Sony Announces Next-Gen Cineza Projector

Sony has announced the VPL-HS51 Cineza projector, a high-resolution 3LCD panel projector aimed at home thaeater use.

From Sony’s press release:

As consumer demand for home theater equipment expands, Sony Electronics has developed the next-generation Cineza front projector equipped with the latest 3LCD panel.

The new VPL-HS51 model is equipped with an advanced iris function, enabling the projector to dynamically adjust the video image according to the level of the input signal. This results in high contrast ratio of up to 6000:1, along with reproduction of the most subtle details. The HS51 also incorporates three proprietary 720p LCD panels that provide 2,764,800 pixel resolution (1280×720) optimized for HD video input.

“Consumers have come to expect more from home entertainment technology and want a projector that stands apart from what is used in the office,” said Mike Fidler, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Home Products Division. “The HS51 is a powerful projector that will accurately reproduce DVD and high definition sources with high brightness and full contrast.” 

The new model is ideal for home applications thanks to its versatile cabinet, lightweight design and easy-to-use features. Picture position (both horizontal and vertical) can be easily adjusted with the lens shift function, which expands the projector’s placement and installation options without distorting image quality.

An All Range Crisp Focus (ARC-F) lens and Real Color Processor (RCP) further enhances colors and images. The color of each hue can be adjusted independently for a customized picture. The 1.6x zoom lens allows for a short throw distance, with the option to project on screen sizes of 40- to 200 inches.

An advanced 12-bit panel driver is included for high color graduation. It also has a new HD I/P converter that improves not only NTSC video conversion but high-definition signals as well. Additionally, the HS51 model’s unique fan design generates a low level of noise for extremely quite operation.

Numerous inputs are also provided, including an HDMI interface that allows copy-protected, high-definition video content to be delivered from a DVI/HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) compatible set-top box.

The VPL-HS51 is also supplied with Image Director 2 software, enabling gamma adjustment via a PC connector. Image Director 2 works in conjunction with Sony’s Real Color Processing (RCP) for precision picture adjustment.

Finally, VPL-HS51 is equipped with an Ethernet connector for complete AV system integration via IP Control Protocol.

The new projector will be available in October for about $3,500.