Sony boosts XGA 3LCD projector range with two new ultra-high brightness models

Basingstoke, 26th May 2010 - These new projectors are designed for fixed installation applications such as boardrooms, show rooms, auditoriums and concert halls.

The VPL-FX500L model delivers 7,000 lumens of Colour Light Output and is capable of the widest lens shift in its class, suitable for large-screen applications such as University lecture halls and corporate auditoriums. The VPL-FX30 provides 4,200 lumens of Colour Light Output and is equipped with 1.6x standard zoom lens for flexible installation, ideal for middle sized Lecture Halls or meeting rooms.

“The VPL-FX500L and VPL-FX30 are a reflection of how dominant the XGA resolution is and will remain in the European mid-range projector market,” said Robert Meakin, Senior Product Manager, business projectors at Sony Europe. “While WXGA and HD resolutions continue to gather momentum, XGA has the lion’s share with an expected 50% of the installation business over the next two years. We wanted to create a highly flexible projector that included innovative features such as the Twin Lamp System and Horizontal / Vertical Shift to become the projector of choice for both the customer and Sony Reseller.”

"The VPL-FX500L and VPL-FX30 are a reflection of how dominant the XGA resolution is…"Robert Meakin, Senior Product Manager, Sony Europe

The VPL-FX500L’s Twin Lamp System provides fail-safe and economical operation. It can output a total of 7,000 lumens with just one lamp. However, a second lamp is built-in to provide automatic back-up should the primary lamp fail. The Twin Lamp System is ideal for applications such as University lecture halls, where downtime is unacceptable. It also means that difficult situations are avoided, if for example, a replacement lamp has not been ordered. The two lamps are alternatively used, allowing the total expected lamp life to total up to approximately 8,000 hours

Depending on the lens used, the VPL-FX500L can shift images approximately vertically +/-96% and horizontally +/-64%, from their original position, making projection possible without distorting images. This feature is ideal for installers who need to overcome ceiling obstacles such as lighting fixtures, air conditioners and water sprinklers. The VPL-FX500L ships without a lens, and offers backwards compatibility with certain models of Sony’s existing accessory lenses.

The VPL-FX30’s 1.6x zoom standard lens allows customers to easily upgrade from a majority of existing projectors to the VPL-FX30 without having to change ceiling mount positions. For applications where more than a standard lens is needed, the VPL-FX30 is compatible with the VPLL-Z1032 and VPLL-Z1024 accessory lenses for Sony’s current VPL-FX40 series.

Both projectors apply Sony’s Bright Era™ technology which delivers improved panel light resistance, higher brightness and resolution, and each has XGA resolution of 1,024 x 768 pixels. Each projector is outfitted with a white and flat cabinet, allowing them to easily blend into white ceilings when installed, and there are no terminals or ventilation slits on the rear side, giving audiences the impression that the projectors are blended into the ceiling when mounted. To tackle areas where dust is a problem, both projectors also feature a completely new airflow design called Quad Filter System which uses only one in-take and out-take air filter. As a result, the projectors need to be cleaned less frequently, only when the lamp is replaced.

The VPL-FX30 will be available in June, and the VPL-FX500L in July.