Sony Adds Entry HD Projectors
By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 4/9/2007
SAN DIEGO — Sony Electronics introduced a pair of high-definition 3LCD BRAVIA home theater front projectors with retails starting at about $1,000.
The BRAVIA 3LCD VPL-AW15 and VPL-AW10 projectors each feature 1,280 by 720 progressive resolution, and 1,100 lumens brightness using 165-watt ultra-high-pressure lamps.
Each model is supplied with a short focal-length lens with 1.6x zoom and features low fan noise of 20dB (in low lamp mode), providing flexible installation options in many home settings.
Inputs include HDMI supporting 1,080/24p, which is down-scaled to native 720p and displayed at a native multiple of 24; RS-232C; component, composite and S-video. The VPL-AW15 model adds an HD15 input for analog PC.
The VPL-AW10, which will ship in June at a $1,000 estimated retail, uses Sony's Advanced Iris to produce a contrast ratio of up to 6,000:1 in "auto iris" mode.
The VPL-AW15, which also ships in June at a $1,300 estimated retail, incorporates Advanced Iris 2 technology, which works with the High Contrast Plate device to produce a 12,000:1 contrast ratio in "auto iris mode." A variable setting allows for user optimization.
The VPL-AW15 also allows greater installation flexibility with lens shift, which helps adjust the picture both vertically and horizontally expanding projector placement options through the use of Sony's All Range Crisp Focus (ARC-F) lens, with flexible throw distances.
Users can also optimize the AW15's model's color palette with Sony's Real Color Processing function.
"High-definition programming and gaming is driving the adoption of big-screen home theater applications," said Philip Abram, television marketing VP for Sony Electronics. "Our new projector line will bring that experience home for a broader range of consumers."
