Sony's cheapest SXRD projector still scores well
The VPL-HW10 is the cheapest SXRD projector yet.
(Credit: Sony)When Sony's SXRD technology came out in 2005, first in expensive front projectors and then in rear-projection models starting with the ridiculously overpriced Qualia 006, we liked it a lot. That basic evaluation hasn't changed much over the years, but the realities of the market have, forcing Sony to axe its rear-projection SXRD line--along with all of its other RPTVs--and make the excellent KDS-A3000 series the last of the breed. But SXRD still has a place among front-projectors, and that's a good thing.
At $3500 list, the company's VPL-HW10 represents a new low price point for SXRD projectors, but this PJ hits plenty of performance high notes. It evinced the same deep blacks we've come to expect from the technology, and it even improved on the color accuracy of last year's excellent--and more expensive--VPL-VW60.
What's not to like? Well, if you have a huge screen, don't expect the little HW10 to get bright enough, but we're talking larger than 92 inches wide. Even with that caveat, and some minor performance gripes, the "bargain SXRD" is easily the best projector in its price class we've tested so far.
Read the full review of the Sony VPL-HW10.
Below you'll find the settings CNET reviewer Kevin Miller found best for viewing the Sony VPL-HW10 in a completely dark room via the HDMI input with a 1080p, film-based source on his 92-inch wide Stewart Greyhawk screen. Your settings may very depending on screen, source, room conditions, and personal preference. Check out the Picture settings and calibration FAQ for more information.
Picture Mode: Standard
Contrast: 78
Brightness: 50
Color: 51
Hue: 47
Color Temp: Custom 1
Sharpness: 30
Cinema Black Pro menu:
Advanced Iris: Manual
Lamp Control: High
Expert Setting menu:
MPEG NR: Off
Black Level Adjust: Off
Gamma Correction: Off
x.v.Color: Off
Color Space: Normal
David Katzmaier reviews HDTVs for CNET. 
Ed
web/gadget guru
-- David