21:9 Aspect Ratio

Sony says the 21:9 Ultrawide Full HD aspect ratio at 2,560 x 1,080 input signal support opens doors to a new dimension of visual engagement. Whether it’s the latest business presentation, a videoconferencing platform or dynamic content sharing, this extended format provides greater immersion and versatility for users.

According to the company, 21:9 projection displays offer a new dimension of immersion and engagement across various applications, making it essential for those who seek to captivate, educate and entertain. Projectors empower architects to showcase designs in detail and businesses to grab attention at trade shows. In live theaters and performances, projectors elevate visual effects, while libraries and museums use them for wide-format document displays and interactive exhibits. Going beyond, in upscale restaurants and interior design studios, these displays create more immersive and engaging environments.

Enhanced Communication

As the business landscape continually evolves, seamless communication and collaboration are paramount. Sony’s firmware update improves compatibility with today’s leading video collaboration platforms, which are designed to elevate meetings and presentations. With 21:9 aspect ratio support, users can now enjoy a wide, panoramic view of content, enhancing videoconferences and presentations for participants.

This firmware update expands upon Sony’s key projection differentiators, including Reality Creation, which enhances the overall sharpness, resolution and quality of pictures, graphs, or text, and Ambiance which measures the room’s brightness using an ambient light sensor and optimally calibrates additional visual settings. Together, these technologies, combined with 21:9 aspect ratio, create even more realistic and immersive visual experiences that unlock new levels of collaboration.

21:9 Aspect Ratio Firmware Update Information  

“This firmware update is a testament to our commitment to staying at the forefront of visual innovation and increase the longevity and power of our existing portfolio,” says Terrence Boyd, senior business manager, Sony Electronics. “We’re excited to offer our customers a wider dimension to collaborative platform viewing experiences, blending the communication barriers between on-site, hybrid and remote event participants.”

The firmware update bringing 21:9 aspect ratio support is available now for the Mid-Range VPL-FHZ85 and VPL-FHZ80 interchangeable lens projectors and is planned to be available for the Ultra-Compact VPL-PHZ61 and VPL-PHZ51 fixed-lens projectors at the end of December 2023.

Shop and compare Sony’s latest audio/video and information technology solutions on My TechDecisions’ sister-site AV-iQ here.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on December 6, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

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Levesque first experienced Sony’s products in 2018 when one of the company’s sales reps visited the URI campus. Impressed with the products, the university started slowly updating its projectors to Sony’s as part of their new classroom revision cycle. URI now has close to 120 of Sony’s laser projectors in nearly every classroom. The university started off with the VPL-PHZ10 and VPL-PHZ12 installation projector models. Now they’ve expanded its use to include the ultra-compact VPL-PHZ60 and VPL-PHZ61’s as their main models, which offer 6,500 center lumens and 7,000 center lumens of brightness, respectively.  These laser models also feature a fast start up and shutdown for saving time and energy.

“We tend to just put the VPL-PHZ61 in now because the brightness is great,” says Levesque. “If it’s too bright, I can decrease the brightness and make the projector last longer. I also like the size because they’re light for when I have to install them. It’s really easy to go up and put them in. It takes me no time to put one of these up compared to other projectors I’ve worked with, and I don’t need assistance because I can basically install them myself.”

Bravia Installation

In addition to projectors, URI has also installed Sony’s Pro BRAVIA displays across their campus. Prior to the pro BRAVIA installation, there hadn’t been a standard for displays on campus. Due to there being a variety of displays in different locations, it was difficult to keep track of which ones were being serviced, if they had the right equipment to be maintained, and how they operated.

“We’re a small department that kind of does everything on campus at this point, and we couldn’t keep it up anymore,” explains Levesque. “When we saw the displays, we were blown away by the image quality that we were getting compared to what had been installed.”

