Nothing Else Comes This Close

Front projectors produce the ultimate in home theater. Nothing else comes this close to recreating the viewing sensations of a motion picture theater. Sony's VPLHS51 Cineza is a powerful projector that accurately reproduces DVD and high-definition sources with high brightness and full contrast. This latest Cineza model is equipped with a new advanced iris function, enabling the projector to adjust the video image dynamically according to the input signal level. Contrast ratios of up to 6,000:1 are possible, along with reproduction of the most subtle details. The image is produced using a trio of liquid crystal panels in video's primary colors--red, green, and blue. The VPLHS51 incorporates three Sony-exclusive 720p LCD panels that provide 2,764,800 pixel resolution (1280 x 720), optimized for HD video input. Light is sent through these panels (transmissive), as opposed to reflecting light off of them (reflective). Projected picture size can reach a stunning 200 diagonal inches--that's nearly 17 feet of entertainment!

Even More Brightness And Contrast Control

In addition to the dynamic iris function, the VPLHS51 achieves its superb high contrast by combining a Micro Lens Array and Wide View film. The contrast ratio of LCD projectors is the difference between the On/Off status of the liquid crystal elements, which are between two polarizers. As the light passes through the panels, the liquid crystal is on, meaning the light should be shut out. To improve contrast Sony engineers implemented three measures: Micro Lens Array (MLA) in the LCD panel to increase brightness, Wide View film to shift brightness (increased by MLA) for deeper blacks, and modified optical unit response for a greater reduction in light leak. There is also Cinema Black Pro, which allows Lamp (low/high) and Iris (on/off) control for better contrast and brightness. This feature, menu-driven through the remote control, turns the iris shutter off (open) for high brightness and standard contrast, or on (closed) for low brightness and higher contrast.

Use Your Computer To Adjust The Color

Real Color Processing (RCP) on the VPLHS51 allows you to designate specific colors on the picture and finely adjust their color and hue without changing the overall color and hue of the picture. For example, you can adjust the color of a stop sign with changing any skin tones, or make the sky more blue without altering the color of water in a lake, or turn the grass greener while leaving the trees alone. ImageDirector2, Gamma control software included with the projector, works with RCP to produce precise picture adjustment. By connection to a personal computer, Gamma adjustments can be seen in real time and preferences can be stored in the computer for later use. The All Range Crisp Focus lens improves focus in the center of the screen and to an even greater extent at the corners of the screen. Full-digital signal processing includes circuits that optimize the picture performance of any input source. The 12-Bit Panel Driver provides outstanding gradation reproduction and a high level of detail while the I/P Converter achieves sharp images and superior diagonal line reproduction.

Keystone Correction

When a projector isn't exactly perpendicular to the plane of the screen, you get a trapaezoidally-distorted picture (called keystoning), instead of the rectangle you want. To allow for off-center positioning of the projector--and very flexible installation options--the VPLHS51 has Lens Shift Function that adjusts the picture position both vertically (two picture heights total up and down) and horizontally (one picture height total right and left). You can mount the projector above the top of the screen, or below the bottom of the screen, by up to one screen height; or to the right or left of the screen, by one-half screen height and still enjoy the proper picture geometry. This means you don't have to arrange your room to accommodate your new front projector--it adjusts to accommodate you. It just doesn't get more convenient than that! And this 16:9 widescreen projector has seven aspect-ratio modes to make the most of viewing conventional 4:3 programs. There's even a subtitle mode for the best results on foreign programming with subtitles.

Best Quality From Film Sources

For the purest, most accurate video reproduction from film sources, Sony's CineMotion Reverse 3:2 Pulldown is amazing technology. Converting a film to video gets a little complicated because video is shot at 30 frames per second (fps), while the standard for film is 24 fps. Obviously, there's a bit of a discrepancy there. A process called 3:2 pulldown is used to convert 24 fps film to 30 fps video, and it works fairly well except that there are some side effects. CineMotion overcomes the limitations of 3:2 Pulldown by essentially reversing the process, eliminating visually distorted picture information and removing motion artifacts. This phenomenal technology optimizes film-based content from any video input. So, rest assured that the VPLHS51 will make your favorite movies look as impressive at home as they do in the theater.

Get Your HDMI Connection Here

To keep you up-to-date with the latest in HDTV connectivity, Sony has added a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) to the VPLHS51. Now a single cable can deliver a full-digital, uncompressed HD signal from any HDMI-compatible source. Of course, you'll also be able to connect other devices like DVD players and VCRs by way of the component, S-Video, and composite connections available. There's also an Ethernet connector for complete A/V system integration via IP Control Protocol. With the landslide of great DVD material available, plus the ever-expanding amount and availability of HDTV, now is the perfect time to take your home theater to the next level with a Sony Cineza VPLHS51 LCD Front Projector. And if you need one last thing to convince you--the fan is very quiet, only 24dB.

Included With Purchase

Instruction Manual, Remote Control, Air Filter, AA Batteries (2), AC Power Cord, CD-ROM (Application Software And Operating Instructions.

Comparison Specifications

• Resolution: 1280 x 720 (x 3), Or 2,764,800 Pixels Total
• Contrast Ratio: Up To 6,000:1
• Single Lens Projection System: 1.3 Times Manual Lens Zoom
• CineMotion Reverse 3-2 Pulldown Technology
• HDMI Digital RGB/YCb(Pb)Cr(Pr) Input Connection
• Component (3)/Composite(1)/S-Video(1)/VGA HD-15 Pin (1) Input Connections
• Input Video Signals: 480i/480p/1080i/720p
• Built-In Mono Speaker
• Ceiling or Table Mount Capable
• Remote Control Included

Additional Specifications

• HD/IP Converter
• Keystone Correction
• Brightness: 1200 ANSI Lumens
• Lamp: 135W Ultra-High Performance
• Improved Lamp Life Up to 3000 Hours
• Gamma Control Software (ImageDirector 2)
• 12-Bit Panel Driver LSI
• LCD Panel With Micro Lens Array (MLA) And Wide View (WV) Film
• Ultra Quiet Fan (24db)
• Ethernet Connection

Manufacturer Specifications

• Color System: NTSC/NTSC 4.43, PAL, SECAM, PAL-M, PAL-N, PAL60
• Three WXGA LCD Panels, .73" p-Si TFT Panels
• Acceptable Computer Signal RGB: Horizontal 19-72KHz, Vertical 48-92Hz
• Maximum Input Signal Resolution: WXGA (1280 x 768, fV:60Hz)
• Input Channel Switching
• Advanced Iris Function
• Lens Shift Function
• All-Range Crisp Focus Lens
• Real Color Processing
• Full Digital Processing

Dimensional Specifications

• Size (W x H x D): 13-5/8" x 5-7/8" x 14-5/8"
• Weight: 12 lbs. 6 ozs.

Sony VPL-HS51 Warranty Details

Two-Year Parts And Labor Warranty, 90-Day Warranty On Lamp