When a sample of Sony's VPL-HS20 arrived in our photo studio, naturally we hooked it up to see how it looked. After a hasty setup, we watched Panic Room (a "torture-test" DVD for any non-CRT display due to the movie's numerous dark scenes). And even though the 8-ft. image was projected at an angle onto a plain white wall, the picture quality was outstanding! Several people compared it to watching a movie at the local art-house theater.

The VPL-HS20 is Sony's top Cineza projector. Comparing it side-by-side with lower-priced projectors, it's instantly obvious that the 'HS20's picture is much clearer, more detailed, and more effortlessly filmlike. And its numbers back that up: Each of its three high-resolution LCD panels has over one million pixels, not to mention impressive light output and contrast ratio. (When it comes to front-projector picture quality, contrast ratio is as important as resolution.) Also, the 'HS20's 12-bit video processing yields much finer color and grayscale gradations than the more common 10-bit processing.

The VPL-HS20's 1386 x 788-pixel resolution is slightly higher than the 720p HDTV standard, allowing the projector to do a beautiful job displaying HDTV signals. (HDTV reception requires a separate HDTV tuner.) HDTV, as well as all other signals, are converted by the excellent internal scaler so that they precisely match the projector's 788p native resolution. (We were pleasantly surprised at how good a standard DIRECTV feed looked.) We totally agree with early reviews which are calling the 'HS20 a major step forward for Sony's LCD projection technology.

With its HD-capable resolution and standard-throw lens, the 'HS20 is a good choice for medium- and larger-sized rooms. For example, to display a gorgeous 100-inch image, plan on positioning the projector roughly 13-15 feet from your screen (you can place it on a table, or ceiling-mount it with an optional bracket).

Front-projection displays always look best in a totally darkened room, but Sony includes some useful adjustments that let you boost brightness to overcome room light, or enhance contrast for a more cinema-like image. There are 3 pre-set picture modes — Dynamic, Standard and Cinema — that provide different balances of brightness and contrast for enjoyable viewing even with some daylight or room light. The Cinema Black Pro menu selection gives you independent controls for both the lamp and iris shutter — both let you adjust the light output for a picture with higher contrast/lower brightness, or vice versa.

The 'HS20's versatile array of inputs includes composite video, S-video, and HD-compatible component video, plus two pure digital inputs: DVI and HDMI (it stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and you'll be seeing more HDMI-equipped components throughout 2004). Sony's flexible "PJ Multi" connection and supplied adapter cable can accommodate sources with composite, S-video, or standard/HD component video output. (Click on "More Photos" above for a close-up look at the VPL-HS20's connections.) Finally, a Memory Stick® slot is included so you can quickly show JPEG digital photos & MPEG movie clips to friends and family.

For optimum performance, a separate projection screen is recommended.

Read a hands-on review of the Cineza VPL-HS20 at CrutchfieldAdvisor.com

Key Features:
HDTV-ready projector (compatible with HDTV/SDTV formats — when connected to a separate HDTV tuner — and displays all signals at 788p)
widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio (can also display 4:3 material)
3 LCD panels (1386 x 788 pixels each)
contrast ratio: 1300:1 (full on/off)
light output: 1400 ANSI lumens
image size range: 40"—300" (diagonal)
DDE de-interlacer with CineMotion™ 3-2 pulldown processing
12-bit video processing
1-to-1 pixel-mapping for computer signals
1.3X powered zoom/focus lens (standard-throw)
Side Shot 2 manual/auto digital keystone correction (±30° horizontal, ±10° vertical)
Image Flip (horizontal and vertical)
180W UHP lamp (3000-hour rated life)
Cinema Black Pro lamp/iris adjustment
ultra-quiet cooling fan (28 dB)
illuminated remote control
5 video inputs, including:
1 composite video
1 S-video
1 HD-compatible component video
(accepts 1080i/720p/480p/480i signals)
1 "PJ Multi" with adapter cable for component/S-video/composite
(component input accepts 1080i/720p/480p/480i signals)
1 DVI digital video input with HDCP copy protection
1 HDMI digital audio/video input with HDCP copy protection
Memory Stick slot (JPEG/MPEG)
mini-USB port
built-in mono speaker for use with Memory Stick (2 watts)
13-5/8"W x 5-13/16"H x 14-5/8"D
weight: 11.9 lbs.
warranty: 2 years parts & labor (90 days on lamp)
Note: front projectors don't include any type of built-in TV tuner, but they display signals from an HDTV tuner, satellite receiver, cable box, or a VCR's TV tuner