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LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 13, 2001--INFOCOMM 2001 Booth # 20011--Sony Electronics today spotlighted a new class of "smart projectors" equipped to launch "PC-less" presentations and enable any PC on the same network to have direct communication exchanges.
Sony also lifted the cover on new SuperLite ultra-portable projectors, including a model with Memory Stick digital media storage for "PC-less" presentations.
The smart projectors include the computing processing power of Microsoft Windows CE operating system and feature the capability to be accessed by a local area network (LAN) to conduct diagnostics and remote maintenance.
"Sony is leading the trend toward sophisticated smart projectors that eliminate the need for a projector to be tethered to a laptop," said Jonathan Holmes, display systems marketing manager for Sony Electronics Broadcast and Professional Company. "This now means the LCD projectors can function in a cable-free environment allowing for real-time communication with other peripherals sharing the same LAN via wired or wireless access."
Holmes also remarked that many future Sony projectors will be IP-addressable, allowing remote meeting participants on the same network to conduct time-saving interchanges during presentations using peer-to-peer software, which will be sold separately as part of Sony's new E-conference system.
Sony's E-conference Presenter software will enable participants from their PC to communicate with Sony's IP ready network devices, including projectors and videoconferencing systems. This graphical user interface (GUI) will work with IEEE Ethernet network standards, wired or wireless via IEEE 802.11b -- the industry's fastest wireless Ethernet transmission standard at up to 11 megabits per second - to interface with other devices in the enterprise without the need to directly connect to a PC or laptop.
Sony is offering a variety of projectors that range from units for the road warrior looking to sell a customer on a product or idea, to highly sophisticated models designed for conference and board rooms.
For large screen venues, Sony is introducing two network-ready projectors for tabletop or fixed installation use, including the following models:
-- VPL-FX50: The class of the 2001 projector lineup. The model
projects a brightness of 3500 ANSI lumens(a) and the projector's network capability protects the investment for the future. A bold departure from the traditional bulky and boxy-looking projectors, this LCD projector with Windows CE operating system features a center-mounted lens and its slim, ergonomic design, makes it more installation-friendly. With the connector panel located at the front of the unit, it is easier to hook up other devices such as a laptop or videoconferencing set-top box. The projector's white and twilight blue titanium finish accentuates its visual appeal by blending with the elegant craftsmanship and detail found in contemporary conference and board rooms. Optional lenses are available for a variety of applications including long-distance projections in large auditoriums to short-distance rear applications. At about 23 pounds, it is the lightest of the Sony installation projectors. It is now available at a suggested list price of $14,000.
-- VPL-FE110: The four-lamp system with 4000 ANSI lumens, uses the existing standards and protocols of Windows CE operating systems to display Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint presentations, as well as to view image (JPEG/GIF) files and browse the Internet and multimedia applications. The unit is capable of storing 30MB of memory with additional memory storage via the PCMCIA Type II slot. With an Ethernet network interface card (NIC), wired or wireless, the VPL-FE110 can communicate over the LAN. Designed to be used in ceiling, floor, or rear-projection environments, the projector can be stacked for higher brightness with the SU-PJ2000 optional projector stand. The unit includes video picture display technology with four times the resolution of a conventional video signal and supports UXGA computer signals. It is now available at a suggested list price of $22,000.
In the multi-purpose category, Sony is highlighting three 0.9-inch LCD panels models for portable use or fixed installation, either floor- or ceiling-mounted.
-- VPL-PX15: A network-ready projector that features a high
brightness 2000 ANSI lumens and produces high-contrast levels, making it ideal for projection in high ambient light conditions. It also includes a PC card slot, which allows users the option of connecting the projector to any PC on the same network. Alternatively, the projector can be connected to a LAN through the 10Base-T/100Base-TX interface or via a web browser to allow for projector-to-PC communication. It will be available in July at a suggested list price of $7,800.
-- VPL-PX10: A stand-alone unit that also features 2000 ANSI lumens and 1024 x 768 XGA resolution for full, rich detailed images. It will be available in July at a suggested list price of $7,000.
-- VPL-PS10: Offers 1500 ANSI lumens. This stand-alone unit produces SVGA resolution of 800 x 600 pixels for bright image display. It will be available in July at a suggested list price of $5,000.
Other key features of the PX line of Sony projectors include the ability to add optional converter lenses to attach to the standard lens for custom installations and laser pointer-equipped remote control.
In the ultra-portable class, Sony carries three new models featuring 0.7-inch LCD panels:
-- VPL-CS3, VPL-CX2, VPL-CX3 SuperLite LCD Projectors: For the
road warrior embarking on a new business pitch, Sony is leading A/V presentation support in the form of new ultra-portable, ultra-safe LCD projectors with screen coverage from 40- to 150-inches (viewable area, measured diagonally). The front panel of these projectors lift open above the lens to reveal the control buttons and twin speakers mounted on either side of the controls for balanced stereo sound. The VPL-CX3 includes a Memory Stick digital media port so mobile workers can save their presentations or digital photos to tiny media cards allowing them to leave their laptop at home. The brightness and image detail of the projectors range from 700 ANSI lumens with 800 x 600 resolution for the VPL-CS3; 750 ANSI lumens with 1024 x 768 resolution for the VPL-CX2; and 900 ANSI lumens with 1024 x 768 pixels for the VPL-CX3. The new projectors are ideal for tabletop or coffee table projection. Now available, the suggested list prices are $2,800 (VPL-CS3), $3,550 (VPL-CX2) and $4,800 (VPL-CX3), respectively.
All of Sony's new LCD projectors have been designed with a front exhaust for low fan noise and air distribution away from the audience. They all feature a height adjuster to position the projector's desired shooting angle, digital zoom and freeze functions, and digital keystone correction. In addition, the projectors accept a wide range of input signals. Sony Electronics also offers a three-year parts and labor warranty (see actual warranty for details).
For more information about Sony projectors, call 1-800-686-SONY or visit the company's Web site at www.sony.com/professional.
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