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-HW55ES review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£2,640Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:1700Throw ratio:1.36-2.16:1Lamp life:5000 hours

Sony VPL-HW55ES Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 11 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony VPL-HW55ES
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 53% of models
Score components

35%

5.9

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

8.7

Reviews score

10%

?

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

â–²Better than 53% 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 96%
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 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 77% of models
Score components

42%

6.4

Image Quality

22%

5.7

Projection & Lens

12%

5.8

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.0

Audio & Features

8%

5.2

Connectivity

6%

5.1

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 77%
8.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.7/ 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 86% of models

80%

8.8

Average grade

20%

8.4

Popularity

Grades by review (11)
10 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 86%
?

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-hw55es
sony-vpl-hw55es
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-HW55ES

Based on 10 · 1

Reviewers agree it runs very quietly with a sharp, contrasty picture, but the lens and focus frustrate, and 3D divides opinion.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of projector Sony VPL-HW55ES

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 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 77% of models
Score components:

42%

6.4

Image Quality

22%

5.7

Projection & Lens

12%

5.8

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.0

Audio & Features

8%

5.2

Connectivity

6%

5.1

Design & Power

5.9
Reviews score
8.7
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ 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
120,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 120000:1, higher than 76.7% of projectors and equal to 1% 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
1.36-2.16:1
Min throw distance
1.2 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.2 m, longer than 62.1% of projectors and equal to 7.4% of projectors.
Minimum throw distance is 1.2 m for a 40-inch screen.
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
26 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 26 ms, lower than 52.7% of projectors and equal to 0.6% 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
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
What reviewers say
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
5,000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 5,000 hours, longer than 70.6% of projectors and equal to 5% 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-HW55ES vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (120000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    120,000:1 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
    21 dB vs 28 dB
  • 1 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 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
  • 17.6% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.7/ 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 86% of models

    80%

    8.8

    Average grade

    20%

    8.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (11)
    10 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.7 vs 7.4
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (120000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    120,000:1 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.
  • 1 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 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.
    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
  • 30.6% worse value for money
    Sony VPL-HW55ES has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.32 vs 6.9).
    5.32 vs 6.95
  • 4x more expensive
    Sony VPL-HW55ES is more expensive than the average projector (£2,640 vs £660).
    £2,640 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
  • 8 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2013 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    November 2013
    2013 vs 2021
  • 0.19 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.
    Minimum throw distance is 1.2 m for a 40-inch screen.
    1.2 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.
  • 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.
    lamp vs laser
  • 15,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (5,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    5,000 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
  • 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

8.0
digitalfernsehende
≈ estimated
28/02/2014
Hands-on review · image, noise, input lag and 3D tests
Verdict
Sony VPL-HW55ES is a very good price-performance package, held back by the hand-operated lens and weak 3D.
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.5
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
07/12/2013
Review · Calibrated brightness
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW55ES is a bright, accurate projector built for dark home cinemas rather than living rooms.
9.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
16/12/2013
Review · 2D and 3D
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW55ES is a capable 2D and 3D projector that is easy to set up and quiet, though it suits permanent installation rather than moving around.
9.0
hometheaterhifi.com
≈ estimated
03/01/2014
Review · Iris and motion
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW55ES is a bright, accurate projector with a much improved iris, but it has no motorised lens and its Film mode flickers slightly in bright areas.
9.0
homecinemachoice.com
✓ explicit
21/02/2014
Review · Full HD 3D
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW55ES is a strong Full HD projector for movies, with punchy 2D and easy setup, though 3D crosstalk shows unless you lower 3D Glasses Brightness.
9.0
avforums.com
✓ explicit
18/03/2014
Review · Setup and 3D
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW55ES is a bright, easy-to-use projector whose 2D pictures stand out, though its non-motorised lens makes focusing a two-person job.
10
whathifi.com
✓ explicit
19/03/2014
Test room review · 3D projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW55ES produces a natural, sharp picture with strong blacks and runs quietly, though its lens shift is fiddly to use.
9.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
21/05/2015
Hands-on test · Quiet 3D projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW55ES is a very quiet 3D projector with a crisp picture, suited to small and medium rooms rather than large ones.
9.0
fwdmagazine.be
≈ estimated
26/12/2013
Review · Picture processing
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW55ES is a nearly silent projector with strong picture processing and a proper reference mode, though its zoom lags behind rivals.
9.0
mediasluis.nl
≈ estimated
26/06/2014
Review · Epson comparison
Verdict
The Sony VPL-HW55ES has an analogue-looking picture with rich blacks and accurate ISF calibration, though its lens cap costs you focus.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony VPL-HW55ES

  • Exceptional 2D picture quality with natural skin tones and punchy colors
  • Incredibly quiet operation, especially in low lamp mode
  • Excellent black levels and shadow detail for its price class
  • High brightness levels suitable for both dedicated theaters and rooms with some ambient light
  • Reality Creation technology provides impressive dynamic sharpening and detail enhancement
  • Low input lag (approx. 26ms in Game mode), making it great for gaming
  • Flexible placement with horizontal and vertical lens shift
  • Solid out-of-the-box color accuracy in Reference mode

What customers don't like about Sony VPL-HW55ES

  • Lacks motorized lens controls and lens memory for 2.35:1 screens
  • Included 3D glasses use older IR technology and are reported to be heavy or uncomfortable
  • Visible crosstalk (ghosting) in 3D mode, particularly with high brightness settings
  • Manual focus and zoom controls can be imprecise and difficult to adjust single-handedly
  • Limited to two HDMI inputs, which may be insufficient for complex setups
  • 3D mode significantly increases fan noise compared to 2D viewing
  • Lacks a 12V trigger for automated screen integration

Verdict

The Sony VPL-HW55ES is a high-performance Full HD (1920x1080) 3D home theatre projector featuring advanced SXRD panel technology and a 1,700 ANSI lumen light output. It boasts a notable 120,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio supported by Advanced Iris 3 technology, alongside Sony's 'Reality Creation' processing for enhanced detail and 'Motionflow' for smoother action. Key pros include exceptional out-of-the-box colour accuracy, an industry-leading 21 dB whisper-quiet fan noise, and a long lamp life of up to 5,000 hours in eco mode. However, notable cons include its entirely manual lens controls (zoom, focus, and shift), which prevent lens memory for different screen aspect ratios, and the use of older infrared 3D glasses which some users find heavy or prone to crosstalk compared to modern RF versions.

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