Sony Electronics used InfoComm to announce the latest edition to its home theater projector line – the VPL-HW45ES. This is a 1080p model offering 1800 lumens and supports 3D presentation. It is the cousin to the previously released VPL-HW65ES.
Both use Sony’s SXRD (LCoS) panels and advanced Reality Creation technology. Sony’s Super Resolution processing helps redefine subtle details, colors and textures, including those affected by compression, taking them a step closer to the 1080p original source.
The HW45ES is targeted at entry level home theater enthusiasts. It is a lamp-based model (6K hour lamp life) with a very low noise fan and front-facing exhaust port.
The projector, equipped with a built-in RF 3D transmitter, automatically recognizes 2D or 3D content and offers a choice of picture modes to suit any content. With manual zoom and wide lens shift range, the VPL-HW45ES gives greater installation flexibility in any room size.
The VPL-HW45ES home theater projector retails at the price of $1,999.99.
In the Sony booth at InfoComm, they also showcased existing projectors such as the VPL-GTZ270/VPL-GTZ280 which offer 4K resolution and a laser phosphor light source for 5000 lumens aimed at B2B and commercial applications like planetariums, theme parks, museums and retail. It supports HDR, covers the DCI-P3 color space and can simulate the BT2020 color gamut as well.
Sony showcased its expanding laser projector lineup, offering 14 models spanning from 2,000 lumens to 7,000 lumens and meeting nearly every commercial AV application. To go along with these new projectors, Sony has the first interchangeable ultra-short throw lens for 3LCD projectors.
For example, Sony’s VPL-FWZ65 (6,000 lumen) and VPL-FWZ60 (5,000 lumen) 3LCD Laser Light Source Projectors offer WXGA (1,280 x 800) resolution images, 20,000 hours of virtually maintenance-free operation, reality creation to analyze and process every input signal to refine detail, clarity and sharpness for naturally up-scaled images, edge blending, and a variety of optional lenses. The VPL-FHZ57 operates at 370W power, making it the most energy-efficient laser light source projector. The low power consumption also reduces heat dissipation, in turn lowering fan noise. The VPL-FHZ57 laser projector is said to have the quietest operation in its class (32dB, 28dB at Standard Brightness mode). Sony’s VPL-FHZ65 6,000lm laser projectors increase the resolution to WUXGA (1920 x 1200).
Sony’s newest lens option is the VPLL-3003 ultra-short throw lens, the first interchangeable ultra-short throw lens for 3LCD projectors. This lens offers sharp focus and minimized picture distortion due to a large mirror system, and easy adjustment of lens shift and focus via remote control. Its 0.33:1 throw ratio allows it to be used in tight spaces with no clearance from the wall. – CC
