Building on its work with the VPL-FHZ55, Sony’s first 3LCD laser projector, the company has developed a new, brighter replacement.
Designed for multiple environments, including education, corporate and medical use, the VPL-FHZ57 (Sony Shares Big Plans for Laser) reaches 4,100 lumens of white and colour light output. It is capable of edge-blending, warping and vertical (-5° to 60°) and horizontal (+/-32°) lens shift. Keystone correction is +/-30° in vertical and horizontal.
As a laser model, the unit can be installed at any angle, and enjoys a 20,000-hour lifetime. Filter-cleaning is automated, with a new system removing dust after every 100 hours of use. In addition, power-saving functions such as Picture Mute and Auto Blanking are supported.
Display resolution is 1920 x 1200. The projector has a powered focus and zoom (1.6x), with a 1.39-2.23:1 throw ratio; it is able to throw a 40″ – 600″ image. Contrast ratio is 10,000:1.
HDMI, DVI, mini-VGA, BNCand RJ45 (supporting HDBaseT) inputs are featured. The projector measures 460 x 515 x 150mm and weighs 16kg.
At the same time as announcing the FHZ57, Sony introduced a new C-Series installation projector called the VPL-CH370. This lamp-based model is designed for mid-sized spaces, such as meeting rooms and classrooms.
Using a 3LCD system, the CH370 has 1920 x 1200 resolution and up to 5,000 lumens of brightness. A 280W lamp will last between 2,500 and 3,500 hours. Contrast ratio is 2,500:1.
Zoom (1.45x) and focus are both manual, as is the lens shift: this can go to +/-5° vertical and +/-4° horizontal. Keystone correction is +/-30° vertical and +/-20° horizontal. The projector can throw a 40″ – 300″ image, with a 1.5-2.2:1 throw ratio.
HDMI (x2), mini-VGA, S-Video, USB-A, USB-B, RS232 and RJ45 ports are featured, as well as a 12W speaker. Dimensions are 406 x 330.5 x 113mm, and weight is 5.7kg.
Sony will start to sell both projectors in January. Pricing will be revealed closer to the launch time.
