Projector Review

The Sony VPL-HS51 LCD front projector's versatile cabinet, light weight, and easy-to-use features make it ideal for home theater use. The projector employs 3 proprietary 720p LCD panels that together provide 2,764,800 pixels (1,280 x 720 native pixel resolution) optimized for high-definition video inputs such as those from a DTV set-top box. Compatible inputs include standard 480i, progressive-scan 480p, and high-definition 720p and 1080i signals.

You can easily adjust picture position using the lens-shift function, which broadens the projector's placement and installation options without distorting the image. Lens shift permits both horizontal and vertical adjustments, with a total shift of 2 picture heights, maximum up to maximum down and a total shift of 1 picture height, maximum left to maximum right. This allows for off-center positioning. You can mount the projector above the top of the screen or below the bottom of the screen, by up to half the screen's height.

An All Range Crisp-Focus (ARC-F) lens and powerful Real Color Processor (RCP) further enhance colors and images. The ARC-F lens offers an 8 percent focus improvement over standard projectors at screen center and a 20 percent improvement in focus at screen corners. And, with RCP, you can customize your picture by targeting specific items in a picture and fine-adjusting their color and hue without changing the overall picture's color and hue. For instance, you can fine-adjust the color of a strawberry without affecting human skin tones. Or you can alter the blue in a sky without affecting the color of water.

An advanced 12-bit panel driver brings high color graduation. This projector also offers a new HD I/P converter that improves not only NTSC video conversion but high-definition signals, as well. Further, the VPL-HS51's unique fan generates low noise for extremely quiet operation.

Supplied ImageDirector2 Gamma-control software enables Gamma adjustments to the VPL-HS51 via connection to a PC. Adjustments can be seen in real time, and personal preferences can be stored in the PC for future use. ImageDirector2 also works in conjunction with the Real Color Processing (RCP) function for precise picture adjustment.

Inputs and outputs include progressive-scan component-video, 2 composite-video, high-definition HDMI, S-video, USB, and a power on/off trigger. The HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) allows copy-protected, high-definition video content to be delivered from a DVI/HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection)-compatible set-top box. HDMI supports standard-definition (SD), enhanced definition (ED), or high-definition (HD) video, plus multi-channel digital audio--all using a single cable. It transmits all ATSC HDTV standards and supports up to 8-channel digital audio, with bandwidth to spare to accommodate future enhancements and requirements.

Optional projector accessories include a user-replaceable lamp (LMP-H130), a replacement air filter (PK-HS10FL), and suspension support (PSS-610).

What's in the Box Projector, a remote control (model RM-PJHS50), 2 AA remote batteries, an air filter (PK-HS10FL), a CD-ROM (ImageDirector2 Gamma-control software), a user's manual, and warranty/registration information.
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