Sony VPL-EX7 XGA Entry Level Projector

The XGA resolution Sony VPL-EX7 XGA Entry Level Projector is, as the company likes to say, "An entry level projector in name and price only." After you take a look at it we think you'll agree.

This is a fully featured 2000 lumens 500:1 contrast ratio projector. Its 0.63" 3LCD imaging panels (the part that creates the image) delivers sharper and brighter images with superior grayscale detail. Smooth, seamless color combined with an unparalleled grayscale range delivers incredible detail to every image displayed by the VPL-EX7.

The VPL-EX7 also has the international credentials you've come to expect in more expensive projectors. It's got a world-ready 100 to 240 volt 50/60 Hz power supply. It can handle NTSC, NTSC 4.43, PAL, PAL-M, PAL-N, PAL-60 and SECAM video signals. And it has a 17 language onscreen display (OSD). The VPL-EX7 also decodes and displays closed captioning from programming that provides it, benefiting those in your audience with hearing impairment. It also helps people whose native language isn't English.

This projector can also handle 720/60p, 720/50p, 1080/60i and 1080/50i high definition signals. (The "50" variants are used mostly in video production.)

Although Sony doesn't bill the VPL-EX7 as a "short throw" projector it can still create a pretty big picture in a pretty tight space. At a distance of just 7.5 feet it can project an image that measures 80 inches across diagonally.

Although you can permanently mount the VPL-EX7, if you present on the move you'll appreciate its Off & Go feature. Instead of waiting around for the fan to cool down the lamp you can just turn the projector off, unplug it from the wall socket and be on your way.

On the other hand, in a permanent installation you'll appreciate the double physical security of a Kensington slot for an optional Kensington lock and security bar through which you thread an optional steel cable. This projector can do a lot of things but once you've secured it, one thing it won't be doing is "walking away."

In addition to taking advantage of its physical security measures you can password protect projector operation and also prevent deliberate or inadvertent changes to the projector's settings.