Seems that everyone's going nuts about projectors this week, as the Infocomm 2007 seems to be a pretty good event for launching such devices. Some companies are doing it the old-fashioned way, launching just a few models, while Sony's doing things its own way (namely, à la grande). Thus, the Japanese company has decided to roll out no less than 8 new models in 2 different series, most of them aimed at the educational and business market segments.

The first models are the VPL-EX4 and VPL-ES4 (in the VPL-E series) that – according to the company – are especially suitable for classrooms and conference rooms. They have a very short focal length, which allows for large-screen projection from a very short distance, and each of the two models sports a 165-watt lamp. Moreover, the 2100-lumen VPL-EX4 model has a native XGA resolution of 1024 by 768, while the 2200-lumen VPL-ES4 unit delivers SVGA resolution of 800 by 600.

The VPL-EX4 and VPL-ES4 also provide a few security features, as for example a control panel key lock, as well as a password-authentication system and built-in security bar or Kensington lock to help prevent unauthorized use or theft. Moreover, they feature a range of standard and high-definition video input signals, including composite, S-video (Y/C), and analog RGB/component via the HD D-sub 15 pin interfaces, and can also accept computer signals from VGA up to SXGA+ (1400 by 1050).

Things get a bit more complicated in the VPL-C series. The new models launched in this series are the VPL-CW125 (3000 lumen), VPL-CX155 (3500 lumen), VPL-CX150 (3500 lumen), VPL-CX125 (3000 lumen), VPL-CX120 (3000 lumen) and VPL-CX100 (3000 lumen). Besides the VPL-CW125, which delivers a WXGA resolution (1366 x 768), all the models provide only native XGA resolution (1024 x 768) and use 3LCD technology with Sony’s new Advanced Crisp Focus glass lens, whose purpose is to contribute to the display of sharper and clearer images.

Some of the new models in the VPL-C series also feature advanced network capabilities, which means that users can make presentations and perform maintenance tasks over an IP network, with a number of said functions being carried out directly via a web browser. Moreover, the projectors feature a built-in ID function that 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.

All the models in the VPL-C series will be launched by October for $2,400 to $3,330, while the two models from the VPL-E series will be available by this month's end, for $1,030 (the VPL-ES4) and $1,230 (the VPL-EX4).

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