Should I buy Sony or Panasonic? (1 Viewer)

[Mike Da]

Hi Folks,
I am new to all this, that is Forum, Projector HDTV etc.
I want to buy a reasonably priced projector to watch DVD's.
This will be used in a regular living room - not a specially designed home theatre.
My choice has boilled down to: a SONY VPL CS6, SONY VPL ES1 (HDTV) or a PANASONIC PTL500U
My principle objectives are to obtain the best possible picture quality from my DVD's.Progessive scan and soon DVI-D output.
The projector would be used during the day - closed drapes - low light and at night - dark - situations.
Which one should I go for?
Thanks
Mike

 

[Jonty Rees]

If you're mostly interested in watching DVDs, you should look at the Sony HS series, (HS3 and HS20, I have the HS3), which are optimized for home theater use. I think the Sony models you are looking at are primarily for business presentations. You can get the HS3 for around $1k, or the HS20 for around $2.8k. The main difference, AFAIK, is that the home models are 16:9, while the business models are 4:3, plus the home models somehow look brighter for movie watching - someone else around here will know much more about it.

Lots of people have a low opinion of Sony gear, but to be honest, I've never had a problem with it - the build quality generally seems good. I just hooked up my projector last night to watch Gladiator, and even before tweaking, it performed very well.

 

[Neil Joseph]

I am very pleased with my older Sony 11HT (no problems) and the HS20 is better in just about every way. Can't go wrong with it, or the Panny 500 to.

 

[Ryan Wishton]

Neither.

I would advise on an Advent TV at Best Buy. The best quality money can buy for best price.

A 100% success rate with all customers. Not one return. :wink:

 

[Nick.H]

I have the Panasonic AE-500, excellent picture quality. Very happy with it for the price. Sony I used to love however I find they are overpriced for what you get.