The Bravia VPL-VW200 is the top-of-the-line successor to Sony’s flagship VPL-VW100 projector. The new model improves upon the old by new 1080p SXRD panels that can run at twice the refresh rate of the prior generation, pretty much eliminating any motion blur that you might see. They’ve also added a system that lets you tweak the positioning of the panels so precisely that you can get red, green and blue pixels perfectly aligned.

The projector has a bright 275W Xenon lamp that can kick out up to 4000 lumens (most sane people will use it in low power mode to save lamp life, and keep fan noise down). Sony claims a 35,000 to 1 contrast ratio thanks to their well respected dynamic iris system as well as improvements in the SXRD panel design. The VW200 also adds wide gamut (xvYCC) color support via dual HDMI 1.3a inputs.

On the downside, the VPL-VW200 costs nearly twice what the VW100 costs, at an MSRP of $15,000. It’s expected to ship this October. For those with slightly smaller bank balances, Sony has also announced a new, moderately priced model, the VPL-VW60, which loses the Xenon lamp, 120 fps and wide color support, but otherwise is quite similar. That model hits stores this month, and lists for $5000.

[Press Release]

At this week’s IFA show in Berlin, JVC revealed their latest entry into the LCOS arena (JVC uses the brand name “D-ILA), the DLA-HD100. The new projector replaces the popular DLA-HD1 model which came before it. The HD100 significantly improves upon the contrast of the prior model, with JVC claiming a 30,000 to 1 ratio. They’ve also added motorized zoom and focus capabilities, which the HD1 didn’t have.

JVC also has improved the color rendition of the projector over prior models and added HDMI 1.3 Deep Color support too. As was the case with the HD1 before it, the HD100 features Full HD 1920×1080 (1080p) native resolution, for the sharpest images possible.

The DLA-HD100 will be released worldwide this November. Pricing hasn’t yet been finalized, but if you’re thinking about buying a front projector, you might want to wait a couple of months.

[via AV Watch]

As is the case with all of Sony’s rear-projection liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) televisions, this one runs at full 1920 x 1080 resolution. It features an excellent 10,000 to 1 contrast ratio, primarily due to Sony’s stellar iris control system that’s present in all of their SXRD models. From what I can tell, the only improvement is cosmetic, in that the new model features an all-black case versus the black and silver case of the earlier model. For those of you with serious home theater aspirations, that might be enough to make a difference.

Like the A2000 before it, the set offers three component inputs and two HDMI inputs, and supports full 1080p input resolution. It’s also got the same excellent 2.5 millisecond response time that its predecessor offered, which virtually eliminates motion blur.

One other plus is that the A2020 will cost $100 less than the A2000, listing at $2899 instead of $2999. What’s not to like?

[via Devicepedia]

Now, a LCOS maker SpatiaLight has announced a partnership with Foreal Spectrum to release a series of LCOS light engines that use LEDs, instead of traditional high-intensity lamps as their light source.

LED technology provides numerous advantages over traditional sources, including longer life, zero warm-up time, reduced power consumption and a wider color gamut. In addition, since there’s less power needed and less heat, displays can get smaller and quieter. Just about the only negative when it comes to LED light sources is their brightness level. Current LED light sources only can achieve around 200 to 300 lumens. Comparable UHP light sources can reach 1000 lumens and higher these days. That said, LEDs keep getting brighter, so I’m not to worried about that early limitation.

I’ve been a big fan of LCOS technology since picking up my Sony SXRD set last year. These displays offer better contrast almost no visible picture structure when compared to DLP and LED projection TVs. Now, with LED lamp sources in the wings, there’s just one more reason to consider this technology.

Up until now, most LCOS rear projection sets have been around 19- or 20-inches deep. JVC’s new line of slim “HD-ILA” 1080p sets (Sony LCOS sets are called “SXRD” – you say po-tayto, I say po-tahto) are both under 12-inches deep. The 58-inch HD-58S998 (10.7-inches deep) and the 65-inch HD-65S998 (11.6-inches deep) are designed for installation inside of cabinets or even for wall mounting. By completely overhauling the traditional RPTV mirror and lens system, JVC has been able to substantially reduce the depth required to project an image.

The sets tout a 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and native 1080p resolution, as well as Genessa image processing circuitry which is said to provide high-quality image upscaling. They also include an on-board ATSC/DRC/QAM/NTSC tuner, so the sets are ready to receive high-def content right out of the box. The 58-inch model ($3299 USD) will hit shelves in January 2007 and the 65-inch model ($4199 USD) is expected in March 2007.

Keep in mind that past sets that have slimmed down in this way have had some issues with image distortion, so you’ll want to wait for the early reviews before you plunk down your hard-earned cash.

[via Engadget]

Both models feature a native 1080p (1920×1080) resolution SXRD light engine, capable of displaying full 1080p content when devices are connected via one of the set’s three HDMI connections. Each set also features a CableCARD slot for direct connection to high-definition cable tv signals.

The new sets are improve upon last year’s acclaimed KDS-R50XBR1 and KDS-R60XBR1 models with a new advanced iris capable of dynamic contrast ratios up to 10,000 to 1 and full 1080p input resolution (the earlier models only deinterlaced from 1080i to 1080p.) In addition, the infamous “dumbo ear” speakers are removable on the 70-inch model. I don’t know why they didn’t allow for that on the 60-incher though. They’ve also upgraded their video signal processing circuits from the previous models.

I own last year’s model, and it’s really got the best rear projection picture I’ve ever seen. That said, I look forward to seeing the image quality on these new second-generation sets. The 60-inch model lists for $4,300 USD, while the 70-inch model lists for $7,000.

JVC has just shown a new D-ILA (aka LCOS or SXRD) rear projection set that measures a whopping 110 inches. The set features full 1080p (1920×1080 resolution), but I bet you’ll start to see at least some pixel structure on a set that large.

The set is a prototype designed to show off a new technology capable of making large screen materials, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be seeing this enormous set at your neighborhood Best Buy anytime soon.

[via Tech On! via Engadget]

The new model features an array of three 0.61-inch SXRD chips at a full 1080p (1920×1080) resolution, capable of outputting all currently available high definition signals at full resolution. SXRD (Silicon X-tal Reflective Display), also known as LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon,) is reknowned for its extremely good black levels, and lack of visible pixel structure. The majority of sets from Sony and JVC (under the name D-ILA) have received rave reviews for picture quality.

The VPL-VW50 features Sony’s Advanced Iris 2 technology, designed to provide a dynamic contrast ratio of up to 15,000:1. The projector also features a powered 1.8x zoom lens, with powered vertical shift for installation to maximize installation flexibility.

Inputs include: dual HDMI inputs capable of 1080p (in both 60 and 24p frame rates,) RGB, S-video, composite and RS-232C. Fan noise is kept to <22dB, making it an ideal fit home theater applications.

The VPL-VW50 is the first SXRD front projector from Sony to break the $5,000 price barrier (at $4999.99 USD), and will be available this month from Sony's own stores and website and authorized dealers.