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Category Archives: Panasonic

The Best Projectors for Summer Camps

Summer is just around the corner and many organizations have started preparation for hosting summer camps. As you plan activities, remember that today’s kids are very much intrigued by learning through technology. And although summer camp is usually more about outdoor fun and recreation, incorporating technology in your program will be a smart move to keep participants interested and engaged.
 
Camp-Starlight
 
A number of possible ways you can use a projector in your summer program include:
 

  • Outdoor Movie Night  Enjoy an array of entertaining movies after the sun goes down. For easy viewing, you’ll want to make sure your projector offers lots of light (that is over 2000 lumens) and HD capability for better imaging and clear resolution.

outdoor-movie
 

  • Learning and Instruction Such as Showing an Exercise Video – this can be a great way for kids to engage in learning through the use of movement and can help provide some direction during the program.

 

  • Reading an E-Book to a Large Group – some e-book applications can be hooked up to a projector using an HDMI output

 

  • Playing Video Games – Play a variety of games outdoors with a projector and screen. To do this, your projector will need to have an HDMI connection for your video player.

 

  • Showing Slide Shows – this can be a fun, interactive activity which can be used to tell a story or help children learn.

 
When selecting a projector, you’ll want to choose one that is portable. It will also need to be hardy, durable and able to withstand frequent use. Additionally, it will need to have 2-3 ports for possible connections to computers, DVD players and gaming systems. Finally, it must be suitable for use in both indoor and outdoor environments, and should offer 2,000 lumens or more for better visibility. Some great projector choices for summer camps include:
 
 

  • ViewSonic PJD5533W – provides good resolution and brightness, and has plenty of connectivity choices for a value-priced data projector.

1viewsonic-pjd5533

  • Optoma HD20 or HD71  This is easily enough light for a 135″ diagonal screen in a room with good light control, or a 100″ diagonal screen in a room with some ambient light. Even more noteworthy, the HD20’s Cinema mode still delivers a substantial 505 lumens, even in low lamp mode. So you get a very bright image and longer lamp life all at once.

2-hd20img1

  • Epson MovieMate 72 – The MovieMate 72 integrates an LCD-based projector, DVD player, audio system, and stereo speakers into a single box. Almost all you have to do to set it up is plug it in, point it at a screen—or a blank wall in a pinch—and insert a DVD.

3epson-moviemate-72-with-remote

  • Panasonic PT-AX200U – this projector offers a few new features at a much lower price. Most of the specs are still the same-2000 ANSI lumens maximum light output, 1280x720p resolution LCD panels, and a very quiet fan. It is a video projector uniquely designed for a wide range of home entertainment uses.

4PT-AX200U
 
If you already have a projector but the lamp needs replacing, MyProjectorLamps.com has you covered with an unbeatable selection of high-quality replacement lamps at low, affordable prices.  Shop with us today and save!  
 

Top 5 Projectors for Watching Sports Broadcasts

Spring is just around the corner and with it comes the NHL playoffs and the new MLB season! Watch your favorite sports team in the comfort of your own home. Create a sports bar environment with a large screen and projector for viewing. Lightweight and portable, you can also move your projector to your backyard for a fun, outdoor sports party.
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Projectors show better images than really large, flat screen televisions. They are also more economical in most cases. However, you will need to choose the right equipment to get that movie theater quality look and feel.
When choosing, look for a projector with the following features and capabilities:

  1. Projector Brightness – 1,000 lumes or brighter.
  2. Full HD (a must have to watch sports in HD)
  3. Lens Shifting Capability
  4. Higher Than Average Contrast Ratio
  5. Zoom Feature
  6. Short Throw Distance
  7. Wireless HDMI
  8. Lightweight and Compact for Portability

 
The following projectors are great for sports watching. Additionally, they are economical and will fit into the average home theater budget:
 

  1. The Sony VPL-HW50ES 3D Projector  vplhw50es_1
  2. Optoma HD 25 or HD33     41lUC38i0JL-2
  3. Panasonic PT-AE8000U     Panasonic_pt_ae8000u_Full_HD_3D_Home_891638-3
  4. InFocus IN112A      infocus-in112a-dlp-projector-4
  5. Epson Home Cinema 3500       hc3500_fcs-our_690x460-5

Shop for replacement projector lamps on MyProjectorLamps.com. We offer an unbeatable selection, the most affordable prices, and fast shipping. We’ve got you covered!

