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-VW60 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£360Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:900Throw ratio:1.38-2.5:1Lamp life:2000 hours

Sony VPL-VW60 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 11 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony VPL-VW60
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

35%

5.5

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

▼Worse than 63% of projectors
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 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
▲ Better than 74% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

8.6

Price

▲Better than 74%
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 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 91% of models
Score components

42%

5.9

Image Quality

22%

5.5

Projection & Lens

12%

5.1

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.0

Audio & Features

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.8

Design & Power

▼Worse than 91%
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 70% of models

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

8.4

Popularity

Grades by review (11)
11 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better 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
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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-VW60

Based on 9

Reviewers like how quietly it runs and its overall picture, but find colours inaccurate, brightness lacking, and split on black levels.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of projector Sony VPL-VW60

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 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 91% of models
Score components:

42%

5.9

Image Quality

22%

5.5

Projection & Lens

12%

5.1

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.0

Audio & Features

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.8

Design & Power

5.5
Reviews score
8.5
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 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
▲ Better than 74% of models
Score components:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

8.6

Price

7.5
ANSI lumens
900
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 900 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 69.8% of projectors and equal to 0.9% of projectors.
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
1.38-2.5:1
Min throw distance
2.4 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 2.4 m, longer than 97.4% of projectors and equal to 0.1% 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
1.8
Market range: <1.1 – >2.06
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.8, wider than 82.6% of projectors and equal to 1.1% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
yes
This projector has motorised zoom. 85.4% 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
1.3
This projector supports HDMI 1.3, older than 89.8% of projectors and equal to 7.3% 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
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)
3,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 3,000 hours, longer than 96.9% of projectors and equal to 1.9% 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-VW60 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 0.5 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (1.8 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.8 vs 1.3
  • 9 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (22 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    22 dB vs 31 dB
  • Motorised zoom
    This projector has motorised zoom, while the average projector does not. 14.7% of projectors support motorised zoom.
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (motorized vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    motorized vs manual
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 70% of models

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    8.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (11)
    11 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 6 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
  • 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
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 70% of models

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    8.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (11)
    11 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 6 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
  • 12.9% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (96 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    96 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 0.5 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (1.8 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.8 vs 1.3
  • Motorised zoom
    This projector has motorised zoom, while the average projector does not. 14.7% of projectors support motorised zoom.
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (motorized vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    motorized vs manual
  • 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
  • Motorized focus
    This projector supports motorized focus, while the average projector does not. 45.6% of projectors support motorized focus.
  • 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
  • 9 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (22 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    22 dB vs 31 dB
  • 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.
    lamp vs laser
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 59.1% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (900 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    900 vs 2,200
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.3 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.3 vs 2
  • 1.39 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (2.4 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    2.4 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 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 HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 59.1% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (900 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    900 vs 2,200
  • Narrower color gamut
    This projector has a lower color gamut coverage than the average projector (90% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    90% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • 14 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2007 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    September 2007
    2007 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.
  • 1.39 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (2.4 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    2.4 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 15 degrees less vertical correction
    This projector offers less vertical keystone correction than the average projector (15 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    15 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 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
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.3 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.3 vs 2
  • 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.
  • 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.
    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
  • 3.69x heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (11 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    11 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 17,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (3,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    3,000 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
  • 98 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (395 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    395 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
  • 51.5 mm taller body
    This projector is taller than the average projector (173.5 mm vs 122 mm). The average projector has a height of 122 mm.
    173.5 mm vs 122 mm

Video reviews

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

Not graded
Overview video
Overview video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
projectorcentral.com
✓ explicit
22/10/2007
Hands-on review · Lens and lumens
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW60 is a capable 1080p projector with a powered zoom lens, though the JVC RS1 and Panasonic AE2000 beat it on picture quality.
9.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
10/12/2007
Overview · 1080p home theater
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW60 is a film-like 1080p projector with deep blacks and flexible placement, but it is not bright enough for rooms with daylight.
8.0
soundandvision.com
≈ estimated
15/11/2007
Hands-on test · Film playback
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW60 is a small step up from the VW50, with a smooth 96Hz film mode, but its auto-iris contrast figure overstates what you see.
7.5
cnet.com
✓ explicit
21/02/2008
Hands-on test · Lab measurements
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW60 is a solid performer with deep blacks and accurate saturation, but its primary colors are off, and it suits screens up to about 84 inches wide.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
02/04/2008
Hands-on test · Home cinema
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW60 makes a very filmic picture with rich black levels, but it exposes every flaw in weak sources such as digital TV.
10
whathifi.com
✓ explicit
21/08/2008
Hands-on review · Blu-ray viewing
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW60 is a compact, quiet all-rounder that suits Blu-ray fans, as long as the room is fully darkened and the screen is not too big.
7.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
18/06/2008
Hands-on review · Picture quality
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW60 is quiet and sharp, but faded colors and gray-tinged black levels leave it trailing rival projectors.
9.0
soundandvision.com
≈ estimated
18/12/2007
Lab test · Rival comparison
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW60 delivers excellent black levels and near-silent running, though its fine detail trails Sony's bigger sibling, the VPL-VW200.
9.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
15/04/2023
Hands-on review · Calibration tests
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW60 matches JVC's RS1 for movie picture quality in a dark room, but its default colors disappoint until it is calibrated.
9.0
cine4home.de
≈ estimated
15/08/2007
Preview test · Pre-production model
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW60 Black Pearl is a sharp, high-contrast 1080p projector with panel alignment and anamorphic mode, but its default colors need tuning.
9.0
homecinema-fr.com
≈ estimated
13/01/2012
Community test · Reader Q&A
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW60 Amethyst is a strong all-round projector with good contrast, colors and quiet running, but its native contrast and lens shift could be better.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony VPL-VW60

  • Superb picture quality with a distinct 'filmic' look, especially when viewing Blu-ray content
  • Exceptionally quiet operation with a fan noise rated as low as 22dB, making it nearly inaudible during use
  • High level of placement flexibility due to its motorized 1.8:1 zoom and vertical lens shift
  • Strong black levels and shadow detail that rival more expensive competitors in its class
  • Excellent native 1080p/24 support which eliminates judder for a smoother movie experience
  • High value for money, often outperforming projectors in much higher price brackets

What customers don't like about Sony VPL-VW60

  • Overall brightness is lower than many competitors, making it less ideal for rooms with significant ambient light
  • Poor out-of-the-box color accuracy that typically requires professional calibration or extensive manual adjustment
  • Misleading contrast ratio specs; while technically accurate, real-world visible contrast is sometimes lower than rival models
  • Minor image artifacts can occasionally occur when using the more aggressive 'Auto Iris' modes
  • The remote control lacks direct source-selection buttons, requiring users to cycle through inputs

Verdict

The Sony VPL-VW60 'Black Pearl' is a Full HD 1080p home theater projector featuring triple 0.61-inch SXRD panels and the BRAVIA Engine for cinematic image processing. It delivers a peak brightness of 1,000 ANSI lumens and a dynamic contrast ratio of 35,000:1 via its Advanced Iris 2 system, supported by a 200W UHP lamp with a life of up to 3,000 hours in low-power mode. Major pros include its whisper-quiet 22dB operation, motorized 1.8x zoom/focus lens, and flexible placement options with vertical and horizontal lens shift. However, it is noted for having relatively low brightness compared to competitors, which limits its use on very large screens or in rooms with ambient light, and the out-of-the-box color accuracy often requires professional calibration for optimal performance.

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