Sony this week at InfoComm unveiled its new lineup of business-class LCD projectors, some of which feature the company's BrightEra imaging technology. BrightEra provides a higher aperture ratio to deliver brighter images than the previous High Temperature Poly-Silicon-based LCD systems, with a high resolution and low fan noise. Most of the models are currently shipping, with two set to be available in November this year.
Of the new models, three of the VPL-E series include BrightEra, as well as two high end, large venue VPL-F series projectors.
In the VPL-E series, the VPL-EX50 ($1270), VPL-EX5 ($1050), and VPL-EW5 ($1410) all include BrightEra, with the last model in the series also supporting widescreen resolutions. Each model uses a short focal-length lens, allowing a 7.5-foot distance to display an 80-inch diagonal image with the EX50 and EX5, while the EW5 will do the same at a distance of 8.2-feet.
The VPL-FX41 ($6270) XGA model improves brightness over its predecessors, the FX40 and FE 40, from 4000 to 5000 lumens, and is designed for fixed, networked installations in government, corporate, education, or hospitality implementations. It can be configured for both long- and short-throw scenarios, and uses 12-but gamma correction circuitry to provide uniform color and brightness across the image. The FX41 can be configured to turn on or off across a network, or provide maintenance reports to designated recipients.
The VPL-FW300L ($27,000) and FH300L ($40,000) systems are 7000 and 6000 lumen unit respectively, and are designed for large venues. The former model has a resolution of 1366 by 800, while the latter offers 2048 by 1080.
