Panasonic Debuts 16,000-Lumen Projector

  • By Mike Hohenbrink
  • 06/24/11

Panasonic has unveiled a range of new audiovisual gear for education, including a 16,000-lumen LCD projector and a new widescreen classroom projector.

Among the slate of new projectors Panasonic debuted this month is the flagship PT-EX16KU LCD projector, which is designed for large venues such as auditoriums and lecture halls. It offers a brightness of 16,000 lumens, a resolution of 1,024 x 768 (XGA), and a contrast ratio of 2,500:1.

Though details are still scant on the PT-EX16KU, Panasonic reported that the high-end unit uses a quad-lamp design and light filtering technology, designed to produce more vivid imagery, and is housed in a ruggedized chassis. The networkable projector is compatible with Panasonic's free projector management utility, Multi Projector Monitoring and Control Software.

The PT-EX16KU is expected to ship in September for $29,999.

The company has also unveiled a new line of classroom and small-venue projectors, the PT-VW330 series, consisting of three models.

The PT-VX400U offers a brightness of 4,000 lumens, a resolution of 1,024 x 768 (XGA), and a contrast ratio of 2,000:1. The PT-VX400NTU offers a brightness of 4,000 lumens, a resolution of 1,024 x 768 (XGA), and a contrast ratio of 2,000:1. The PT-VW330U offers a brightness of 3,000 lumens, a resolution of 1,280 x 800 (WXGA), and a contrast ratio of 2,000:1.

The PT-VX400U is expected to ship in September for $2,399, and the PT-VW330U should also be available in September for $1,679. The PT-VX400NTU will be rolled out later this year for $2,499.

The PT-VW330 series includes wireless presentation technology and an optional device called the Easy Wireless Stick (ET-UW100) for iOS devices like the iPad. A free application, the Panasonic Wireless Projector, is available for iPhone and iPad as well.

Other features of the PT-VW330 series include:

  • 1.6x optical zoom;
  • Easy Setting feature to help with automatic correction courtesy of a built-in camera sensor;
  • Automatic reduction of power consumption based on the projected image.

Other new offerings from Panasonic include the PT-DW730US and the PT-DX800US. The PT-DW730US offers a brightness of 7,000 lumens, a resolution of 1,280 x 800 (WXGA), and a contrast ratio of 2,000:1. The PT-DW730US should be available in August for $10,999 to $11,399.

The PT-DX800US offers a brightness of 8,000 lumens, a resolution of 1,024 x 768 (XGA), and a contrast ratio of 2,000:1. The PT-DX800US should be available in August as well for $10,949 to $11,349.

Also of note, Panasonic's LFT30 and LFP30 Series Professional LCD Displays were unveiled for use both indoor and outdoor applications. The units are designed to be lightweight, portable, and energy-efficient. The LF30 series is envisioned for large, open areas. The LF30 and LFP 30 are expected to be available in October. The LFT30 is expected to ship in January. Pricing was not available at press time.

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