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Welcome to our review of the Panasonic PT-LRZ35U Single-chip DLP RGB LED Projector. Panasonic is targeting the PT-LRZ35U, and it’s WXGA little brother, the PT-LRW35, as being ideal for art or science classrooms and any application requiring precise color accuracy such as corporate presentations or artistic renderings. Not to spoil the review but when it comes to color reproduction and overall picture quality the PT-LRZ35U delivers and then some.

Panasonic says they produced the PT-LRZ35U with the goal of solving unnecessary distractions in smaller classrooms and meeting spaces. Panasonic sees the PT-LRZ35U projector as being ideal for these areas because of its whisper-quiet operation (Panasonic claims as low as 24dB in Quiet mode) without sacrificing image quality. We will see.

So, who would want this projector? Well for starters anyone who wants a projector that offers overall excellent picture quality for a unit in its class. It has one of the better pictures I’ve seen recently from a projector in its price point. This is largely due to Panasonic's remarkable Discrete 3 LED lighting system.

The projector's lightweight and small size are largely credited to Panasonic's use of a sealed light engine. There are some real benefits to having the light engine sealed, for one, the projector is quieter and is filter-free. This engine is powered by a discrete RGB LED light source so there’s no color wheel and, color wheel components. The elimination of these components results in fewer moving parts and increased reliability. Panasonic’s discrete RGB LED light source eliminates rainbow distortions and provides viewers an expanded color gamut resulting in better color reproduction and, ultimately, improved picture quality.

The PT-LRZ35U has a native resolution of WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) and became available for purchase this past August 2020.

Panasonic PT-LRZ35U Specs
Price $2999 MSRP $1699 ASP
Technology RGB LED DLP
Native Resolution 1920 x 1200, 1920x1200
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim) 3500
Contrast 35000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio 1.3x manual zoom
Lens Shift Yes
Lamp Life 20,000
Weight 14.77 lbs
Warranty 3 Years

OVERVIEW

The Panasonic PT-LRZ35 Series is their first portable projector to use a discrete RGB LED light source. Panasonic designed this new light engine with the goal of producing superior color reproduction and enhanced picture quality, which is ideal for art or science classrooms and any application requiring precise color accuracy such as corporate presentations or artistic renderings. The RGB LED DLP single-chip projector with WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) resolution and a rated brightness of 3,500 lumens offers a lot of performance and features for its current MSRP of $2999 but can be found at multiple authorized sellers at $1699

Panasonic claims, with caveats, that the PT-LRZ35U and its WXGA little brother, the PT-LRW35, are the smallest and lightest R/G/B LED DLP projectors in the 3,500lm class. The PT-LRZ35U weighs 14.77 pounds allowing it to be installed with less difficulty in a variety of situations. Just consider how much easier it would be to mount it on the ceiling since it weighs less than 15 pounds. The PT-LRZ35 Series is 3D-ready with DLP® Link™ technology. While it is true that displaying content in 3D requires optional compatible glasses, it’s still exciting to see a business class projector, for all intents and purposes, offering 3D as a feature. I think “intent” is something I’m going to expand upon below.

Panasonic is using a sealed light engine in the PT-LRZ35 series of projectors and this provides several benefits. You don’t have to worry about cleaning or changing a filter because there isn’t one. Another benefit is long life because all the components of the light engine are sealed in a dust-resistant cabinet. Sealing these components from the outside ensures reliable 24/7 operation and an impressive estimated 20,000 hours of practically maintenance-free operation.

Panasonic also claims the PT-LRZ35U can deliver a dynamic contrast ratio of 30,000;1. It has a USB Type-A 2A output that can run USB powered HDMI smart devices like Fire Sticks or Roku. The PT-LRZ35U has a manual vertical lens shift, 1.3x zoom lens, dual HDMI inputs as well as a DIGITAL LINK/LAN (HDBaseT) input. The PT-LRZ35U is a WUXGA projector so it can accept 1,920 x 1,200 content via its HDMI inputs.

