At the NAB show this week, Panasonic announced the PT-DZ13K Series of projectors, the latest addition to their 3-chip DLP projector lineup. The PT-DZ13K Series offers high brightness, a compact, lightweight body and many professional features. Panasonic says the unit is designed  for a variety of applications, including rental and staging, digital signage and large venue applications.

The new series consists of four models which range in brightness form 10,600 and 12,000 lumens and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. The new units utilize Panasonic’s Detail Clarity Processor 3, and three of the new models offer active 3D projection capabilities. Additionally, the DZ-13K series has a Dual Lamp System with Lamp Relay mode, where the two lamps alternate in operation, extending lamp life for 24/7 and extended use applications.

The PT-DZ13K Series has a lens memory function, lens shift, and can be mounted in portrait mode when used with an optional lamp. The built-in Geometric Adjustment allows for projection on spherical, cylindrical and other specially-shaped screens.

The units will begin shipping this month with MSRP’s ranging from $39,000 to $80,000.

A recent forecast from PMA Research expects that large-venue projectors are on track to out-perform the overall projector market this year so Panasonic should fare well in the large-venue space.