Archive notice: This article was originally published on May 27, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The inorganic panels produce brighter images, sharper contrast and have a considerably longer service life. With the VPL-EW5, Sony is targeting buyers who need flexible, mobile presentation solutions in business or training environments. End customers who purchase the VPL-EX5, VPL-EX50 or the new VPL-EW5 by July 31, 2008 can extend the included three-year PrimeSupport free of charge to five years by October 31, 2008. The recommended list price of the WXGA VPL-EW5 is €790 excluding VAT.
Sony is the first projector manufacturer to use inorganic panels. For around a year, this proprietary panel technology has been used in high-end models for demanding design applications. Now the broad user base for all-round devices can also benefit from its advantages.
BrightEra™ is Sony’s technology for inorganic panels. These offer several advantages. First, they increase luminous flux, making projections brighter. Second, black levels and contrast are higher than with conventional 3LCD devices. Because inorganic panels absorb less damaging UV radiation, their service life is extended.
Another advantage is that the projectors in the new E Series have a 3,000-hour filter-replacement interval. This means less maintenance and lower operating costs.
Overall, all model variants make presenting particularly easy: thanks to the “Quick Start” function, the projected image appears on the screen within four seconds. Automatic keystone correction and the preset 8-degree tilt angle take care of the most important settings, so there is no need for cumbersome readjustment.
Exhaust air is released from the front of the device and therefore does not disturb listeners. The “Off&Go” function is very helpful in day-to-day presentations: after the projector is disconnected from the mains, the fan continues cooling the lamp. There is therefore no need to wait until the cooling phase is complete; the device can be unplugged immediately and carried in the supplied bag.
End customers who purchase an E Series model with BrightEra™ technology by July 31, 2008 benefit from an extension of the included three-year PrimeSupport package to five years. To do so, the projector must be registered by October 31, 2008. In the event of service, the customer then receives a repair or a comparable replacement projector on the next working day. Collection, repair and delivery are free of charge within the EU, Norway and Switzerland. A toll-free technical hotline answers end-customer questions.
Technical data and prices for the Sony VPL-E Series at a glance:
Model: VPL-EW5
Panel: BrightEra panel
ANSI lumens: 2000
Contrast: 700:1
Resolution: WXGA
Off & Go function: Yes
Available from: Early June
Recommended price excluding VAT: €790
Model: VPL-EX50
Panel: BrightEra panel
ANSI lumens: 2500
Contrast: 900:1
Resolution: XGA
Off & Go function: Yes
Available from: Early May
Recommended price excluding VAT: €720
Model: VPL-EX5
Panel: BrightEra panel
ANSI lumens: 2000
Contrast: 900:1
Resolution: XGA
Off & Go function: Yes
Available from: Early May
Recommended price excluding VAT: €575
Model: VPL-ES5
Panel: 3LCD panel
ANSI lumens: 2000
Contrast: 300:1
Resolution: SVGA
Off & Go function: Yes
Available from: Early May
Recommended price excluding VAT: €510