The PT-LRZ35U checks almost all the feature boxes you would expect from a business-class projector at its price point and adds a few more features that are not normally seen on this class of projector. These features include a vertical lens shift plus a decent amount of image zoom. As I’ve put the PT-RZ35U through its paces I’ve also come to the conclusion that this business class projector would also fit well into a home theater system. With regard to overall picture quality, the PT-LRZ35U, with its use of discrete RGG LED's gives Panasonic a real advantage over its traditional competitors. My editor and I were so impressed with the improved picture performance and color quality of the PT-LRZ35U we decided to give it a special interest award.

Thank you to Epson for sponsoring the 2021-2022 Education Report and Guide!

HIGHLIGHTS

  • 3,500 lumens (White vs Color Lumens not available)
  • Light engine life of up to 20,000 hours
  • WUXGA Resolution (1920 x 1200)
  • Supports 1,920 x 1,200 via HDMI
  • R/G/B LED DMD Technology
  • 30,000:1 Contrast Ratio
  • Vertical lens shift provides excellent mounting flexibility
  • Low-noise operation of just 24 dB in Quiet Mode
  • Quick On/Quick Off for instant image display and no projector cooldown
  • Built-in 10 W speaker, mic input, and variable audio output
  • Advanced Networking Crestron, AMX and PJLink
  • Filter free design
  • Network monitoring and control
  • Built-in 10-watt speaker
  • 3-year warranty

Once again, we would like to thank Sony for allowing Projector Reviews to be one of the first sites to provide an in-depth review of both the VPL-VW715ES and its big brother, the VPL-VW915ES. The two units are very similar in terms of features, except the VW915ES features a Z Phosphor laser light source while the less expensive VW715ES is lamp-based.

The VW715ES is the successor of the highly rated VW695ES we reviewed a few years ago. The VW715ES retails for $9,999.99, and it’s the top end Sony 4K SXRD bulb-based projector. Sony claims the VW715ES can produce 1,800 lumens of brightness and the unit’s lamp has a rated life of 6,000 hours in low power mode.

Sony was the first company to introduce a 4K projector, and they still have the widest model assortment. Like all Sony 4K HDR home theater projectors, the VW715ES utilizes three SXRD panels to deliver true 4K resolution (4096 x 2160).

The most significant VW715ES upgrade is new video processing powered by a version of Sony’s X1 processor that has been optimized specifically for projector applications. This processor is what gives the projector the ability to do frame-by-frame HDR tone mapping. The VW715ES supports both the HDR10 standard as well as HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma).

Due to a projector’s limited brightness capabilities, I believe that dynamic tone mapping helps maximize the image quality of HDR10 content on the VW715ES and the VW915ES. A new feature called Dynamic HDR Enhancer, powered by the X1 processor, combines frame-by-frame HDR analysis and tone mapping with the VW7I5ES’s dynamic iris to deliver a big improvement in HDR reproduction.

Sony VPL-VW715ES Specs

Specs
Price
Technology
Native Resolution
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
Contrast
Zoom Lens Ratio
Lens Shift
Lamp Life
Weight
Warranty

VPL-VW715ES Overview

Sony has seven 4K HDR Home Theater projectors in their lineup, starting with the VW295ES ($5,000) and running up to the flagship $80,000 (minus lens) GTZ380. There are five laser-based 4K HDR models in the lineup, including the stellar VW915ES and two 4K HDR home theater lamp-based projectors, the VW295ES ($5,000 SRP) and this newly announced VW715ES ($10,000 SRP).

As with many previous generations, Sony allowed Projector Reviews to be one of the first sites to review the two new additions to their home theater projector lineup. I spent a couple of weeks with the VW915ES and then a few weeks with the VW715ES.

As mentioned in the VW915ES review, that unit delivered the best image quality I have ever seen in my test lab room. I can confidently attest that the VW915ES produced the best looking, most eye-popping HDR picture I have ever seen on my screen in my test lab earning it one of our Hot Product Awards.

Like the VW915ES, the VW715ES is equipped with the new projector optimized X1 processor. In addition to signal processing and HDR analysis/tone mapping, the processor also controls the projector’s dynamic iris for improved dynamic contrast and black level.

