Sony VPLAW15 or KDL40v2500?

[Cwoodall334]

Right now, I have the Sony KDL40v2500. My parents are thinking about upgrading their 27 inch 1990 RCA Tube TV. I know my parents would be happy to have a 40 inch HDTV....like my KDL40v2500. So, I'm thinking about telling them that if do decide to upgrade, I'll trade them my KDL40v2500 for a Sony VPLAW15. Does anybody think this would be a good idea? My parents really don't want to spend a lot of money, so the their price range is pretty much set right about 1k. That's why I'm thinking about telling them if they get that projector, I'll trade them my tv for it. I've seen this projector on display at a local best buy, and it seemed pretty good. I say pretty good because their setup was pretty bad. So, I figure the picture quality I saw can be greatly improved given the right conditions.

[Downhere]

Originally Posted by Cwoodall334

Right now, I have the Sony KDL40v2500. My parents are thinking about upgrading their 27 inch 1990 RCA Tube TV. I know my parents would be happy to have a 40 inch HDTV....like my KDL40v2500. So, I'm thinking about telling them that if do decide to upgrade, I'll trade them my KDL40v2500 for a Sony VPLAW15. Does anybody think this would be a good idea? My parents really don't want to spend a lot of money, so the their price range is pretty much set right about 1k. That's why I'm thinking about telling them if they get that projector, I'll trade them my tv for it. I've seen this projector on display at a local best buy, and it seemed pretty good. I say pretty good because their setup was pretty bad. So, I figure the picture quality I saw can be greatly improved given the right conditions.

Sounds like a good deal if you have the right environment for a projector. Also, it will depend on the screen size you want to go with as well. The Sony projector is not the brightest projector on the block, so you will have to consider the size of screen and environment. If you can, you may want to try looking at some other projector's in the $1000 range that might best the Sony unit. I know the Epson Home Cinema 720 has gotten favorable reviews and the Panasonic AX200U.

[Cwoodall334]

I have a completely light controlled room, so projector brightness isn't a problem. As for screen size, I was thinking something around 84-92 inches. I was really looking at the Sony VPLAW15 because I noticed it will accept a 1080/24p signal. But, I'm definitely open to suggestions.

[Downhere]

Originally Posted by Cwoodall334

I have a completely light controlled room, so projector brightness isn't a problem. As for screen size, I was thinking something around 84-92 inches. I was really looking at the Sony VPLAW15 because I noticed it will accept a 1080/24p signal. But, I'm definitely open to suggestions.

Well, since you have a light controlled room and the screen you will be using isn't all that big, I think the Sony will work out well. You can also check out other brands such as the Panasonic (which does accept the 1080/24p signal and has smoothscreen technology to reduce the screen door effect). If I were you, I'd go on over to avsforum.com and do a search on the Sony unit in the $3000 or less projector's section of the forum. There's lot's of good information that will help you with your decision.

[Cwoodall334]

Thanks for the help, Downhere.

[hharrizons]

I will be getting this same projector this week.
I have a basement with lighting control, and can be really dark.
So, I will let you know how I think this projector performs.

I will compare it with VPL-HS51 (previous model).

until then.

[Cwoodall334]

Originally Posted by hharrizons

I will be getting this same projector this week.
I have a basement with lighting control, and can be really dark.
So, I will let you know how I think this projector performs.

I will compare it with VPL-HS51 (previous model).

until then.

Thanks! I would really appreciate that

[Dace]

I have the Sony projector...and its my first projector ever.

I have it in my living room and the screen (80" Criterion Carada screen in Bright White) gets direct sunlight. Although the image is faded, it is still visible. Obviously with the shades drawn the image is improved. But the room doesn't have to be pitch black.

Sitting ~10ft away, I don't notice any "screen door" effect....and Blu-Rays look excellent on it. The BD-P1400 keeps detecting it as 720p but if you set it to 1080p the projector will project it.

All in all, I'm pretty happy with it...not expensive at 1000$ and the image looks more vivid than my 37" Toshiba LCD TV.

[Cwoodall334]

Originally Posted by Dace

I have the Sony projector...and its my first projector ever.

I have it in my living room and the screen (80" Criterion Carada screen in Bright White) gets direct sunlight. Although the image is faded, it is still visible. Obviously with the shades drawn the image is improved. But the room doesn't have to be pitch black.

Sitting ~10ft away, I don't notice any "screen door" effect....and Blu-Rays look excellent on it. The BD-P1400 keeps detecting it as 720p but if you set it to 1080p the projector will project it.

All in all, I'm pretty happy with it...not expensive at 1000$ and the image looks more vivid than my 37" Toshiba LCD TV.

Thank you very much for your reply. I was looking to project an image about the same size as yours, as well as sit about the same distance. So how do you like the picture when the room is pitch black?

[Dace]

Originally Posted by Cwoodall334

Thank you very much for your reply. I was looking to project an image about the same size as yours, as well as sit about the same distance. So how do you like the picture when the room is pitch black?

When its pitch black the picture is brighter and sharper.. feels like I have a giant Plasma tv on my wall. All my friends and family who have seen it love it.

In my opinion watching HDTV and Blu-Rays feels like looking thru a (crystal clean) window...image jumps right out at you.

Like I said before, the image is much more vivid than the 37" LCD TV I have...which you would expect to be "livelier" with the backlighting.

[hharrizons]

Originally Posted by Cwoodall334

Thanks! I would really appreciate that

My impression so far (2 days).
I watched blu-ray movies and played Gran Turismo GT5 Prologue...

my setting:
120" white projection screen 16x9 DA-Lite
projector is about 12 feet away from the screen

Condition = 100% dark and 80% dark (1 60watt bulb)
EXCELLENT:
You would notice the depth of the projected image - 3d effect.
It is so pleasing to gaze through all objects on the screen.
DETAIL = yes. lots of detail and very very sharp.
I am extremely impressed with this projector.

Condition = all lights on in my 1100 sqf basement (5 100watts bulbs)
VERY GOOD!!!
You can actually still watch movies / play games.
Not as good as the dark setting.
But color was still there, the depth too.


I really enjoy this projector.

I'll go home and take photos.
Until later.
By the way, my HS51 will arrive next week. comparison will be done later too.

:-)

[Cwoodall334]

Originally Posted by hharrizons

I'll go home and take photos.

Please do. I'd love to see them

How far away from the screen are you sitting?

I'm glad to hear you like the projector... now if I can only convince my parents to finally upgrade

[Cwoodall334]

Any pics yet?

[misty2230]

Just installed the sony vpl aw15. Very pleased with it.
I bought mine online at Razzphoto.com for $559.00. helluva deal! Good luck.

[Cwoodall334]

Originally Posted by misty2230

Just installed the sony vpl aw15. Very pleased with it.
I bought mine online at Razzphoto.com for $559.00. helluva deal! Good luck.

What screen do you use?