PANASONIC PT-L6600 SERIES OF FIXED INSTALL PROJECTORS DELIVERS EXCEPTIONAL BRIGHTNESS OF 3600 ANSI LUMENS

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 2001) – Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Company has introduced the PT-L6600 Series of fixed-installation, ultra-bright S-XGA and XGA projectors featuring the company's exclusive BriteOptic™ built-in dual lamp system.

The four projectors -- the PT-L6600U S-XGA, PT-L6500U XGA, and PT-L6600UL S-XGA and PT-L6500UL XGA (both UL models without lens) – incorporate three 1.3" TFT Active Matrix Polysilicon LCD panels with Microlens Array to deliver stunning images, text and graphics for demanding computer and video applications in classrooms, conference rooms, auditoriums, church halls and other large venues.

The PT-L6600 Series offers Panasonic's proprietary, newly-designed BriteOptic dual-lamp system that 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 needed. By maximizing light efficiency, this system assures superb brightness in all room lighting conditions, and provides users much coveted peace of mind by virtually eliminating down time due to a burned out lamp.

Users can select from four brightness settings – 3,600 ANSI lumens, 2,700 ANSI lumens, 1,800 ANSI lumens and 1,350 ANSI lumens--and its new lamp layout allows the projector to be setup vertically for rear projection.

"Our engineers have pushed the limits of design with the new PT-L6600 Series," said Steve Abend, Director, Presentations Systems Group, Panasonic Broadcast. "These new fixed install projectors offer a powerful line-up of features that any user would desire, plus they're ultra easy to maintain and operate."

The PT-L6600 projectors display vibrant colors and bright, crisp images in 1280 X 1024 true SXGA/maximum UXGA (PT-L6600 models) and 1024 X 768 true XGA/maximum SXGA (PT-L6500U models) resolution. An Intelligent Image Resizing circuit is integrated for VGA/SVGA/SXGA/Mac displays, assuring smooth outlines and outstanding picture definition with all types of images.

Thanks to its new optical system, these feature-rich units offer high contrast ratios (600:1 for the PT-L6500U, and 400:1 for the PT-L6600U), weigh just 30 pounds and are stackable for double brightness (up to 7000 ANSI lumens). Their new body style and white color matches a 2-foot by 2-foot ceiling panel, permitting the projector to blend in with the ceiling above.

For convenience in operation and maintenance, these projectors offer motorized zoom and focus; motorized lens shift with digital keystone correction; standard wired remote with a one-touch auto-setup button that makes for easy, quick configuration; RS-232C input/output ; user memories and a wide range of inputs and outputs. Inputs are RGB/component; DVI-D; composite video; S-video and audio; and outputs offered include DVI-D; RGB/component; video (BNC) and s-video.

The projectors are HDTV-ready, and can automatically synchronize to display 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i video in the 16:9 wide aspect ratio. A Digital Cinema Reality™ circuit greatly improves viewing quality from film-based video sources. All models accept input of YPbPr component signals and are equipped with conventional RCA composite connectors to display images from sources ranging from digital video camcorders to DVD players to S-VHS/VHS VCRs.

Sporting a sleek design and a rugged magnesium alloy casing, these projectors offer powerful standard features including built-in 2-watt stereo amplifier and speakers for true multimedia use, a power zoom and focus, a sizable video impose (Picture-in-Picture) and focus lens, and a remote control. Two 220 Watt UHM lamps--each with a life expectancy of 2000 hours--provide up to five years of normal use.

The PT-L6600 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%, 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 an industry-leading three-year limited warranty on the projector with 90-day limited warranty on both the lamps.

Delivering the same exceptional performance, the PT-L6600UL/L6500UL come with no lens and can be combined with an optional short-throw, medium-throw or long-throw lens for the exact performance required according to usage and operating conditions.

The PT-L6600U, PT-L6600UL, PT-L6500U, and PT-L6500UL will be available in April at suggested list prices of $19,995, $19,495, $12,995 and $12,495, respectively.

Four optional lenses for the PT-L6600UL/L6500UL are: ET-LE050 fixed focal (0.7:1) lens, the ET-LE101 short-throw (wide) lens (screen size: 40"to 300", throw distance: approx. 1.0m to 11.0m); ET-LE200 medium-throw lens (screen size: 40" to 300", throw distance: approx. 2.0m to 26.6m); and ET-LE300 long-throw lens (screen size: 40" to 300", throw distance: approx. 3.7m to 35.4m). All are now available at the same suggested list price of $2,995.

For more information on Panasonic LCD projectors, plasma displays and presentation systems, phone 1-800-528-8601 or find us on the web at www.panasonic.com/presentations.