While the laser-based VW915ES ($20,000 SRP) is outstanding, the lamp-based VW715ES ($10,000 SRP) is literally half the price and still delivers great picture quality, making it a great option for customers with smaller budgets.

While it does not use a laser light source, the VW715ES utilizes the same X1 processor. It includes the new Dynamic HDR Enhancer feature, which delivers a noticeable improvement to its HDR performance compared to the older VW695ES.

Below is a summary of the Sony 4K SXRD Laser projector lineup.

ModelPrice (SRP)BrightnessLight SourceLensProcessorDynamic HDR Enhancer
GTZ380$80,000 (w/o lens)10,000 lmZ-PhosphorARC-FX1 UltimateYes
VW5000ES$60,0005,000 lmZ-PhosphorARC-F
VW995ES$35,0002,200 lmZ-PhosphorARC-F
VZ1000ES$25,0002,500 lmZ-PhosphorUltra-Short Throw
VW915ES$19,999.992,000 lmZ-PhosphorStandard LensX1Yes
VW715ES$9,999.991,800 lmLampStandard LensX1Yes
VW295ES$5,0001,500 lmLmapStandard Lens

The VW715ES has a rated brightness of 1,800 lumens. While 1,800 lumens might not seem impressive in the industry, but unlike some other home theater projectors, the VW175ES still delivers most of its brightness even after it is calibrated. Many projectors with much higher brightness ratings can barely deliver half of their rated lumens once properly calibrated.

As with all Sony home theater projectors, the VW715ES uses 3 SXRD panels and is Sony’s version of LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) that delivers more native contrast than standard LCD panels or DLP chips used in consumer projectors. Combining SXRD panels with a Dynamic Iris results in excellent dynamic contrast and further improves the projector’s black level.

The VW715ES is packed with custom integration features for maximum system flexibility and reliability. For example, Picture Position Memories makes it a breeze to use the VW715ES with a 2.23:1 screen or an anamorphic lens.

VPL-VW715ES Highlights

  • Price: $9,999
  • Technology: SXRD panels (LCoS)
  • Native Resolution: 4K (4096 x 2160)
  • Brightness (Manufacturer Claim): 1800 lumens
  • Lamp Life: 6,000 Hours (Lamp Mode: Low)
  • Contrast: 350,000:1 (Dynamic)
  • Zoom Lens Ratio: 2.06:1
  • HDR10/HLG Compatible
  • Frame and Frame HDR Auto Tone Mapping
  • Two 18Gbps HDMI/HDCP 2.2 Compatible Inputs
  • Power Lens Focus/Shift/Zoom: Yes
  • Weight: 31 lb
  • Warranty: 3-year Parts & Labor

Around two years ago Sony launched the VPL-VW695ES along with several other native 4K Sony home theater projectors. The VW695ES is the last of these newest Sony projectors for us to review!

It sports a list price of $9999.99. What is particularly interesting is that it replaces two previous and popular models. In the past Sony had the VW3xx series and the VW6xx series – which was brighter, higher performance, but $14,999.99.

Projector Reviews Hot Product Award

Our top award given for products we review. Additionally we have Best In Class Awards in our special reports.]

Specs
Price
Technology
Native Resolution
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
Contrast
Zoom Lens Ratio
Lens Shift
Lamp Life
Weight
Warranty

Overview

What the VPL-VW695ES, brings to the party, is a new projector, with higher performance and value than either previous model, at a price point much closer to the lower cost of the two earlier home theater projectors.  Prior to this new series, that VW375ES for example, was mostly identical to the lower cost VW295ES ($4999.99), except for the addition of Lens Memory, and a Dynamic Iris.  With the VW695ES though you got both of those, and a jump in overall performance.  

As with all Sony home theater projectors, the VW695ES uses 3 LCoS panels (Liquid Crystal on Silicon).  Sony and JVC, the two dominant home theater brands between $5000 and $30,000 both rely on LCoS panels.   JVC makes one lower cost DLP (under $4K) - one, that’s partially based on a BenQ projector – and not a core part of their primary lineup, rather the exception, and definitely not competition.

