Designed for use in small to medium venues, Sonyā€™s latest E-series business projectors have been designed to deliver high picture quality combined with convenient features at an affordable price. The new entry-level LCD projector line comprises four new models, including Sonyā€™s first compact widescreen version. Each is designed for commercial applications, and specifically suited for use in classrooms and conference rooms. But the attractive design of the projectors also means they could sit well in your living room.

The new projectors represent the latest generation of Sonyā€™s VPL-E series. The VPL-EX50 reviewed here (like the VPL-EX5) offers a native 1024×768 (XGA) resolution, while the VPL-ES5 features a limiiting 800×600 (SVGA) resolution. For widescreen projection, the VPL-EW5 has a 1280×800 (WXGA) resolution. This line-up is entry level in name only though, as they deliver most of the features needed for quality presentations and commercial use - brightness, quiet operation, a variety of interfaces - along with ease of use and affordability.

The VPL-EX50 (Ā£571/$799) is a gorgeous looking projector. Its wholly-white glossy chassis is cutting-edge in terms of contemporary design, and the way its body shape broadens towards the front means it automatically projects images upwards on the screen, requiring minimal tilt adjustment. Having said that, we did have to alter the front two legs and single rear drop-down leg to get a totally square display.

The projector (314×109x269mm, 3kg) comes equipped with a short focal-length lens that allows a relatively large-screen projection from a short distance, ideal for smaller meeting rooms or classrooms. For example, an 80-inch image can be projected from a distance of approximately 7.5 feet. At the side of the projector are two control wheels for altering the lensā€™ focus and zoom. Once both are set youā€™ll love the pin-point sharpness of the VPL-EX50, which will be greatly appreciated when presenting text-heavy slides or business graphics. The sharp image quality is also great for showcasing Web sites, as every element in a browser can be clearly seen.

Under the hood, Sonyā€™s VPL-EX50 uses a combination of two imaging technologies. First, 3LCD technology helps to make projected images brighter and more natural. The technology provides high light transmission, excellent colour reproduction and smooth gradients in dark areas. It even helps to prevent colour break-up. Complementing this is Sonyā€™s BrightEra technology (VPL-EX50, VPL-EX5 and VPL-EW5 only), which is based on an inorganic alignment layer that produces a stronger bonding of molecules. This makes the panel more resistant to damage from UV rays and increases light resistance. As a result, brightness and panel reliability are increased.

Connectivity is basic, but Sony has covered most features demanded by a typical business user. For instance, the VPL-EX50 accepts standard and high-definition (480i, 480p, 575i, 575p, 720p, 1080i) video input signals including composite, S-Video (Y/C), and analogue RGB/component via the HD D-sub 15-pin interface. Sadly, there is no High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) for digital video projection, nor is there a DVI port for digital laptops or even component inputs. But there is a control panel key lock and a password authentication system to help limit unauthorised use, in addition to a built-in security bar and Kensington lock to help prevent theft. Thereā€™s also monitor and audio outputs, as well as audio input, RS-232C control, and a 1-Watt monaural speaker.

Additional features of the VPL-EX50 includes a matching slimline infrared remote control (Remote Commander), digital zoom (up to 4x), image freeze, six picture modes (Dynamic, Standard, Presentation, Cinema, Game and Living), dynamic detail enhancer for video signals, Smart APA (Auto Pixel Alignment), vertical keystone adjustment, multi-language OSD, picture muting (turn off the image - great for waking up a dozing audience), front exhaust system, low power consumption (3-Watts standby power), and a ceiling-mount option.

Using the VPL-EX50 really is a snap. The projector allows presentations to begin quickly and end just as fast. The time from power-up to display of the first image is only about 4 seconds. When finished, you can use Sonyā€™s ā€˜Off-and-Goā€™ feature to simply turn the projector off and unplug the AC power cord, without waiting for the fan to turn off.

Sonyā€™s VPL-EX50 delivers consistently bright images of up to 2500 ANSI lumens. Colours arenā€™t as rich as a good home theatre projector, but the VPL-EX50 isnā€™t designed for DVD and Blu-Ray playback (4:3 native aspect ratio and 900:1 contrast ratio arenā€™t great assets). Sharpness is fantastic, and its features are well conceived, making the VPL-EX50 an excellent projector for use in small to medium-sized venues. The front-inclined design helps achieves optimal image placement, and a short throw distance is perfect if space is limited. As a bonus, the new E-series projector is also easy to maintain, with a long-life filter that is timed to coincide with when the lamp needs to be replaced (around 3000 hours), reducing the number of maintenance sessions required.