Sony is adding two new models to its line of high-brightness 3LCD business projectors, designed for fixed installation applications.

The new VPL-FX500L model delivers 7,000 ANSI lumens of Colour Light Output and is capable of the widest lens shift in its class, suitable for large-screen applications in venues such as university lecture halls and corporate auditoriums. The VPL-FX30 provides 4,200 lumens of Colour Light Output, and is equipped with 1.6x standard zoom lens for flexible installation ideal for midsized classrooms, lecture theatres, boardrooms or meeting rooms.

Both projectors incorporate Sony’s next generation Bright Era technology, with a native XGA resolution of 1024x768 pixels and feature a white cabinet, allowing them to blend into white ceilings when installed. There are no terminals or ventilation slits on the rear side, allowing both projectors to blend neatly into the ceiling when mounted.

The VPL-FX500L’s twin-lamp system provides fail-safe operation and can output a total of 7000 lumens with just one lamp. The two lamps are alternatively used, allowing the expected lamp life to total approximately 8000 hours.

The VPL-FX500L ships without a lens, and offers backwards compatibility with models of Sony’s existing and older model accessory lenses.

The VPL-FX30’s 1.6x zoom standard lens allows upgrade from a majority of existing projectors to the VPL-FX30 without having to change ceiling mount positions. For applications where more than a standard lens is needed, the VPL-FX30 is compatible with the VPLL-Z1032 and VPLL-Z1024 accessory lenses for Sony’s current VPL-F40 series.

Depending on the lens used, the VPL-FX500L can shift images approximately vertically +/-96% and horizontally +/-64%, from its original position, making projection possible without having images distorted by digital keystone correction. This feature is recommended for applications where the ceiling mount position is limited by lighting fixtures or water sprinklers, or where the position is higher than screen.

The VPL-FX30 will be available in June, and the VPL-FX500L in July.