Sony Debuts 8 Classroom Projectors
At the InfoComm show this week in Anaheim, CA, Sony unveiled eight new LCD projectors designed for classrooms and conference rooms, many of which will be available this month.
The new model lineup ranges from about $1,000 to $3,300. On the lower end, the company debuted the VPL-ES4 and VPL-EX4. he ES4 is an SVGA model offering a resolution of 800 x 600 (SVGA) with a brightness of 2,200 ANSI lumens. The EXL is an XGA (1.024 x 768) model with a brightness of 2,100 ANSI lumens. Both projectors use three 0.63" LCD panels and offer the following features:
- Short-throw lens capable of producing an 80-inch image from 7.5 feet;
- Control panel lock, security bar (or Kensington lock), and password authorization;
- Digital zoom (4x);
- Auto pixel alignment;
- Various image adjustments, including seven picture modes, detail enhancement (with 2-3 pulldown), picture freeze, and vertical keystone correction;
- Connections for S-video and RGB/component;
- Monitor output; and
- A four-second start-up time.
Both will be available this month. The VPL-ES4 sells for $1,030; the VPL-EX4 sells for $1,230.
Sony also debuted six VPL-C LCD projectors targeted toward classrooms and mid-size conference rooms. These include the VPL-CW125, VPL-CX155, VPL-CX150, VPL-CX125, VPL-CX120, and VPL-CX100.
On the high end, the $3,300 VPL-CW125 offers a brightness of 3,000 ANSI lumens and a WXGA resolution (1,280 x 768, widescreen 16:9). It also includes network functionality. It will be available in October.
The rest of the new VPL-C models offer XGA resolution. The $2,120 CX100, which will ship next month, offers a brightness of 2,700 ANSI lumens. The CX120, available this month for $2,400, offers a brightness of 3,000 lumens. The CX125, shipping next month for $2,530, offers network functionality and a brightness of 3,000 lumens. The CX150, with a brightness of 3,500 lumens, will ship this month for $2,730. And the CX155, available next month for $2,930, offers a brightness of 3,500 lumens and includes network functionality.
The network-capable models allow administrators to conduct maintenance over an IP network and can be controlled through a browser-based interface. Up to five projectors can be connected to a network, allowing for a single image to be displayed through all of the projectors. The networked projectors can also send automated e-mail alerts.
All of the new VPL-C models also include:
- Built-in ID function for controlling individual units from a single remote;
- Various security features, such as Kensington lock, control panel key lock, and a password authentication system;
- Card-style remote;
- Component, composite, S-video, and computer inputs;
- Monitor output;
- Audio I/O;
- On screen maintenance alerts, including lamp replacement and filter cleaning schedules; and
- Horizontal and vertical keystone correction.
All of the VPL-C models use three LCD panels.
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