Sony Adds Two New Models to its 3LCD Business Projector Line

Sony is expanding its line of high-brightness 3LCD business projectors, with two new models designed for fixed installation applications.

The new VPL-FX500L model delivers 7,000 lumens of Color 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 Color Light Output, and is equipped with 1.6x standard zoom lens for flexible installation, ideal for mid- to small-sized class rooms or meeting rooms.

Both projectors apply Sony’s Bright Era™ technology, 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.

“These new projectors offer style, ease of use, and low maintenance while delivering high brightness and high performance,” said Sander Phipps, product manager for LCD projectors at Sony Electronics.

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 two lamps are alternatively used, allowing the total expected lamp life to total up to approximately 8,000 hours.

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.

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 having images distorted by digital keystone correction. This feature is recommended for applications where the ceiling mount position is limited by lighting fixtures or water sprinklers, or where the position is higher than screen.

The VPL-FX30 is planned to be available in June, and the VPL-FX500L in July.