URI now has more than three dozen Pro BRAVIA displays between the sizes of 65 to 85 inches. The university’s displays are primarily utilized for reinforcement in their classrooms. Certain classrooms have a secondary display in the back of the room, and extended displays in the front of the room. A lot of Pro BRAVIA displays are also being installed for digital signage across campus to provide information to students and the public. Levesque is advocating for them to be installed on campus for other uses such as the school’s Memorial Union which is also in the process of swapping their displays over to pro BRAVIA’s for digital signage needs. URI is also currently utilizing Pro BRAVIA displays and audio reinforcements to make their conference rooms more modern, especially when it comes to hybrid meetings.

Clearer, Brighter Projectors & Displays

Since updating its equipment, Levesque and others have noticed positive results such as saving time and money on repairs.

“One thing we’ve noticed is when we put the Sony ecosystem on campus, it just works,” says Levesque. “We get them in, we put them up, and we really don’t have to think about them. I don’t have to visit the displays or projectors all the time and change their lamps or filters – they just work. We set the displays on an internal schedule to power them on and off for us utilizing the Pro Mode (BRAVIA pre-loaded functionality) and they work great. I don’t get calls like I used to anymore.”

URI’s students and staff have also noticed some changes. Faculty members have continuously told Levesque and the rest of the AV team how great the projectors’ image-quality is, and how its reality creation feature is helpful when presenting lessons because everything looks clearer and brighter.

“We have amazing service and reps with Sony,” Levesque says. “Sony has been great when it comes to any issues that I have or even doing future design work. We are incredibly happy here.”

Click on ‘View Slideshow’ to view more photos of the Sony projectors and displays used in URI’s classrooms and meeting rooms.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on July 27, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

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Check out the InfoComm 2023 video booth tour below to learn all the details about the Sony Pro BRAVIA displays. Plus, you’ll learn more about the company’s industry leadership in other areas.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

The post Sony Demonstrates New Pro BRAVIA Displays at InfoComm 2023 appeared first on My TechDecisions.

The BVM-HX3110 comes with characteristics such as accurate color reproduction, picture consistency and precision imaging. According to the San Diego, Calif.-based company, these are hallmarks of its BVM-series of monitors. Here, the BVM-HX3110 offers brighter specular highlights and introduces a new optional fast pixel response mode for reduced motion blur.

It also provides a wider viewing angle, as well as standard IP interface for SMPTE ST2110 signals. With this, the BVM-HX3110 complements Sony’s Networked Live ecosystem. The BVM-HX310 also remains available as a companion model to the BVM-HX3110. Here, it offers consistency in color reproduction, gamma curve and operation.

Learn more about Sony Electronics BVM-HX3100 monitor in the embedded video below:

Additional BVM-HX3110 Monitor Features

“Content creators are always seeking tools that help to accurately match and represent their creative vision and the BVM-HX3110 does just that,” says Ellen Heine, marketing manager, Sony Electronics. “We continue to act on customers’ feedback. Which is why this new model offers a host of new features including an IP interface for enhanced flexibility. And of course, in keeping with Sony’s monitor design philosophy, it color matches with our most popular professional monitors.”

The monitor’s new standard toolset incorporates Waveform Monitor/Vector Scope (WF/VS), false color, focus assist, closed captioning, 3D LUT processing, and quad and side-by-side viewing modes, among other features. In addition to fast pixel response, supplemental benefits include support for JPEG-XS as well as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) through optional licenses. Additional optional licenses enable tools such as HDR/SDR conversion and a user 3D LUT signal-output, says Sony.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on April 13, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

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The Paramus, N.J.-based electronics manufacturer says its new SRF-A40 and SRG-A12 cameras feature auto-framing technology and automatic operation for quick object tracking and rediscovery, as well as multiple auto-framing options.

Sony’s new built-in PTZ auto-framing technology features AI analytics to help improve usability and productivity, while multiple auto-framing angles provide well-framed options for close-ups, waist-up or full-body images.

According to Sony, the cameras feature a combination of advanced and consistent recognition technologies, including facial recognition which can even detect masked faces. A new user-friendly tally light allows users to easily identify which camera is actively in use and tracking movements.

The cameras feature Sony’s hallmark image quality with new built-in AI analytics and automatic framing, says Rich Ventura, vice president of professional display solutions at Sony.

