At this month’s InfoComm tradeshow, Panasonic showcased its expanded portfolio of professional laser projectors. The expanded portfolio now includes the new PT-RQ22KU 21,000 lumen 3-Chip DLP™ laser projector with 4K+ resolution, and two new 1-Chip DLP™ SOLID SHINE laser projectors – the 12,000 lumen PT-RZ120, and the 8,500 lumen PT-RZ870. All of these new models are designed for large-venue and mission-critical applications.

The new compact and lightweight PT-RQ22KU 3-Chip DLP™ SOLID SHINE offers 4K+ resolution (5120 x 3200) and incorporates Quad Pixel Drive technology which creates extra pixels vertically and horizontally, quadrupling pixel density to produce film-like image quality. Key features of the PT-RQ22KU include flexible 360-degree installation and HDBaseT™ DIGITAL LINK video/control transmission. Multi-Screen Support Systems and Geometry Adjustment software allow for network management over LAN and has optional plug-ins for simultaneous auto-calibration of multiple projectors and expanded multi-screen support functions. Additional specs include a 240 Hz-capable Real Motion Processor, Detail Clarity Processor 5+ technology with 4K optimization, and System Daylight View 3 analysis technology.  The PT-RQ22KU offers a 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and also provides 4K BT.2020 color-space emulation which supports the latest HDR video format standards. Other important features include Quick On/Off, mechanical shutter functionality, and expanded power management functions to ensure smooth, energy-efficient, virtually continuous 24/7 operation in long-term or mission critical installations.

Panasonic also announced two new 1-Chip DLP™SOLID SHINE Laser Projectors at InfoComm – the 12,000 lumen PT-RZ120 and the 8,500 lumen PT-RZ870. Both projectors utilize a dual-laser-module and dual-phosphor-wheel designed to support mission critical applications. This unique color-wheel system is enhanced by dual heat-resistant phosphor wheels which are designed to maximize color accuracy while reducing energy loss from the light sources. Air-tight and dust-resistant optical units and cooling systems allow for maintenance-free operation for up to 20,000 hours. These projectors offer the flexibility for 360-degree installation and DIGITAL LINK (based on HDBaseT™ technology) for single-cable connection. The PT-RZ120 and PT-RZ870 projectors are geared towards application for higher education, corporate, museum and House of Worship venues.

The PT-RZ870 will ship in July 2018. The PT-RQ22KU will be available in August 2018. The PT-RZ120 will begin shipping in October 2018.

Display market analyst firm PMA Research has been closely following growth trends in the laser projector segment. For sales in the U.S. distribution channel in May of 2018, sales of Laser Phosphor projectors above 5,000 lumen registered gains roughly 2X the volume from May 2017.