Jim L's new Sony VPL-HW15 Projector setup

[Jim L]

Hi everyone. Like many others here, I was bitten by the front projector bug.

I thought I would never get a projector because of all the downsides to it:

• Cost
• Installation hassle
• Need for serious light control
• Not as portable as a self-contained display

Most of those reason were overcome as the technology and price of projectors have improved over the years.

Before the projector, this was my upgrade path in displays:

1. 32" CRT SD (Sony)
2. 53" CRT HD rear proj (Pioneer Elite)
3. 60" SXRD HD rear proj (Sony)
4. 58" plasma (Panasonic - still have)

For some reason though, no matter how the quality of the display improved, the small size of the screen became a disappointment. (Movies were made to really fill your field of vision to absorb you in the experience.)

I've only had my new projector for about 1.5 months, but I'm still really enjoying it. Every movie looks way better and I notice things that I've never seen before. Friends who've seen it say that they'd never go to the theater again. I definitely won't be going as much, but I can't say never.

So much for my background story.

Please take a look at the new setup. Comments/ratings are appreciated.

[phansson]

It looks great! I haven't read up on the HW15, I have a VPL-VW60 projector and have been pretty happy with it. I need to look at the specs. Is this the replacement for the HW10?

[Jim L]

Originally Posted by phansson

It looks great! I haven't read up on the HW15, I have a VPL-VW60 projector and have been pretty happy with it. I need to look at the specs. Is this the replacement for the HW10?

Yes, it is the new replacement for the HW10.

If anyone is interested, I got it for $2,639 using a special coupon at Best Buy Magnolia. It was originally $2,999 which was way above the the $2k for the new Panny 4000. But when the discount put it within striking distance of what I would have spent on the Panny I jumped.

[Johk]

Really nice projector you got there! Someday I will have one of those

The price also seems pretty good.

[dolphinc]

Very nice, Weaver never looked so good.

[Fors*]

Looks great. I did the same thing you did...TV, TV, TV....but then I got the projector and kept my TV as well. I also use a manual screen in front of the TV. It really is the best of both worlds with a TV behind it. It sure saves bulb life. Your room looks great and PQ of your Sony projector looks amazing!

[SeanMF]

You get a chance to compare the greywolf screen to white screens? I was contemplating the greywolf screen when I started shopping for screens. Excellent setup by the way.

[talstarone]

Excellent Work,Jim.
I must say, that your entire System and Set-Up are Beautiful as they come.

The Wire Work,and using connection plates for everything just makes so much of a difference.
I also have to say the Rear Surrounds(with the brackets and wall plates just have that professional appearance)I also really love how you went about a 6-Channel System.

Using the Polks with an actual Center in the Middle is A Great Look.Something you dont see very often. But I Like It.I can imagine with that layout the Surround Sound Field must Really feel like its enveloping you in the Movie.

And Great Touch in going with the Polks.The RTi Series and CSi's are Great Performers,no matter Music or Movies.

And the Wall Mount of the Plasma,again is just worthy of saying its wonderful to see someone take so much time and effort into making the Set-Up and not just the Movie Look as Good as Humanly Possible.

So,You Have Certainly Earned a 20 for the Install.Sadly a 10 is the Highest We Go Too on our Ratings.But A 10 It Is Without Hesitation.

Now to the Meat of the Matter.
Beautiful Projection install.I Love The Wall Mount and articulating arm.It looks Modern and Hi-Tech.Good Choice in Going that Route.

And The Screen Positioning(allowing you to enjoy either display is a very nice look and option to Have).

And the Screen Shots you Posted are Excellent.Great Clarity with Sharp Crisp Borders and Colors.Not to overlook the Deep Blacks that Make any Movie Seem So Much More Realistic.

And knowing that the camera always seems to leave some of the image quality on the Screen.Seeing these in Real Life must be Like Eye-Candy.

I am Very Happy that you have brought your system to that Big Screen Level you have Longed For.

Congratulations.Its Truly one of the Finest Self Installs I have Seen.
You have Something to Be Very Proud Of.

From one Fellow North Carolinian to Another.Outstanding!

[igotcabada]

Looks great Jim Thats a pretty clever way to mount the screen, very nice

[Johnny Vinyl]

Outstanding setup and I left you a 10 plus a comment. Beautiful screen caps of Toy Story.

John

[Jim L]

Originally Posted by SeanMF

You get a chance to compare the greywolf screen to white screens? I was contemplating the greywolf screen when I started shopping for screens. Excellent setup by the way.

I'm not very knowledgeable about the screens. It seems there are thousands of them out there to choose from. I went with the Gray Wolf II because it's the exact model and size that a friend of mine has at his house. I thought his setup looked very good, and he had given me advice about the ins and outs of that particular one. Also I was able to get it for a very reasonable price (~$250) since it was discontinued.

This screen's 2 main properties are:

1. Gray color - enhances blacks and contrast for lower contrast projectors. This is not necessary for the Sony since it has pretty good blacks/contrast.
2. 1.8 gain - the relatively high gain will throw back more light than it gets, but that light will be limited to a narrower viewing angle. The increased reflectivity helps overcome some ambient light.

The only other screen that I looked at (while evaluating projectors) was a Black Diamond. It was awesome, but way beyond my budget.

Luckily the screen is something that can be upgraded in the future.