Panasonic PT-DZ770UL WUXGA DLP Projector Review
See this projector in our annual Classroom Projector Report, sponsored by:
In this review, the version we worked with was the PT-DZ770UK ("K" signifying the black exterior), but for convenience we have dropped the "K" in our review.
Editor's comment: The PT-DZ770UL projector is what we refer to as "heavy metal" around here. It's bright, it's dual lamp for critical applications requiring continuous operation, and it will be typically used for rental and staging, auditoriums, hotel ballrooms, and large media rooms. And, it is extremely high resolution.
October 2012 - Mike Rollet
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Panasonic PT-DZ770UL Projector Overview
Need a reasonably-priced high resolution projector with enough brightness for a presentation in an auditorium? Panasonic’s new PT-DZ770UL twin lamp, single chip DLP projector fits the bill. It is a high brightness (7000 lumen rating), high resolution (WUXGA - 1920 X 1200) projector that also delivers a super sharp image. As you would expect, the PT-DZ770UL has a complete set of connection options for a PC, Mac and other video sources, including the traditional VGA cable, DVI-D, HDMI, 5-BNC component video, S-video and composite video. There is also serial control and pass through capability.
The PT-DZ770UL is designed for a permanent installation. While lighter than most of the competition, its size and weight (about 36 lbs. with standard lens) still make it unlikely to be used as a "portable" projector, except, perhaps, when placed on a cart.
The PT-DZ770UL is network connectable (through its LAN input) allowing for control of the projector, as well as monitoring the projector’s status, scheduled maintenance and problem notification remotely. As likely uses of this projector would include medical school training and medical imaging presentations, Panasonic has included a picture mode that conforms to the grayscale requirements of the DICOM standards. This is routinely used to provide a clearer picture of X-ray images (see details in the Special Features section). The PT-DZ770UL also supports a variety of network control options. In addition to simple browser-based control, the projector can be set for control via the PJLink, Crestron RoomView and AMX D.D. protocols.
The PT-DZ770UL does not come with a lens (the “L” designation actually means “no lens”), but for our review, we were provided with both the standard zoom lens (1.7 to 2.4:1) and a shorter throw lens (1.3 to 1.9:1). There are seven lens options in total, six zoom lenses ranging from 0.8 to 8.6:1, as well as a fixed focus lens (0.8:1) for rear projection setups. These lens options are explained in more detail in the “Special Features” section below.
There are two other projectors in the PT-DZ770 series. The PT-DW740 has 7000 lumens and WXGA resolution), and the PT-DX810 has 8200 lumens and XGA resolution. Both have dual lamps and all of the lens options, connection and control capabilities of the PT-DZ770UL.
Panasonic PT-DZ770UL Projector Highlights
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Excellent Brightness – 7000 lumen rating
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Wired networking control capability
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Flexibility of installation – Vertical and horizontal lens shift, plus choice of seven optional lenses
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DICOM medical imaging picture mode
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Rec. 709 picture mode for HDTV viewing
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Side-by-side feature displays two images simultaneously
- WUXGA resolution of 1920x1200
Specs for the Panasonic PT-DZ770UL
Click here for full specifications: Panasonic PT-DZ770UL
MSRP: $17,099 w/standard lens (street price - $8700 to 9100)
Technology: DLP
Native Resolution: WUXGA (1920x1200)
Brightness: 7000 lumens
Contrast: 2500:1
Zoom Lens ratio: 1.7 to 2.4:1 (standard lens)
Lens shift: Horizontal and Vertical
Lamp life: 2000 hours (Normal brightness) Dual Lamp
Dimensions: (Including feet): 19.59”W x 18.34"D x 6.875"H
Weight: 35.9 lbs. (with standard lens)
Warranty: 3 years Parts and Labor on projector, 90 days or 500 hours (whichever comes first) on lamps
Panasonic PT-DZ770UL Special Features
PT-DZ770UL Optional Lenses
For more flexibility of installation, Panasonic offers a total of seven lenses to choose from, depending on your installation needs. The standard lens (which comes with the PT-DZ770U projector and was used for this review) has a throw ratio that ranges from 1.7 to 2.4 (this means the projector can be placed at a distance from the screen that equals 1.7 to 2.4 times the screen width). There are three long throw, zoom lens that have throw ratios 2.3 to 3.6:1, 3.6 to 5.4:1 and 5.4 to 8.6:1. There are also two shorter throw lenses whose throw ratios are 0.8 to 1.0:1 and 1.3 to 1.8:1. What does this all mean? It means that by choosing the appropriate lens, the projector can display a fairly large 200” diagonal image at distances ranging from as little as 11.3’ or a far as 122.7’, though the recommended maximum distance for the standard lens is 33.8’ for that size image.
There is also a wide lens (fixed at 0.8 throw ratio) available for rear projection applications. Street prices on these lenses are around $1800 for the standard lens, $2100 for the fixed lens and $2900 for the short throw zoom lens.
DICOM Picture Mode
Panasonic has included a special picture mode to the PT-DZ770UL that displays images simulating the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) standard used with B/W medical imaging (such as X-rays). This mode optimizes black/gray/white detail. Like other projectors that include such a mode, it is not intended for actual medical evaluation, but it allows for more accurate training of medical students, as well as more detailed medical imaging presentations.
Side-by-side Image Display
The PT-DZ770UL has a mode that allows the projector to display images from two different sources side-by-side on the screen. This allows for easy before/after comparisons or could include a static image alongside a video.
Multi-screen Support with Edge blending
Multiple PT-DZ770UL projectors can be used to cover a wider image over multiple adjacent screens. The projector includes multi-screen processing, edge blending and color processing to ensure a seamless transition from one screen to the next.
PT-DZ770UL Horizontal and Vertical Lens Shift
To facilitate ease of installation, the Panasonic PT-DZ770UL has manual lens shift in both the horizontal and vertical directions. There is a maximum of +50% vertical lens shift (upward if table mounted) and +/- 10% horizontal shift (left and right).