Sony is broadening its line of laser light source (Z-Phosphor) projectors in the mid-brightness range with three new models between 4,100 and 6,000 lumens. The new models are the VPL-FWZ65 (6,000lm WXGA); VPL-FWZ60 (5,000lm WXGA); and the VPL-FHZ57 (4,100lm WUXGA). Designed for commercial applications, the new models expand Sony’s laser-based professional projector family to a total of nine, starting at 2,000 lumens and going up to 7,000 lumens, in WXGA, WUXGA and 4K resolutions.

Sony is also adding two new lamp-based models (VPL-FW65, 6,300lm WXGA, and VPL-FW60, 5,200lm WXGA), for installation applications better-suited to lamp-based projection.

The new projectors share many features with the existing models in Sony’s line. Each uses BrightEra panel technology to reproduce natural-looking colors.

The new models are designed to deliver enhanced picture quality with features such as "Reality Creation," a technology already in use by Sony’s home theater projection systems for high-end consumer entertainment. The Reality Creation engine analyzes and processes every input signal to refine detail and sharpness for naturally up-scaled images. This provides higher-resolution perspective, even with the lower-resolution WXGA series.

Sony’s laser light source means there’s no lamp that needs to slowly warm up or cool down, no lamp to limit tilt angle and no trade-off between high brightness and high resolution. The laser projectors are designed for up to 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation.

In addition to the long-life laser light source design, the projectors are designed for energy efficiency due to the 3LCD engine. 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 has the quietest operation in its class (32dB, 28dB at Standard Brightness mode).

The new models have a wide powered lens shift, which can help in challenging installation environments.

The new models can be combined with a variety of optional lenses, including a short throw and tele-zoom covering up to 4.84:1 throw range, and they use a bayonet lens mounting system for quicker lens changes.

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.

The lens can project an 80" to 300" diagonal image with minimal throw distance (39" throw distance for 140" diagonal image).

The new models all have built-in HDBaseT interfaces, enabling easier connectivity and reducing total system costs by using a single cable which runs all the video, audio, control and IP signal up to 328 feet (100m).

Sony has also developed a new unified control protocol for its projector line, for easier integration of varying models used in the same installation. Control system partners including Crestron, Extron and AMX will support Sony’s new control protocol.

The following is planned availability for the new Sony projectors:

• VPL-FHZ57, 4,100lm WUXGA, Laser, Available now
• VPL-FWZ65, 6,000lm WXGA, Laser, April 2016
• VPL-FWZ60, 5,000lm WXGA, Laser, March 2016
• VPL-FW65, 6,300lm WXGA, Lamp, June 2016
• VPL-FW60, 5,200lm WXGA, Lamp, May 2016
  VPLL-3003 ultra-short throw lens, available now