Sony Unveils a new professional SXRD laser projector for large display applications. The projector (name of model: VPL-GTZ380) constitutes the flagship model for the pro-SXRD elite lineup and owns capabilities of native 4K, 10,000 lumens brightness, 16,000:1 contrast, DCI-P3 Wide Color Gamut, and HDR Support. However, the price is not for the faint-hearted. Read more below.
More resolution, contrast, and brightness
Sony has been developing and manufacturing SXRD projectors for nearly 20 years. The goal is to improve and make higher resolution, brightness, and contrast for each model. The significant improvement of this new VPL-GTZ380 besides the high nits capabilities is the X1 Ultimate processor which allows optimum synergy with other Sony’s professional products, like the Sony Venice. According to Sony, the X1 Ultimate processor allows unique in-house Sony’s technology which utilizes below 4K resolution to be presented by 4K imager without losing fidelity and sharpness of the image. Furthermore, the X1 Ultimate facilitates the born of new features such as Dynamic HDR Enhancer and Object-based HDR Remaster to enhance dynamic range and achieve deeper blacks.
4K native and 10,000 Lumens
The SXRD VPL-GTZ380 displays native 4K resolution (4096 x 2160) images for fine details that are “breathtakingly crisp and clear even when your audience is closer to the screen” (as claimed by Sony, since there is no demonstration yet). Also, the GTZ380 achieves 10,000 lumens brightness, 16,000:1 contrast ratio, and vibrant DCI-P3 color that’s 1.35 times wider than the sRGB achieved by other projectors, without any loss of brightness. “In a few short years, our SXRD lineup of 4K projectors have become the industry standard with installations at influential customer sites across the world,” said Christopher Mullins, Home Cinema Product Manager, Sony Professional. “The newest addition to the family, the VPL-GTZ380, excels in dark and bright environments and is a direct result of insights we’ve gathered from key clients in training and simulation, as well as at entertainment venues, businesses, museums, and planetariums. We’re proud to have developed a new solution that not only exceeds their requirements but fosters users’ creativity allowing them to bring their vision to life with unparalleled image expression”.
We’re proud to have developed a new solution that not only exceeds their requirements but fosters users’ creativity allowing them to bring their vision to life with unparalleled image expression.
Christopher Mullins, Home Cinema Product Manager, Sony Professional
Watch the product introduction in the video below:
Compact design (51 Kg) and 24/7 working capabilities
From a design perspective, the VPL-GTZ380 can integrate into a variety of installation environments with its compact body size (51kg) for its class, due to the adoption of the small-sized panel and patented phosphor wheel design providing efficient heat release. Additionally, the projector achieves 39dB for quiet operation due to the use of a liquid SXRD panel cooling system and streamlined airflow design. Its form factor, quiet operation, and easily stackable four corner mount design enable multi-projection in domes and for large screen exhibitions. Due to its high contrast and deep black levels, the projector minimizes banding, allowing for uniform blending. Furthermore, Sony claims that the liquid cooling apparatus allows the privilege of 24/7 operation.
Pricing and availability
There is no price listing yet on the VPL-GTZ380 4K Pro SXRD Projector. However, Sony says it will be around $80,000 plus range (not including the lens). Apparently it’s not going to be cheap. Furthermore, at this time, there is no pre-production model available so it’s a really premature announcement. Sony claims that the first pre-production models will be presented for demonstration in October 2020. My estimation for the ready-to-ship model is around December 2020.
Final thoughts
It’s important to note that this is a professional 4K laser projector that is aimed for professional large display applications. That means you most probably won’t be installing it in the living room as a part of your home-cinema unless you are super enthusiastic and meticulous about getting the most immerse experience when watching movies at home. Nevertheless, I hope that this new SXRD model can be rented even for a couple of hours, which can be suited for independent filmmakers, film festivals, weddings, private screening, and many other applications that are eager to deliver stunning imagery to their audience.
What are your thoughts about the new Sony SXRD projector? Would you rent it for screening your film?
