Panasonic has unveiled four new conference/installation projectors featuring a lamp-free LED/Laser Diode light source with an estimated life of 20,000 hours. These single-chip DLP projectors are the industry’s first 24/7 duty cycle projectors to feature lamp-free design.
The flagship units are the PT-RZ470 and PT-RZ430, designed for professional system integration. They include features such as edge blending and color matching for multi-unit installation, and they are 3D ready. Both of these are rated at 3000 lumens and 20,000:1 contrast. The primary difference between the two is that the RZ470 has 1920×1080 resolution, and the RZ430 is 1280×800.
Less fully featured and at lower price points are the PT-RZ370 and PT-RZ330. These are intended for free-standing use in applications where capabilities like edge blending and color matching are not required. They are also rated at 3000 lumens, with a lower contrast rating of 5000:1. The RZ370 is 1920×1080 and the RZ330 is 1280×800.
All four models feature Digital Link with HDBaseT technology which allows HDMI and other uncompressed video signals, audio signals and control commands to be sent via a single Cat5e/6 LAN cable, greatly simplifying installation. They are compatible with Crestron’s DigitalMedia 8G+, Extron’s XTP Systems, and AMX’s DGX Digital Media Switchers. They all have lens-centered design, a 2x zoom lens and vertical/horizontal lens shift to make placement as easy as possible.
High Picture Quality
Because of Panasonic’s excellent optical engineering accuracy and cooling efficiency, the projectors feature long lasting high-brightness levels and high picture quality.All of the projector models are equipped with Panasonic’s proprietary Daylight View technology, where a built-in ambient light sensor matches the image quality according to the surrounding conditions. Together with the wide color space and vivid colors of the projector, they help viewing of the projectors in rooms with bright lights. DICOM Simulation mode is also available for use in medical training applications*2.
Panasonic Digital Link
Each new model will feature a Digital Link connection. Based on Valens HDBaseT™ technology, Panasonic’s Digital Link is embedded in the PT-RZ470 and PT-RZ370 Series, allowing a single cable to transmit uncompressed HD videos, audio and control commands up to 100m (328ft). The need for an external receiver is eliminated when the projectors are used together with Panasonic’s new ET-YFB100 switcher box or other switchers with HDBaseT™ chipset.Panasonic has partnered with industry-leading manufacturers of HDBaseT solutions including Crestron, Extron, and AMX, to insure the interoperability of PT-VW431DU with Crestron’s DigitalMedia 8G+™ compatible switchers, Extron’s XTP Systems and AMX’s Enova DVX and DGX Digital Media Switchers.
Ease of Operation
The PT-RZ470 and PT-RZ370 Series projectors turn on and reach full brightness virtually instantaneously without any need for warm up time, enabling the projectors to be used immediately. There are no limitations on the number and duration of on/off cycles. Durability and reliability is further backed up by 24/7 operation capability.
Installation Flexibility
The PT-RZ470 and PT-RZ370 Series are designed with 2x zoom and exceptionally wide lens shift range. This provides flexibility for replacement installations, eliminating the need to reposition an existing universal ceiling mount.
The PT-RZ470 Series support 360-degree installation and portrait mode projection. No intricate mirror is necessary to realize these special projections, changing and expanding the way projectors can be used in a variety of environments. The PT-RZ470 Series is equipped with a number of professional features that make it ideal for complex installations. Built in Edge Blending, Color Matching and Multi-Unit Brightness Control function enable multiple unit projection without any need for external processors. 3D compatibility is another benefit boasted by the new series.
Pricing on these units has not yet been established as they are not ready for shipment. The RZ330 is expected to commence shipments in November, and the other three are slated for January/February 2013.