Panasonic PT-DX100LK XGA Projector Review

The Panasonic PT-DX100LK is billed as a “large venue” projector, and it has a range of features that back up that claim. For starters, its dual lamp system delivers powerful brightness: 10,000 lumens. That’s ideal for large conference spaces, lecture halls and boardrooms.

Panasonic PT-DX100 Projector
Panasonic PT-DX100 Projector

But it’s more than just a super bright projector. For instance, the image quality is stellar. The projector utilizes Panasonic’s Dynamic RGB and Detail Clarity Processor 3, which helps it deliver high-quality, detailed images. Even the largest of images are crisp and clear with impressive color quality. Wait, there’s more! A range of options, including wired networking, Full HD video compatibility, and a stable of lenses make this system easy to integrate into your A/V infrastructure.
The DX100 is the top-of-line projector in Panasonic’s DZ870 Series, and it’s one of best XGA projectors available. As such, the PT-DX100 will set you back north of $7,000, but it’s a worthy investment, especially for business applications that require high-quality images in large venues. The projector is ideal for universities, houses of worship, and business conference environments. Here are some of the most impressive features:
Panasonic PT-DX100: Quick Specs

  • Brightness: 10,000 ASNI lumens; 8,000 lumens in Eco mode
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3, aligns to most computer and standard TV
  • Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1 for crisp, detailed images
  • Connections: HDMI, wired networking, RS-232
  • Lamp Life: 1,000 hours in dual-lamp operating mode
  • Key Features: DIGITAL LINK, edge-bending, PC 3D Ready, High-Brightness Imaging, Single-Chip DLP-based

Panasonic PT-DX100: Key Features
The DX-100 is a powerful multimedia presentation tool. It’s built for large venues, providing substantial brightness. And with its robust networking tools, the projector can link up with several units, making it ideal for venues that have multiple projectors. Here’s a look at its most useful features:

Panasonic PT-DX100 Rear Inputs
Panasonic PT-DX100 Rear Inputs

  • Flexible Installation: The projector is available with a range of lenses, including several zoom lenses, a fixed long-throw lens, and even specialized short-throw lenses. Many projectors this size aren’t available with a dedicated short-throw lens, which is perfect for installations closer to the screen. In addition, the projector has remote-controlled lens shift capabilities, as well as the ability to be rotated 360 degrees, enabling a range of installations.
  • DIGITAL LINK and Networking: DIGITAL LINK enables more cost-effective installations with minimal cabling. Essentially, the system allows all inputs to be wired to a digital interface box, and then linked to the projector with one cable. This greatly reduces the amount of cables needed to connect with the screen. In addition, the system is equipped with a wired network connection, allowing devices and PCs to communicate with the projector via a LAN network.
  • Image Quality: With a 10,000 brightness rating with 90-percent uniformity, the images produced by the PT-DX100 are extremely bright, especially in large, moderately light venues. Additionally, a range of Panasonic image quality technologies including Dynamic RGB deliver impressive color performance and solid detail imaging.
  • Dual-Lamp System: The projector features two dual lamps that can be configured in a few different ways. For one, they can both operate simultaneously, allowing impressive brightness, but if one lamp fails, the system is still functional, with one lamp continuing to operate. Additionally, the lamps can be set to a relay system, with both lamps alternating output. This feature greatly improves lamp life. The projector lamp is also know as part number ET-LAD120PW.

Overall, the Panasonic PT-DX100 is an extremely useful and user-friendly presentation tool. With its long list of features and impressive brightness, it’s not a surprise the projector is a popular machine for large venue multimedia presentations. Compared to similarly priced XGA projectors, the DX100 is a useful projector; it’s definitely worthy of your consideration.
Need a replacement lamp for the Panasonic PT-DX100LK? MyProjectorLamps.com has you covered. We offer an unbeatable selection of replacement projector lamps, the best pricing and fast, on-time shipping to anywhere in North America.

