Projection was not neglected. The flagship model was the PT-DZ21K Evo (aka PT-DZ21K2), an upgrade to 2012’s PT-DZ21K (Display Monitor Vol 19 No 6). The new model features higher framerates (up to 120fps), resolution and contrast. Panasonic has added the HDBaseT-equivalent Digital Link technology, raised lamp life, lowered power draw and reduced noise by around 50%.
The ‘Evo’ features will also be applied to other PT-DZxxK models, including the DZ17K and DZ16K, this year.
Using an upscaling system, Panasonic was showing off the PT-RQ13K: its newest UltraHD projector. The unit uses pixel-quadrupling to show high-resolution video, and has an even higher framerate than the Evo models – 240fps. It also features quad-link DVI and will be joined by two more projectors in the same range: the PT-RZ12K (1920 x 1200 resolution) and PT-RS11K. All three will be released in the autumn, with 10,000 lumens of brightness and Digital Link. The latter two models have 120fps refresh rates.
Aiming at 24/7 operation, Panasonic introduced a liquid cooling system on another new model called the PT-DZ780. It is a low-noise 1DLP model, outputting around 30dB at full power.
Set to be released in April, the DZ780 has 1920 x 1200 resolution, 7,000 lumens of brightness, a 2,500:1 contrast ratio and edge blending, colour matching and Digital Link features.
The final new projector had an interesting chassis design, as it is intended to sit on a lighting rail in retail stores. The PT-JW130 looks like a conventional spotlight, but will (hopefully) be better at drawing and retaining shoppers’ attention.
Featuring Digital Link via an RJ45 port, the projector should be easy to set up. Content can be sent through Digital Link, an SD card, HDMI or Wi-Fi (Miracast). The PT-JW130 has 1,000 lumens of brightness, 1280 x 800 resolution, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 2.2x zoom and weighs 3kg.
Panasonic’s “spotlight” projector is designed for retail applications
