Sony VPL-HS60 Home Theater Video Projector
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4 new or used available from $699.12
Average customer review:Product Description
Advanced Iris Function reproduces bright images in bright scenes and deeper blacks in dark scenes by dynamically changing the opening according to the level of input signal. Working with the Micro Lens Array and WB (Wide View) film a 4.5 times improvement in contrast ratio can now be realized over previous models. In the Auto mode an awesome contrast ratio of up to 10,000:1 can now be achieved.
Product Details
- Brand: Sony
- Model: VPL-HS60
- Dimensions: 5.00" h x 14.00" w x 14.00" l, 12.35 pounds
Features
- Up to 10,000:1 Contrast Ratio (Advanced Iris On)
- Lens shift & short throw distance capability
- All Range Crisp Focus Lens (ARC-F Lens)
- Real Color Processing for independent color adjustment
- Quiet operation with low fan noise of 23dB
Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
Equipped with the latest in 3LCD panel technology, Sony’s VPL-HS60 high-definition front projector brings your entertainment to life. It’s loaded with features like an advanced iris function, high contrast ratio of up to 10,000:1, and three WXGA LCD panels that provide 2,764,800 pixel resolution (1280x720). An all range crisp focus (ARC-F) lens, Real Color Processor (RCP) which further enhances colors and images, and an improved lamp life combined with a lightweight, versatile design and easy-to-use features help to create the ultimate home theater experience.
Advanced Iris Function
This function reproduces bright images in bright scenes and deeper blacks in dark scenes by dynamically changing the opening according to the level of input signal. Working with the Micro Lens Array and WB (Wide View) film a 4.5 times improvement in contrast ratio can now be realized over previous models. In the "Auto" mode an awesome contrast ratio of up to 10,000:1 can now be achieved.
Lens Shift Function
This function adjusts the picture position both vertically (total shift of 2 picture heights maximum up to maximum down) and horizontally (total shift of 1 picture height maximum left to maximum right) to allow for off center positioning and very flexible installation options. The projector can be mounted above the top of the screen, or below the bottom of the screen, by up to ½ screen height. And it uses the full panel to maintain the best possible resolution and highest possible picture quality.
ARC-F (All Range Crisp Focus) Lens
The All Range Crisp Focus Lens delivers an 8% improvement in focus to the center of the screen and a 20% improvement in focus to the corner of the screen.
RCP (Real Color Processing)
Real Color Processing allows the user to target specific colors on the picture and fine adjust their color and hue without changing the overall picture's color and hue. For instance, the color of a strawberry can be fine adjusted without impacting the skin tones. Or the blue in a sky can be adjusted without affecting the color of water. And green grass can be adjusted without influencing the other colors in the picture.
Full Digital Processing
Sony's Full Digital Processing circuits include a number of processes designed to optimize picture performance of any input source. The 12-Bit Panel Driver achieves excellent gradation reproduction and a high level of detail. The I/P Converter attains a sharp image and superior diagonal line reproduction. It can also process HD I/P conversion resulting in a precise and high density image. A significant improvement in signal to noise ratio is also realized.
Customer Reviews
Great projector
We tested this unit on a stucco wall for starters and the picture was unbelievable. Can't wait to see it on a high contrast screen !! The motor is super quiet. I am not one to always go with name brands, but I have never been dissappointed with a SOny product yet.
Incredible picture and versatile
This is a fantastic projector - one of the best investments I've made in a long time. The best thing about it is the image shift. From wherever you have the projector set up, you can shift the image 1/2 the image's width left or right, and a full image height vertically. The projector does this without affecting the image quality in any way, unlike other projectors. I did a lot of homework and a lot of projectors out there are very picky about where you place them. Some you basically have to mount to the ceiling, so be careful.
In my "man cave," there is a light fixture (that I didn't want to remove) where the projector would have needed to be mounted. Also, there was no power source up there, and I would have had to hide the wiring (with no attic above). This projector was the perfect solution for me because I was able to set it up on an audio tower off to one side of the room, then shift the image to place it in the center of the wall across the room. I have all my components in the audio tower below, and with minimal wiring, I have a full home theater set-up for less than $1500. Can't beat it.
The HD image this baby throws is just spectacular. I keep it on the "low" lamp setting and it still produces an excellent, bright image. I have the projector about 11 feet from the wall where I throw the image onto a 92" screen. Obviously if you introduce a lot of light into the room it's going to wash the image out, and to watch dark movies you pretty much have to have all the lights turned out. But for ordinary T.V. watching during the day, football games, etc., as long as you close the blinds you'll have a great image. I can't recommend this projector enough.
Can't justify upgrading..
I bought this projector the day it came out - several years ago. Mine is called the Sony Cinza VPL-HS61 but it's the same thing. This is a 720P projector but supports a 1080 signal. Blade Runner on HD DVD looks AMAZING on my 13 foot screen! (I'm sure BD does too.. that's a different story).
After about 3-4 years of use it's telling me I need to replace the lamp. So I've been in the market to upgrade to a 1080P projector but can't find a reasonably priced one that has the lens shift. I have all my gear (HD Tivo, DVD Players, XBOX, etc) in a cabnet behind my couch to the left and the projector just sits on top. So all the cables reach easily. But that means that the projector is pointing to the edge of the screen, not the center. With lens shift you turn a thumb wheel and the picture moves across the screen (or wall) without any distortion at all. Very few of the newer 1080P projectors have this - NONE of the Sony's have horizontal and vertical lens shift. It is a MUST-HAVE feature for me for an upgraded projector.
THEREFORE I can't justify upgrading. I just ordered a replacement lamp and in a few months I'll save up a little and order another backup lamp. The $350 lamp is much cheaper than a $6,000 projector. I know that I will see an improvement with 1080P over the 720P, but this projector looks so good that I'll be fine with it until Sony gets it together and comes out with a 1080P replacement.
If you are in the market to get a projector on a tight budget.. this is absolutely the one. I spent around $3500 and I think it's listed here for about $1200. Get it before they're all gone because it's a discontinued product.