“Our customers have told us that the way in which they capture content – and even the location from which they do it – has changed drastically over the last few years,” Ventura says. “We listened and created a new user-friendly series that enables mounting freedom, prioritizes location-free operation and creates a streamlined workflow that empowers operators with varying degrees of expertise to create extremely professional content while keeping operating costs down.”

According to Sony, with auto operation, the cameras begin to operate as soon as the power is turned on, searching for and rediscovering an object to track. A combination of advanced and consistent recognition technologies are employed, including facial recognition which can even detect masked faces. A new user-friendly tally light allows users to easily identify which camera is actively in use and tracking movements.

The company says both the SRG-A40 and SRG-A12 adopt a highly sensitive Exmor R CMOS sensor for high-quality, naturally vivid images with less noise that support 4K 30p and Full HD 60p. The SRG-A40 offers Clear Image Zoom technology which digitally doubles the optical zoom from 20x to 30x in 4K or 40x in Full HD, while the SRG-A12 provides up to 12x zoom. With tele convert mode the SRG-A40 can extend up to 80x zoom, while the SRG-A12 can extend up to 24x, all while offering smooth, fast PTZ movement between cameras. Day mode and night mode help optimize capture in brightness and shadows.

The new models offer 3G-SDI, HDMI, and IP connectivity and can be controlled remotely through VISCA/VISCA over IP, using a single network cable for power, output and control. They also include Power over Ethernet Plus Plus (PoE++), allowing for simplified integration into new or existing environments – without separate power supply cabling. Support for Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) allows for remote viewing, while Security Reliable Transport (SRT) protocol enables safe, smooth, stable video streaming, according to Sony.

The SRG-A40 and SRG-A12 are expected to be available in September in North America.

The post Sony Introduces Two New AI-Enabled PTZ Cameras appeared first on My TechDecisions.

The Paramus, N.J.-based electronic company’s new BH series and CH series displays will be available in a P1.2mm and P1.5mm pixel pitch and deliver the exceptional picture quality and accurate colors associated with Sony’s Crystal LED technology.

According to the company, the BH-series offers high brightness and a wide color gamut, and the CH-series provides “unmatched black levels” to give customers new versatile options that fit their needs and budgets.

Sony says the BH-series has a high brightness of 1,700 cd/m², which the company says is more than double that of other high-end LED displays. The CH-series offers 1,300 cd/m² and a black level value that Sony claims measures at approximately 1/10 of competitive LED displays.

According to Sony, the displays’ X1^TM for Crystal LED image processor enhances content to ensure smooth imagery, crisp and accurate pictures and clear gradation without motion blur. This is a result of the processor’s built-in features; 22-bit Super Bit Mapping, Reality Creation and Motionflow^TM.

As a modular solution, customers can choose the size and resolution of the display. The BH- and CH-series feature super fine LEDs and a unique coating, to achieve a wide viewing angle without unnatural color shift. The new models come pre-assembled and calibrated to ensure a seamless appearance.  A future firmware update will enable additional uniformity through auto color adjustment, the company says.

The displays’ cabinets are about 10% lighter than 10% thinner than current models, making them easier to install and integrate. An easier on-site assembly results in an installation time that is about 20% faster than previous models, and high-efficiency LED chips help reduce power consumption by about 25%.

“Our Crystal LED displays continue to be the gold standard,” says Rich Ventura, vice president of professional display solutions at Sony Electronics. “With the launch of the BH- and CH-series, we’ve made Crystal LED more accessible by giving our customers cost conscious options that inherit similar premium image quality, grandeur and dependability along with increased installation flexibility.”

The post Sony Launches Two New Scalable Crystal LED Displays appeared first on My TechDecisions.

It will also create a more connected digital signage and content management system (CMS) framework for the company and global partners.

Increased Support

Per a statement, the new signageOS alliance will nearly double the compatibility of Sony’s displays to offer support for close to 60 integrated CMS options. It is planned to be available next month. Additionally, the partnership will better position Sony’s network to extend and expand implementation of professional BRAVIA displays with greater ease. This is due to signageOS’ single API system. The network includes systems integrators, resellers, channel partners, managed service providers and software alliance members.

