Sony VPL-VW100

Print

Email

Bookmark

Share

Features
In terms of specifications, the Ruby is almost a dream come true for videophiles. The secret behind its 1,920 x 1,080 native resolution and ultra-high 15,000:1 contrast ratio lies in its two million-pixel Silicon X-tal Reflective Display (SXRD) panel first seen on its Qualia flagship projectors. Considering all the sky-high figures so far, its 800 ANSI lumen brightness is a bit on the low side making proper light control an important prerequisite for optimal picture quality--a non showstopper in our opinion as owners of this S$14,999 (US$10,765.86) projector could probably afford to set aside a dedicated room for home entertainment use.

Installation and setup of the VW100 are made easy with the motorized focus, zoom and vertical lens shift functions. These adjustments allow the projected image to be magnified 1.8 times from the original size or realigned 0.65 times above the center of the lens. Horizontal lens shift is also available on the projector, albeit in a less elegant physical adjustment involving a screwdriver. However, the adjustable range offered is much smaller compared with its vertical counterpart, limiting the effectiveness of this feature.

Other notable picture enhancement functions on the Ruby include an advanced iris which automatically optimizes light output based on projected scenes for deeper blacks, a Digital Reality Creation-Multi Function (version two) processing for smoothing out video images and eliminating still picture flicker plus a 2:3 pull-down detection circuit for automatic frame rate conversion to enable smooth film-based material playback.

	Get 1080p connectivity with the DVI and HDMI sockets. (click for larger image)

The Ruby's video connectivity is comprehensive, though not generous. You will get one set of each type of video inputs laid out side-by-side on the left of the chassis. 1080p-compatiblity in this case is supported by the digital DVI and HDMI terminals, while a set of component-video sockets covers up to 1080i. Anything else such as videocam output can be either routed to the composite or S-video input. In addition to the above video sockets, there are also a trigger mini jack, remote connector and network port for custom installation.

« Previous page | Next page »