Panasonic PT-VX400NT LCD XGA Multimedia Projector Review
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UPDATE: The first PT-VX400NT we received for review measured extremely low brightness due to a specific lamp problem. Since then, a second PT-VX400NT projector has been measured, and the review in the following pages is now correct.
May 2012 - Mike Rollet
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Panasonic PT-VX400NT Projector Overview
Representing one of the first joint efforts between Panasonic and Sanyo, the Panasonic PT-VX400NT is a compact, XGA (1024 X 768) LCD projector with a feature set that should be appealing to both educational and business presenters. In addition to network and PC-free presentation capabilities, the PT-VX400NT features 10-watt speaker with a microphone input on the projector. This audio output is more than sufficient for presentations in the classroom or conference room, without the need for powered external speakers. The PT-VX400NT can be connected to a computer or video source via a standard VGA cable, composite and S-video, HDMI, USB and wired or wireless 802.11 b/g/n. It can also present directly from a USB thumb drive. The PT-VX400NT has a rated output of 4000 lumens and a 1.6X zoom lens, as well as digital zooming.
The Panasonic PT-VX400NT is relatively quick to set up, with an Auto Setup feature that speeds up the process once you have it close. It also has two height-adjustable front feet instead of the usual single, center front height adjustment. The Auto lamp power feature adjusts the power level of the lamp depending on the brightness of the projected image, thus resulting in power savings and potentially improved lamp life. Other notable features are a 6000 hour filter life and the ability to display images from up to 16 networked computers at the same time.
The PT-VX400NT is one of three projectors in the PT-VW330 series. The other two are the PT-VX400, which is the same as the PT-VX400NT, but without the USB inputs and wireless networking ability and the PT-VW330, which is a widescreen (WXGA) version of the PT-VX400. The PT-VW330 is only rated at 3000 lumens.
The PT-VX400NT comes with a handy carrying case and its compact size and light weight (7.9 lbs.) makes it easy to transport between class or conference rooms.
Panasonic PT-VX400NT Projector Highlights
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High Brightness – 4000 lumens
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Built-in 10 watt speaker and microphone input
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PC Free Projection Capability – Presentations can be done without a computer from a USB thumb drive
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USB connection projects video and plays audio from a PC and provides mouse function to the remote
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Wired and wireless network control capability and projection from up to 16 networked computers
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iPad, iPhone and iPod wireless presentation capability
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6,000-hour filter replacement cycle
Specs for the Panasonic PT-VX400NT
Click here for full specifications: Panasonic PT-VX400NT
Street Price: $1159
Technology: 3LCD
Native Resolution: WXGA (1280x800)
Brightness: 4000 lumens
Contrast: 2000:1
Zoom Lens ratio: 1.6:1
Lens shift: None
Lamp life: Up to 3000 hours in Normal mode, 5000 hours in Eco mode
Dimensions: Including feet: 13.8" x 10.9" x 3.8"
Weight: 7.9 lbs.
Warranty: 3 years Parts and Labor on projector, 90 days on lamp
Panasonic PT-VX400NT Projector Special Features
Auto Setup – The Auto Setup feature uses a camera on the front of the projector to detect the status of the projected image. From there, a focus assist screen is displayed to quickly and accurately set focus. Then, both horizontal and vertical keystone adjustments are automatically applied to square the image. Finally, the white balance is adjusted to match the color of the projected surface. This is a real potential time saver.
Auto Lamp – When set to Auto Lamp, the PT-VX400NT automatically adjusts the lamp power based on the brightness of the projected image. This means that with darker scenes, the lamp may have its power consumption dropped by up to 70%, resulting in reduced energy usage. There is also an automatic color correction applied to compensate for color shifts that can occur when the lamp output drops.
Wireless Projection – In addition to the extensive network presentation abilities of the PT-VX400NT (see the “Wired and Wireless Networking” section), adding the free “Panasonic Wireless Projector for iOS” app to your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch enables wireless projection from any of those devices. PDF files and JPG images can be transferred into this app and projected, as can websites via a built-in web browser and photos taken with the device’s camera. All this can be done without a networked PC involved.
USB Memory Viewer – This feature enables you to display photos (JPG and BMP) and text files stored on a USB storage device, without the use of a PC.