Panasonic Debuts New LCD Projectors for Fixed Installations

Business Wire, April 1, 2008

New PT-F200NTU and PT-F200U Showcase Superior PC and Mac-Compatible Technologies for Outstanding Brightness, Built-in Wireless Connectivity, and Cost Savings

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- Panasonic Projector Systems Company, Unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, announced today the debut of two new LCD projectors designed for cost-effective, fixed installations. Ideal for small to medium sized meeting rooms and class rooms, the new PT-F200NTU and PT-F200U projectors are excellent for existing system upgrades as well as a first time installations. The PT-F200 series also provide long-lasting brightness and features that reduce installation and maintenance costs. The PT-F200NTU model also sports built-in wireless and wired network capability1. The new models build on the momentum of their predecessors, the award-winning PT-F100NTU and PT-F100U.

Cost Savings

The PT-F200NTU and PT-F200U models ship with cost-cutting features that are particularly beneficial since many organizations have faced dwindling budgets in recent years. The wide ranges of the vertical and horizontal lens-shift and the 2x powered-zoom lens increase installation flexibility and can reduce costs by relaxing placement and permitting the use of existing mounting positions. Projectors can now be placed closer to existing AC power and/or wired network connections than might otherwise be possible. Administrators can therefore avoid the expense of installing new AC power and network connections with the potential difficulty of complying with building code regulations.

Panasonic's second-generation Auto Rolling Filter (ARF) reduces periodic-maintenance costs and the need for onsite visits to deal with dust build-up and contamination by detecting any reduced air flow from captured dust and automatically exposing fresh electrostatic filter material as needed.

"Our engineers have worked tirelessly to address the economic and design needs of the fixed installation market," said Thomas Zitelli, president of Panasonic Projector Systems Company. "We know that the keys to meeting those needs are high reliability, flexibility of positioning in the room, and low cost. With PC and Mac-compatible technologies, our new F200 series delivers on all of those items, including excellent picture quality."

Wireless Capability

The PT-F200NTU model comes equipped with a wireless local-area network (WLAN) capability that allows it to connect to multiple PCs without any cables2. The use of a router or a wide area network is not necessary and up to 128 different PCs can be connected simultaneously.

The unit, which supports the Japanese issued PJLink[TM] protocol, can stream video and support wired LAN connections, allowing remote control, maintenance monitoring, and e-mail alert messaging functions through a Web browser.

When connected via Wired LAN, users can also monitor and collectively control the Panasonic F200 and other PJLink[TM] compatible projector brands from a single computer.

Long-Lasting Brightness

To deliver and maintain 3,500 lumens of brightness and reliable performance, Panasonic uses several advanced technologies.

First, Panasonic Projectors unique lamp drive system ensure that maximum brightness is maintained for up to 5,0003 hours, depending on where the projector is installed, the amount of usage and the environmental conditions.

Second, the next-generation Auto Rolling Filter keeps the projectors almost dust-free by detecting any reduction in air flow and automatically advancing clean electrostatic filter material over the air intake port when needed. In addition, the improved internal airflow path and the hermetically sealed, dust-free optical system ensures that the internal cabinet and optics remain clean.

Third, Panasonic's fourth-generation Daylight View 4 image-processing now includes Edge Enhancement to increase sharpness and Gamma control to improve detail clarity, in addition to optimizing Color, Brightness, and Contrast according to the ambient lighting conditions in the room.

Installation on the ceiling or on a shelf is made easier with the 2x powered zoom and lens-shift features, making these ideal replacement projectors.

The PT-F200NTU and PT-F200U projectors come equipped with Closed Caption capability to meet the needs of the hearing-impaired, to facilitate Assistive Listening Device (ALD) compliance, and for use in applications when it is desirable to deliver program content without audio. Both models also offer a host of standard features, including direct power off, rear-access for easy lamp replacement, numerous connection terminals, and an easy-to-use remote control with a built-in laser pointer.

The Panasonic PT-F200NTU and PT-F200U projectors, made in Japan, buy American (BAA/TAA) compliant; will be available at authorized presentation systems dealers. MSRP is $4,499 for the PT-F200NTU and $3,999 for the PT-F200U. For more information on Panasonic's complete line of projectors, go to www.panasonic.com/projectors or phone 888-411-1996.

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