Panasonic has unveiled a new range of portable and short throw lamp-based projectors, insisting there are still sections in the market where lamp makes a “lot of sense” compared to laser.
The short throw PT-TW371R series features four new models, each capable of creating an 80inch image from just 75cm(PT-TX430/TX340) or 80cm (PT-TW371R/TW370). Available in WXGA and XGA and ranging from 3,200 to 3,800 lumens, the short throw range reduces shadows for presenters making them ideal for smaller meeting rooms. The top of the range PT-TW371R also features interactive functionality, with a lightpen and whiteboard mode.
Panasonic has also unveiled a new portable range featuring six new models all equipped with a 1.2x zoom lens ideal for projection on the move.
The PT-LB425 series ranges from 3,100 to 4,100 lumens and is available in WXGA and XGA.
A key feature of both the short throw and portable ranges is the improved lamp replacement cycle, which enables up to 20,000 hours of operation. This ensures a very low total cost of ownership and improves the reliability of the units. Filter life is also extended to 10,000 hours meaning maintenance is reduced to once every five to seven years depending on runtime. Both operate at just 30dB for distraction-free meetings, seminars and lessons.
They also include 16,000:1 of high contrast ratio in compact body, with a daylight view function which ensures optimum brightness even within brightly lit rooms.
“While we’ve seen a huge shift within the industry towards laser, there is still a section of the market where invisible lamp based projectors make a lot of sense,” said Hartmut Kulessa, European marketing manager at Panasonic. “Corporate and education spaces are really going to benefit from the increased reliability that up to 20,000 hours lamp life promises and the extended brightness of these projectors. It’s like getting laser reliability at lamp based pricing.”
Both series are suitable for projection horizontally or vertically, with corner keystone correction and curved screen correction providing ultimate flexibility for the user to adapt the projectors to different environments.
With a memory viewer and USB Display function, alongside various terminals (HDMI, Computer In x2, Monitor Out x2), both ranges also provide connectivity which makes it easier for employees and students to bring their own device and share information.
The PT-TW371R and PT-LB425 series are available from December 2018. Pricing is yet to be announced.
