Sony HS1 Cineza projector

[AlanCaires]

A few questions...

Are these available in UK ?
Where ?
How much do they cost (including the accessories, eg, screen) ?
Are they any good ?
Pros and cons compared to a 41" rear projector TV
Do they work with all formats of PAL and NTSC ?

I quite fancy a ten foot picture on my wall......

[Ragnar]

Can't tell you much, but they are available in the U.K. & are Pal & NTSC compatible.

Any Sony Centre should be able to order one for you.

[The Boogerman]

As ragnar's already said, yes they are available in the UK.

I've seen them online, at a number of UK sites. They seem to be pushing them quite hard at the moment as price (until 31/12 (or when stocks last) also includes a 60" screen (worth about £150+). As for price the guys at avforums.com say not to pay more than £1700 (they should be able to suggest suppliers - some are mentioned but I've not previously heard of them).

Are they any good ?
I don't have one or a RPTV, but I'm very tempted. You shouldn't probably think of a projector as a TV replacement unless you watch TV mainly in the dark and can afford to replace the bulbs. One projector I liked the look of (Philips Ugo S lite) had the advantage (apparently) of being a DLP rather than LCD projector and cost the same sort of amount as the Sony. The Philips though has a bulb life of 1000 hours and a replacement bulb costs £500!!! then Sony bulbs have a life of 2000 hours and cost a more reasonable £150 (and this is in the first month of release so prices should come down) but even so its 15% of the bulb cost of the Philips . For me, considering a projector as a TV replacement the Sony definately has the edge.

Do they work with all formats of PAL and NTSC ?

According to the specs it supports;
Colour system NTSC 3.58, PAL, SECAM, NTSC 4.43, PAL-M, PAL-N Switched automatically or manually


I quite fancy a ten foot picture on my wall......

And they will project an image up to 12.5 feet diagonal. :D
Here's one link for info;

Supplier and accessory info (http://www.iiid.co.uk/hardware/sony/sony_projectors/vpl_hs1.htm)