Sony announce ultra high quality 4K digital cinema projection system

The geek in us has forced us to reproduce this press release, almost in its entirety, for which we apologise. You see, most of us own big screens, a few of us own projectors, so this is the sort of thing we'd love to have in the home if we could afford it (and lived in a mansion).

Full press release follows...

Sony today announced it aims to make digital cinema available to all with the unveiling of its new SRX-R515 ultra high quality 4K digital cinema projection system, designed in particular for use in small or medium sized screen auditoria.

Key features beyond its superior 4K resolution, include an outstanding contrast ratio of over 5000:1 and the use of multiple High Pressure Mercury Lamps - a cinema industry first. All in all, the SRX-515 represents the next stage in the evolution of digital cinema, enabling smaller exhibitors to embrace the tangible benefits of digitisation and deliver a superior viewing experience for their visitors.

Smaller exhibitors will now be empowered to expand their current role to become entertainment venues, offering new services beyond traditional content, such as sports, music, theatre, opera, multi-user big screen gaming and cultural events. Not only that, they will have earlier access to a broader variety of films and be able to host film premieres simultaneously with the multiplexes.

The new SRX-R515 fits perfectly with the independent cinema audience; Sony understands there is no one-size-fits-all approach for the cinema market and developed the new projector to meet a wide range of cinema demands.

Since its sensational debut in 2009, the currently available Sony model, the SRX-R320 projection system, has rapidly acquired a strong reputation from a range of exhibitors worldwide due to its advanced features and functionalities. To respond to the recent evolving demands of digital cinema exhibit, the new SRX-R515 builds on the success of its predecessor by delivering the same industry leading 4K projection technology, but now offering enhancements in affordability, performance and functionality, specifically designed for independent exhibitors.

The next generation 4K projection system delivers true 4K, using the 4K SXRD panel, projected by a lens specially made for 4K projection. The F2.5 large aperture lens, made of Extra Low Dispersion glass, enables super fine pitch 4K projection. Also the new optical engine creates a high contrast image of over 5000:1 by further reducing leaked light which takes image quality to a level never seen before. 3D projection on the SRX-515 delivers easy on the eye 3D images vs. triple flash systems, thanks to the Sony dual lens system which completes projection of full sequence frames for both right and left eye simultaneously, without flashing. Moreover, the built in High Frame Rate (HFR) capability will extend the 3D viewing to its maximum, ready for the upcoming HFR features.

The SRX-R515 boasts design features that not only make it more cost effective, but also simple to use. These include the high pressure mercury lamps. Up until now it was thought that the high pressure mercury lamps brightness level did not meet the Digital Cinema standard, but Sony has overcome the challenge by combining six units of 450W high output lamps, maximising its brightness level by the development of Sony original optical system linking the lamps to the SXRD panel.

This new light source is an industry first and enables extremely easy, quick, and safe replacements, without the need to wear protection such as gloves and goggles, and ultimately ensures a lower cost of ownership of the projector. The multiple lamps of six will give enhanced reliability as it will ensure it's not a show stopper when a single lamp goes down.

On the physical side, the new Sony projector also features a smaller, more compact body than the original SRX-R320 (-30% less in footprint area), which increases installation flexibility for smaller projection booths and creates more operating space for smaller exhibitors. The washable filter will also reduce operation costs.

The SRX-R515 comes with a fully Sony qualified integrated media block and server, enabling high speed content ingest and transfer, allowing theatre managers to create flexible show scheduling. The single 15-inch GUI control panel and an Android tablet, including the Sony tablet series and iPad support for remote operations, will make theatre operation more effective.

"Having listened to the market, we understand independent cinemas want to be able to compete with larger exhibitors, but to date, have been limited by the costs associated with digitalisation" said Oliver Pasch, Director of European Digital Cinema Sales at Sony Professional. "This newest addition to the Sony portfolio, with its outstanding image quality, operational versatility and low cost of ownership, showcases Sony's long-term commitment to delivering the ultimate entertainment experience to the independent cinema market, and is a major step towards helping them realise the benefits of digital cinema and enabling them to deliver an immersive experience for their visitors."

As part of the overall SRX-R515 package for independent exhibitors, beyond the 4K projector and 4K integrated media block, the system includes the embedded Screen Management System (SMS) software. Sony also offers on-site installation and service, CineWatch™ remote monitoring, a 24/7 network operations centre (NOC); some of the world's most advanced video surveillance systems, optional Theatre Management System (TMS), plus everything for lobby digital signage, from hardware and installation services to content creation, content management and distribution. In February 2013, to further complement the new SRX-R515, Sony will also be launching TMS Lite, the new lower cost Theatre Management System that allows users to manage, control and schedule up to five screens effectively.

To help independent exhibitors finance their digital cinema conversion, Sony has agreements in place to provide for Virtual Print Fees with almost 20 studios and distributors. Due to its international presence, Sony can work with exhibitors on VPF programs in many different countries.