Sony VPL-VW50 "Pearl" (LCOS)

Sony VPL-VW50 "Pearl" (LCOS)
Advantages:
Excellent black level and contrast.
Excellent color saturation.
Pixel-free (feature of LCOS technology)
Quiet fan
Powered 1.72x zoom and 2-picture height lens shift allows for reasonably good installation flexibility
Powered zoom enables 2.35 CIH image management without needing an anamorphic lens.
Good connectivity: 2 HDMI, one VGA (RGB/component), one component
Issues:In most cases, rear-shelf mounting will be preferred. Since vertical lens shift is limited to two picture heights, most ceiling mount installations will require an extension tube drop unless it is a low ceiling to begin with. This is the largest of the 1080p projectors in the group, and suspending it mid-air may prompt aesthetic objections from others in the household.
Not one of the brightest 1080p models in the group—about 400 lumens in optimal video calibration with lamp on high, and zoom lens set to wide angle. Loses 25% of its light potential when the lens is set to maximum telephoto position. Loses another 35% in low lamp mode, which most users won't want to lose, so plan to run in full lamp power mode.
In this group of 1080p projectors, the Sony has the softest image with HD content. Some people call this a "film-like" image. Others prefer a sharper picture. This is a matter of personal taste and preference.
Summary:The Sony Pearl is capable of producing a dazzling, rich, dynamic image with black level, contrast, and color saturation as particularly strong characteristics. In these aspects it outperforms the LCD competition. Weaknesses include HD image softness, limited lumen output in some video-optimized operating modes, and limited vertical lens shift which limits options for ceiling mounting.