PT-DW5000U Projector Review - Pros, Cons

Posted on October 3, 2013 by Art Feierman

Pros

Very bright
Very good contrast, black levels and shadow detail
Especially good color handling
Industrial strength build quality
Dual lamps for non-stop operation
Six quick release bayonet style lenses to choose from
Optional long life lamps allows up to 47 weeks of continuous 24/7 operation
Horizontal (manual) and vertical lens shift for placement flexibility and to allow multiple projectors to be stacked for maximum brightness
Liquid cooled: Unbelievably w ide operating temperature range
Networking capabilities, with web browser control, and email notification for up to 65 projectors
3D color control (not mentioned elsewhere in the review)
RGBCYM color control
Wireless presentations (with remote, plus optional wireless mouse receiver)
Lamps can be replaced without unmounting the projector
Good compression technology
Very good video performance
3X color wheel
Easy filter cleaning
Cool down with power disconnected
Can operate with projector at any angle
Plenty of inputs
Reasonably quiet
8 built in test patterns for easy professional setup
Very good manual
2 year warranty with overnight replacement program both years

Cons

Color in brightest mode not quite as good (yellows and reds) as LCD projectors
Standard lamp life at full power is only rated 1300 hours
A little bit of image noise in video

Typical capabilities

Remote control
Menu layout and navigation

As you can see, there are tons of Pros, and I could barely come up with a handful of Cons and Typicals. The PT-DW5000U is simply loaded with high performance capabilities, and innovative design features. More to the point, there are no serious deficiencies that I could find. Whether your application requires heavy duty operation cycles, harsh operating environments or you just need a high power widescreen projector, the PT-DW5000U should be at the top of your shopping list. Boardrooms, auditoriums, church sanctuaries, command and control centers, the list of environments and applications where the PT-DW5000U would be exceptional is extremely long.

If I had to come up with my biggest complaint, it is probably that this projector should have been on the market sooner. And, as long as I mention bringing projectors to market, it is my hope that Panasonic will quickly follow the PT-DW5000U with a widescreen version of their much less expensive less powerful, non-liquid cooled, single lamp PT-D3500U. True, dual lamp projectors (if you need to run both lamps simultaneously) are fairly expensive to operate, but, if you need high power and reliability, they are sure easy to justify

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There are less expensive widescreen projectors available, but I'm not aware of any with that can match the DW5000U's 4500 real lumens, video performance or operational flexibility.

I almost hate going on and on with such enthusiasm, but I would have to say that the DW5000U is simply the most impressive commercial projector I have tested to date. I believe that, overall, to surpass this projector's overall performance, you will need to look to 3 chip DLP projectors costing $25,000 to $75,000+. I think that says it all. Congratulations to Panasonic.