Sony Expands 4K Projector Lineup
Sony this week announced two new models in its SRX line of 4K SXRD-based projectors. The new models--the SRX-T110 and SRX-T105--offer enhanced brightness and contrast over previous 4K models and are targeted toward high-end projection environments, including simulations, lecture hall and auditorium presentations, and film and video production.
SXRD ("Silicon X-tal Reflective Display") is Sony's implementation of liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) technology.(The "X-tal" in SXRD means "Crystal.") LCoS offers some advantages over regular LCD technology, including higher contrast ratios and greater pixel coverage (92 percent coverage with a 0.35 micron pixel gap), eliminating the "screen door" effect seen on some LCD-projected images. Sony's SXRD technology also supports frame rates up to 200 FPS and full 4K resolution (4,096 x 2,160).
The new SRX-T110 and SRX-T105 are the successors to the SRX-S series and offer a number of the same features, as well as compatibility with S-series addons. The SRX-T110 offers a brightness of 11,000 lumens. The SRX-T105 offers a brightness of 5,500 lumens. Both models offer a contrast ratio of 2,500:1 and a resolution of 4,096 x 2,160.
The new models also include a pre-installed (removable) interface board for DVI connectivity and support for HDCP. Supported HD formats include 1080p/50, 720p/60, and 720p/50.
Other features include:
- Overall performance enhancements;
- New software for controlling up to four projectors via a single Ethernet-connected computer;
- Dedicated suspension points added to the chassis for rigging;
- Added baffling over vents for operation in light-sensitive environments;
- A new cooling system for decreased noise;
- Gamma settings in 0.01 increments from 1.8 to 2.6;
- Support for Adobe RGB with 95 percent coverage; and
- Support for ITU-R T.709, DCDM, and sRGB color spaces.
The new projectors are compatible with previous S- and R-series Sony SXRD projectors, including lenses, lamps, lamp houses, and input cards. Specific ship dates and pricing for the United States have not been announced. The models are expected to ship in Japan next month for around $120,000 for the SRX-T110 and $78,000 for the SRX-T105, according to some reports.