SONY VPL-VW11HT

Cool New Stuff From Sony……

Checking out the Home Entertainment Show 2001 we noted Sony were presenting their new video projector – the VPL-VW11HT. Having appeared to have dipped back more into the audio sector, the Japanese giant has today decided to attack the market for video projectors in the home. Hot on the heels of the major success of the VPL-VW10HT, Sony decided to start working on the development of a replacement, with the goals of:
- Giving an adequate response to the demands of the “videophile” clientele;
- And an increase in market share in the sector.

The VPL-VW11HT is an attempt by Sony to yet again attack the Home Cinema market. Including, just as with the VPL-VW10HT, LCD technology, the new baby nevertheless has had a few changes.
It’s in using the same fa?ade as the old model that Sony has inserted new electronics that have been reviewed and corrected:

- LCD matrix including three panels of 1.35 inches in TFT;
- 1000 lumens Ansi;
- UHP Lamp of 200 watts, with a longer life expectancy (up to 4000 hours as opposed to 2000);
- A procedure for the automatic configuration of the luminosity and saturation of the image thanks to a photo-sensitive cell integrated in the chassis (it sends back data to a microprocessor that readjusts the levels of contrast, black and colour), which allows, among other things, to compensate the image for any eventual ambient light;
- Digital Keystone Correction.

Other developments have also been noted compared to the VPL-VW11HT: Two new modes of black and a contrast ratio two times better than its predecessor come in to complete the picture. Apart from these technical improvements, we find the same interface on this model as on the VPL-VW10HT:

- Composite input in BNC and Cinch;
- S-Video input by Hushiden;
- YUV input - H/V separated in BNC ;
- and an RS 232 input.

In terms of video processing, Sony don’t deviate from their past track record and have opted for using an LCD matrix of the latest generation, capable of reproducing a maximum resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels in 4/3 or16/9 widescreen formats. In addition, the VPL-VW11HT is compatible with the new HDTV and Progressive Scan Formats.

Available in the USA from June, the VPL-VW11HT will be sold at a price of US$7,999.