“We are thrilled not only to align with signageOS but to offer more functionality and value to Sony’s displays — and the bottom line of our growing partner ecosystem worldwide,” says Rich Ventura, VP of Professional Display Solutions, Sony Electronics.

A Mutually Beneficial Partnership

According to Ventura, working with signageOS elevates Sony’s professional BRAVIA lineup. It does so by providing more compatibility, enhanced sustainability measures and a wider range of vertical use cases. At the same time, it streamlines and unifies many disparate offerings.

He continues, “With a partner like signageOS, we’re also presented with many opportunities to jointly develop and strengthen our businesses moving forward to create a better digital-signage ecosystem for the industry.”

“We are very excited about partnering with Sony. As they build out their end-to-end digital signage capabilities, we’re honored to help Sony enable support for so many of the providers that are driving the industry to transform and become faster, easier and more integrated,” adds Stan Richter, CEO, signageOS.

Richter notes that Sony has a definitive mindset on building strong B2B relationships. Thus, signageOS looks forward to cultivating and expanding this relationship. By doing so, it hopes to directly benefit Sony’s Alliance Partner Program while addressing the needs of the community.

Need for Sony’s Professional BRAVIA Displays

Sony’s BRAVIA 4K HDR professional displays range in size from 32 to 100 inches (measured diagonally). The designs are also compatible for today’s connected AV environments. They feature an HTML5-friendly Android system on a chip (SoC) platform that runs on the latest browser. The lineup thus offers a plethora of services. This list comprises seamless integration, security, smart customization and continuous updates. It also features easy content sharing and management capabilities, and open APIs.

According to Sony, the displays’ cutting-edge technologies bring amazing color, contrast and clarity to content. As a result, it is suitable in applications such as corporate, education, retail and public spaces, as well as digital signage.

BRAVIA professional models also prioritize sustainability by eliminating the need for an external media player. Thus, it consumes less power and causes less strain on the supply chain. Moreover, it is possible to retrofit the models into existing infrastructures.

Check out Sony Professional Display Solutions on MyTechDecisions’ sister-site, AV-iQ.com.

This article originally appeared on MyTechDecisions’ sister-site CommercialIntegrator.com.

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The SRG-X40UH adopts a 4K Exmor R CMOS image sensor. It also delivers high-quality images in 4K alongside powerful zoom capabilities. What’s more, it comes with a wide viewing angle, UVC and HDMI connectivity. With simple functionality and interface connection, it’s thus easy to connect and use for many live video applications. This includes web conferencing, with simple plug-and-play USB cable connection.

Ensuring High-Quality Imagery

As an affordable 4K PTZ camera, the SRG-X40UH received the ‘Best of Show’ at InfoComm 2022. According to Sony, it combines Clear Image Zoom technology off up to 40x in FHD and 30x in 4K, and 70-degrees wide viewing angle. With this, the SRG-X40UH delivers natural color reproduction and high sensitivity. This then helps capture facial or other relevant details in remote communications situations, even in low light.

Additionally, the rapid PTZ movement with a ceiling mounting option enables the camera to capture important scenes in different locations. This ranges from small conference rooms to large auditoriums.

“Over the past two years, the world has witnessed and adapted to drastic changes in the way we work and learn. Such circumstances have created a pressing demand for efficient remote communication that multiple users can access anytime anywhere with high reliability,” says Rich Ventura, vice president of B2B, Sony Electronics. “At Sony, we’ve seen and driven the adoption of 4K, ensuring all customers can benefit from superior image quality.”

The SRG-X40UH camera comes with simple UVC and HDMI connections and PoE+ support, says Sony. Thus, it can be integrated into existing systems with minimal cabling. Users can also remotely control the camera through a VISCA/VISCA-over-IP command.

This article originally appeared on our sister site Commercial Integrator. 

The post Sony Launches New SRG-X40UH PTZ Camera appeared first on My TechDecisions.

