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Sony EX1 - 165W Projector Lamp

Sony is a company that usually produces great products from year to year, so when 2003 rolled around it was that time to pump out another masterpiece. From a series of projectors that were essentially the same, but each one having a few individual features of their own, the VPL-EX1 is well made and has the right stuff.

First thing I have to mention is that the VPL-EX1 is basically the same projector as the VPL-CS5, VPL-CS6, VPL-CX5, and VPL-CX6 and the main differences are in lumens and the power within the zoom lens. The VPL-EX1 sits at the low end for lumens projecting out 1500 ANSI compared to 2000 ANSI in the other models.

What is really funny here is that all of the projectors use the same projector lamp model while producing different lumens. They all use a 165W projector lamp, which leads me to believe that there is something in the machinery that allows the lamp to put out more brightness. The projector lamp has a lot to do with the brightness of the image but there is some secret technology that can tweak it. I assume it has to do with higher quality reflection and light saving devices and this is why the VPL-CS5 is close to $1500 US more than the moderately priced VPL-EX1 ($2000).

The VPL-EX1 may be the cheapest of the line but it certainly makes up ground in the resolution department offering XGA quality images of 1024x768p, but of course it can also compress images up to 1280x1024p. It is a native 4:3 aspect ratio and it promises to give you a nice crisp picture that will not disappoint.

In regards to contrast, it isn’t the best in class, but it will have to do. The VPL-EX1 was not created for the home, it was built for the office, and when you are dealing mostly with text and bright images, contrast isn’t your main concern. But for those who are multitasking and using it for their home theatre, just keep the dark and try to be understanding. From what I noticed, the VPL-EX1 also has a few color problems, especially with its leaning towards the yellow tones. You may have to fiddle with the color correction to alleviate some of the tonal problems but most people probably won’t notice much difference.

The VPL-EX1 is a little bit on the loud side for home movies, so consider using eco-mode and you will energy as well. Overall it is a well built machine that will not break down on you; it can hammer nails and still give a great picture.