Now this just isn't fair. Prior to the VPL-HS50, I was confident there are certain rules different technologies simply cannot break. I was sure that even in these days of price free-falls I could generally predict what's possible at a certain price and what isn't. So it's just not on for Sony's latest Cineza to come along and pull the rug so completely from under my feet, leaving me dazed, confused and no longer sure of the natural order of things. But that's precisely what's happened, so I guess I'd better start trying to deal with it...
From the outside, there's nothing particularly spectacular about the VPL-HS50. It's certainly been nowhere near the ugly stick, with its temptingly voluptuous curves and smartly retro-grilled fascia. And yes, the illuminated Sony logo on the top is nice. But it doesn't shout 'cutting-edge tech' as loudly as it could.
The first pleasing thing about the VPL-HS50 is its inclusion of an HDMI jack among its connections. Thankfully picking up on this key digital connectivity trick while Sony's flatpanel TVs are busy ignoring it, the VPL-HS50 is ready for Sky's upcoming high-definition TV service.
No need for a Scart
Other connections include component video jacks, plus an ordinary PC input and the usual lower-quality AV options. In an ideal world a Scart might have been appreciated - but frankly the VPL-HS50 is built for better things.
If you're wondering why I got so carried away at the start of this review, it's because tucked away in the VPL-HS50's specifications is the optimistic claim - 'contrast ratio: 6,000:1'. After a phone call to check that this wasn't a typo, I was left reeling at the potential revelation of a whole new world where traditionally low-contrast LCD technology suddenly not only matched DLP in the crucial area of contrast, but actually surpassed it.
Other specs worth mentioning are an exceptional (for sub-£2k) brightness of 1,200 ANSI Lumens, a remarkably quiet running volume of 24dB, and a respectable native widescreen resolution of 1,280 x 720. So far, so good.
