Panasonic Broadcast Announces Availability Of Portable High Definition LCD Projector

SECAUCUS, NJ (February 2, 2004)— Panasonic Broadcast announced today the availability of its new PT-L500U, an ultra-portable LCD projector that reproduces images in stunning high definition (HD) video quality. The 6.4-pound PT-L500U is available at a suggested list price of $2,499.

"For all types of entertainment and business communications, the PT-L500U is a highly affordable and mobile platform," said Stuart English, Vice President, Marketing, Panasonic Broadcast. "Its HD video resolution and color performance are spectacular, representing a fruitful collaboration between the Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory and top colorists."

The PT-L500U's phenomenal picture quality is generated by three 1,280 x 720 pixel, widescreen HD LCD panels. Its high-efficiency optical system delivers a contrast ratio of up to 1,300:1 and 850 ANSI lumens of brightness. An extra short throw lens allows the PT-L500U to produce a 100" diagonal 16:9 aspect ratio image with a throw distance of just 10 feet, making it ideal for small boardrooms or media room uses.

In addition to HD LCD wide-screen panels, the PT-L500 includes Smooth Screen technology to reduce "screen door effect" (black lines between pixels common in some LCD projectors) and "Cinema Works" picture enhancement LSI circuitry, which provides four main benefits:

10-bit digital processing and gamma correction that quadruples the number of displayable colors to more than 1 billion and over 1024 grey levels;
Projector AI that automatically adjusts lamp brightness to the optimum level to match the characteristics of the picture in real time;
Dynamic Sharpness Control that adjusts video signal enhancement based on the difference in brightness of adjacent pixels;
Progressive Cinema Scan (3/2 pull down) that automatically detects an input signal from filmed material, and creates an optimum progressive scan display signal to assure faithful reproduction of the original image.

The projector is outfitted with wide range of inputs. Its HDCP compatible DVI input directly accepts digital signals from DVD and other digital sources. Component video inputs allow the user to enjoy the full quality of images from progressive scan DVD players, while the PC IN input can be used to connect other multi-media computer sources.

A trigger terminal is also included, so opening and closing of a screen may be easily achieved by powering the projector on and off. The PT-L500U is also a quiet operator. It features a new fan design that lowers operating noise (to as low as 27dB) while simultaneously reducing light leakage.

Other features include: vertical and horizontal keystone correction to compensate for image distortion; three sets of picture adjustment settings; back-lit, multi-function wireless remote; seven-language on-screen menu; and manual zoom and focus.

The dimensions of this slim, stylish, compact projector are 11" W x 3-11/32" H x 10-9/16" D. The PT-L500U is recommended for projection of images between 40" to 200" diagonal.