Sony Introduces Two Business Projectors With New LCD Panel Technology

New Models Produce 4000 Lumens for Range of B-to-B Applications

PARK RIDGE, N.J., Nov. 7, 2006 – Sony is unveiling two business projectors that use a new LCD panel design. The imaging technology, called BrightEra™, 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.

The new VPL-FE40 and VPL-FX40 projectors are the first Sony models to feature BrightEra technology. Both projectors produce 4,000 lumens, ANSI or other, and are designed for networked fixed installations in education, government, corporate, house of worship and hospitality applications.

The VPL-FE40 model has a native SXGA+ resolution of 1400 by 1050 pixels. The VPL-FX40 projector delivers native XGA resolution of 1024 by 768 pixels.

“Professional customers are looking for projectors that perform under diverse conditions, whether it’s brightness to counter high levels of ambient light or increased resolution and contrast for analyzing data,” said Jay Chung, Sony Electronics’ marketing manager for LCD projectors. “The BrightEra technology allows a projector to meet these demanding display requirements, and the addition of networking capabilities further simplifies their operations.”

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.

Sony’s enhanced optical system for its business projectors further increases picture quality. Normally black-mode LCD technology delivers higher contrast ratios without the need for Wide View film. A 1F inversion panel drive doubles the panel’s drive speed to produce images without line flicker.

The new projectors use 12-bit Gamma Correction Circuitry for more accurate gamma correction, resulting in uniform image color and brightness across the entire screen viewing surface.

For applications where more than a standard lens is needed, the VPL-FE40L and VPL-FX40L are available.

These models are not equipped with a lens, but three 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 new projectors can be centrally controlled and monitored via a network. Users can verify projector status and perform functions such as powering units on or off. Also, the system can be set up to send automatic email reports to designated recipients for scheduled maintenance, updates on lamp life or error reports. 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 easier due to a centered lens and power zoom, focus and shift functions. Each projector can also be ceiling-, floor- or rear-screen mounted.

The VPL-FE40/FE40L and VPL-FX40/FX40L projectors accept a range of input signals, including HDMI™, component and composite video, S-Video (Y/C), and computer signals up to UXGA. Each is also equipped with five BNC connectors.

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

• VPL-FE40 December, $7,950

• VPL-FX40 January, $6,150

• VPL-FE40L January, $7,350

• VPL-FX40L February, $5,550