News

Sony launches versatile entry-level projector - for work and play (6/2/2006)

New Sony VPL-ES3 projector combines category-leading picture quality with affordability and flexibility

Sony today announced the launch of its versatile VPL-ES3 projector for use in the office, classroom or at home. Offering exceptional picture quality at an affordable price, the VPL-ES3 has six preset picture modes for use in different environments. The aspect ratio of 4:3 is ideal for data projection and the projector can be switched to 16:9 format for watching movies and gaming.

The VPL-ES3 has been built upon an optical unit with unique technology to embed 3LCD, which will ensure excellent picture quality and true colours. It will accept a wide range of sources including high definition images while the short focal lens enables the maximum screen-size of up to 300 inches (760 cm) to be achieved in even the smallest of rooms.

The VPL-ES3 represents a leap forward in picture quality within its category with a high maximum brightness setting of 2000 ANSI lumens, which means that neither natural nor artificial lights needs to be 'blacked-out' in order for the images to be seen with maximum clarity. The VPL-ES3 also offers a 1500-lumen mode for darker rooms and to avoid glare from highly reflective surfaces such as whiteboards.

"Now you really can have it all - affordability plus excellent brightness and picture quality. The VPL-ES3 has rewritten the rules of what constitutes an entry-level projector," said Catherine Cherry, Product Marketing Manager for Sony Business Projectors. "The projector's flexible settings ensure an outstanding user experience whether it's used for a business presentation, in a classroom, watching a movie or playing games in the home."

Flexible inputs and outputs: designed with the user in mind

The VPL-ES3 is designed with ease of use in mind. The simplicity of its construction and its user-friendly on-screen display interface ensures straightforward, hassle-free set up and operation - even for novice users. The projector is also equipped with a monitor-out connection, enabling the image to be displayed on a second screen. This feature is particularly useful for teachers because it eliminates the need to turn away from the class to look at the screen during a lesson.

The VPL-ES3 has the versatility to be operated in different environments - it is suitable for mobile use and is also ceiling mountable. It can be integrated with other equipment thanks to features such as audio output and RS232C for control. For example, the audio output connector can be linked up to an external speaker system to further enhance the user experience by providing professional sound quality to accompany the images on screen.

The projector delivers a range of different product innovations to assure optimum user convenience. These include a front-facing exhaust, so that the audience is spared the discomfort of hot air blowing directly at them. A discreet fan ensures a low noise level of just 29 decibels, which helps to minimise distraction for the speaker and the other people in the room. The VPL-ES3 can be operated by a credit-card style remote commander that uses infrared receivers located both at the front and back of the unit, which gives the presenter the option of controlling the presentation from different sides of the room.

The VPL-ES3 projector also offers a range of security features, including password protection and control-panel locking to ensure that unauthorised access is prevented. In addition, the VPL-ES3 is equipped with a Kensington lock fitting to prevent physical removal of the projector from a desk or work surface.

New support offering provides additional reassurance

The launch of the VPL-ES3 also corresponds with another key milestone for Sony business projectors. A brand new support package, from PrimeSupport offers customers free of charge, next-day delivery of a refurbished projector of the same specification, or the option of a repair. A telephone helpdesk (a free-to-call number in most European countries) provides technical advice as well as product collection and delivery support anywhere in the EU, Norway or Switzerland.

Catherine Cherry explained how this new projector combines style and performance with valuable support: "The VPL-ES3 will be the first Sony projector to offer a market-leading support package along with the stylish design and easy-to-use features that people expect from Sony. The new PrimeSupport offering also ensures that should a problem occur, our customers will receive a prompt and comprehensive response."

The VPL-ES3 will be available from mid-March 2006.

www.sonybiz.net