Sony demonstrates world and Australian AV firsts at Integrate 2014

Sony Australia are demonstrating a number of world firsts in audio visual technology and solutions at the Integrate 2014 Expo on stand D38 from 26-28 August at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.

Launching at Integrate 2014 and seen for the first time in Australia will be Sony’s new VPL-CH375 5,000 lumens WUXGA basic installation projector with HDBaseT™ connectivity, which is aimed directly at middle to large classrooms and meeting rooms where cost is critical. The VPL-CH375 enjoys Sony’s 3LCD BrightEra™ panel technology which provides higher picture quality, substantially brighter images, higher efficiency, consistent colour stability and longer durability. It also delivers installation flexibility, environment-friendly features, and a low total cost of ownership. The lens shift/zoom capability and the image correction features easily allow users to fit any image onto the screen, even from an offset projection angle. The projector allows simple connectivity using the HDBaseT™ digital interface and multi signal transmission system, providing a cost-effective single cable and high-quality digital transmission solution over long distances. Additionally, the projector is economically designed for optimum energy efficiency, thanks to its energy saving features.

Also at Integrate and seen for the first time in Australia will be Sony’s new VPL-GTZ1, which is Sony’s first 4K Ultra-Short Throw Laser Light Source Projector. The VPL-GTZ1 has been designed for a range of B2B and commercial applications including museums, design simulation, signage, oil and gas, simulation and training, corporate, and video wall applications. The VPL-GTZ1’s imaging technology combines Sony’s proven 4K SXRD™ with a laser phosphor light source, resulting in superb picture quality with a colour brightness of 2000 lumens. The new projector can throw high-resolution images up to approximately 160 inches (4 metres) diagonal and zoom down to 66 inches (1.7 metres), achieved by respective 9 inch (228mm) and zero inch distance from the screen, across onto any white plane surface. The ultra-short throw allows users to stand closer to the screen for better presentation applications and the ability to check details of the 4K image at a closer distance without shading off the image. The new model’s flexible installation and operation allows it to be floor-standing, ceiling-mounted or used for rear projection. Users can blend multiple projectors and a quick turn on/off feature is convenient for a wide range of applications. Like Sony’s other laser light source projectors, the VPL-GTZ1 can deliver an expected 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation without the need for a lamp exchange. This translates to substantial savings in time and money, eliminating the costs normally associated with bulb replacement.

Also seen for the first time in Australia at Integrate 2014 will be a new “Beyond 4K” dual cinema projection display using two Sony SRX-T615projectors projecting a 8K x 2K seamlessly edge-blended image. Building on Sony’s acclaimed 4K digital cinema technology this dual projection system is designed for installation flexibility in large-venue commercial applications such as entertainment venues, auditorium/lecture hall presentations, simulations, theme parks, museums and planetariums. Detail-packed 4K resolution plus very high brightness, colour accuracy, uniformity and contrast make the SRX-T615 ideal for a wide range of industrial applications. Offering a high 18,000 lumen brightness, the SRX-T615 projects Ultra-High Definition images with a native resolution of 4096 x 2160 pixels. With four times more detail than Full HD, it’s easy to resolve the finest on-screen details. Evolved from digital cinema technology, the uprated 4K optical engine delivers a contrast ratio of 12,000:1 for incredibly bright, punchy images with immense dynamic range. A choice of lens options allow the projector to be configured rapidly for smooth, flicker-free 3D projection that’s uniquely easy on the eye. Edge Blending allows easy the creation of even larger images. Reduced running costs are enabled by the innovative multi-lamp array, with six HPM sources in individual cartridges making lamp replacement easier and safer. Reduced risk of ‘dark screen’ lamp outages is complemented by fail-safe reliability, plus greater operating flexibility with the ability to select the number of lamps lit to meet the needs of different applications and venue sizes.

Continuing the edge blending theme and highlighting an incredible new level of interactivity will be two Sony Ultra Short Throw VPLSX630 projectors placed side by side and projecting a unique aquarium scene onto a large screen. This unique exhibit will demonstrate an amazing ability to simply draw an image, scan it, input it and then interact with it as it appears in the aquarium projection. A truly experiential demo that has to be seen and experienced to be believed.

Carrying the banner as the brightest laser projector in its class will be the new 7000 Lumen VPL-FHZ700L, ideal for a wide range of commercial applications and now with an HDBaseT^TM option for easier connectivity and integration. The new FHZ700L is designed for large venue commercial spaces in education, corporate, theme park and museum applications and delivers WUXGA resolution (1920 x 1200), instant on/off, tilt-angle-free design, edge blending, wide range vertical/horizontal lens shift, advanced geometric correction, and up to 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation. The FHZ700L also offers integration flexibility, with multiple interfaces, and seven optional lenses.Using Sony’s new laser light source technology, The VPL-FHZ700L packs all of the benefits of vivid colour 3LCD technology with a long-life laser light source, for easier operations than conventional lamp-based projection. The 7,000 lumens with 3LCD colour brightness delivers images with vivid, natural colour and the projector provides near instantaneous power on/off with a constant brightness mode for long time constant projection - ideal for busy meeting rooms and classrooms, auditoriums and large venues.

Also featured on the stand will be the latest Sony Professional Bravia Smart TVs providing an all-in-one solution for dynamic digital signage that drives interest, engagement and sales. Unlike traditional digital signage systems, the new professional displays do not need a dedicated digital signage player or set box. You simply create your content on your PC with HTML5 editor tools, and then upload this content to your local server, cloud space or USB memory device. The professional Sony Bravia display selects and displays whichever content you want across however many screens you want, using your existing IP network. Alongside the Sony Professional Bravia Smart TVs will be Sony’s highly-acclaimed 85-inch 4K Ultra HD television.

Completing the demos at Integrate will be the Anycast Touch Live Content Producer showing the new automated remote camera tracking control. This allows a presenter to be automatically tracked by a remote pan/tilt/zoom robotic camera as they move around a presentation area. The Anycast Touch also has an integrated display, audio mixer, vision switcher, media player, streaming function, titler and recording capability in a single portable package. Also on display will be the range of Sony wireless audio systems encompassing transmitters, receivers and accessories for all kinds of demanding ENG, broadcast and live event applications.