69.6% of projectors and equal to 0.7% 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
What reviewers say
Input lag
34 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 34 ms, higher than 59.5% of projectors and equal to 1.7% of projectors.
In Game Mode.
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
What reviewers say
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
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.
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)
5,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 5,000 hours, longer than 86.3% of projectors and equal to 6.5% of projectors.
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-HW50ES vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 2.82x higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (240 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    240 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (100000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    100,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 10 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (21 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    21 dB vs 31 dB
  • Supports motion smoothing
    This projector supports motion smoothing, while the average projector does not. 34.1% of projectors offer this.
    Via Motionflow.
  • 20.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.9/ 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
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 96% of models

    80%

    8.9

    Average grade

    20%

    8.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (18)
    18 reviews: 9 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.9 vs 7.4
  • 7 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (21 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    Eco mode figure.
    21 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
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 20.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.9/ 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
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 96% of models

    80%

    8.9

    Average grade

    20%

    8.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (18)
    18 reviews: 9 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.9 vs 7.4
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (100000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    100,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 2.82x higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (240 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    240 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 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
  • 7 % more vertical lens shift
    This projector has more vertical lens shift than the average projector (71 % vs 64 %). The average projector has 64 % vertical lens shift.
    71 % vs 64 %
  • Supports motion smoothing
    This projector supports motion smoothing, while the average projector does not. 34.1% of projectors offer this.
    Via Motionflow.
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
    Mini D-sub 15-pin input.
  • 10 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (21 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    21 dB vs 31 dB
  • 7 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (21 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    Eco mode figure.
    21 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.
    lamp vs laser
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    8 bit vs 10 bit
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 30.2% worse value for money
    Sony VPL-HW50ES has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.33 vs 6.9).
    5.33 vs 6.95
  • 4.27x more expensive
    Sony VPL-HW50ES is more expensive than the average projector (£2,820 vs £660).
    £2,820 vs £660
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    8 bit vs 10 bit
  • 22.7% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (1,700 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    1,700 vs 2,200
  • 9 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2012 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    October 2012
    2012 vs 2021
  • 0.2 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.2 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    1.21 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 %
  • 5 degrees less horizontal correction
    This projector offers less horizontal keystone correction than the average projector (25 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers horizontal keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    25 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 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
  • More outdated HDCP support
    This projector supports an older HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2).
    1.4 vs 2.2
  • 7 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (34 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In Game Mode.
    34 ms vs 27 ms
  • 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.
  • 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.
    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
  • 3.22x heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (9.6 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    9.6 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 15,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (5,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    5,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 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
  • 7.5 W higher standby power
    This projector uses more standby power than the average projector (8 W vs 0.5 W). The average projector uses 0.5 W of standby power.
    8 W vs 0.5 W
  • 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

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Overview video
Brand video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