Panasonic PT-EX16K Auditorium Projector Review

For an XGA resolution projector, the best-in-class Panasonic PT-EX16K boasts some powerful specs. Its quad-lamp design achieves 16,000 lumens of brightness – more than enough to provide bold, brilliant images in the largest venues. It’s capable of projecting an image up to 600 inches diagonally, and with Panasonic’s Pure Color Technology, the color saturation in these massive images is near-perfect. Plus, durable construction, flexible installation and long lamp life are other reasons this is a premium projector. So why isn’t this the world’s most popular XGA projector?

Panasonic PT-EX16K Projector Front
Panasonic PT-EX16AK Projector Front

For starters, this Panasonic comes with a premium price tag. When it was launched in 2011, the PT-EX16K started at $28,999 MSRP. Since then, the price has dropped, with the average street price at about $10,000. That means this is a projector for larger organizations – corporate businesses, 1,000+ member churches, and museums – that have a budget for technology. Plus, at just over 100 pounds, this is a permanent installation projector. For these large venues and for organizations with the money to spend, the Panasonic PT-EX16K is powerful, provides impressive image quality, and with a range of lenses and lens shift, the installation possibilities are endless.
Panasonic PT-EX16K Projector
Panasonic PT-EX16K Projector

Panasonic PT-EX16K: Specs, Features and Pricing

  • 16,000-Lumen Brightness: The Panasonic EX16 achieves such a bright image thanks to its quad-lamp design. The projector uses four 380-watt bulbs, thus it’s about four times as bright as standard single-lamp XGA projectors. That’s one reason it’s widely used in large venues: The image is bright enough to compete with ambient light, delivering an image that’s crisp, clear and vibrant.
  • Color Performance, Image Quality: The 3-chip LCD EX16 is designed to provide impressive and detailed color. There’s a chip that maintains light intensity for each primary color, but in addition, the Pure Color Technology enhances and controls the yellows, adding another layer of color reproduction. Plus, the 16-bit processing delivers smooth skin tone coloring, and the 2,500:1 contrast ratio provides detail in dark areas of the image. In effect, the images jump off the screen with bold, accurate coloring. |
  • Installation Flexibility: Even though the PT-EX16 is built for large venues, there’s a range of options for installation. For starters, vertical and horizontal lens shift make it possible to fit the projector to an existing ceiling mount. Plus, Panasonic offers a wide range of lens – from short or long zoom lenses, to fixed short, long and ultra-long options. So, even though portability is limited due to the sheer size of the projector, there are plenty of options for installation: from overhead to ceiling-mounted, to rear-projection.
  • Rugged Construction: The PT-EX16K is built to last. From the durable outer shell, to long-lasting air filters and optical engines, there components of this projector are of the highest quality. Both the filter and the optical lens are rated at 10,000 hours of use, and the optical engine is designed to regulate and maintain the LCD panels over time to prevent degradation. Additionally, there’s an iron base plate to protect the bottom of the projector.
  • Screen Size: The Panasonic is designed to project an image between 40 and 600 inches diagonally, and yet, the technology helps it achieve constant color saturation and image quality. What’s more: There’s a multi-screen support system, enabling the projector to connect across more than one screen. The support includes edge blend – to blend the edges of different screens – as well as color match.
    Panasonic PT-EX16K Projector Inputs
    Panasonic PT-EX16AK Projector Inputs

The Panasonic PT-EX16K: A Powerful, Quality Large-Venue Projector
Panasonic has a reputation for developing high-quality projectors, and the PT-EX16K certainly carries on the tradition. The EX16K is a special piece of hardware. It’s one of the brightest XGA resolution projectors available, and it delivers powerful, impressive images. Plus, with the ability to cast a 600-inch screen, the projector is ideal for auditoriums, larger venues.
The Panasonic is widely used as a corporate presentation tools, as well as in museums for delivering multimedia. If it’s in the budget, this is a particularly useful piece of hardware. The projector is extremely useful for data projection – it can display 1080p video, but it doesn’t specialize in video – and if you’re on the market for an auditorium projector, the EX16K should be on your short list.
MyProjectorLamps is your source for a Panasonic PT-EX16K replacement lamp. We carry only quality, original parts, and for the PT-EX16K we offer the lamp and housing module. If you’re on the market for this replacement part (part No. ET-LAE16), give us a call or browse our inventory today.

