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Panasonic PT-FRQ50 4K DLP Business/Education Laser Projector Review - Notable Features

Posted on June 14, 2022 by Philip Boyle

LASER LIGHT SOURCE

The PT-FRQ50 uses a liquid-cooled, multi-laser module light source

The PT-FRQ50 uses a liquid-cooled, multi-laser module light source and a sealed optical block to deliver a rated brightness of 5,200 lumens.

Panasonic claims 20,000 hours until light output declines to 50% for the PT-FRQ50. As with a lamp-based system, the life rating is the point where 50% of the brightness has been lost. If the PT-FRQ50 is used 40 hours per week, the 20,000-hour lifespan equates to over 9 1⁄2 years of operation.

Laser Redundancy 

Should one module fail the others help maintain almost full brightness
Should one module fail the others help maintain almost full brightness

Like many Panasonic professional laser projectors, the PT-FRQ50 uses a multi-drive laser optical engine with failover redundancy circuits. This grouping of multiple laser modules allows the projector to maintain close to full brightness should one of the laser modules fail. With many other laser projectors, the entire module shuts down if a laser diode fails, resulting in a dramatic loss of brightness. The Multi-Drive Laser Optical Engine used on the PT-FRQ50 Series adds an invaluable layer of insurance and peace of mind when image presentation must not be interrupted.

Sealed Optical Block

Panasonic Dust Text Standards
Panasonic Dust Text Standards

The PT-FRQ50's optical unit and light source are sealed to protect them from dust particles. Its heat pipe-based cooling system eliminates the need for an air filter, so the projector continues functioning where non-sealed projectors cannot.

There are four modes to adjust the brightness output of the laser light source.

Normal – 100% brightness at high fan speed resulting in an estimated laser light source life of about 20,000 hours.

ECO – Brightness is reduced to 80%, and the estimated laser light source life increases to about 24,000 hours.

Quiet – Reduces brightness by 80% while reducing fan speed to lower noise. The estimated laser light source life is about 20,000 hours.

User – The laser engine brightness can be adjusted from 20% to 100%. Increasing the lamp brightness level decreases the laser light source's life.

When the Dynamic Contrast setting is engaged, the laser light engine of the PT-FRQ50 can be modulated scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame to increase the projector's dynamic contrast performance accurately. This improves picture quality, particularly in video where scenes frequently change from light to dark. The power consumption is also reduced when this feature is implemented.

DIGITAL LINK (HDBASET)

DIGITAL LINK™ is Panasonic's trademarked version of HDBaseT™ and is compatible with a wide variety of HDBaseT transmitters from manufacturers such as Gefen, Extron, and Atlona. Using DIGITAL LINK, you can transmit 4K video up to 50 m (164 ft) with a single LAN cable. In Long Reach Mode, you can send 1080P content up to 150 m (492 ft) using an ET-YFB200G DIGITAL LINK Switcher.

We've all been in meeting rooms where several presenters attempt to share a single HDMI cable. Panasonic offers the optional DIGITAL LINK Switcher, which allows the connection of multiple sources to be routed to a DIGITAL LINK-ready projector such as the PT-FRQ50 via a single CAT5e or higher ethernet cable for those types of meetings. Using the DIGITAL LINK Switcher (ET-YFB200G) or any other compatible HDbaseT switcher eliminates the need to move a single HDMI cable from one presenter to another because multiple presenters can be simultaneously connected to the PT-FRQ50.

PROJECTION MAPPING AND EDGE BLENDING

Projection mapping digitally masks the image

Projection mapping digitally masks the image to light up non-traditional, often three-dimensional, objects. This is used often at concerts, museums, and other digital signage applications. The PT-FRQ50 has built-in basic projection mapping features, eliminating the need for third-party software-based projector mapping solutions.

the PT-FRQ50 is equipped with Edge Blending and Color Matching

If you need more light output or want to use multiple projectors to display a larger, wider aspect image, the PT-FRQ50 is equipped with Edge Blending and Color Matching adjustments to make that goal easier. Using Edge Blending, you can split an image over multiple projectors and display it as one large image while reducing the hard transition from one projector to another. Using the PC control software, you can also correct any color variations between the projectors. The result should be a seamless image like a single projector is displaying it.

NETWORK MANAGEMENT TOOLS

The PT-FRQ50 provides several ways of controlling and monitoring your projector once it has been connected to your network.

PJLINK

PJLink is a unified standard created to allow the operation and control of a projector. One benefit of PJLink enables the connection of different manufacturers' projectors for better communication between them, other displays, and control systems.

WEB CONTROL

Web Control can be accessed from the web browser of a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. Just enter the projector's IP address into a compatible browser to access most of the projector menu functions. To prevent unauthorized tampering, you can even set up a password.

MULTI MONITORING & CONTROL SOFTWARE

Panasonic Multi Monitoring & Control software

Panasonic Multi Monitoring & Control software allows you to check the status of multiple (up to 2,048 devices) networked Panasonic projectors and perform various projector operations from your computer. For example, you can get information such as power status and errors, so you are alerted to projector abnormalities immediately. You can also select individual projectors or projector groups to check detailed information such as the usage hours of the projector light source, the current input, and any present errors.

If you opt for the paid license (free 90-day trial available) of the software, you will have access to advanced features such as real-time monitoring, abnormality detection, and notification before servicing is required. You can even set up a networked projector to send you an email alert if there is a problem. 

GEOMETRIC ADJUSTMENT GRID VIA REMOTE

on-screen Free Grid simplifies using the projectors Geometric Adjustment

The built-in on-screen Free Grid simplifies using the projectors Geometric Adjustment functions. Using only the projector remote control, there is no need to have a PC connected. Installers can correct image distortion caused by uneven surfaces or irregular objects on flat or curved screens directly from the projector. A grid is overlaid on the projected image, allowing the installer to reshape distorted areas by adjusting the position of node or V/H line control-points. Grids of 2 x 2, 4 x 4, 8 x 8, or 16 x 16 lines are selectable according to required granularity, and work progress is saved automatically. Grid and control-point colors are selectable to ensure clear visibility over the image.

DICOM SIMULATION

DICOM Simulation color mode is designed to present medical images such as X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, PETs, etc., with enough contrast, detail, and quality along with minimal noise for use in medical schools, at medical conferences, and for educational purposes.

MOUNTING FLEXIBILITY

The PT-FRQ50 is suitable for applications where an orientation other than traditional landscape placement is required. The unit can be installed universally at any angle. Tilt-free, roll-free, and portrait installations are supported. The projector can be rotated freely (360°) to point up or down depending on the installation requirements and can be rotated and installed on its side to create a portrait image. Since the PT-FRQ50 has a built-in angle sensor, images are automatically rotated depending upon whether the unit sits on a table or is mounted upside down from the ceiling.

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