Sony VPL-HW30ES

image quality, size, noise, price, usability

100% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Good all-round picture quality ; Much reduced crosstalk ; Great value ; Runs quietly

no 12v trigger output ; Still residual crosstalk in very specific circumstances ; Side-mounted AV inputs

Sony has worked wonders with the HW30ES, erasing the disappointments of the VW90ES from our minds with a projector that serves up a classy, hugely watchable and best of all impressively affordable big-screen 3D - and 2D - feast.

Nice looks, easy to use, dynamic picture, smooth motion, quiet

Occasional picture noise, fastest motion causes some instability

Very capable, but there are better projectors for the cash

Nice looks ; easy to use ; dynamic picture, smooth motion ; quiet

Occasional picture noise ; fastest motion causes some instability

Very capable, but there are better projectors for the cash

Gorgeous 2D performance; deep blacks and excellent colour

No 12V trigger; minor crosstalk; separate 3D sync transmitter

Gorgeous 2D performance ; Deep blacks and excellent colour

No 12V trigger ; Minor crosstalk ; Separate 3D sync transmitter

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High definition video playback was crisp and colourful, with Avatar’s blue Naa’vi warriors looking incredibly vivid. Darker images looked very accurate thanks to deep, if not entirely black, black levels and plenty of contrast, letting us pick out...

Overall, the VPL-HW30ES is a compelling argument for bringing big-screen 3D home. It’s a solid rival for JVC's similarly-priced D-ILA-powered DLA-X3 [8], and offers both excellent 2D and startlingly bright stereo. 3D flatscreens? Who needs ‘em? ®

1080p resolution for both 2D and 3D. Accepts 3D signals directly from Blu-ray players, cable TV boxes, and the equivalent.

External IR emitter needs line of sight connection for synching with 3D glasses. Comes without 3D glasses or emitter.

I’ve long since passed the point where I look back nostalgically and yearn for the image quality of those classic CRT projectors. But the fact that even a sub-$4,000 projector can keep us from pining for those good old days is more than just news; it’s...