Projector Highlights from InfoComm 2015

The annual InfoComm Show was held last week in Orlando, Florida, and the MyProjectorLamps team was on hand. We had a great time, taking in all the demonstrations of the latest and greatest in cutting-edge A/V technology. Throughout the show, some of the most innovative, brightest and new 4K projectors were on display.

InfoComm 2015 Floor
InfoComm 2015 Floor

It seemed that the biggest news was generated by laser-based and 4K+ projectors. A number of manufacturers unveiled new 4K+ projectors, like Panasonic and DPI, and it appears that the higher resolution systems are a priority for most. We’re bound to see the cost of 4K projectors continue to decrease, as the technology becomes more affordable. In addition, extremely bright, laser projectors also made a big splash at InfoComm this year, like NEC’s 12,000-lumen PH1202HL and the DPI’s 12,000-lumen 4K setup. Here are a few highlights:

  • NEC unveiled the PH1202HL projector, which is a laser/phosphor light source, 1080p resolution projector. The most impressive spec: The PH1202HL casts a 12,000-lumen image with a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. Plus, the lamp-less projector has a 20,000-hour life on the laser light source.
  • Christie unveiled a small, ultra-short-throw projector, the Digital Captiva DUW350S, which utilizes a 1DLP imaging system. The projector’s output is 3,500 lumens and its ultra-short-throw ratio of .25:1 helped the project nab a “Best in Show” award, from Governmental Video. This was the first time Christie demonstrated their Captiva lens.
  • DPI released a new 4K projector, the INSIGHT 4K Laser, which earned a “Best in Show” award from AVNetwork. The projector casts a 12,000-lumen image in Full 4K resolution; both of these specs were cited as reasons for the award. During a demonstration, the INSIGHT created an incredibly color-saturated, high-def image.
    Sony VPL-GTZ270
    Sony VPL-GTZ270
  • Sony used InfoComm to announce and show off a pair of new laser-based 4K projectors. Both get incredibly long lives from their light sources: 20,000 hours in standard mode and 40,000 hours in eco mode. These are powerful, professional setups. The VPL-GTZ270 is designed for “entertainment venues,” like theme parks and planetariums. And the VPL-GT280 is designed to be used for simulations. Both produced incredible images during two different demonstrations.
  • Another 4K projector released at InfoComm, the Panasonic PT-RQ13KU creates an image beyond 4K at a resolution of 5,120 X 3,200. Panasonic says the projector is “the most compact and lightweight 4K+ 3-chip DLP laser projector in the world.” Some specs: The brightness is rated at 10,000 lumens with a 20,000:1 contrast ratio. The projector also used horizontal and vertical pixel shift at a frame rate of 240 Hz, which boosts the overall image quality and quadruples pixel density.
    MyProjectorLamps Booth at Infocomm 2015
    MyProjectorLamps Booth at Infocomm 2015

These were just a few highlights from InfoComm 2015. It was an incredible show, with tons of great A/V technology. We’re already looking forward to attending next year.
 

Projector Review: Panasonic PT-AR100U Home Entertainment Set-Up

Panasonic’s PT-AR100U, one of the manufacturer’s 1080p Full HD offerings, is a versatile piece of hardware. It hugs the line between home theater and home entertainment projector, doing triple duty in the family living room. With capabilities for gaming, movies and for watching sports and TV, the PT-AR100U provides a great range of functionality. Plus, aided by Panasonic’s Light Harmonization 3 technology, the projector’s ability to auto-adjust light output to a room’s ambient light boosts the projector’s ease of use.

Panasonic PT-AR100U Projector
Panasonic PT-AR100U Projector

Overall, there’s not much missing from the PT-AR100U. Although it was initially released in 2011, it holds its own against today’s home entertainment releases. The biggest downfall is the lack of 3D video. Plus, if you’re looking for a strictly cinema projector, you’d be better off looking at home theater designated projectors, as image quality is underwhelming in those situations. Yet, for the price, the PT-AR100U’s capabilities, its color performance and brightness, it’s a solid investment and high-quality A/V tool. Let’s take a look at some of the Panasonic’s specs:

