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Panasonic PT-VMZ50 Laser Projector Review – Summary

Posted on September 24, 2019 by Phil Jones

Panasonic PT-VMZ Projector Review – Summary:  Highlights, Value Proposition, Pros and Cons

Highlights

The Panasonic PT-VMZ50 is a ultra-compact footprint 5,000 lumen installation WUXGA projector with a laser/phosphor light source that is rated for 20,000 of maintenance-free operation. 

The PT-VMZ50 utilizes a 3LCD imager of instead of the single DLP chip found in many compact higher brightness laser projectors which should improve bright color reproduction. I’m sure using 3LCD instead of single chip DLP is also a factor in the projector’s excellent contrast. The PT-VMZ50 is rated at 3,000,000:1 (with dynamic contrast) and the unit native contrast also appears to be pretty good as well.

While the PT-VMZ50 is a WUXGA projector it can accept 4K@30P content via HDMI1, HDMI2 or HDBaseT for increased clarity and detail. The PT-VMZ50 has manual horizontal and vertical lens shift, 1.6x zoom lens, dual HDMI inputs and a HDBaseT input. It also features USB 2.0A input and a LAN port for network control and asset management. The optional Wireless Module (AJ-WM50) combined with Panasonic’s free Wireless Projector app allows for up to 16 simultaneous wireless connections.

The laser light source and reusable air filter ensure years of maintenance free operation. Panasonic PT-VMZ50 owners also receive a 3-year parts and labor warranty.

The PT-VMZ50 offers high brightness with the longevity of a laser light source plus lots of connectivity in an ultra-compact package. Even if size isn’t that important to you, the PT-VMZ50 vivid color reproduction and good contrast would still make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a business projector.

While the PT-VMZ50 is missing some features found on more expensive business class projectors like interchangeable or motorized lenses at a retail price of just $2499, the Panasonic PT-VMZ50 is a great value.

Value Proposition

A quick search shows that the most other 5,000+ lumens business WUXGA laser projectors selling for under $3,500 like the InFocus INL3149WU utilize DLP imagers. Since the PT-VMZ50 is a 3LCD projector it should provide more vibrant colors, especially in its brighter picture modes.

The Epson offers a 3LCD laser projectors with WUXGA resolution, the PowerLite L515U, and L510U. These models are also rated for 5,000 lumens but they are larger, heavier and retail for about $300 more.

If you can get by with less resolution, Panasonic also offers some less expensive WXGA projectors like PT-VMW50U that has a list price of $1,799 and is rated light output of 5000 lumens. Regardless, the PT-VMZ50 which retails for $2499 delivers al ot of performance and features at its price point.

Pros

  • 5,000 lumens (color and white)
  • Most compact and lightest 3LCD laser projector in its class
  • Long life laser light engine should reduce maintenance costs
  • Can be mounted at any angle 
  • Very sharp, high resolution display with excellent focus over the entire image
  • High readability of text and presentation graphics
  • Excellent network support (wired and optional wireless) for control, monitoring, and multimedia presentation functions
  • Good out-of-the-box picture modes available that deliver reasonably accurate colors, 
  • Excellent connectivity capabilities including support for HDbaseT
  • Optional wireless Module (AJ-WM50)
  • Built-in 10-watt speaker is loud enough for a small conference room

Cons

  • Lacks power lens adjustments (Zoom, Focus Shift)
  • Wireless connectivity required an optional adapter

Panasonic PT-VMZ Projector Review – Summary:  Highlights, Value Proposition, Pros and Cons

Highlights

The Panasonic PT-VMZ50 is a ultra-compact footprint 5,000 lumen installation WUXGA projector with a laser/phosphor light source that is rated for 20,000 of maintenance-free operation. 

The PT-VMZ50 utilizes a 3LCD imager of instead of the single DLP chip found in many compact higher brightness laser projectors which should improve bright color reproduction. I’m sure using 3LCD instead of single chip DLP is also a factor in the projector’s excellent contrast. The PT-VMZ50 is rated at 3,000,000:1 (with dynamic contrast) and the unit native contrast also appears to be pretty good as well.

While the PT-VMZ50 is a WUXGA projector it can accept 4K@30P content via HDMI1, HDMI2 or HDBaseT for increased clarity and detail. The PT-VMZ50 has manual horizontal and vertical lens shift, 1.6x zoom lens, dual HDMI inputs and a HDBaseT input. It also features USB 2.0A input and a LAN port for network control and asset management. The optional Wireless Module (AJ-WM50) combined with Panasonic’s free Wireless Projector app allows for up to 16 simultaneous wireless connections.

The laser light source and reusable air filter ensure years of maintenance free operation. Panasonic PT-VMZ50 owners also receive a 3-year parts and labor warranty.

The PT-VMZ50 offers high brightness with the longevity of a laser light source plus lots of connectivity in an ultra-compact package. Even if size isn’t that important to you, the PT-VMZ50 vivid color reproduction and good contrast would still make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a business projector.

While the PT-VMZ50 is missing some features found on more expensive business class projectors like interchangeable or motorized lenses at a retail price of just $2499, the Panasonic PT-VMZ50 is a great value.

Value Proposition

A quick search shows that the most other 5,000+ lumens business WUXGA laser projectors selling for under $3,500 like the InFocus INL3149WU utilize DLP imagers. Since the PT-VMZ50 is a 3LCD projector it should provide more vibrant colors, especially in its brighter picture modes.

The Epson offers a 3LCD laser projectors with WUXGA resolution, the PowerLite L515U, and L510U. These models are also rated for 5,000 lumens but they are larger, heavier and retail for about $300 more.

If you can get by with less resolution, Panasonic also offers some less expensive WXGA projectors like PT-VMW50U that has a list price of $1,799 and is rated light output of 5000 lumens. Regardless, the PT-VMZ50 which retails for $2499 delivers al ot of performance and features at its price point.

Pros

  • 5,000 lumens (color and white)
  • Most compact and lightest 3LCD laser projector in its class
  • Long life laser light engine should reduce maintenance costs
  • Can be mounted at any angle 
  • Very sharp, high resolution display with excellent focus over the entire image
  • High readability of text and presentation graphics
  • Excellent network support (wired and optional wireless) for control, monitoring, and multimedia presentation functions
  • Good out-of-the-box picture modes available that deliver reasonably accurate colors, 
  • Excellent connectivity capabilities including support for HDbaseT
  • Optional wireless Module (AJ-WM50)
  • Built-in 10-watt speaker is loud enough for a small conference room

Cons

  • Lacks power lens adjustments (Zoom, Focus Shift)
  • Wireless connectivity required an optional adapter

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