SECAUCUS, NJ (August 2003) -Panasonic announced the availability of the new PT-L780U portable XGA LCD projectors with a high brightness of 3,200 ANSI lumens and an outstanding 500:1 contrast ratio.

Weighing only 12.8 pounds, this projector incorporates three TFT Active Matrix Polysilicon LCD panels and a 270W UHM lamp to deliver 3,200 ANSI lumens of brightness for challenging applications in classrooms, conference and training rooms, auditoriums, churches, lecture halls and other large venues. The PT-L780U displays vibrant colors and bright, vivid images in true 1024 X 768 XGA/maximum UXGA resolution with a 90% image uniformity.

Ensuring easy set-up and operation, the PT-L780U offers One-touch Auto Setup with horizontal and vertical digital keystone correction, and its versatile lens allows powered zoom/focus adjustment. For up-close presentations, the PT-LC780U is equipped with a large-diameter, extra-short throw lens that shortens the necessary projection distance. For example, a user can project on a 40-inch wide screen from only five feet away.

For presentation versatility, the PT-LC780U includes two RGB inputs, which eliminate the need to juggle and re-connect equipment when giving consecutive presentations from two different computers. The RGB2 terminal can also serve as a loop-through monitoring terminal for the RGB1 input, which is extremely beneficial for applications such as education. For example, a teacher can display a lesson using the projector, while the second output is displayed on a monitor in front of her. This allows the teacher to view the lesson and her class, with the projection screen behind her.

The projector is HDTV-ready and can automatically synchronize to display 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i video in either standard 4:3 or widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio. The

PT-L780U is also sRGB compatible to ensure uniform, accurate color reproduction with other sRGB-compatible imaging devices. In addition, the units support most worldwide video standards, including NTSC, PAL and SECAM. Its Digital Cinema Reality™ circuit greatly improves viewing quality from film-based video sources.

The PT-L780U's impressive list of standard features also include quiet operation (as low as 35dB); 2,000-hour lamp life (in low-power mode); 3X digital zoom and focus; built-in 2 watt stereo speakers; selectable 7-language on-screen menu; advanced shutter function; freeze function; and remote controller with laser pointer.

The projector's dimensions are 11-7/17" W x 5-3/8" H x 16" D. The PT-L780U is currently available at a suggested list cost of $6,199. Optional accessories include: quick-to-install bayonet type short- and long-throw lenses, ceiling mount brackets, wireless mouse control receiver and custom hard case.

Panasonic offers a high level of service and support with a three-year or 2,000-hour limited warranty (whichever comes first) on the projector, a 90-day warranty on the user-replaceable lamp module and a 24-hour "ZipIt" projector exchange program.

For more information on Panasonic's complete line of projectors, phone 1-800-528-8601 or find us on the web at www.panasonic.com/presentations