F/S/T : Sony VPL-ES2 projector (UK) excellent for gaming!

Sony VPL-ES2 projector - SVGA / HDTV COMPATIBLE

Details via Pricerunner.co.uk show that current price is approx. £699.99, although it is now a discontinued item. Unit is 2years old, in mint condition, complete and genuinely is in full working order (unlike one or two projectors I have bought second-hand / auction).

Bulb life is listed as 4000hrs, but it's more like 3000hrs. I have used approximately 500-600hrs (which has taken me 2 years of some pretty serious gaming / film viewing to achieve).

http://www.pricerunner.co.uk/sound-and-vision/vision/projectors/229065/details

Technical specifications are available here as a download *.pdf
http://www.projectorpoint.co.uk/images/pdf/Sony/VPL-ES2.pdf

I paid slightly more than the £700.00, but being realistic I am expecting £300.00 ono (but I am open to trade items. I am looking for a fully functional Sony PS2 Tool (not test!) or RARE Xbox 1 items. I'm not interested in software, just hardware). Also potentially interested in Katana System or N/Gdev Nintendo system (any offered systems must be fully working). Thanks!

This item is in the UK, but I would be willing to ship within Europe.

The unit was ceiling mounted in my previous property and although I have used it in the new house, I packed the unit up a few months ago (only using it now and again) as I bought a new 37" LCD. I miss having an 8' (yes 8 foot!) gaming area, but my son was getting too interested in the unit and it would not survive being dropped on the floor!

Payment methods negotiable, but this item will NOT be shipped without me first seeing the payment in my hands or the trade item on my doorstep!

If you doubt my honesty, don't contact or waste time. I have a good eBay score and will assist any genuine buyer / trader as much as I can.

Please note native resolutions on most projectors can be forced UP, hence HD ready, however it is not equiped with HDMI input, so expect this not to be full 1080i.

Optical​

Brightness ANSI lumen

1500.0

Contrast
350:1
Lamp (W)
157.0
Lamp Type
UHP
LCD Panel Resolution
1,440,000 pixels (480,000 pixels x 3)
LCD Panel Size (inch)
0.62
Projection Lens
1.2 times zoom lens, F2.2 to 2.4, f18.0 to 21.6 mm
Projection System
3 x LCD Panels single lens projection system
Screen Coverage (Diagonal) (inch)
40 to 300​

Signal

Resolution (RGB) (Pixels)
800 x 600
Resolution (Video) (TV Lines)
600.0


Throwing Distance

Screen Size 100 inch diagonal (m)
2.9 - 3.5m
Screen Size 120 inch diagonal (m)
3.5 - 4.2m
Screen Size 150 inch diagonal (m)
4.4 - 5.3m
Screen Size 200 inch diagonal (m)
5.9 - 7.0m
Screen Size 300 inch diagonal (m)
8.8 - 10m
Screen Size 40 inch diagonal (m)
1.1 - 1.4m
Screen Size 60 inch diagonal (m)
1.7 - 2.1m
Screen Size 80 inch diagonal (m)
2.3 - 2.8m


​

Item includes:
1 x Sony Projector VPL-ES2 (UK spec) (however will cope happily with PAL / NTSC & SECAM)
1 x Sony remote control (mini card style)
1 x Sony instruction manual (original)
1 x Sony instruction manual (CDrom) unopened & original
1 x Sony shoulder bag
1 x Sony projector filter (unused & sealed)
1 x Sony VPL-ES2 bulb (fitted : at approx. 500-600hrs usage from 3000hrs life span)
1 x 10meters Vivanco S-VHS / S-VHS cable
1 x 3 IN / 1 OUT multi-switch (connect several different consoles via this unit)

 

I've been asked for images to prove it works:



These images were taken a while back before I decided to sell the unit and are therefore not exactly best examples, but it proves (hopefully) that it functions, no dead pixels, not a dead bulb etc. First image is against a wall without a screen and shows "Two Hands" an amazing independent Australian film featuring Heath Ledger. The second is, as most will realise an image taken from "PGR3", but unless you are familiar with the title you will assume it is too yellow and has cross hatching. Sorry they are not brilliant examples!

 

Just as an FYI, your statement about forcing the resoltuion up is -incorrect-.

Any HD images fed to the projector will be downsampled to 800x600 before being displayed. You will NOT get this unit to output a HD image.

-hl718

 

...then Sony are lying & many other sites are inaccurate as they all state it will output HD. Not arguing with you, but if you look at the stats it clearly shows native & maximum plus HD compatibility.

