Sony VPL-HW10 US vs European version?

[mnfish]

I just bought a Sony VPL-HW10 on ebay from a guy in Bulgaria for $1160 US shipped. Used very little. Great deal I thought until I remembered that there is a difference in electrical hook ups. I might be screwed on this thing now. Does anyone know if there is a different model for US vs EUR? I would assume so? Since he is on the other side of the world from me it's hard to ask and get answers right away. Any suggestions??

[Brain Sturgeon]

Wow, you are very brave. I would be extremely cautious about buying any expensive items from an Eastern European country through eBay. A ton of scams go through that area of the world. How is the seller having you pay for it? If its through a bank wire or Western Union, I would be highly suspicious of a scam. Even if you use PayPal, you can get hosed.

Even if it is on the up and up, Bulgaria uses a 230 V/50 Hz system much different than our 120 V/60 Hz. I dunno if the Sony has a switching power supply, but I'm guessing you will need to have it modified by Sony to get it to work here. I'm guessing the projector will support PAL, NTSC, ATSC, and DVB/T so I think you'll be okay moving it over here from that standpoint.

I'm not sure what other differences might exist between a US and European model-- might want to search for a British AV enthusiasts website or perhaps one of our members here from across the pond could chime in.

Good luck!

[mnfish]

Yup..bank wire. But I have emailed him many times. He was looking for a VPL-VW200 to replace this one. He found one in Japan. I have his home address and home telephone number not to mention his business address. But you're right. It could still be a scam. I have not paid for this unit yet and I could tell him to cancel the auction and give it to the next highest bidder? I don't know?? I'll wait to hear back from him about the projector.

[Tru2theBlu]

Sounds fishy. And no offense, but you seem to be making some irrational decisions here. Why would you wire someone money across the globe? Just because someone gives you their address, phone number, etc, does not mean crap. You can still get scammed. I am just saying, you should be careful. If I were you, I would buy from a reputable online dealer, not someone from ebay, unless you KNOW you can trust them, and they have plenty of positive feedback. We are not talking about a $15 Blu-ray, but a lot of money, be careful.

[mnfish]

None taken. I agree but have bought/sold many items off ebay and am really scrutinizing this one. I have NOT sent any money yet. All emails are going thru hotmail which is suspect because they should be going thru ebay..not hotmail. I'm having him also send me a picture of the unit as he claims there is a switch that changes the ac from EUR to US?? LOL!!! Never heard of that one and I can't find anywhere on any 10 model about a switch. I never heard of any projector with a switch? So yes...my ears are up on this one. If it's too good to be rue then it usually is.

[WriteSimply]

The voltage on this is universal. Check Projector Central.

As for wire transfer... Good luck.


fuad

[Brain Sturgeon]

Originally Posted by mnfish

None taken. I agree but have bought/sold many items off ebay and am really scrutinizing this one. I have NOT sent any money yet. All emails are going thru hotmail which is suspect because they should be going thru ebay..not hotmail. I'm having him also send me a picture of the unit as he claims there is a switch that changes the ac from EUR to US?? LOL!!! Never heard of that one and I can't find anywhere on any 10 model about a switch. I never heard of any projector with a switch? So yes...my ears are up on this one. If it's too good to be rue then it usually is.

As WriteSimply brought up, it does look like the PS is universal, so you might be okay-- just need to change the power cord and maybe flip the switch (this option does exist on some power supplies). However, given the relatively low price of the unit and the details of the deal, I'm smelling scam (as are others). I would skip this deal if I were you.

Good luck!