Sony has announced the newVPL-GTZ380 native 4K (4096x2160) SXRD projector, a 10,000-lumen powerhouse designed for large display applications in entertainment, museum, simulation, and corporate applications.

Sony VPL GTZ380 front

The VPL-GTZ380 relies on a series of advances that improves light stability for an LCoS-based projector operating at such high lumen output. The trio of newly-developed 0.74-inch SXRD panels—Sony's proprietary liquid crystal on silicon technology—uses a more advanced liquid crystal material, while a liquid cooling system for the panels, a patented phosphor wheel with efficient heat release, and streamlined air flow design also contribute to both durability and a low 39 dB noise rating.

Paired with a typical native contrast ratio of 16,000:1, the new commercial market projector is suitable for both light and dark room environments, and it supports HDR 10 and HLG HDR formats. Additional licenses are available for support of 4K 120Hz signals with low lag for eSports events, 3D, and Night Vision Goggle functions for specialized training.

In addition to two blue laser diodes of different wavelengths, the VPL-GTZ380 incorporates a red laser diode that together allow for 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut at full brightness. Inside is the X1 Ultimate for Projector chip, based on the X1 Ultimate processor found in Sony's high-end television displays. It includes processing to enhance both SDR and HDR picture quality. The projector also supports up to 12-bit color over HDMI and up to 10-bit color over DisplayPort.

Sony VPL GTZ380 laser path
The laser path for the Sony VPL-GTZ380

Notably, the VPL-GTZ-380's advanced thermal design also provides for a small form factor compared to other projectors in its class. The projector measures 22.06 x 10.31 x 29.94 inches (WHD) and weighs 112 pounds (excluding the lens).

The Sony VPL-GTZ380 comes with two HDMI ports with HDCP 2.3 copyright management, two DisplayPort 1.4 inputs (also with HDCP 2.3), two mini jacks for triggers, Ethernet, RS-232C, IR in and out, 3D sync, and a USB port. It is expected to be available in January of 2021.

 
Comments (7) Post a Comment
Walter Polovchek Posted Jul 28, 2020 6:48 PM PST
PRICE?
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Jul 29, 2020 8:33 AM PST
These high end commercial projectors don't often get announced with pricing attached, particularly when they are several months out from delivery. But Sony says this unit will likely carry a list price in the $80K-$85K area before adding the lens. Actual purchase price will be something less than that.
Darrell Posted Aug 4, 2020 8:00 AM PST
I've been eyeing a Sony for my HT, but wanted something brighter. Wonder if this will trickle down to a consumer product?
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Aug 4, 2020 8:02 AM PST
Darrell, I would not expect to see a 10,000 lumen home theater projector from Sony any time soon -- getting that kind of brightness while maintaining truly deep blacks is very challenging from an engineering standpoint, and that super-high lumen count wouldn't really find much following in the traditional home theater market except for very large dedicated theaters. But Sony has been quiet on the HT front for a while and seems to be due for some new models, and I would not be surprised to see some projectors at some point with somewhat brighter output than current models directly intended for ambient light home theater. The new formulation SXRD panel used in this commercial model does seem to have pushed the limit on what they can do with the brightness of the technology while maintaining long-term reliability.
Tuan T Nguyen Posted Sep 8, 2020 7:18 PM PST
80k for a non 8k projector is way too expensive
Tom Posted Sep 12, 2020 4:35 PM PST
You think this would be an upgrade in my theater ? I currently have the Sony VPL5000 with a 173” screen
Rob Sabin, Editor Posted Sep 14, 2020 6:46 AM PST
Good question,Tom. Maybe. This projector is DOUBLE the brightness of your 5000ES, which is great for ambient light viewing or if you just don't feel you've gotten enough punch from your 173 inch screen. The fact that it can retain full gamut at the 10K lumen brightness means you'll have plenty of firepower without sacrificing range of colors for HDR. The new high end processor should also come to bear on the image quality, though the GT380 lacks the advanced dynamic HDR and focus features found in the other new Sony HT projectors that were just announced. The potential downside is contrast/black level. The likelihood is that the black level will go brighter with such a huge jump in brightness, so unless you really need that brightness for your screen size or ambient light conditions, you may be sacrificing more contrast than you'd like. I think it's something you'd have to see demo'd side by side.

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