Classroom Projector Report: Panasonic PT-VW330U Commentary
The Panasonic projector we considered in this years Classroom Projector Report (the PT-VX400NTU - click for full review) is from the same family as the Panasonic PT-VW330U.
6/27/2012 - Art Feierman
The Panasonic PT-VW330U Projector - A Quick Look
| Panasonic PT-VW330U | Panasonic PT-VX400NTU |
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What they have in common: 3LCD technology, 2000:1 contrast ratio, maximum 1920x1200 resolution, HDMI input, Monitor (VGA) Out, 10W mono speaker, closed captioning, network control, 1.60:1 zoom ratio, 3000 hour lamp life in full power, 6000 hour lamp life in eco-mode, replacement lamp that costs $329, filters that need to be changed every 6000 hours, don't have to unmount the projector to change the lamp, 3 year parts and labor warranty |
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Panasonic PT-VW330U
The Panasonic PT-VW330U (click for full specs) is loosely related to the PT-VX400NTU projector.
What sets the PT-VW330U apart from the PT-VX400NTU we reviewed? For one, it is a thousand bucks cheaper at $1499 (MSRP). For that lower pricetag, it is slightly dimmer (3000 lumens instead of 4000) and lighter (7.7 lbs. instead of 8). It is also widescreen with a native WXGA (1280x800) resolution, while the other is XGA (non-widescreen, 1024x768).
The PT-VW330U lacks the USB input, wireless networking and remote mousing of the PT-VX400NTU. But if you're not looking for wireless, that's not much of an issue - you've still got a very versatile HDMI input that can present from tons of sources... Laptop, gaming console, cable/satellite box, etc.
On top of all of the above, the PT-VW330U is like the PT-VX400NTU in a lot of ways. Both are 3LCD projectors with a 1.60:1 zoom ratio. Both have a 10W mono speaker that can produce an ample amount of sound in a reasonably sized room. The PT-VW330U and PT-VX400NTU both have closed captioning and network control capabilities too.
They have a 3000 hour lamp life (6000 hours in eco-mode), and filters that need to be changed after those 6000 hours are up. The replacement lamp is pretty pricey at $329 a pop, but on the bright side you don't have to unmount your projector to change its lamp! And when all this maitenance is happening, remember your PT-VW330U comes with a 3 year parts and labor warranty - the best you can get.
Basically, if you're on a budget, the PT-VW330U is clearly the more affordable option. And so long as you don't require wireless networking or a USB input of the PT-VX400NTU, the PT-VW330U will suit you just fine. Widescreen, portable and with a good image, the PT-VW330U is a fine projector.