  • Powerful Brightness: The PT-AR100U delivers a bright, crisp image. It’s equipped with a 2,800-lumen light source that achieves a 50,000:1 contrast ratio. The bulb is capable of delivering great images in a range of lighting – from dark-room theater set-ups, to moderately lit rooms – although it’s ideally suited for the living room.
  • Awesome Image Quality: Overall, the image quality is great for video games, sports and TV, and it performs nicely as a movie projector. There are 3 set modes: Cinema 1, Sports and Games. Compared to similarly priced theater projectors, though, the Panasonic slightly underperforms when it comes to pure cinema performance. It’s a quality, color-saturated image, yet the black level performance isn’t perfect.
  • Smart Image Adaptation: The PT-AR100U is equipped with a range of automatic image enhancements, which help to provide that high-quality image. These features include Motion Effects – extremely useful when watching sporting events – as well as Dynamic Iris Pro, a Panasonic-specific feature that matches color output to the lighting. Light Harmonization is another useful adaptive feature, which auto-adjusts output to match the room’s lighting.
  • Flexible Installation: Backed with a 2.0:1 zoom ratio, as well as vertical and horizontal lens shift, this projector’s image can be fit to the screen easier. This provides a greater range of set-up locations, as the image can be adjusted from wherever the projector fits. The only downside is that it’s not a portable projector. At 19 pounds, the PT-AR100U is suited more for permanent installations.
    Panasonic PTAR100U Rear Inputs
    Panasonic PTAR100U Rear Inputs

What Are the Downsides of the PT-AR100U?

Compared to projectors in the price-range, this Panasonic truly holds its own. There are only a few features that go missing. For example, the movie buffs will miss the Full 3D capability – which is becoming an increasingly common feature in newer projectors – and there aren’t advanced wireless networking capabilities, another useful feature. Plus, the PT-AR100U is backed by a one-year warranty; traditionally 2-3 year warranties are the norm for similar set-ups.
Finally, another point of contention is the Panasonic’s shorter lamp life. In the projector’s Eco mode, the lamp – which is a 280-watt UHM lamp – achieves just a 3,000-hour lamp life. Although a replacement bulb for the PT-AR100U is relatively affordable – part No. ET-LAA110 – most high wattage, high lumens machines get lower average lamp life expectancy since they have a higher output. The trade-off is a brighter image.
Overall, though, the Panasonic PT-AR100U does achieve a lot: It’s versatile and can handle all forms of entertainment. The image quality is on point, bright and highly contrasted. Color performance is great. And the price is competitive. When it was released in 2011, the projector retailed for about $1,800; today Panasonic offers it for $1,145. In all honesty, the PT-AR100U is deserving of the investment.

Why You Must Match HBO’s True Detective with a Quality Projector

HBO’s chilling crime drama True Detective has been a darling among TV critics. The show packs in the suspense, and it’s an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride. But True Detective is much more than a well-told crime drama set. It’s stunning to watch, each shot composed with a brilliant cinematic touch.

HBO's True Detective
HBO’s True Detective

The 8-episode first season, which premiered in early 2014, featured impressively beautiful cinematography. And it’s no surprise cinematographer Adam Arkapaw nabbed a slew of awards for his work. Shot almost entirely on Kodak 35mm film, True Detective captures a true Southern Gothic aesthetic, which accompanies the New Orleans steamy setting. The show’s color palette is subdued, dark, gritty, and masterfully captures the dimly lit, flashbacked tone of the show. This isn’t a bright, colorful network sitcoms ala Big Bang Theory. Instead, cinematographer Adam Arkapaw has created a stark, blue-hued “nostalgic aesthetic,” he recently said, that sets the stage for the story’s underlying dread.
True Detective is a perfect show to display in your home theater. Each image has been thoughtfully composed with a rich color palate. These are dark, soft, dreamy pictures, and for true precision, a high-contrast projector is necessary. Here’s one example: The series starts with a fire at dusk. The image is dimly lit and quiet but there’s loads of detail in those shadows. That detail is lost on lessor projectors. High-contrast projectors, on the other hand, are better suited to highlight those shadowy details, and in True Detective, imagery lurks in the darkness. For display these true cinematic images, you need a high-contrast cinema projector.
The Best Projectors for True Detective’s Dark Imagery
Today, there are three main types of projectors on the market: DLP-, LCD- and LCoS-based machines. There are versions for each type of technology that are well-suited for a darkly hued show like True Detective, but lately LCD and LCoS technology has led the field in terms of contrast. One key is to look at each projector’s contrast specs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXwCoNwBSkQ
Contrast is an important factor for cinematic images. Projectors with higher contrast ratios display more vibrant blacks, and they’re better suited to provide that stunning detail within the shadows. But which type of technology is best? For a long time, DLP-based projectors had the clear advantage in terms of contrast ratio and black levels, but today LCD and LCoS projectors often have better contrast and improved image quality. Really, it depends on the taste of the viewer, but a high-contrast cinema-ready projector is often your best choice. Here are some options:

  • JVC X35BE – JVC is a leader in the LCoS projector category, and their machines feature some of the highest contrast ratios on the market. In all, they provide detailed images and vibrant colors. The X35BE features a 50,000:1 contrast ratio, and starts at about $3,500.
  • Epson 5030UB – Epson claims their UltraBlack technology provides some of the greatest image depth available. With the 5030’s best-in-class contrast ratio of 600,000:1, that claim might just be true. The 5030UB is a powerful LCD-based home cinema projector, and the image quality it delivers is definitely well worth the money, starting at $2,299. The Epson PowerLite 8350 is another great option.
  • Panasonic AE8000 – This model might be a few years old, but with a 500,000:1 contrast ratio, the AE8000 is a highly capable projector. One of the biggest advantages is its dynamic color range. For a show like True Detective, with such a dark, cool color palette, this would be a suitable option.
  • Sony VPL-HW40ES – An LCoS projector, this Sony features a well-defined contrast ratio – although Sony hasn’t published exact specs. This creates vibrant darker images, with vivid detail picked up in the shadows. Sony SXRD projectors have long been praised for their saturated image quality, and their contrast.
  • BenQ W1075 – Even though the BenQ features a contrast ratio of just 10,000:1, it’s one of the better DLP-based projectors, for the price and for the image quality it delivers. The projector is aided by DarkChip Technology, which is similar to Epson’s UltraBlack. With this feature, the projector picks up loads of detail in dark images, which is ideal for cinematic films and TV shows.

What set-up are you using to watch True Detective? There are some really great options available, but for such a well-crafted show, it pays to select the right projector. Of course, other specs like brightness also factor into image quality. But for that truly detailed look, choose a projector with substantial contrast ratio and enhanced black level performance.

Projector Review: Panasonic PT-F300U

Since its initial release in 2009, the Panasonic PT-F300U has become a popular choice for presenters, in conference spaces and by governmental and military organizations. The reason: The F300 delivers a bright image and long-lasting durability. Plus, its ease of installation makes it easy to adapt the F300 to an existing mount, and thus, it’s commonly used to replace old worn-out machines.
Currently, the Panasonic F300U is out-of-production, but it available by a variety of resellers. You can find refurbished and used Panasonic F300Us available – which is why we wanted to review this set-up. Today, the F300 remains a reliable piece of hardware that delivers a bright, crisp image – there isn’t much more you’d need from a basic projector. Unfortunately, there are a few minor grievances regarding the F300U. It is an aging piece of hardware, and as such, some of the connections and networking capabilities are dated or nonexistent. Yet if you need a projector for basic multimedia presentation, a used or refurbished F300U has a lot of up-side, and you’ll likely save quite a bit of money.

Panasonic PT-F300U Projector
Panasonic PT-F300U Projector

Panasonic PT-F300U: Pros and Useful Features

Even though, the F300U is now about five years old, the projector provides many of the functionalities that you receive from today’s more-expensive projectors. It starts with a bright image that’s equipped with Panasonic’s daytime viewing technology. That means the F300U is suitable for environments with higher levels of ambient light. Advantages include:

  • Image Quality and Brightness: With a brightness rating up to 4,000 lumens, the F300U provides a lot of light for the price. Plus, the projector is equipped with Epson’s Daylight View 5 technology that boasts the image output based on the level of ambient light. The result is a crisp, clear image with tons of detail and vivid color display. Additionally, the projector supports a variety of inputs including Full HD and SD video. Plus, for the brightness, the Panasonic achieves an above-average lamp life of 5,000 hours.
  • Build Quality: Another reason the F300 remains a popular projector is its durability. The projector features a built-to-last optical block that includes high-quality LCD panels. The optical block is made for frequent use, without losing image quality. Plus, the projector is built with dust resistant technology and an auto-cleaning filter that make this a long-lasting, low-maintenance projector.
  • SetUp Flexibility: As mentioned, the F300 is a popular replacement projector, because it can easily be adjusted to fit an existing mount. The reason is that the F300 has an above-average zoom ratio of 2x, as well as vertical and horizontal lens shift. These features make it possible to reposition the image to fit the screen, without moving an existing mount.
    Panasonic PT-F300U - Rear Inputs
    Panasonic PT-F300U – Rear Inputs

