Sony - VPL-HW45ES

I have a Sony vpl-hw45es since 2018. It was ~2000€ incl. tax back then. Now I see them used for ~800€ on eBay. I'd be really pressed to decide weather to buy a more modern one or a used one (identical) if mine were to break. That's the sign you bought a great product. 😁

I’m a big fan of Sony SXRD 1080p projectors like the VPL-HW45ES or HW65ES. Paired with a quality screen with a bit of a gray hue, these are outstanding performers. You can find them used in the $500 range. A new lamp assembly is under $200. I’ve had great luck with used purchases of both models.

There are mostly a lot of recommendations on here for BenQ HT1075, TH575, W1070 DLP projectors. If you can find a good used Epson LCD, or BenQ DLP you would be much happier. I personally have a used Sony LCoS (1080P/3D) that I have had no issues with and use daily as a TV for hours. I got mine on Ebay a few months ago. I tend to be frugal with such purchases and researched projectors for about a year, but for me it was not a priority; just a fairly rare treat.

My first projector was a Sony SXRD 1080P in 2007: $10,000 USD. Bulb replacements cost $900-1000. When it finally gave up the ghost in 2017, I purchased another Sony SXRD 1080P: $1800 USD with \~$100 bulb replacements. The picture is better. Cost for projectors has definitely gotten cheaper for more, but TVs are a true mass market item. As other posters have indicated, the market for projectors is tiny compared to the market for TVs. Companies will create products and compete if they can sell millions, but not as much if they are looking at tens of thousands.

So, I play ps5 on a Sony sxrd 1080p projector on a 100” screen. I’m moving off a projector. I’ll tell you why. At the time 100” anything tv wise was stupid expensive. But now you can get a 4K screen for $1.5K or 2.5K. You will get better gaming out of that. My projector has game mode etc. But a TV with vrr, hdr etc will look and play better and you can play with the lights on! So I was going to upgrade to 4K with a Valerion, benq x3100i etc. but as I priced that vs a huge back lit screen at 100” and less in size for me it will be a better deal. Now if you want over 100” PJ is the way to go. But mind you, now you need to add screen cost to that and depending on the lighting in your room that screen could be pretty expensive. I know we are all PJ people here. But there are other options. I’m waiting it out to Black Friday and see if I can get a 100” mini led screen for a good price. Hopefully 240Hz at 1080p and 120Hz at 4K with all the bells and whistles.

Epson will be brightest and average contrast and blacks. Sony will be less bright but better contrast. JVC is lowest brightness but incredible blacks and contrast. Pick what you prefer.