10
whathifi.com
✓ explicit
29/10/2012
Review · Big-screen 3D projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW50ES gives sharp, natural-looking big-screen films, but fast 3D motion brings some ghosting and an unstable picture.
9.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
08/11/2012
Hands-on review · Mid-range 3D projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW50ES is a strong mid-range projector, strong in 3D and dark scenes, though its 1.6x zoom trails Panasonic's.
9.5
hometheaterhifi.com
≈ estimated
19/12/2012
Lab test · Home cinema projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW50ES is bright and sharp, excelling at sports and 3D, though its lens has no memory for wide screens.
10
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
29/12/2012
Hands-on review · Home cinema projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW50ES is an excellent, quiet projector for a permanent home cinema, though its size suits a fixed setup more than occasional movie nights.
9.0
soundandvision.com
≈ estimated
04/02/2013
Lab tests · 3D home theater
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW50ES delivers deep blacks and accurate color, best suited to a dark home cinema room.
8.1
cnet.com
✓ explicit
08/03/2013
Hands-on review · Home cinema projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW50ES gives large, deep, quiet images that look right out of the box, though its 3D needs Sony's own glasses.
10
projectorcentral.com
✓ explicit
25/03/2013
Hands-on review · Dedicated home theater
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW50ES gives a sharp, accurate picture with deep blacks and nearly silent operation, but it needs a dark room to look its best.
10
t3.com
✓ explicit
26/03/2013
Hands-on review · Full HD 3D projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW50ES is a sharp, quiet projector with deep contrast, best for movies and big sporting events.
9.0
davidsusilouncensored.wordpress.com
≈ estimated
12/04/2013
Hands-on review · Dedicated 2K projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW50ES has excellent blacks and sharp detail for its class, though it cannot accept a 4K signal.
9.5
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
25/07/2013
Summary review · Dedicated theater projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW50ES is one of the brightest projectors after calibration, a strong choice for a dedicated dark theater room.
9.0
connectedmag.com.au
≈ estimated
13/08/2014
Hands-on test · Home cinema
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW50ES is a reliable home cinema projector whose deep blacks and smooth 2D picture suit movie fans, though its 3D trails the best models.
9.0
homecinemachoice.com
✓ explicit
18/01/2013
Week-long review · Movie viewing
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW50ES is a bright, punchy movie projector whose Reality Creation adds detail to Blu-rays, though its brightest 3D setting brings crosstalk and noise.
P
projectorreviews.com
25/07/2013
≈ estimated
9.0
Summary of the review
Sony VPL-HW50ES Projector Performance - Projector Reviews
avforums.com
10/11/2012
Not graded yet
8.4
audiovision.de
✓ explicit
01/03/2013
Lab test · Home cinema projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW50ES is a bright, natural-looking home cinema projector, but it is bulky and its 3D is dim on large screens.
9.0
connect-living.de
≈ estimated
02/01/2013
Review · Mid-range 3D projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW50ES is a big step up for Sony's small projectors: very bright, quiet and easy to place, but its motion smoothing looks artificial.
9.0
cine4home.de
≈ estimated
Not Dated
Reference test · Menus and cooling
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW50ES is a quiet, well-built full HD projector whose lens shift and Image Director calibration software suit enthusiasts.
areadvd.de
05/11/2012
Not graded yet
7.6
01net.com
✓ explicit
03/12/2012
Review · Full HD 3D projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW50ES is a bright, reliable choice for 2D and 3D films, but its many settings can overwhelm beginners.
dvdcritiques.com
04/09/2012
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony VPL-HW50ES

  • Exceptional brightness, especially in calibrated 'best' modes, making it suitable for large screens
  • Highly accurate out-of-the-box preset picture modes and excellent colour handling after calibration
  • Excellent black levels and shadow detail for an LCoS-based projector
  • Extremely quiet operation, reaching as low as 21–22 dB in eco-mode
  • Comprehensive remote control with backlight and direct access to major image controls
  • Includes a generous bundle often containing two pairs of 3D glasses and a spare lamp
  • Reality Creation feature provides a significant boost in detail for computer-animated content

What customers don't like about Sony VPL-HW50ES

  • Lacks motorized lens controls (zoom, focus, shift), requiring manual adjustment at the unit
  • No lens memory feature for users with 2.35:1 aspect ratio screens
  • Occasional motion smearing or loss of detail during fast camera pans due to SXRD technology limitations
  • Reality Creation can make live-action film grain look processed or unnatural if not adjusted
  • Some users find the provided 3D glasses slightly tight or uncomfortable for long viewing sessions
  • Lacks a third HDMI input and built-in speakers, which may be expected at this price point

Verdict

The Sony VPL-HW50ES is a high-performance Full HD (1920x1080) home cinema projector featuring 3-panel SXRD technology, a 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and a brightness of 1,700 lumens. Key characteristics include Sony’s proprietary Reality Creation processing for enhanced detail and Motionflow technology for smoother motion, alongside a versatile 1.6x manual zoom lens with vertical (+/-71%) and horizontal (+/-25%) lens shift. Main pros are its exceptional black levels, highly accurate out-of-the-box color modes (especially the 'Reference' preset), and an extremely quiet operating noise of only 21dB. However, cons include the lack of motorised lens controls (zoom, focus, and shift must be adjusted manually), no lens memory for constant image height setups, and occasional crosstalk in 3D mode during fast-moving scenes.

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