The Sony VPL-HS51 HDTV projector is stylish and lightweight, making it ideal for use in a home theater. It has three proprietry 720p LCD panels that provide a total maximum resolution of 2,764 x 720 pixels. Its native resolution is 1,280 x 720 pixels.
The Sony VPL-HS51 HDTV projector is optimised for high definition inputs such as those from a cable, satellite or off-air HDTV tuner or receiver. Supported resolutions are 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i (although the 1980i signal is downscaled to 720 pixels). Proprietary Sony technology called Advanced Iris allows the projector to dynamically adjust the image according to the input signal and provides for a contrast ratio of 6,000:1. A 1.6x zoom lens gives the Sony VPL-HS51 HDTV projector a relatively short throw distance and the image can be projected on a screen sized between 40 and 200 inches. For a 40in screen throw is between 4 and 6 feet, and for a 200in screen it is 19 to 30 feet.
A lens shift function enables flexible installation without distorting the image. The lens shift allows for adjustment by up to 2 picture heights up and down and one picture height left to right. the projector can be mounted above or below the screen by up to half the picture height.
Other neat features include the All Range crisp Focus lens, which Sony says improves focus by 8% at the center and 20% in the corners, compared to standard projectors, and real Color Processor which allows you to target a specific item in a picture and adjust its color without changing the colors in the rest of the image.
The Sony VPL-HS51 HDTV projector's inputs are component, 2 x composite, S-video, USB, HDCP-compliantHDMI. The box contains a remote control and batteries, Gamma control software and a replacement air filter.