With a list price point right at $10K, this Sony competes with models from JVC, as well as the new BenQ HT9060, and others. We’ll discuss the competition at various points, but, have a whole section on the competition on our Summary page.

This Sony projector is about as feature laden as they come. Native 4K. HDR support for both HDR10 and HLG, Dynamic iris for better handling of very dark scenes, 3plenty of calibrated brightness to light up large screens in a home theater, 3D (Sony has long done a great job with 3D), an excellent set of controls (including for calibration), and the projector is somewhat sleek looking and mostly black – it will look great hanging from your ceiling or rear shelf.

No question about the performance of Sony’s VPL-695ES. It took about three hours of watching it on 4K (with/without HDR content), and quick analysis of black levels (on both 1080p and 4K with HDR), to determine this projector deserves one of our Hot Product Awards. Upward of 50 hours of viewing later, no reason to think otherwise. Of course our review will cover most aspects and provide the perspective for receiving our highest “regular” award.

Now I normally don’t like to give too many clues about the performance of a projector, before we really get started, but I thought I would share one surprise. Black level performance: I was certainly expecting better blacks than the older models, but they easily exceeded my expectations.

Will they rival the JVC competition? Black levels have been the JVC’s primary advantage – I’ve long felt Sony provided superior image processing (including 3D).

The rest of the 4K Sonys

Sony definitely has the largest lineup of native 4K home projectors around (some very high end companies have more models), but usually many models are very similar. The rest of the line up beyond our focus today, the VPL-VW695ES, and the lower cost VW295ES I’ve mentioned, consist of two slightly older projectors priced right at $24,999.99 – one is the standard design VPL-VW885ES, and the other, an ultra short throw projector, the VPL-VW1000ES.

An image projected by the Sony VPL-VW385ES, which was replaced by the Sony VPL-VW695ES.

Both of those have laser light engines, as do Sony’s two – yes two – flagship models: The newest Sony – the VPL-VW995ES (reviewed months ago), at $40K (awesome!!!) And their now ancient VPL-VW5000ES a $60,000 5000 lumen model that’s been around for years, and gets a lot of upgrading but does still lack a few new capabilities that, say, the VW995ES offers for less.

“It’s a Sony!”

If you are a baby boomer – like me, then you almost certainly know that Sony was long known for legendary picture quality:  It was 50  years ago, that the Sony Trinitron picture tube set the standard for TVs and for professional studio monitors – Hey, we’re going back to Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show!

Many to this day attributed the Trinitron as changing US perceptions of Japanese consumer tech products from “cheap junk” to “high quality”! My take is that Sony TVs back then helped also help Japanese auto companies. Back when the Sony TVs were dominating, Nissan’s were still sold as Datsuns in the US.

That’s the scoop. Sony has lower priced home projectors (two) but neither are 4K capable, and both have been reviewed, they start at $1999.99.

Highlights

  • Hilights
    • 1800 lumens claimed – and without an “ugly mode” that most projectors have
    • Excellent color right out of the box – which is why we did not calibrate it
    • 2.06:1 motorized zoom lens
      • Motorized focus, zoom and lens shift
      • Lots of lens shift
      • Lens Memory for one button switching between preferred aspect ratios
    • Dynamic iris for superior dark scenes
    • Low input lag for gaming!
    • 6000 hours lamp life in eco mode
    • Two HDMIs – full 18Ghz support for up to 60fps 4K with 4:2:2 color depth with HDR!
    • 12 volt triggering for controlling a motorized screen or window shades
    • Large, full featured remote control
    • Three years parts and labor warranty (no rapid replacement program)
    • Comprehensive menu system
    • Excellent color controls
    • Quieter than most projectors

The Home Cinema 2040 and 2045 are Epson's impressive, new sub-$1000 home theater - or if you prefer, home entertainment projectors.

I'm a bit late getting this published.  I received a Home Cinema 2040 - also referred to as HC2040 about five weeks ago.  It was an engineering sample, delivered shortly before Epson's official announcement.  I went through the entire review process, but had to complete our annual Best Home Theater Projectors report and launch another site - SmarterHomeAutomation.com - before getting around to writing this up.  My apologies for the delay.  Here goes!

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