Sony has introduced new laser- and lamp-based 3LCD projectors, ahead of Infocomm this month. The VPL-FHZ60 (laser) and VPL-FH60 (lamp) are B2B models with HDBaseT connectivity and image enhancement functions.
‘Reality Creation’ and ‘Contrast Enhancer’ are already in use on Sony’s high-end home cinema projectors. Reality Creation is an algorithm that analyses and processes input signals, to refine detail, clarity and sharpness for naturally-upscaled images. Contrast Enhancer automatically adjusts an image’s contrast for optimal viewing.
To handle colour reproduction, the projectors have ‘Colour Space Adjustment’ and ‘Colour Correction’. Owners can use the former to adjust individual colour space co-ordinates for red, green and blue colours. Three different colour space presets can also be selected. Colour Correction can be used to fine-tune the hue, brightness and saturation of three different colour ranges.
The laser-based VPL-FHZ60 will turn on and off in seven seconds. There is a ‘quick reboot’ function, which will enable a one-second start-up after the projector is turned off. The light source will last for up to 20,000 hours.
Both new models have 1920 x 1200 resolution, a powered focus and powered zoom (1.6x). Throw ratio is 1.39 – 2.23:1 with the standard lens, enabling a 40″ – 600″ image. Other lenses provide throw ratios from 0.65:1 to 4.84:1.
Brightness is 5,000 lumens. Both units feature +/-30° horizontal and vertical keystone correction and ports for HDMI, DVI, mini-VGA, RJ45 and RS232. They measure 460 x 515 x 169mm.
The FHZ60 will be released in Europe in September, followed by the FH60 in October. We hope to hear more information about them at Infocomm, which Display Monitor will attend.
Release details for two other projectors were shared at the same time. The VPL-FHZ65 (laser) and VPL-FH65 (lamp) are largely identical to the above models, but have 6,000 lumens of brightness. We saw them at ISE this year (Sony Invests in Lasers). They will also be Infocomm, and will be released in Europe in August and November, respectively.
Three more 3LCD models, and two SXRD (Sony’s own version of LCoS), were also introduced before the show and will be on display in Orlando.
The VPL-EW348, VPL-EW345 and VPL-EX345 are professional projectors with 3LCD technology, with 1024 x 768 (VPL-EX345) or 1280 x 800 resolution. Each is designed to offer installation flexibility. They are (comparatively) lightweight, at 4kg, and feature rear-side lamp access. Lamp life is up to 10,000 hours. Each projector features auto lamp dimming.
Each projector can output up to 4,200 lumens of brightness and features dual HDMI ports. The VPL-EW348 also has an HDBaseT interface, to accept signals from up to 100m away from the source.
The VPL-EX345 will be launched in September, followed by the VPL-EW345 in October and the VPL-EW348 in January 2016.
Sony’s two SXRD models are the VPL-GTZ270, for large-venue entertainment such as planetariums and museums; and VPL-GTZ280, for simulation, visualisation and training. Both combine DCI-4k resolution and up to 5,000 lumens of brightness, from a laser light source (lasting between 20,000 and 40,000 hours).
Each projector will periodically automatically calibrate itself (Sony has not released details on this feature). They have sealed optics for dust-free operation and can be installed at any angle.
The VPL-GTZ270 shares the Reality Creation feature with the VPL-FHxx models. Its output also covers 100% of DCI P3 and simulates Rec.2020 coverage. The VPL-GTZ280 is designed for high-speed content, with 120Hz DCI-4k signal processing capability for 3D, to show 60Hz for both left- and right-eye channels. It also supports infrared light output for night vision training.
Sony will launch the VPL-GTZ270 in Q1’16 and the VPL-GTZ280 in Q2’16.
