Sony's VPL-EX4 projector is targeted to corporate environments and well suited to medium-sized rooms and office presentations.
The VPL-EX4 weighs approximately 3kg and is equipped with extended security features like password authentication and low fan noise.
The native resolution on the VPL-EX4 is 1,024 x 768 pixels and its brother, the VPL-ES4, has a resolution of 800 x 600. It has a 165W lamp, which gives an output of 2100 lumens. The life of the lamp is approximately 2000-3000 hours. It costs an organisation approximately AU$0.65 to AU$0.95 per hour to run the projector and comes with a one-year warranty.
How We Tested
To begin the testing process, the projector was attached to a notebook and placed at a distance of three meters from the screen (100 inches diagonally). The LX-101 digital LUX METER was employed to calculate the average brightness of the screen by taking readings from 13 points around its surface.
Usually, projectors are brighter in the middle of the screen. We discovered that the VPL-EX4 is brighter to the left and middle of the screen with the right edges appearing dimmer in comparison.
A colour quality test was conducted by using DisplayMate, designed to test the strength and weakness in terms of grey scales, resolution and colour scales.
In testing the high definition video functionality on the projector, we found the picture quality was bright and vivid.
Sony VPL-EX4
Sony's new projector is ceiling mountable and has easy to use menu functions. It comes with a remote, which has some distinctive features, an example of which is enlarging a particular section of the picture or image. The VPL-EX4 also has a Power Saving mode from which you can choose stand-by or cut off mode. If preferred, one can also change the lamp mode from standard to high, providing a better quality of picture. The aspect ratio can be changed from 4:3 to 16:9 if the input is from a DVD player.
The picture quality of the projector was quite good, with its contrast functionality also at a decent level. It has audio and monitor outputs and also accepts high definition inputs. The low fan noise is an added value to this projector, coming with low power consumption (under five watts) and goes into stand-by or turns the lamp off after 10 minutes.
The security features in this projector will allow only authorised personal to operate the unit. You can also lock the control panel on the projector and use the remote to operate it. The focus and zoom can be easily adjusted through ring dials. If required, one can also temporarily freeze the picture on the screen; this feature is of great assistance whilst trying to read or view difficult and moving images.
The keystone feature on the data projector is very useful, allowing you to adjust the side borders if they appear slanted in any way. This feature is placed both on the unit itself and on the remote.
The end user also has the option of selecting a range of different languages for the projector to operate in and is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh environments.
Verdict
Overall, the Sony VPL-EX4 Data Projector is priced on par for what it delivers. Specifically designed for class rooms and small organisations, it has some standout features like password protection, panel key lock, low fan noise and a short focal lens which allows projection on the screen from a short distance. All these features are well suited to these environments and as such will perform well when operating within this context.
We believe for the price of the unit, you'll get what you paid for, however the absence of an extra card reader slot and DVI port is notable. The projector has easy to use menu functionality that allows even the most technophobe individual to operate the unit with ease.
| Rating |  |
|---|---|
| Interoperability | |
| VPL-EX4/ES4 data projector is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh environment. It provides a good level of support and features are easy to navigate around. | |
| Futureproofing |  |
| Specifically designed for medium-sized rooms and office presentations VPL-EX4/ES4 are entry-level projectors with a number of key security and advanced projector capabilities. | |
| ROI | |
| Sony VPL-EX4/ES4 is available for AU$1,895 and the price is on par for the value built into the product. | |
| Service | |
| Comes with a standard one year warranty. Extended warranties are available. |
Enex TestLab is one of Australia's most experienced, independent technology test facilities. After more than 16 years with RMIT IT TestLab, Enex's founders acquired the business from RMIT in 2005.
4%
2%
