Sony (Park Ridge, NJ; www.sony.com) has release two new large venue projectors called the VPL-FW300L (7,000 lumens) and the VPL-FH300L (6,000 lumens). But take a look at the photo of these two units. They are shaped like big hockey pucks with a lens sticking out. This is definitely a different style design, which we love to see. And even more unusual, these units are aimed at a professional audience - not a consumer buyer.

Chris Chinnock
Senior Analyst and Editor
for Insight Media

Here are the projector specs. The FW300L features a cinematic resolution of 2048 x 1080 while the FH300L offers a more pedestrian 1366 x 800 pixels. This is Sony’s first large venue projector to offer 2048 x 1080 resolution.

Both use 3LCD technology that feature vertical (inorganic) alignment panels. Vertical alignment is the same process used on Sony’s SXRD displays and provides better black levels and contrast. Sony calls this technology BrightEra and says it also makes the panel more resistant to damage from UV energy while allowing for an increased aperture ratio. The result: higher brightness and increased reliability.

Both models are housed in the same chassis and share the same type of lenses, lamps, and filters as well as the same connections and network functions. Both feature twin 275W lamps that can be run together or separately in bright or standard mode.

The projectors’ innovative round design also includes large-diameter fan and high-flow cooling air ductwork that lets the projector run cool while fan noise is decreased. These characteristics are the key reason that these models can be effectively placed in a room with an audience without causing any distraction at the event.

Users have a choice of five different standard lenses for excellent placement flexibility, and both models have a locking bayonet mount mechanism for easy lens changes.

The VPL-FW300L and the VPL-FH300L projectors are planned to be available in January, at suggested list prices of $27,000 and $40,000, respectively.

It’s nice to see some style in projectors aimed at smaller auditoriums, large classrooms, meeting rooms, museum exhibits, event centers, ballrooms and movie theaters for displaying pre-show content. This is certainly one way to set your self apart for the commodity herd.