Panasonic Announces 3500-Lumen PT-D3500U
One-Chip DLP XGA Projector For Multitude Of Venues

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 8, 2005) – Here at INFOCOMM, Panasonic has introduced a key addition to its popular line of ultra-bright DLP™ projectors, the one-chip PT-D3500U, which provides the visual impact, outstanding performance and return-on-investment users have been looking for in a cost-effective unit.

The PT-D3500U's high-precision DLP system in concert with the projector's high-power UHM lamp displays visually-stunning, ultra-crisp 1024 x 768 XGA resolution images at a high-contrast ratio of 1600:1. With a brightness of over 3,500 lumens and a compact design, this XGA DLP projector is suitable for a broad range of venues, ranging from classrooms and meeting rooms, to retail stores and showrooms, to exhibits and public spaces. The PT-D3500U offers user-friendly features including lens shift, center lens design, a range of interchangeable lenses, and all the benefits of an economical DLP engine.

Compact at 17.4 pounds, the PT-D3500U is equipped with a high-contrast, one-chip DLP engine with a 0.7-inch XGA Digital Micromirror Device. The performance, reliability and precision of its patented optical engine are further enhanced by the use of a coreless air bearing motor for the color wheel, resulting in a projection system a full class above other single-chip systems. Its lens-centered design provides flexibility in system design, because it eliminates the need for any special considerations when planning the unit's installation. A wide adjustment of the horizontal/vertical lens shift assures distortion-free images and adds convenience and versatility.

Five optional lenses with different throw distances are available in addition to the supplied lens, enabling the projector to perform superbly in an array of projection environments—and to exchange lenses with Panasonic's PT-D5500 one-chip DLP projector. A mechanical lens shutter eliminates light leakage when engaged, a feature that distinguishes the projector from others in its class.

Setup of the PT-D3500U is easy with one-touch auto-setup with manual horizontal and motorized vertical lens shift and Digital Keystone Correction. For exceptional connection flexibility, the projector offers a full array of input terminals, including a DVI-D connector (HDCP compliant), audio input/output terminals, two computer (RGB) and three video (component, composite and S-Video). In addition, the PT-D3500U has a wired LAN connector, RS-232C and external remote terminals.

When connected to a wired LAN, a user can operate a PT-3500U remotely, check its status using a web browser on a networked PC, and the projector can send e-mail messages to notify a user when the unit's operating condition changes or a lamp needs replacing. The wired LAN connection drives down support costs and minimizes downtime, and is highly beneficial in a fixed installation.

Designed for quiet operation, the PT-D3500U is HDTV-ready, and can automatically synchronize to display 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480/576i video in the 16:9 wide aspect ratio. Its Direct Power Off function keeps the projector's fan running to cool down the unit even when the power is turned off. The PT-D3500U offers several security features to prevent unauthorized use, including password protection, operation key lock, Kensington lock and a security chain opening.

The PT-D3500U uses a bayonet-type lens system, so lenses attach and detach with one-touch ease. In addition, its lamps can be easily replaced from the back panel by removing one screw. The unit measures 6 5/8" H x 13-1/16" W x 16-23/32" D and weighs a modest 17.4 pounds.

Other key benefits include: projection on screens from 50" to 600"; six colors-matching function (red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, yellow); ID assignment for up to 65 units; coordinated group control for up to 26 groups (A-Z); 3x digital zoom; built-in test pattern; and selectable nine-language on-screen menu.

The PT-D3500U will be available in August at a suggested list price of $6,999.

Optional lenses available for the PT-D3500U include the ET-DLE100 1.3 –1.8:1 zoom lens, ET-DLE200 2.5 – 4.0:1 zoom lens, ET-DLE300 3.7 – 5.7:1 zoom lens, the ET-DLE400 5.7 – 8.0:1 zoom lens, and ET-DLE050 0.8:1 fixed-focus lens.

Other options include the ET-PKD35 ceiling mount bracket for permanent installation and ET-PKD35S for low ceilings, and the ET-RMRC2 full-function wireless mouse remote control.

For more information on the PT-D3500U series and Panasonic's complete line of projectors, visit panasonic.com.

About Panasonic Broadcast
Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Co. is a leading supplier of broadcast, professional video and presentation products and systems. Panasonic Broadcast is a unit company of Panasonic Corporation of North America. The company is the North American headquarters of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC) of Japan, and the hub of its U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations For more information on Panasonic Broadcast products, access the company's web site at www.panasonic.com/broadcast.