Panasonic PT-VX400NT LCD Projector - Performance
5/15/12 - Mike Rollet
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Panasonic PT-VX400NT Projector - Brightness
Except where noted, the following measurements were made with the lamp in Full mode. The PT-VX400NT is rated at 4000 lumens, and that rating was consistent with results. We measured 3588 lumens in Dynamic mode (the brightest) at full wide zoom. As our measurements are typically lower than the manufacturer’s rating, we consider anything within 10% of the rated output to be excellent. As the PT-VX400NT measured just slightly more than 10% below its rating, the rating is quite accurate. The output varied slightly going to the middle of the zoom range (where all subsequent measurements were taken), dropping to 3502 lumens. Going to full telephoto zoom resulted in a greater drop to 3171 lumens. As the PT-VX400NT’s Dynamic mode is as good as many projectors’ Presentation mode, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the available lumen output for almost any presentation. Using Standard mode, the output dropped to 3213 lumens. Cinema mode, another mode that might be popular in the classroom, only dropped to 2695 lumens. Real mode (which is very similar to Cinema mode) came in at 2832 lumens. There is also Blackboard (green) mode, which yielded 2710 lumens, and four Image modes (which can be adjusted to the user’s preferences) at 3197 lumens. The PT-VX400NT also has a Colorboard mode, which adjusts color balance to suit different colored presentation surfaces. The Colorboard choices were as follows: Auto (measured with a white screen) – 3045 lumens, Green – 2661 lumens, Yellow – 2725 lumens, Blue – 2950 lumens and Red – 2756 lumens.
There are numerous settings for the lamp mode. With a white screen, we measured a slightly lower output with the lamp in Auto mode (3395 lumens in Dynamic mode). Setting the lamp on Eco 1 brightness mode resulted in a whopping 39% drop in lumen output from Full lamp mode, to 2132 lumens. Going to Eco 2 brightness mode dropped it another 17% to 1523, less than 45% of the Full lamp output. This huge drop tends to diminish the increased lamp life advantage of the Eco modes, though the output is still great enough for many uses.
The Panasonic PT-VX400NT projector in the brightest mode, Dynamic mode:
There are numerous settings for the lamp mode. With a white screen, we measured the same output whether the lamp was in Full or Auto mode. Setting the lamp on Eco 1 brightness mode resulted in a whopping 40% drop in lumen output, to 1314 in Dynamic mode. Going to Eco 2 brightness mode dropped it another 14
Panasonic PT-VX400NT Projector - Audible Noise
The Panasonic PT-VX400NT has a typical noise level (35dB in Normal lamp mode) for a multimedia projector. There would be no problem with the presenter being heard, even without using a microphone and the built-in 10W speaker. If a quieter environment is desired, dropping the PT-VX400NT into either Eco lamp mode reduces the noise level to 29 dB. If the aforementioned 40% drop in lumen output is acceptable, the PT-VX400NT would easily be quiet enough in Eco mode for comfortable video or movie viewing. To put this noise level in perspective, 29 dB is close to the noise level of many home theater projectors running in Normal lamp mode. The bottom line is that regardless of the lamp mode, the PT-VX400NT’s fan noise is never objectionable.
Panasonic PT-VX400NT Projector - Wired and Wireless Networking
The Panasonic PT-VX400NT not only offers the ability for wired network control and presentation, it also offers built-in wireless network capability. Either connection choice will allow for remote management and control of the projector. The user can also check the lamp hours as well as enable warning notifications by email.
The Panasonic PT-VX400NT offers full projection capability from anyone of up to 16 networked computers. The projected image can be split into four or sixteen equal parts. Video presentation from a networked computer is possible, as long as the video source is not a copy-protected one (such as DRM protection).
Wireless network setup, control and projection are easily achieved through Panasonic’s included Wireless Manager software.
NEXT: Panasonic PT-VX400NT warranty