1080p Front Projectors - Page 3

Tom Pfarr · 09-26-2006, 06:34 AM

Just got my Pearl yesterday. Took about 10 minutes to setup. Nice motorized lens adjustments. Using Da-Lite hi-power screen. Plenty of brightness in low lamp mode with DI in Auto 1.

Using Toshiba XA1 and HTPC (nvidia and MCE) for inputs using 2 count em 2 HDMI inputs.

No problems with HDMI, worked the first time. HPTC capable of 1080@24 over DVI/HDMI.

So what does it look like out of the box?

Basically the best picture I've ever seen anywhere. This thing is a work of art. Contrast is fantastic. The resolution is almost painful to see. You'll discover fresh new details in everything you watch.

Upconverted DVD's look great. HD-DVDs are what they are, the best thing we've had yet.

Sea Biscuit in HD-DVD shows the most detailed picture yet with the texture of fabrics just a joy to behold.

Good old Dark City nows looks like a dark city with fantastic detail in the blacks.

OTA HDTV looks great and now with no overscan you see even more.

Must stop to take a breath!

Parker Clack · 09-26-2006, 06:53 AM

Tom:

So did you compare the "Pearl" to the "Ruby" before you bought the Pearl? What made you decide to go with the Pearl instead? You know I am very jealous of you right now.

Hears to watching some of the best looking front projection you have ever seen for now and the foreseeable future.

Nikki and Jack:

I have had Def Tech speakers for about 18 years now and they sound as good today as they did then. What model speakers did you get?

Parker

RAF · 09-26-2006, 08:38 AM

Tom,

Thanks for the initial impressions report. I really appreciate your taking the time to post here since I'm sure you find it hard to take your eyes off the screen! We look forward to further impressions once the "wow!" factor rubs off (if it ever does!). As a former owner of your previous projector as well (the venerable Sony VPL-VW10HT LCD FP) once I saw the VW50 at CEDIA I knew that you would be amazed by how far FPs have advanced in price/performance in the past 7 years. The "Pearl" is actually cheaper than our 10HTs!! And, 1080p/24, no screen door, darker blacks, greater detail, etc. etc. (The reference to "Dark City" didn't escape me since it provides a great way to check out details in the blacks. Nice comment!)

One last question - did you have the Sony PSS-610 (I think that's the part number) mount for your VPL-VW10HT? And, if so, does it work with the VPL-VW50 as the literature suggests? That makes an upgrade from a VW10HT to a VW50 almost a no-brainer.

Once again, thanks for the comments. Keep 'em coming as you find out even more about your new FP. As I always say, there is absolutely nothing better than comments from people who actually own a piece of equipment rather than second or third hand information.

JediFonger · 09-26-2006, 08:41 AM

wow =). can you take a digital pic so we can salivate?

Tom Pfarr · 09-26-2006, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parker Clack

Tom:

So did you compare the "Pearl" to the "Ruby" before you bought the Pearl? What made you decide to go with the Pearl instead? You know I am very jealous of you right now.

Hears to watching some of the best looking front projection you have ever seen for now and the foreseeable future.

I've seen the Ruby correctly setup and the Pearl looks identical in overall characteristics of detail and colors. I came to within one inch of getting a Ruby last year but I could not justify the lamp price and the very large size of the unit for my use. Those were deal breakers for me. Waiting a whole year for the Pearl was difficult but in the end I saved money and got just what I wanted. Can't beat that.

The Pearl is much smaller and the lamp is a known entity. It is also brighter than the Ruby but again in my usage that is not really a discriminator. The 2 hdmi inputs on the Pearl are perfect for me with the HD-DVD player and HTPC with digital inputs. Also leaves me the component inputs for my XBOX!

For the me the Pearl is the perfect combination of form factor, quality and features that are important to me.

Tom Pfarr · 09-26-2006, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAF

Tom,

One last question - did you have the Sony PSS-610 (I think that's the part number) mount for your VPL-VW10HT? And, if so, does it work with the VPL-VW50 as the literature suggests? That makes an upgrade from a VW10HT to a VW50 almost a no-brainer.

Robert,

I did not check on the mount, I can easily do that this evening. But I believe you are correct that it has the same mounting holes. I'll let you know.

Tom Pfarr · 09-26-2006, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JediFonger

wow =). can you take a digital pic so we can salivate?

I know for certain that no screen shot with uncalibrated equipment can remotely show what this projector looks like in "real life". It's that detailed.

What really pops out on the HD-DVD's that I've seen is the fine surface textures of clothing. I've always known that a lot of effort goes into movie costume design but I realize now that I've never really seen it. It adds a whole new dimension to the viewing experience. I've never seen this level of detail in 720p projectors.

Tom Pfarr · 09-26-2006, 09:25 AM

I keep forgetting to say that this projector is also totally silent. You have to put your ear on the case to hear the fans running.

Tom Pfarr · 09-26-2006, 10:09 AM

Robert,

On Sony Style the specifications show the following for the vw50:

Optional Accessories
Ultra High Pressure Replacement Lamp (LMP-H200)
Black Ceiling Mount (PSS-610)
White Ceiling Mount (PSS-H10)

So the mount really is the same as the 10ht (and ruby too!).

Tom