The VPL-PHZ61 and VPL-PHZ51 are compact and easy to install on ceilings in meeting rooms and classrooms with a +55% vertical shift, the widest in the fixed lens models. Both models boast high brightness – the VPL-PHZ61 at 6,400 lumens (7,000 lumen center) and the VPL-PHZ51 at 5,300 lumens (5,800 lumen center) – that project crystal clear images, even in a well-lit meeting room or lecture hall to enhance the collaboration and communication of users, says Sony.

Sony LCD Projector Features

With the incorporation of Sony’s Reality Creation real-time signal processing, mapping and analysis technology, the projectors produce crisp and clear pictures, for effective presentation and display. Both new models support 4K60P input for compatibility with 4K video sources. This is further amplified by Reality Creation’s ability to enhance the overall sharpness, resolution and quality of the imagery, regardless of whether it’s pictures, graphs or text.

Additionally, the projectors require no converter when being used with other 4K equipment to simultaneously project 4K content and support the “Deep Color” of HDMI and the HDCP2.3. The projectors’ Reality Text feature improves text-based presentation materials by providing clearer letters and lines with enhanced legibility.

The projectors also feature advanced Intelligent Settings, which offer optimization based on usage environment. The addition of customized Bright View functionality enables colors to accurately maintain their contrast and vivacity, even in brightly lit rooms.

The Ambiance feature automatically measures the room’s brightness using an ambient light sensor, and further calibrates the bright view, color gain and reality creation settings accordingly. Additionally, the new models use a new filter material which requires no filter cleaning for meeting room and classroom use.

Related: Sony Announces Two Additions to Crystal LED Displays

“Many of our customers struggle to find display solutions that provide both exceptional high brightness and sophisticated features that can enhance their content and overall user experience,” says Rich Ventura, vice president of B2B, Sony Electronics. “We don’t want our customers to compromise on any of these asks, which is why we’ve built upon our existing legacy in developing feature-rich laser projectors, to provide compact and advanced projectors to the market. These projectors really are world-class in their technology, quality and design.”

Other features include:

• Auto Light Output – By utilizing the ambient light sensor, the brightness of the projector is automatically controlled at night to save power consumption
• Auto Power On – New Auto Power On feature that turns the projector on when video signal is sensed and Auto Input Select that automatically changes the input when video signal is sensed
• Data cloning function – allows users to copy any settings on one projector to all subsequent projectors using a USB device
• Maintenance – Makes it easier for users to remove the filter and to know when the filter needs cleaning with a new sensor.

The VPL-PHZ61 and VPL-PHZ51 are planned to be available later this fall in North America.

Be sure to check out Sony Solutions on AV-iQ here.

This article originally appeared on MyTechDecisions’ sister-site CommercialIntegrator.com.

The post Sony Unveils World’s Smallest LCD Projector appeared first on My TechDecisions.

As COVID-19 changed the educational model, the need for more dynamic and flexible presentation solutions became apparent. The university also received additional funding support from the CARES Act. This created an innovative new classroom setup leveraging the latest technology at just the right time for UCM.

Creating a Highly Interactive Education Environment

AVI-SPL, Tampa, Fla.-based digital enablement solutions provider, installed more than 30 Edge devices connected with Sony’s PTZs as UCM’s new classroom standard across campus. These devices feature presenter tracking and enable handwriting extraction. Based on their positive experience, UCM plans to implement 14 additional systems.

Highlights of Sony’s Edge smart video analytics solution include the adoption of AI and augmented reality (AR) technology. This will enhance the quality of communication and collaboration and empower engaging presentations. When used alongside Sony’s powerful PTZ cameras, Edge serves as a virtual camera operator. It can thus elevate and capture a presentation. Alongside this, it can incorporate additional licenses for a range of different features and benefits. This includes the handwriting extraction and PTZ auto tracking, as well as close-up by gesture, chroma key-less CG overlay and focus area cropping.

David Gantz, account executive at AVI-SPL, helped consult, spec and support this ongoing installation. He knew the school needed to update its facilities to account for new methods of instruction and learning. So, he sought a flexible and easy to use solution to enhance engagement and foster collaboration in any setup or type of classroom.