Panasonic F300U: Some Aging Features

For an older projector, the F300 remains fairly competitive with today’s projectors. Yet, the F300 does have some dated technology that may limit some of its capabilities. These include:

  • Dated Connections: There are a range of connection ports built into the F300U, including LAN and ports for two computers. Thus, for basic presentations, the F300U is more than suitable. Yet, the F300 is missing an HDMI link and a USB port, which may limit options for connectivity. Today, these connections are much more common.
  • Low Contrast and Resolution: Although the F300’s image is vividly bright, it does fall short in the category of resolution. The F300 features a native XGA resolution and just a 600:1 contrast ratio. Image quality remains decent at lower screen sizes, but as you increase the size of the screen up to 300”, the lower resolution and contrast do become more apparent.
  • No WiFi or Cloud Connections: Presenters today pull video and content from the cloud, but that’s a bit more difficult with the F300. It’s not WiFi-ready or cloud-connected, which can limit some of the capabilities in displaying online content. This is only a minor grievance, as it does have a LAN connection, but yet, in today’s projectors, cloud connectivity is a much more common feature.

Overall, the F300U remains a competent piece of hardware, and as it’s only available via resellers, you’ll likely find it at a competitive price. It originally listed at $1,500+, but they often available now around $500. That low cost-of-ownership is one reason this is a great choice. Plus, the projector is an effective presentation tool for basic multimedia projections. If you’ll be mostly using these for presentations with occasional audio and video output, it’s a solid choice. But if you need more advanced features like 3D, WiFi and USB/HDMI connections, you’ll want to consider newer projectors.

Panasonic, Christie Unveil Latest Projector Technology at 2015 NAB Show

The National Association of Broadcasters’ annual show is always an industry must-attend, as the event is a showcase of the latest and greatest technology related to the A/V industry. This year, the Las Vegas show had plenty of surprises. Next-generation toys like Canon’s line-up of new 4K cameras and 8K televisions from a variety of manufacturers made appearances, as did the latest projectors.
Both Panasonic and Christie unveiled their latest entries into the market, and it was a battle of DLP vs 3LCD.  Panasonic showed off their latest 3-chip DLP projector, the PT-RZ12KU, which they’re billing as the world’s lightest 3-chip DLP. It’s an impressive piece of hardware, with several advanced features. On the other hand, Christie announced and showcased a new D-Series line of projectors, which feature a newly introduced optional Ultra Short Throw lens.
 

NAB Show Logo
NAB Show Logo

Panasonics New 3-chip DLP-based projectors

At the show, Panasonic unveiled two new DLP projectors, including the aforementioned PT-RZ12KU and the PT-RS11KU, an SXGA+ resolution set-up. First up, the PT-RZ12KU is bound to be a favorite in sports production, event spaces and digital signage, and it drew the most headlines from Panasonic’s NAB Show rollouts.
The projector PT-RZ12KU features an ultra-bright 12,000-lumen lamp with WUXGA resolution (1920×1200). Plus, not only does the set-up weight just about 95 pounds, but it also has an improved 120 Hz refresh rate, which is ideal for high frame-rate content. Additional eye-popping specs include the projector’s 20,000:1 contrast ratio, which delivers impressive detail, and vertical, horizontal and tilting lens adjustment capabilities.
The other projector, the PT-RS11KU features a similar list of features. It’s equipped with a 12,000-lumen light source, yet, the biggest difference is in resolution. The PT-RS11KU is a SXGA+ resolution projector, which is a 1400×1050 resolution. You don’t have to wait long for these set-ups to hit the market either; both are set to come online in just a few months in the summer.

