PANASONIC DEBUTS PT-L711 ULTRA-PORTABLE PROJECTOR SERIES

ANAHEIM, CA (June 15, 2000) -- Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems (Los Angeles, CA) is introducing a new series of ultra-portable projectors, the PT-L711 Series, here at INFOCOMM 2000. The Series' three models are the PT-L711U XGA (with Microlens Array) delivering 1400 ANSI lumens of brightness, the PT-L701U XGA delivering 1,000 ANSI lumens, and the PT-L501U SVGA delivering 1,100 ANSI lumens.

Offering a refined, super sleek design and weighing only 8.4 pounds, the projectors provide presenter-pleasing benefits such as the world's shortest focal lens in an ultra-portable unit ; "Auto-Everything" Setup with digital keystone adjustment; and exceptional video quality featuring an unique Digital Cinema Reality™ circuit for film-based video contents.

Full-featured but small and light, the PT-L711U and PT-L701U projectors offer a high contrast ratio of 300:1 and 350:1 respectively, and display vibrant images in 1024 x 768 true XGA resolution and maximum SXGA (1280 x 1024) resolution. The PT-L501U offers 800 x 600 true SVGA resolution, while supporting display of 1024 x 768 XGA resolution.

For bright, up-close presentations, the value-packed projectors are each equipped with a large-diameter, extra-short throw lens that shortens the necessary projection distance by a full 25%, delivering 80" projection by as little as an 8.2' throw distance. The shorter projection distance saves space, allowing the projector to be placed at the front of the meeting table. Users can give comfortable presentations with large, easy-to-see images even in small rooms.

The one-touch "Auto Everything" Setup provides automatic keystone correction and auto input selection, allowing a user to automatically tune and adjust an image for optimal viewing. A newly-developed built-in gravity sensor detects the projector angle relative to the floor, then corrects for keystone distortion accordingly.

Panasonic, the leader in digital video technology, has integrated the most advanced digital signal processing technology into the PT-L711 Series, including the industry's first Digital Cinema Reality circuit, 10-bit Digital Gamma Correction, an Intelligent Image Resizing circuit, and 3-D digital comb filter.

The unique Digital Cinema Reality circuit greatly improves viewing quality from a film-based video content, a difference particularly notable in the reproduction of I/P (interlace to progressive) conversion when viewing movie sources. Ten-Bit Digital Gamma Correction circuitry optimizes the nonlinear imaging characteristics of the LCD panels, delivering naturally vibrant colors with smooth shading and image gradation. The Intelligent Image Resizing circuit is integrated for VGA/SVGA/ SXGA/Mac displays, assuring smooth outlines and outstanding picture definition with all types of images.

The video-enhanced projectors are HDTV compatible, automatically resizing 1080i and 720p images for 16:9 wide-aspect display; 480p, 480i and 625i component video signals and S-Video can also be displayed in either 4:3 or 16:9. The units offers broad compatibility ranging from PAL, PAL-M, PAL-N, PAL 60, SECAM, NTSC and M-NTSC.

The PT-L711U Series provide an unique Index Window, which allows any image in a presentation (RGB or video input) to be frozen, stored in memory and displayed on the left side of the screen, while display of subsequent images continues on the right. For example, a plan's outline can be displayed in the Index Window to the left, while details are displayed to the right, achieving a multi-window effect from a single presentation source, with no special preparations necessary.

The projectors also offer two-mode lamp operation -- Standard or Save. Designed for use in dark rooms, the Save mode utilizes a lower lamp power that mitigates energy consumption, yields 50% longer lamp life and further reduces fan noise. For greater connection flexibility, two RGB input terminals are provided for connecting two computers at the same time.

Additional features include a digital zoom and focus, card-size remote control, RS-232C computer interface, two built-in 1-watt stereo speakers, selectable seven-language on-screen menu, and a universal AC power supply. The projectors, which feature a long-life (2000 hours at standard power mode and 3000 hours at lower power mode) 160-watt UHM lamp, are capable of front, rear, desktop or ceiling mounted projection on screens ranging in size from 40" to 300". Ceiling mount bracket is optional.

Panasonic offers a high level of service and support with a three-year warranty on the projector, a 90-day warranty on the user-replaceable lamp module and a 24-hour projector exchange program.

The PT-L711U and PT-L701U are available in June at suggested list prices of $7,995 and $6,495, respectively. The PT-L501U will be available in July at a suggested list price of $4,995. The PT-L711U comes in a silver cabinet. The PT-L701U and PT-L501U are available in a blue silver cabinet, and in limited quantities in pearl green (PT-L701U-GRN and PT-L501U-GRN) and dusty rose (PT-L701U-PNK and PT-L501U-PNK).