Optoma H57 or Sony HS50

[SuperSportBilly]

I have had a Sanyo Z1 projector for around 18 months and decided it`s time to upgrade.

Great projector - real WOW factor going from a small screen. I almost upgraded about 6 months ago - looked at an Optoma H30 - impressed. Noticeably better contrast than the Z1.

I am willing to spend up to £2000 - will look at Optoma H57 DLP supposed to have up to 4000:1 contrast ratio and at a Sony HS50 reputed to be up to 6000:1.

Are the new generation LCDs (like the HS50) good at producing blacks ? My Z1 seemed washed out when compared to the H30.

Has anybody had experience of these yet - on demo or at a show ?

Any views about the PJ of choice up to £2000 ?

Thanks

Karl

[Oakleyspatz]

Check out the specs of the Sony HS50 at:
http://www.avland.co.uk/sony/vplhs50/vpl-hs50.htm
Check out the specs of the Optoma H57 at:
http://www.hifibitz.co.uk/product.asp?id=3603
I would say that if your prefered viewing material is to be DVD then the H57 would have to be the prefered model. The contrast ratio is specified at 3500:1 which on a DLP will look unbelievable! The resolution is ideal for the Progressive Scan of PAL signals at 1024 x 576 , it is whisper quite at only 23 dB and being DLP , pixelation will not be noticable. Now that the rainbow issue that dogged older DLP projectors has been addressed, there really is nothing against this model unless you intend to take advantage of High Definition in the near future in which case, the high res of the Sony HS50 at 1280×720 maybe a better choice. I find that LCD projectors still have a "processed " look to their images, kind of artificial. This is only my opinion and I'm sure there are many LCD owners who will say that their projectors give a perfectly smooth natural looking image.
You may also want to consider the Infocus 5700 which although on paper may not seem to have the spec of the other two, has won so many awards for it's stunning images and superb image processing that you should not rule it out. Shop around and I'm sure you could pick one up for £2000.

Hope this helps.

[jwm15]

Karl,

I am in exactly the same position as you. I am leaning more toward the Optoma because it has a 3 year warrenty (swap-out, not RTB) as well as a 3 year zero dead-pixel warranty (again, swap-out). I have not seen an H57 but am willing to "buy blind" based on seeing the H56A -- it was very impressive for DVDs, which is why I want a PJ.

The HS50 looks like an awesome machine on paper and is potentially more "future-proof" because it is high def. That said, it is effectively new technology (auto iris system, etc.) so it is probably a riskier proposition -- its warranty is only 1 year which perhaps reflects this. Who knows, it could be durable and last a decade but for nearly £2K I want some safety. This forum is riddled with stories of people having problems with LCDs after having had them only a couple years (before I get flamed, yes, I know, people have also had great success with them).

So, at the end of the day be patient and see them both if you can. But remember, there is more to the story than specs. Unless you have loadsamoney I think it is best to look at these as investments and move carefully.

Best,
John

[SuperSportBilly]

Thanks for the replies.

I thought the H57 was out but looks like it is due in November like the Sony.

I guess I have a bit of a downer on LCDs because I have seen older generation LCD (Sanyo Z1) v slightly newer DLP`s for similar money (Optoma H30).

That said - the specs of the Sony do sound good but it is a question of whether that translates into a better image in practice.

I am not sure if I suffer rainbows - did not see any on the H30 - approx 45 minute demo but did not try to induce them.

After losing nearly £1000 on the Z1 I would like to get something with a decent contrast ratio which will see me through for the next 2 - 3 years.

I don`t think that future improvements will be so noticeable in this timescale. Z1 approx 700:1 to Sony`s reputed 6000:1 in 18 months.

Anybody actually seen either the H57 or Sony yet ? Thanks

[davee]

The infocus 5700 has a superb picture but they all seem to be priced at £2200. I looked at the 4805 which was good but when I viewed the 5700 straight after I put my hot plastic back in my pocket till the price (hopefully) falls again.
There again when the H77 hits the stores who knows.... its quite large though.

[davee]

Oops sorry, meant H57

[windfall]

I see the dates for the HS50 seem to be pushing backtowards the end of November now.

Has anyone been promised a deilvery date on one at all?

Tone

[charles]

My local retailer matched the internet price(£1570) as opposed to the suggested retail of £1899.
Should have the machine within three weeks.Sony have already sold out of their first allocation due next week.
Will report on my findings when it is up and running
Charles

[tazpc]

Originally Posted by charles

My local retailer matched the internet price(£1570) as opposed to the suggested retail of £1899.
Should have the machine within three weeks.Sony have already sold out of their first allocation due next week.
Will report on my findings when it is up and running
Charles

Where on the Net have you seen it for £1570
Thanks

[stuthemong]

taz, i thought the same thing, but figured that must be +vat

[Ekko Star]

HS50 will hit the streets below £1800.

Under £1600 on the keen internet sites.

That is a great launch price for what is seemingly an awesome product. Prospective Z3/AE700 or H57 buyers should hold onto their wallets in the meantime

[PaulB]

Originally Posted by Ekko Star

Under £1600 on the keen internet sites.

Ok, I'm buying one for sure - who's got them for under £1600?
Thanks,
Paul

[windfall]

These prices have to be exclusive of VAT.

I visited our local Sony shop this weekend just gone and saw on the screen what the list price the Sony franchise's will pay...it was £1618+markup+VAT.

I told the guy that other dealers were getting them cheaper and quoted what S&S have on their web site (£1539+VAT). He did not believe me! I just said it was up to him to negotiate a better deal.

So these numbers have to be less VAT. Cant be anything different.

Tone

Has anyone seen the negative review of the HS50 at www.projectorcentral.com/sony_vpl-hs51.htm ? This is a US review of the HS51, which I believe is identical to the HS50 except for power supply. The review rates it at 800 (not 1200), and criticises the image processing software.

[tazpc]

Originally Posted by stuthemong

taz, i thought the same thing, but figured that must be +vat

I thought the same but then it seemed odd to compare with price inc VAT in same post. Heres hoping