Sony VPL-HW30ES

Overview

TechSpot Metascore

Based on 16 expert reviews

Excellent:

7
Good:

7
Average:

1
Bad:

1

Pros:

Gorgeous 2D performance.
Deep blacks and excellent colour.

Cons:

No 12V trigger.
Minor crosstalk.

TechSpot is supported by its audience. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Last revision on July 2, 2014

Reviewers Liked

Gorgeous 2D performance
Deep blacks and excellent colour

Reviewers Didn't Like

No 12V trigger
Minor crosstalk
Separate 3D sync transmitter
External IR emitter needs line of sight connection for synching with 3D glasses
Comes without 3D glasses or emitter

Expert reviews and ratings

The Sony VPL-HW30ES is a fine all-round home-cinema projector with good-quality 3D, but you'll need to do a bit more wiring than...

By CNET Australia on April 12, 2012

If I was building a dedicated home cinema tomorrow, I would, without doubt, install a 3D projector. While cynics continue to shrug at the tsunami tide of 3D flatscreen TVs heading our way, and I also have some reservations, I’ve yet to meet anyone...

By Home Cinema Choice on February 08, 2012

The Sony VPL-HW30ES is an impressively capable 1080p projector for both 2D and 3D, but finding the best settings for it can take some time and effort....

By PC Mag on December 21, 2011

I've long since passed the point where I look back nostalgically and yearn for the image quality of those classic CRT projectors. But the fact that even a sub-$4,000 projector can keep us from pining for those good old days is more than just news; it's...

By soundandvision.com on November 02, 2011

100

Back in Feb 2011 we reviewed projector. It impressed, but a £6000 price tag takes it out of the reach of most. With this HW30ES, Sony claims to have achieved much of the performance in a unit costing half as much.This 3D bundle comes with two pairs...

By What Hi-Fi? on October 31, 2011

100

Cinema-quality 3D effects and stunning 2D images make this the best home cinema projector we’ve seen this year – but the price makes it only for serious film fans...

By Expert Reviews on October 27, 2011

If we were building a dedicated home cinema tomorrow, we would, without doubt, install a 3D projector. While cynics continue to shrug at the tsunami tide of 3D flatscreen TVs heading our way, and we also have some reservations, we've yet to meet...

By TechRadar on October 11, 2011

The first Sony 3D projector was the VPL-VW90ES which we reviewed back in February 2011 and found an outstanding 2D image which was tempered by a disappointing 3D offering. There were issues with crosstalk and image parallax with 3D playback which dented...

By avforums.com on September 14, 2011

Seemingly stung by the indifferent response to its debut 3D projector, Sony has really done a number on its SXRD technology with the new HW30ES, resulting in a truly excellent machine that can be yours for surprisingly little...

By Trusted Reviews on August 23, 2011

The VPL-HW30ES is a major milestone for Sony. Not only have they improved upon one of their best projectors in recent memory, they have done so without significantly raising the price. The end result is one of the least expensive 3D projectors...

By ProjectorCentral on August 17, 2011

Load More Reviews…