Go Back Print Page

Sony Unveils New High-Brightness LCD Projector For Network Installation Applications

VPL-FX41 Model Delivers 5200 Lumens for B-to-B Applications

PARK RIDGE, N.J., Oct. 21, 2008 – Sony is adding a high-brightness model to its line of LCD business projectors for fixed network installations. The new VPL-FX41 projector is an XGA unit that produces 5,200 lumens and completes a product line-up that also includes the VPL-FX40 and VPL-FE40 models (4,000 lumens each).

Each projector is designed for networked fixed installations in education, government, corporate, house of worship, hospitality applications, and more. All three are available with optional lenses that allow them to meet a range of short- or long-throw projection needs and are ideal for high-impact multimedia presentations, even in high ambient lighting conditions.

“With their outstanding functionality, simple operation, and network capabilities, these projectors provide users with the tools to perform seamless presentations,” said Jay Chung, Sony Electronics’ marketing manager for LCD projectors. “These new models offer the right combinations of features and performance to help take presentations to a new level.”

The VPL-FE40 offers SXGA+ resolution (1400 x 1050), while the VPL-FX41 and VPL-FX40 offer native XGA resolution (1024 x 768) for high image quality.

The projectors use a unique combination of imaging technologies to enhance presentation quality. Each model features 3LCD technology, which helps to make projected images bright and natural, provide high light transmission, excellent color reproduction and smooth gradients in dark areas. It can even help to prevent color break-up.

In addition, the use of Sony’s BrightEra™ technology produces a higher aperture ratio to deliver brighter images than previous High Temperature Poly-Silicon LCD-based systems. It allows the projectors to achieve increased resolution and quieter fan noise.

BrightEra technology is based on an inorganic alignment layer that produces a stronger bonding of molecules. This makes the panel more resistant to damage from UV rays and increases light resistance. As a result, brightness and panel reliability are increased.

The projectors use 12-bit 3D Gamma Correction Circuitry for accurate gamma correction, resulting in uniform image color and brightness across the entire screen viewing surface. The 3D digital comb-filter separates Y signals from C signals with great accuracy, which emphasizes fine images and shape boundaries.

For applications where more than a standard lens is needed, the VPL-FX41L, VPL-FE40L, VPL-FX40L is also available. These models are not equipped with a lens, but any of four optional lenses are available that allow them to meet a range of needs – from long-throw projection in large auditoriums to short-throw rear projection in museums or classrooms.

The projectors can be centrally controlled and monitored via a network. Projector status can be verified and functions such as powering units on or off can be performed. Also, the system can be set up to send automatic email reports to designated recipients for scheduled maintenance, including projected lamp life and error reports.

Additionally, when the projectors are installed on a local area network, presentations can be projected from any PC on that network – whether connected wired or wirelessly. Switching between presenters is done with a mouse click and does not require the use of cables to connect each device.

Up to five projectors can be networked, with the image from a single PC projected on each of them. This is a useful feature in large venues or for when images need to be projected to various locations. Images can be projected internationally – an advantage for distance learning. Also, through the use of a built-in ID function, multiple projectors can be set-up and operated independently from a single Remote Commander® unit.

The projectors’ lamp is accessible from the side of the unit and the filter from the front, so replacement and cleaning does not require the projector to be disconnected. Installation is also easy due to a centered lens and power zoom, focus and shift functions. Each projector can also be ceiling-, floor- or rear-screen mounted.

The Zoom, Focus, and Horizontal and Vertical Lens Shift functions available with the projectors’ supplied power-operated lens and optional lenses can be controlled both from the projector control panel and the supplied Remote Commander unit.

The VPL-FX41, VPL-FE40 and VPL-FX40 projectors can be tilted 90 degrees upwards or downwards. This flexibility allows the projectors to be used in several different ways, including in a rear projection system.

The VPL-FX41 and VPL-FX41L projectors are planned to be available in November, and the others are currently available. The following are the suggested list prices for each:

VPL-FX41      $6,270

VPL-FX41L    $6,000

VPL-FE40       $6,000

VPL-FE40L     $5,730

VPL-FX40      $4,670

VPL-FX40L    $4,400