This technology is designed to produce a higher aperture ratio, deliver brighter images than previous High Temperature Poly-Silicon (HTPS) LCD-based systems and allow the projectors to achieve high resolution and quiet fan noise.

“Professional customers are looking for projectors that can 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, marketing manager for LCD projectors in Sony Electronics’ Professional Display Group. “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 and makes the panel more resistant to damage from UV rays and increases light resistance. As a result, brightness and panel reliability are increased.

Of the four models recently introduced in Sony’s newest generation of the VPL-E series of compact models, three are based on BrightEra technology including the VPL-EX50, VPL-EX5 and VPL-EW5, which is Sony’s first compact widescreen model. They are designed for commercial applications, and specifically suited for use in classrooms and conference rooms.

Each projector comes equipped with a short focal-length lens that allows large-screen projection from a very short distance, ideal for smaller meeting rooms or classrooms. For example, an 80-inch (viewable area, measured diagonally) image can be projected from a distance of approximately 7.5 feet by the VPL-EX50 and VPL-EX5, and 8.2 feet by the VPL-EW5 projector.

A new XGA installation model, VPL-FX41, increases the brightness of its predecessors, the VPL-FX40 and VPL-FE40, from 4,000 to 5,000 lumens. Each is designed for networked fixed installations in education, government, corporate, house of worship, and hospitality applications, and all three are available with optional lenses 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 use 12-bit Gamma Correction Circuitry for more accurate gamma correction, resulting in uniform image color and brightness across the entire screen viewing surface. They 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.

The higher end of Sony’s BrightEra technology family includes two new models that are ideal for “larger venues” like auditoriums, large classrooms and meeting rooms, museum exhibits, event centers, ballrooms and movie theaters for displaying pre-show content.

The VPL-FW300L (7,000 lumens) and the VPL-FH300L (6,000 lumens) projector models complement Sony’s 4K large-venue projection systems, and fill an important niche between current business projectors and the 4K large-venue systems.