For consumers seeking a quality home theater projector that won’t break the bank, Sony Electronics has just unveiled two new front home theater projectors at prices beginning at about $1,000.

The Bravia 3LCD VPL-AW15 and VPL-AW10 projectors feature 1280 x 720 progressive resolution, which provides more than ample image representation for lHD movies, gaming and sports, Sony says.

Both models feature a 165-watt Ultra High Pressure Lamp that produces 1,100 lumens, a short focal-length lens with 1.6 times zoom and low fan noise of 20dB (in low lamp mode), providing flexible installation options in many home settings.

The VPL-AW10 features Sony’s Advance Iris for contrast ratio of up to 6,000:1 when “auto” iris mode is selected. The VPL-AW15 unit offers the step-up Advanced Iris 2 technology, which also works with the High Contrast Plate device producing deep, accurate blacks and a dynamic contrast ratio of up to 12,000:1 when “auto” iris mode is selected, according to Sony. The Iris 2 also has a variable setting allowing for user optimization.

Additionally, the VPL-AW15 model has greater installation flexibility with lens shift, which helps adjust the picture both vertically and horizontally expanding projector placement options, aided by Sony’s All Range Crisp Focus (ARC-F) lens, which can help installations in smaller rooms, for example.

Both projectors feature an HDMI input supporting 1080/24p, which is downscaled to native 720p and displayed at a native multiple of 24 for realistic cinema style motion reproduction, says Sony. Other inputs include a RS-232C connection for custom control applications and a host of others including component, composite and S-video. The VPL-AW15 projector also includes an HD15 input for analog PC.

The VPL-AW15 and VPL-AW10 front projectors are expected to ship in June for about $1,300 and $1,000, respectively. Visit www.sonystyle.com for more.

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Arlen Schweiger - Managing editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen contributes product news items to electronichouse.com along with his role on the print publication. Got a tip? Send it along!