Panasonic Introduces PT-L797 Series Of XGA Projectors Featuring Brightness Up To 2200 Ansi Lumens

ORLANDO, FL (June 10, 1999) -- Here at INFOCOMM, Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Company (PBTSC) introduces the PT-L797 Series of ultra-bright XGA projectors with the Panasonic-exclusive BriteOptic™ built-in dual lamp system to deliver stunning images and graphics for demanding computer and video applications. The three models in the series, the PT-L797PWU (2200 ANSI lumens), PT-L797VU (1500 ANSI lumens) and PT-L797PWUL (2200 ANSI lumens but without lens), offer unsurpassed brightness, and provide crisp, clear images in any setting, from conference rooms to auditoriums to church halls.

At the heart of each compact model in the PT-L797 Series is Panasonic's BriteOptic dual-lamp system. Featuring an improved light integrator system, this Panasonic proprietary technology delivers the power of two high-intensity light sources through a high-precision prism. Power-saving single-lamp operation is available for a projection-friendly environment, while two-lamp operation is ideal when high brightness is required. By maximizing light efficiency, this system assures superb brightness in all room lighting conditions. The Panasonic-exclusive BriteOptic™ dual lamp system offers users much coveted peace of mind by virtually eliminating down time due to one bad lamp.

Delivering the same exceptional performance as the PT-L797PWU, the PT-L797PWUL comes with no lens, and can be combined with an optional short-throw and long-throw lens for the exact performance required according to usage and operating conditions.

The PT-L797 Series projectors display vivid colors and bright, clear images in 1024 X 768 true XGA resolution and maximum SXGA (1280 x 1024) resolution, making them workstation-compatible with full emulation. Intelligent Image Resizing is integrated for VGA/SVGA/SXGA/Mac displays, assuring smooth outlines and outstanding picture definition with all types of images. The PT-L797 Series accepts input of both YPbPr component signals and conventional RCA composite connectors, so the projectors can display images from sources ranging from digital video camcorders to DVD players to S-VHS/VHS VCRs. The units offer a 200:1 contrast ratio, weigh just 20 pounds and are stackable for double brightness (up to 4400 ANSI lumens with the PT-L797PWU and PT-L797PWUL and 3000 ANSI lumens with the PT-L797VU).

The PT-L797 Series incorporates 10-bit Digital Gamma Correction circuitry, optimizing the LCD panels' nonlinear imaging characteristics, to deliver naturally vibrant colors with smooth shading and image gradation, resulting in far superior processing than possible with conventional analog gamma processing. A 3-D comb filter facilitates exceptionally precise Y/C (luminance/chrominance) signal separation, resulting in crisp, clear images. A convenient point-and-zoom function with a 30-step digital zoom feature allows users to enlarge areas of a projected image.

The Panasonic PT-L797 Series is fully DTV-ready, and can automatically synchronize to display 16:9 wide aspect ratio images (NTSC). It is also fully HDTV-input compatible, enabling it to accept HDTV sources for conversion to display in one of its supported modes. Sporting a sleek design and a rugged magnesium alloy casing, these lightweight projectors offer powerful standard features including built-in 2-watt stereo speakers, power zoom and freeze, a sizable video impose (Picture-in-Picture) and focus lens, and a remote control equipped with a one-touch auto-setup button that makes configuration of the PT-L797 projectors quick and easy. Two 160 Watt UHM lamps--each with a life expectancy of 2000 hours--provide up to five years of normal use.

The PT-L797 Series supports most worldwide video standards, including NTSC, PAL and SECAM. They can be ceiling-mounted or used on a desktop, for front or rear projection on screens up to 300". Other key features include: center-to-corner uniformity ratio (CCR) of more than 85%, RS-232C computer interface and contact closure remote terminal, S-Video compatibility, motorized retractable lens for lens protection, selectable seven-language on-screen menu, Universal AC power supply, indicators for lamp errors, thermal warning and suggested replacements, external monitor port, and a full three-year warranty on the projector with 90-day warranty on both the lamps.

The PT-L797PWU, PT-L797VU and PT-L797PWUL will be available in August/September at suggested list prices of $12,995, $9,995 and $12,495, respectively. Two optional lenses for the PT-L797 Series, the ET-LE100 wide lens (screen size: 30" to 300", throw distance: approx. 0.8m to 13.7m) and ET-LE300 telelens (screen size: 40" to 300", throw distance: approx. 3.6m to 35.4m) will be available August/September, at suggested prices of $2,650 and $2,750, respectively.

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