For the most part, the VPL-HW50's input panel is similar to previous HW and VW LCoS ("L-cose"), that is, SXRD projectors.
The connector area is located on the side of the projector, below the control panel, and runs from back to front. Furthest to the rear, is the power receptacle. Just forward, and above, are two HDMI 1.4a inputs (one circuit, two connectors, as is typical). Next up, is a standard HD15 analog computer input, for hooking up to a traditional PC.
That's followed by the usual composite video (yellow RCA jack), and then the three (R,G,B) color coded RCA jacks for the component video. Note, should you need two component video connections, the HD15 computer connection should be able to double as your second one.
After the component video, is an ethernet type jack (RJ45) for an optional 3D emitter for the VPL-HW50ES projector. With the less expensive HW30, there are two versions, one with the emitter and two pair of glasses, the other without. The point being, you needed to have the emitter for 3D with the less expensive Sony projector, but not for this VPL-HW50ES.
An emitter is still available as an option for the HW50, in the event you have a larger than typical room. So far in my fairly typical sized theater (the space above a two car garage (a little more than 400 sq feet), no problem from anywhere in my room.
Next (second from the front) is a jack to hardwire the remote control (for long distances, or rear projection, where there's no line of sight).
As is typical, there's the usual RS-232 serial port for command and control from a room or whole house system
The VPL-VW50ES lacks a 12 volt trigger (for controlling an anamorphic lens, or a motorized screen), found on the more expensive $6999 VPL-VW95ES, or $24,999 VW1000ES.