In what amounts to recognition of the growing importance of Microsoft Teams Front Row and other emerging widescreen conference formats, Sony has announced free firmware updates for four key models to enable the 21:9 aspect ratio.

Sony 21 9 Update hero slider
Growing use of Microsoft Teams Front Row and other ultra-widescreen conferencing formats is driving manufacturers like Sony to support the 21:9 aspect ratio.

Four popular midrange projectors will receive the update this month. The software is available now to upgrade existing field units of two interchangable lens models, the VPL-FHZ85 (see the ProjectorCentral review), and VPL-FHZ80, rated respectively at 7,300 and 6,000 ISO21118 lumens.

Users in the field can download the firmware at Sony's support page and use either a USB flash drive or the integrated network-based browser interface to perform the update.

A firmware update will be issued by the end of the month for two compact, fixed-lens models, the VPL-PHZ61 (see our review) and the VPL-PHZ51. These are rated at 6,400 and 5,300 ISO21118 lumens.

Sony 21 9 Update PHZ61
Sony's popular VPL-PHZ61, a 3LCD projector with 6,400 rated lumens, a compact form factor and a $3,125 street price, will add 21:9 aspect ratio support later this month.

Microsoft rolled out Front Row in early 2022, which calls for a 21:9 aspect ratio display to take best advantage of the ultra-widescreen format. The idea is to allow most if not all individuals participating in group virtual meetings to remain visible on screen at all times while still permitting generous display area for documents and presentations. Other popular conferencing systems are following suit with support of 21:9, including Zoom with its Zoom Rooms app, and both panel display and projector makers have been scrambling to provide a 21:9 option in new or existing models. Likewise, the most popular screen brands are now making 21:9 screens available for conference rooms.

Laser projection remains the easiest and most cost-effective way to scale up for a large, 21:9 display, particularly with the ongoing trend toward higher lumen counts in smaller boxes, at lower prices. Sony's move looks to remove a potential barrier for buyers for otherwise well-featured models with more than enough brightness for lights-on viewing in conference rooms and classrooms.

"This firmware update is a testament to our commitment to staying at the forefront of visual innovation and increase the longevity and power of our existing portfolio," said Terrence Boyd, Senior Business Manager, Sony Electronics. "We're excited to offer our customers a wider dimension to collaborative platform viewing experiences, blending the communication barriers between on-site, hybrid, and remote event participants."

For more detailed specifications and connections, check out our Sony VPL-FHZ85B projector page.

To buy this projector, use Where to Buy online, or get a price quote by email direct from Projector Central authorized dealers using our E-Z Quote tool.

 

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