Sony Unveils VPL-C Series Of LCD Business Projectors At Infocomm

Sony’s VPL-C series of LCD projectors includes six new models each designed to meet specific presentation requirements in mid-sized conference rooms and classrooms. This new projector family includes a range of compact models, continuing the company’s efforts to offer high levels of flexibility and many options.

The new models in the series are the VPL-CW125, VPL-CX155, VPL-CX150, VPL-CX125, VPL-CX120, and VPL-CX100.

The 3000-lumen VPL-CW125 model delivers WXGA resolution, ideal for presentations from a wide-screen source such as a WXGA PC or HD video with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The other models in the series feature native XGA resolution (1024 x 768), with a range of brightness levels from 2700 to 3500 lumens.

“This new series is a perfect example of the flexibility and range of options we try to incorporate into all our projector offerings,” said John Kaloukian, director of Sony’s Professional Display group. “From connectivity and security to advanced networking, users will be able to address any of their presentation needs with the models in this new line.”

Each projector uses 3LCD technology with Sony’s new Advanced Crisp Focus glass lens, which is designed to display sharper and clearer images with minimal aberration on a screen’s entire surface.

The projectors accept a wide variety of input signals, including component and composite video, S-video (Y/C), and computer signals up to SXGA+ (fV: 60 Hz). This flexibility allows them to be connected to a variety of sources and peripherals. The new models also have a monitor output and audio inputs and outputs.

The VPL-C series projectors’ front-panel will display a message to alert users when lamps need to be replaced, and filter cleaning is recommended at the same time as lamp replacement to reduce maintenance time. The lamp is accessible from inside the rear cover, and the filter can be reached from the front of the projector. This means that lamp replacement and filter cleaning can be performed without uninstalling the projector.

The VPL-CW125, VPL-CX155, and VPL-CX125 models add network capabilities for delivering presentations and performing maintenance over an IP network. A number of functions on these three models can be performed remotely via a web browser. A projector’s current status can be verified and simple controls can be performed, such as powering the unit on or off.

Up to five projectors can be connected to a network and the image from a single PC can be projected by each unit, useful in large venues and multi-room applications in which images need to be projected from various locations. By manually registering a PC’s IP address, images can also be projected across the country or even internationally for distance learning or long-distance communications

The network capabilities allow automatic e-mail reports to be sent to remind users of scheduled maintenance, or alert them to errors and projected lamp life.

The new projectors have a built-in ID function. This enables them to be controlled independently using a single Remote Commander™ unit, useful for multi-projector installations in a single room, and during installation and operation.

The remote has buttons for direct input selection, so users do not have to toggle through the entire range of inputs to select the desired one.

The VPL-CX150, VPL-CX120, and VPL-CX100 are supplied with a card-type Remote Commander unit that can be used to adjust such settings as digital zoom and audio volume or to activate Auto Pixel Alignment, picture muting, and picture freeze functions.

Other features of the VPL-C series include vertical and horizontal keystone, correction, and direct power on/off.

For classroom settings, security features such as a control panel key lock, password authentication system, and a built-in security bar or Kensington™ lock help to prevent unauthorized use and theft.

Planned availability and suggested list pricing for the new models are:

VPL-CX100 July $2,120, XGA, 2,700 lumen
VPL-CX120 June $2,400, XGA, 3,000 lumen
VPL-CX125 July $2,530, XGA, 3,000 lumen, Network Function
VPL-CX150 June $2,730, XGA, 3,500 lumen
VPL-CX155 July $2,930, XGA, 3,500 lumen, Network Function
VPL-CW125 October $3,330, WXGA, 3,000 lumen, Network Function