Comments by Projector Reviews staff:
LED light sources are virtually maintenance free. We have seen many XGA/WXGA resolution business projectors (notably from Casio) that use this technology. However, Panasonic is coming out with a true 1080p lamp-free model in the fall, designed for professional installations, such as museums, and for digital signage as well. No info on pricing yet, but read on for an explanation of all the bells and whistles and more information from Panasonic!
Press Release
PANASONIC DEVELOPS WORLD’S FIRST*1 1080p LAMP-FREE PROFESSIONAL PROJECTORS WITH HDBaseT™ TECHNOLOGY
PT-RZ470 and PT-RZ370 Series Utilize LED/Laser-Combined Light Source, Deliver up to 20,000 Hours of Virtually Maintenance-Free Operation
Secaucus, NJ, June 13, 2012 – Panasonic, a provider of professional projector solutions, today announced the world’s first lamp-free projector series with HDBaseT™ technology. This new series of projectors replaces a conventional lamp with new LED/laser diodes boosted by Panasonic’s proprietary technologies to realize long lasting high brightness of more than 3,000 lumens. The 1-Chip DLP™ PT-RZ470 and PT-RZ370 Series will be made available in two different resolutions, 1080p (1,920 x 1,080) and WXGA (1,280 x 800) with capabilities that were not possible before with conventional lamps.
By pairing an LED/laser light source with Panasonic’s installation flexibility – including lens shift capability – the PT-RZ470 Series and PT-RZ370 Series represent a new and important milestone in projector evolution. By providing end users with continuous high brightness and professional grade features including Edge Blending and Color Matching, Panasonic has enriched the projector usage experience for educational institutions and professional applications such as museums and digital signage.
The new lighting technology delivers up to 20,000 hours of virtually maintenance-free operation and as a result, operating costs often associated with periodic labor and service can be drastically reduced.
High Picture Quality
Because of Panasonic’s excellent optical engineering accuracy and cooling efficiency, the projectors feature long lasting high-brightness levels and high picture quality.
All of the projector models are equipped with Panasonic’s proprietary Daylight View technology, where a built-in ambient light sensor matches the image quality according to the surrounding conditions. Together with the wide color space and vivid colors of the projector, they help viewing of the projectors in rooms with bright lights. DICOM Simulation mode is also available for use in medical training applications*2.
Panasonic Digital Link
Each new model will feature a Digital Link connection. Based on Valens HDBaseT™ technology, Panasonic’s Digital Link is embedded in the PT-RZ470 and PT-RZ370 Series, allowing a single cable to transmit uncompressed HD videos, audio and control commands up to 100m (328ft). The need for an external receiver is eliminated when the projectors are used together with Panasonic’s new ET-YFB100 switcher box or other switchers with HDBaseT™ chipset.
Panasonic has partnered with industry-leading manufacturers of HDBaseT solutions including Crestron, Extron, and AMX, to insure the interoperability of PT-VW431DU with Crestron’s DigitalMedia 8G+™ compatible switchers, Extron’s XTP Systems and AMX’s Enova DVX and DGX Digital Media Switchers.
Ease of Operation
The PT-RZ470 and PT-RZ370 Series projectors turn on and reach full brightness virtually instantaneously without any need for warm up time, enabling the projectors to be used immediately. There are no limitations on the number and duration of on/off cycles. Durability and reliability is further backed up by 24/7 operation capability.
Installation Flexibility
The PT-RZ470 and PT-RZ370 Series are designed with 2x zoom and exceptionally wide lens shift range. This provides flexibility for replacement installations, eliminating the need to reposition an existing universal ceiling mount.
The PT-RZ470 Series support 360-degree installation and portrait mode projection. No intricate mirror is necessary to realize these special projections, changing and expanding the way projectors can be used in a variety of environments. The PT-RZ470 Series is equipped with a number of professional features that make it ideal for complex installations. Built in Edge Blending, Color Matching and Multi-Unit Brightness Control function enable multiple unit projection without any need for external processors. 3D compatibility is another benefit boasted by the new series.
Availability
The PT-RZ470 and PT-RZ370 Series projectors will be available through authorized Panasonic resellers starting in Q4 2012. The series will have basic warranty of 3 years*4; light source operation will be warranted for more than 10,000 hours.
Features and specifications are tentative and subject to change without notice.
For more information on Panasonic’s professional projector solutions go to:
http://panasonic.net/avc/projector/
Sales inquiries for Panasonic’s PT-RZ470 and PT-RZ370 should be directed to pjsolutions@us.panasonic.com or 877-803-8492.
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Panasonic Solutions for Business
Built on a celebrated engineering foundation, Panasonic architects business technology solutions that help build a better world. Customers in government, healthcare, production, education and a wide variety of commercial enterprises, large and small, depend on integrated solutions from Panasonic to help them acquire, manage and interpret the information that drives innovation. The complete suite of Panasonic solutions addresses unified business communications, mobile computing, security and surveillance systems, retail information systems, office productivity solutions, high definition visual conferencing, projectors, professional displays and HD and 3D video production. As a result of its commitment to R&D, manufacturing and quality control, Panasonic engineers reliable and long-lasting solutions as a partner for continuous improvement. Panasonic solutions for business are delivered by Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, which is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC).
All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic solutions for business can be obtained by calling 877-803-8492 or at www.panasonic.com.
About Panasonic Corporation of North America
Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products and services for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC), and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking (http://www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/Best-Global-Green-Brands/2011-Report/BestGlobalGreenBrandsTable-2011.aspx). As part of its continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, Panasonic Corporation of North America will relocate its operations to a new eco-efficient office tower adjacent to a mass transit hub in Newark, NJ in 2013. Information about Panasonic Eco Ideas initiatives is available at http://panasonic.net/eco/ecoideas/. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is also available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
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*1: As of June 1st, 2012.
*2: This product is not a medical instrument. Do not use it for actual medical diagnosis.
*3: For complete list of compatible models, please visit the website (http://panasonic.net/avc/projector/). The site will be updated prior to the actual shipment of the units.
*4: Excluding light source.
