When it comes to greater installation flexibility, we have to talk about the compact form factor. While the VPL-FHZ80 and the VPL-FHZ85 are the smallest, lightest 3LCD projectors in their class, they are still exceptionally bright. The form factor also works well for installation.
Minimalist design will look good in any space
The FHZ80 and FHZ85 both feature a slim, stylish body with a flat-top surface. This minimalist design not only looks good but offers the practical value of allowing the projector to fit unobtrusively into almost any installation space when the projector is ceiling-mounted. You want to wow your audience with your presentation or visuals, not distract them with a black box.
Interchangeable Lenses
In addition to the standard supplied lens, there are seven fixed and variable lens options to suit virtually any size of room or throw requirement. Furthermore, depending on the lens chosen, the VPLFHZ80 and the VPL-FHZ85 offer a class-leading vertical +70% lens shift adjustment range, further increasing placement flexibility.
Seven interchangeable lenses available
The projectors’ quick-release bayonet mount makes it easy to switch lenses. The new units use the same lenses as predecessor models, so if you are upgrading or replacing an older model, you won’t have to buy new lenses.
In the past, bright projectors were not both big and noisy. The VPL-FHZ85 and VPL-FHZ80 are not only compact, they were designed to be exceptionally quiet. The projector’s fans are precisely controlled according to the laser output setting. For example, when you lower the laser output, the fan speed slows, which reduces the acoustic noise to as low as 26dBa.
The cooling fan is precisely controlled based on laser output to reduce noise which would be distracting in a quiet environment
The acoustic noise level can vary by four steps depending on the value of the light output setting. Thanks to this convenient noise control, you can place these units right over the audience’s heads and know the projector noise probably won’t bother them.
The FHZ85 and FHZ80 are ideal for situations where you need to place a small, bright projector overhead like a small boardroom, a museum installation, or a kiosk where gamers can practice their virtual golf swing.
Protocol Emulation
If you’re an installer, you sometimes need to retrofit older installation jobs. In some cases, you might have felt locked in with the existing projector brand due to the potentially onerous installation cost to reprogram the old system to work with a new projector from a different brand.
Like other Sony 3LCD projectors, the VPL-FHZ80 and VPL-FHZ85 have a protocol emulation feature that will allow you to control a network of Sony projectors using other manufacturers’ RS232C control protocols. This feature lets you replace another manufacturer’s projector with a Sony without re-programming the AV system. As an added bonus, you can also customize protocol emulation by using a .CVS file.
Data Cloning
Quickly transfer preferred settings to multiple Sony projectors
To greatly simplify the installation and setup of multiple projectors, the projectors support Data Cloning. Using this feature, any settings made for one projector can be copied to the second and subsequent projectors using a USB memory drive. For example, if you work at a school district and purchase 50 projectors, you can program one and transfer the settings to the other 49 projectors. You’ll appreciate the time savings when installing and setting up multiple projectors.
4K60 Signal Input
4K60P compatible input makes it easy to integrate the projector with a 4K Flat panel display
Finally, in some boardrooms, you may have 4K flat-panel TVs on the wall and an HD projector installed in the ceiling. In some cases, the source will “dumb down” the resolution to match the resolution of the lowest input source, causing a real headache. Solving this issue might require a costly external scaling solution. No such worries here! Although the units are WUXGA (1920 x 1200) projectors, they offer a 4K60p input to simplify integration with 4K flat-panel TVs. For supreme ease of operation, just split the 4K signal to drive all your displays, with no scaling or conversion needed.
Reliability
Both models feature Sony’s Z-Phosphor laser light source. Sony claims that customers will enjoy up to 20,000 hours of uninterrupted operation, with no lamp replacement and virtually zero maintenance. In addition to the reliability of a laser light source, the VPL-FHZ80 and VPL-FHZ85 also offer a sealed light engine so dust can’t accumulate, which helps maintain image brightness and clarity over the projector’s lifetime.
Z-Phosphor laser light source is sealed to prevent dust accumulation
When dust accumulates on a projector's internal filter, the projector performance can be impacted. The VPL-FHZ80 and VPL-FHZ85 are equipped with an automated filter cleaning system that removes dust every 100 hours, ensuring unrestricted clean air intake for optimized cooling and minimizing time spent on routine maintenance. Sometimes it’s the little things that can help you save time and money and keep your technicians safer by not having them up on ladders as often to clean or change air filters. As we like to say here at Projector Reviews, it’s better to “set it and forget it!”
Summary
Powerful and compact, the VPL-FHZ80 and VPL-FHZ85 include the latest Sony picture quality innovations to deliver consistently rich, bright, colorful images. These units are an elegant addition to any modern workspace, installation is simplified with a choice of optional lenses, while a class-leading lens shift capability overcomes challenges like ceiling obstacles and other AV equipment. With flexible installation options and reduced maintenance, you can confidently choose these projectors for mid-size corporate, education, and public environments.
Theresa Alesso, Pro Division President at Sony Electronics, had the following to say:
“As we continue to bring more robust and purpose-built projection solutions to market, we’ve addressed our customers’ struggle to find options that provide both brightness and exceptional image quality. With the VPL-FHZ85’s 8,000 lumens center, we’ve done just that, while building on Sony’s legacy developing feature-rich laser projectors that are easy to install, operate and maintain, all while presenting an optimal, authentic picture.”
These two new Sony professional projectors are competitively featured, offer a 5-year warranty, and are currently for sale with an MSRP of $6,999 (VPL-FHZ85 and $5,899 (VPL-FHZ80).
For more information about the VPL-FHZ80 and VPL-FHZ85, check out Business Projectors - Sony Pro Be sure to come back to www.projectorreviews.com for our full projector breakdown and review when review samples become available.
