Panasonic announces the launch of its new  PT-VMZ50 Series, the world’s smallest and lightest (*1) portable LCD laser projectors.  Designed for consistent brightness and easy, flexible installation, this addition to Panasonic’s laser projector portfolio offers long-lasting, reliable and whisper-quiet operation designed for use in classrooms, conference rooms as well as executive boardrooms and many other applications in education and corporate environments.

The PT-VMZ50 Series consists of the PT-VMZ50U, PT-VMZ40U and the PT-VMW50U portable LCD laser projectors.

Model PT-VMZ50U: Brightness 5,000lm, Resolution WUXGA (1920 x 1200)
Model PT-VMZ40U: Brightness 4,500lm, Resolution WUXGA (1920 x 1200)
Model: PT-VMW50U: Brightness 5,000lm, Resolution WXGA (1280 x 800)

With a brightness range of 4,500 to 6,000 lumens, and a choice of WUXGA (1920x1200) or WXGA (1280x800) resolutions, the PT-VMZ50 Series features SOLID SHINE laser technology enabling long-lasting 20,000 hours (*2) of consistent brightness, and exceptional color accuracy, while eliminating conventional lamp replacement hassles for virtually maintenance-free operation.

All PT-VMZ50 LCD laser projectors feature 1.6x zoom lenses for short throw-distances (throw ratio: 1.09-1.77:1) best for close range projection. The projectors support wide V/H lens-shift to achieve flexible installation in classrooms, meeting rooms or executive boardrooms and limited spaces where multiple screens are required in one room. This allows all participants to share documents or videos on a big, bright screen even in small classes, conferences, work groups and discussions.

“Panasonic’s history of innovation continues with the expansion of our new series of high brightness portable LCD laser projectors,” said Scott Wellington, Projector Senior Product Manager, Panasonic Imaging and Visual Systems. “The new PT-VMZ50 Series sets a new standard in portable LCD laser projectors. Its small, compact and lightweight body make it easy to move from classroom to classroom, or between various meeting rooms, without sacrificing clear, crisp, vivid images. Our new portable laser projectors will enhance any classroom and meeting room experience by delivering great picture quality, flexible installation and reliable operation.”

Additional versatility is made possible with several important features that have been built into the PT-VMZ50 Series including 4K signal input (*6) via HDMI and Panasonic’s DIGITAL LINK (*3) connection, based on HDBase-T™, which transmits video, audio, and control signals through a single LAN (*4) cable for distances of up to 150 m (*5) (492 ft.) for Full HD video and 50 m (164 ft.) for 4K video, making installation simple and cost-effective with consistently high quality.

Wireless projection (*8) gives users the ability to share documents or images from their own devices regardless of seating location and without cable hassle, while the PT-VMZ50 Series laser light-source cuts the time needed to quickly display images after switching on the projector. This Quick Start/Quick Off feature makes it possible to project images in just one second (*7) from Standby condition so the presentation can start immediately Other features include a USB Memory Viewer function, which displays images stored on USB memory devices without need of a PC, and a built-in 10W speaker.

The new PT-VMZ50 Series of portable LCD laser projectors will be available March 2019.

*1 For LCD laser projectors in the 5,000-lumens-class or higher with WUXGA resolution as of November 2018. 15.87 lbs.

*2 Around this time, light output will have decreased by approximately 50 %. IEC62087: 2008 Broadcast contents, NORMAL Mode, Dynamic Contrast [2], under conditions with 35 °C (95 °F), 700 m (2,297 ft) above sea level, and 0.15 mg/m3 of particulate matter. Estimated time until light output declines to 50 % varies depending on environment.

*3 PT-VMZ40U does not feature a DIGITAL LINK terminal.

*4 CAT 5e cable or higher.

*5 150 m (492 ft) transmission available only with ET-YFB200G DIGITAL LINK Switcher for signals up to 1080p in Long Reach Mode.

*6 Supports signals up to 4K/30p. Images are converted to the projector’s resolution. /PT-VMZ50U/VMZ40U: WUXGA (1920 x 1200); /PT-VMW50U: WXGA (1280 x 800). Applicable terminals: DIGITAL LINK terminal/HDMI terminal

*7 When ECO MANAGEMENT > QUICK STARTUP is set to ON. Quick Start is unavailable after the Available Period setting has expired. When QUICK STARTUP is set to ON, the projector continues to warm up, increasing power consumption.

*8 Requires an optional AJ-WM50P wireless module.