Sony Introduces Flagship 4K SXRD Laser Projector for Professional Applications

Posted on July 28, 2020 by Phil Jones

For those who loved the picture quality and flexibility of Sony’s highly rated VPL-GTZ series projectors but desired a brighter, higher performance unit, Sony has just announced the VPL-GTZ380. This projector is intended for applications where the highest image quality is critical. The VPL-GTZ380 is designed to entertain large audiences, produce realistic training simulations, and help make important design decisions.

The VPL-GTZ380 utilizes Sony’s highly regarded 4K SXRD panel technology to deliver crisp imagery. It has a rated brightness of 10,000 Lumens with a native contrast ratio of 16,000:1 along with 100% DCI-P3 color reproduction and HDR Support.

Sony was one of the first companies to produce professional projectors capable of delivering native 4K (4096 × 2160) resolution. The newly introduced VPL-GTZ380 combines outstanding contrast, brightness, wide color gamut, and high dynamic range with the 4K clarity that Sony is known for to deliver what should be an amazing visual experience in any distance and lighting condition.

The GTZ-380 can be used in a wide range of corporate, entertainment, and simulation applications. The VPL-GTZ380 features a newly developed 0.74” Native 4K SXRD panel which is Sony’s proprietary version of LCoS technology to deliver 16,000:1 contrast ratio and deep blacks. Adopting a new liquid crystal material for the panel dramatically improves light stability and durability while producing a rated 10,000 lumens of brightness.

The GTZ-380 high brightness and high native contrast allow the projector to be used in both bright and dark environments.

“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 Theresa Alesso, pro division president, Sony Electronics. “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, corporations, 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.”

There is more to the VPL-GTZ380 than just brightness. Due to a new laser light source, which incorporates a red laser diode along with two different-wavelength blue laser diodes, the VPL-GTZ380 can reproduce 100% DCI-P3 color gamut without any brightness loss. Its ability to reproduce a wide color gamut makes the VPL-GTZ380 a great option for art galleries and museums.

To further enhance picture quality the GTZ380 is the first Sony projector to utilize the new picture processor called “X1 Ultimate for projector” which is based on the original X1 Ultimate processor used for Sony’s high-end line of BRAVIA TVs. While the processor was originally designed for Sony’s lineup of OLED and LCD flat panel TVs, this version has been optimized for projectors with the goal of enhancing the picture quality of projected images.

The high brightness combined with the GTZ380 wide color gamut reproduction results in higher color volume compared to other projectors. This should make colors found in HDR content rich and vibrant.

Accurate reproduction of the brightness and color contained in HDR content has always been a struggle for projectors. To improve the HDR viewing experience, the GTZ380 also includes new features such as Dynamic HDR Enhancer and Object based HDR Remaster to maintain both highlight and shadow detail found in HDR content. The VPL-GTZ380 also supports HDR10 which is use for movies and TV shows as well as HLG formats which will be utilize for live broadcast.

At only 112 pounds, the VPL-GTZ380 is lightest and most compact native 4K projector in its class. This has a lot to do with the SXRD Panels used in GTZ Series projectors. The SXRD panels have a pixel density of about 61,000 pixels per square mm which is a much higher density than those found in competing DLP and transmissive LCD projectors.

The SXRD panels utilized in the VPL-GTZ380 are not significantly smaller and denser than a comparable 4K DLP chip, they can deliver much a higher native contrast ratio of 16,000.1. A smaller, denser SXRD panel also reduce the size of the optical block and lenses, resulting in a compact projector which can deliver the performance of a large model.

For cooler operation, the phosphor wheel features a patented spiral fin which provides more efficient heat dissipation. Its liquid SXRD panel cooling system and streamlined air flow design makes the VPL-GTZ380 very quiet for such a bright professional projector at just 39dB.

Many competing 4K professional projectors generate too much heat and are too big and noisy to be placed in the same room as the viewer. The VPL-GTZ380 projector’s compact size and quiet definitely increases placement flexibility.

The unit’s form factor and four corner mount design make the GTZ380 easily stackable, which is great for multi-projection systems. In addition, precise laser light control and a Constant Brightness Mode ensure seamless, uniform blending.

The VPL-GTZ380 can also support 4K 120Hz (optional license required) with low transport delay, which are essential for environments were clear motion and low lag is desired like displaying content in training simulators and at eSports events.

Lastly, the VPL-GTZ380 supports dual 4K 60Hz 3D signals and is compatible with optional Night Vision Goggles which make the unit ideal for use in VR, industrial design, and visualization applications.

The new flagship VPL-GTZ380 projector incorporates tons of Sony’s cutting-edge technologies in a compact form factor. If you just need a 10,000-lumen projector to display PowerPoint, there are several less expensive solutions available from Sony and others. However, if high brightness along with great native contrast, accurate wide color reproduction, razor sharp motion and maximum image detail is an absolute must the VPL-GTZ380 might be the choice for you.

The VPL-GTZ380 will be available in January of 2021 and pricing has not been announced.