During the pandemic, Gantz, with the support of AVI-SPL’s engineers including John Stuhlman, virtually demonstrated Edge to UCM’s manager of multimedia, Ray Walters. Walters and his team support the office of technology at the school. Walters explains, “Prior to the pandemic, UCM was seeing a shift in how it was delivering classroom content. At the same time, I was receiving numerous requests from academic Deans and educators to enable hybrid classrooms where lectures could be recorded and presented in an asynchronous format.”

An Effective, ‘Wow-Worthy’ Solution

After the demo, Gantz says they “wowed” the team who immediately “saw the value.” He continues, “From a financial standpoint, the camera is priced equal or better than competitors and the performance and quality are equal or better. Additionally, Sony and their staff have proven to be reliable for us.”

Walters adds, “It’s very rare that I get surprised or impressed by a product release. When I was introduced to Sony’s forward-thinking Edge Analytics device, it was a breath of fresh air. It solves several different needs for my classrooms as we pursue a hybrid teaching experience. The reasonable price and simple operation reduce the friction on users in the room. Sony had nailed everything I needed in one small package.”

UCM chose the Edge solution for other reasons as well. The team use the Edge Analytics and PTZ camera solution with instructors. According to Sony, they immediately recognized the benefits of the straightforward technology. Gantz states, “It’s a box with licenses that enhance the capabilities of your room, based on your needs and budget. Instructors love the presenter tracking feature for whiteboarding and presenting.”

Gantz spotlight the smoothness and accuracy of the tracking feature. Additionally, he points out its ease of use. “Adoption has gone really well because we’ve taken extra care not to make the room complex, because complexity deters instructors from wanting to use technology,” he proclaims.

The Future of Handwriting Extraction

Gantz also expands on the beneficial features and accommodating pricing. He explains, “It’s also a very big win that the tracking license [is] free with our purchase and not a recurring cost. It’s nice to pay only for the extra features you need. If the licenses for Edge were yearly subscriptions, that would’ve been a deal breaker for an educational institute like University of Central Missouri.”

Also Read: Sony Electronics Introduces Compact 4K SRG-X40UH PTZ Camera

UCM also uses Edge’s handwriting extraction license. This license leverages AR to ensure that words, notes, sketches and diagrams on a white or blackboard remain in full view of the audience, regardless of the presenter’s location. In select classrooms, they’re exploring the chroma key-less CG overlay license. This license uses Sony’s advanced motion detection technology. With this, they can extract and overlay the presenter onto any background image, animation or video for an instant backdrop. What’s more, it does not require any dedicated equipment or resources.

Walters remarks, “When I saw the handwriting extraction demonstration in action, it honestly caused me to clap and I quickly realized how this device would bring value to my classrooms and enhance the quality of our lecture capture.”

Looking to the Future

Instructors are not the only ones to appreciate the upgraded innovations. Gantz further notes that new state-of-the-art technology provides schools like UCM with a competitive advantage and help with recruitment. He maintains that students demand technology. He notes, “In order to attract students to a school, you need to offer collaboration and interactivity. Technology is something students were born with and use every day. They expect it to infiltrate every part of their life and education is no exception.”

Gantz continues, “By offering a new level of engagement, new capabilities and a digital mindset, students can overcome some of the traditional classroom concerns and distractions and ensure they have a good view of the instructor and their notes, no matter where they’re sitting.”

He expresses his excitement for the future of technology. He sees AI and AR as a logical avenue for enrichment, enhancement and engagement. Gantz adds, “In addition to being cool, technology and especially AI and AR serve a real purpose in education. They make an experience more interesting. This means people tend to pay more attention to it and retain the [relayed] information.”

Walters concludes, “Throughout the global pandemic, remote learning became a requirement. I can honestly say that because we had Sony’s Edge Analytics devices as our standard, we were ready for the unique way education adapted.”

Click on “View Slideshow” on upper-left corner for images of the installation by AVI-SPL at UCM.

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