Classroom Projector Report: Panasonic PT-VX400U 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-VX400U.
6/27/2012 - Art Feierman
The Panasonic PT-VX400U Projector - A Quick Look
| Panasonic PT-VX400U | Panasonic PT-VX400NTU |
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What they have in common: 3LCD technology, 4000 lumens, 2000:1 contrast ratio, native XGA (1024x768) resolution, maximum 1920x1200 resolution, HDMI, Monitor (VGA) Out, 10W mono speaker, closed captioning, network control, 1.60:1 zoom ratio, 3000 hour lamp life in full power, 5000 hour lamp life in eco-mode, $329 replacement lamp, filters that must 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-VX400U
The Panasonic PT-VX400U (click for full specs) is related to the PT-VX400NTU projector.
The PT-VX400U is different from the PT-VW400NTU in a few key ways: For one, it is a thousand bucks cheaper at $1499 (MSRP). For that lower pricetag, it is slightly lighter (7.7 lbs. instead of 8). Lastly it lacks the VW400NTU's connectivity - it does not have wireless networking capabilities, nor does it have a USB input or remote mousing.
Otherwise, the PT-VX400U is identical to the PT-VX400NTU. Both are XGA 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-VX400U and PT-VX400NTU both have closed captioning and network control capabilities too.
They have a 3000 hour lamp life (5000 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-VX400U comes with a 3 year parts and labor warranty - the best you can get.
Basically, if you're on a budget, the PT-VX400U is obviously the more affordable option - a whole $1000 cheaper! And so long as you don't require wireless networking or a USB input of the PT-VX400NTU, the PT-VX400U will suit you just fine. It's portable, bright and has a great warranty... What's not to like about the PT-VX400U?