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Sony VPL-ES2 Projector Specifications


[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica](show metric units)[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica] Product Sheet[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]MSRP[FONT=Arial,Helvetica] (USD)[/FONT] :[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]$ 1,249[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Brightness[FONT=Arial,Helvetica] (Lumens)[/FONT] :[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]1500 ANSI[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Eco-Mode[FONT=Arial,Helvetica] (Lumens)[/FONT]:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]1300 ANSI[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Contrast[FONT=Arial,Helvetica] (Full On/Off)[/FONT] :[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]350:1[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Variable Iris:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]No[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Audible Noise:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]36.0 dB[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Eco-Mode:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]33.0 dB[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Weight:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]6.2 lbs.[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Size[FONT=Arial,Helvetica] (inches) (HxWxD)[/FONT] :[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]3.1 x 11.6 x 9.4[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Std. Lens:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Focus:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Manual[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Zoom:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Manual, 1.20:1[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Throw Dist[FONT=Arial,Helvetica] (feet)[/FONT] : [/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]9.2 - 28.9[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Image Size[FONT=Arial,Helvetica] (inches)[/FONT] :[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]80.0 - 300.0[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Optional Lenses:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]No[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Digital Zoom:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Yes[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Keystone Correction:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Digital[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Lens Shift:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]No[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Networking:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Wired:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]No[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Wireless:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]No[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Warranty:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]2 Years[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Performance:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]H-Sync Range:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]19.0 - 72.0kHz[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]V-Sync Range:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]48 - 92Hz[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Compatibility:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]HDTV:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]720p, 1080i, 540p
575i

[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]EDTV/480p:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Yes[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]SDTV/480i:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Yes[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Component Video:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Yes[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Video:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Yes[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Digital Input:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica] **[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Personal Computers:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Yes[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Display:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Type:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]0.6" 3LCD [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Native:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]800x600 Pixels [/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Maximum:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]1024x768 Pixels [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Aspect Ratio:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]4:3 (SVGA)[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Lamp:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Type:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]157W UHP[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Life:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]3000 hours[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Eco-Mode Life:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]4000 hours[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Quantity:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]1[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Speakers:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]1.0W Mono[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Max Power:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]220W[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Voltage:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]100V - 240V[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]FCC Class:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]B[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Special:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica] **[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Status:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Out of Production[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]First Ship:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Oct 2004[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Last Ship:[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]May 2006 [/FONT]

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sony-VPL-ES2.htm

These guys are fairly accurate. Never known them to be wrong!

 

It's marketing speak.

Compatible just means it can take the input. With LCD and DLP projectors however, *everything* has to be scaled to the native resolution as that is the display resolution.

So you can connect a 1080i input to the device, but where you feed in a 1920x1080i signal the projector is only going to display a 800x600 image. All that extra image data is lost.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it's a bad projector, just saying that it cannot display HDTV. In order to display a HDTV signal you'll need a panel that is a minimum of 1280x720 native resolution (720p). Anything smaller than that isn't giving you a HDTV image.

-hl718

 

Ah, you responded as I typed - hang on!

 

Okay, but the native and maximum figures suggest it CAN output at HD levels? This is confusing the shit out of me as 2 years ago I bought this on the grounds that one day I might use it with HD (the keyword of the day) and since then I have not needed to use it. Now I am, having just bought an LCD TV with an HDMI input and sufficient resolution.

Bugger me, I could smack that Sony rep! He poured over those figures and convinced me 2 years ago that the maximum resolution was sufficient and that it upscaled. Lying little toad!

:-(

So, is it even worth flogging at £300.00 ? Damn it man I paid over £700.00 for it!

 

No matter what happens now I guess this screws up any attempts to sell / trade this unit lol - just not my day! :-(

 

Specs on projectors are intentionally misleading so as to make the sale much of the time. That said, 2 years back £700.00 wouldn't have been an outrageous price for the unit, though it would have been on the higher end of the scale.

To answer your specific question the "maximum" figures are what the projector can accept as an input and feed to the scaler chip. The "native resolution" (in this case 800x600) is the resolution of the display panel and is exactly the resolution that is going to get projected on your screen.

Unfortunately technology in this area has moved pretty quickly and the specs on here are comparable to entry level projectors these days. As a quick example, you can get the InFocus IN72 with a screen for $600 USD. Going to private sales (instead of buying from a store), you can typically find it new for $450-$550 w/o screen. Used it'll go for less. The IN72 is roughly equivalent to the Sony you've got, though it does have a better contrast ratio and HDMI input. You'll find similar prices on entry level gear.

Since the bulb on yours has a few hundred hours on it, that's going to knock down the resale value a bit, but shouldn't kill it. Realistically I would say you can probably expect around £150-200/$300-400 (give or take) for the unit, though given the cost of shipping you're likely to find it easier to sale locally rather than overseas.

Projectors like this have become commodity items. While that's good for anyone who wants to jump in now, it's bad for anyone who bought when the market was new. The price we pay for being early adopters.

Hope this helps.

-hl718

 

It helps, but it sucks lol

No, seriously thanks! I guess I did jump into the market early, but trust me I was around to see the first portable computer projectors. My late father bought a £10,000 InFocus projector. It was bloody amazing at the time, but as you say £300+ s/h has got it licked. Nuts!

Incidentally, I remember him buying the state of the art MacIntosh SE, which cost $4,000 at the time and had to be imported. 8" black & white screen. I now have 3 of them propping up a desk in the attic. The times they are a' changing!

Well, if anyone wants to make an offer at the new lower price of £200 then let me know. Other than that, I guess I'll just keep using it for the odd bit of mutts nuts gaming until this bulb packs in (roughly 2010 I recon)

 

Now Sold! Thanks folk ;-)