Panasonic's 4K Predecessor the PT-RQ13K
Panasonic’s 4K Predecessor the PT-RQ13K

 

New Christie Projectors, Ultra Short Throw Lens

Christie had quite a few new projectors to unveil at the NAB Show, including five new replacements for existing set-ups. The Christie has dubbed the new line the D-Series, and the set-ups feature a range of three native resolutions, including XGA, WXGA and WUXGA.
Christie’s new set-ups utilize different technology, compared to the Panasonic. Here are some D-Series specs: The projectors, which are 3LCD single-lamp projectors, feature brightness ratings ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 lumens, and they feature a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. The D-Series will hit the market in fall 2015.
Another exciting rollout was a new Ultra Short Throw lens. Featuring a 0.38:1 throw ratio, the Christie UST lenses will be available for both D-Series and Q-Series projectors. Of course, the biggest advantage of the UST lenses will be set-up flexibility. The shorter throw ratio enable the projectors to be set-up closer to the projection surface, which is ideal for presentations, museum set-ups and rental staging applications, as it diminishes the likelihood of shadow casting.
 

Head-to-Head: Epson 5030UB vs Panasonic PT-AE8000

When it comes to home theater projectors, there are hundreds of options in the mid-range budget category, from about $1,500 to $3,500. Yet, few are as popular and widely used as the Epson Home Cinema 5030UB and the Panasonic PT-AE8000. Both combine the best features to deliver stunning HD images, excellent 3D performance, and quick and flexible installation.
 

Panasonic PT-AE8000 Projector
Panasonic PT-AE8000 Projector

If you’ve narrowed your choices down to the Epson 5030UB and the Panasonic PT-AE8000, it can be a challenge to make that final selection. They’re just both such high-performing pieces of hardware. They’ll provide many of the features that you need, and they both deliver excellent image quality. But if you had to whittle it down to the best, which one would it be? How do the Epson 5030UB and Panasonic PT-AE8000 stack up against each other?
 
Epson Home Cinema 5030UB Projector
Epson Home Cinema 5030UB Projector

  • Image Quality: In terms of image quality, it’s an extremely close race. But ultimately, the Epson Home Cinema 5030UB slightly outperforms. Both projectors produce a pretty bright image rated at 2,400 lumens. But the Epson provides better contrast, thanks to the Epson Ultra Black technology. That makes dark colors even deeper, and greens, reds and blues more defined. The Panasonic, on the other hand, has a slightly lower contrast ratio, but it also uses the Pure Contrast Plates to produce dark black colors. Overall, though, the Epson produces colors that are brighter and images that are more defined, albeit slightly. Winner: Epson Home Cinema 5030UB
  • Standard Features: Both projectors are equipped with a long list of useful features, but in this regard, the Panasonic has a few added benefits. For instance, both projectors are 3D ready, but with the 3D Motion Remaster technology, the PT-AE8000 is a contender. Plus, the Panasonic features 3 HDMI ports, compared to 2, as well as lens memory. Both do share many similar features though, including vertical and horizontal lens shift, lens zoom and available sound. Winner: Panasonic PT-AE8000
  • Set-Up Flexibility: In terms of installation, both of these projectors have features that enable users tons of set-up flexibility. For instance, with horizontal and vertical lens shift, you can adjust picture size and shape without moving the projector. Those are features on both projectors. Plus, both are equipped with lens zoom, and they’re both considered long-throw projectors. So in terms of set-up flexibility, they’re practically even. Winner: Tie
  • Price: The price of Panasonic PT-AE8000 is slightly lower than the Epson. The Panasonic starts at $1,699, while the Epson comes in at $2,299. But the winner isn’t just the lower of the two – it’s more about value. What features are you getting for the price? Is the Epson a better value? Probably not. The features of the Epson are extensive and the image quality impressive, but there’s just too much overlap between the two. The Panasonic is the better value. Winner: Panasonic PT-AE8000

 
So what’s the bottom line? If you had to choose one of these projectors, which would it be? There’s just so much overlap; it’s really a touch decision to make. Yet, the Panasonic is a formidable opponent, and it comes out victorious. Here’s why: The Panasonic boasts impressive image quality that only slightly underperforms. In fact, to the untrained eye, the differences may only be negligible. Is that slight jump in image quality worth an extra $600? It’s not. Plus, you’ll find that there are no glaring features that the Epson has, that you don’t find in the Panasonic. Winner: Panasonic PT-AE8000