Sony has begun shipping the VPL-FHZ55 laser light source projector, which was announced in June 2013.  This projector is Sony’s first lamp-less projector using 3LCD imaging technology to achieve 4,000 lumens of color light output at WUXGA resolution (1920 x 1200).

The new VPL-FHZ55 projector uses a blue laser as its light source, which excites a phosphorous material that in turn creates white light. The white light is delivered to the 3LCD optical system, generating full-time RGB color through a color splitting process.

Sony says the projector will offer maintenance-free operation for up to 20,000 hours of expected light source, display device and filter use. The projector has several energy-saving features, including: Auto Light Dimming, which dims light output down to 5% when left powered on without use; and Auto Brightness Adjustment, which eliminates unnecessary illumination when a dark picture is projected; and Constant Brightness Mode, which allows users to maintain brightness throughout the expected 20,000 hour life by driving the projector at reduced light output.

The use of a laser light source also gives the projector instant “on/off” capability and “tilt- free” capability for  installation in nearly any setting or position. Combined with 1.6x standard zoom lens, V:+60%  H:+/-32% lens shift, built-in edge-blending and geometric correction, the VPL-FHZ55 is geared towards advanced commercial integration.

Analyst firm PMA Research has forecast steady growth for the sales of high-end professional installation projectors, despite a somewhat still sluggish projector market. End-user surveys by PMA find that projector users like the idea of alternative light-sources which lower cost of ownership.