The Panasonic PT-CMZ50 is an ultra-short throw laser projector, aimed at higher education environments, but it also has its place in the K-12 environment, especially in environments with large audiences. The projector's bright, high-quality images, along with virtually no shadows, make it ideal for interactive presentations and collaborative workspaces.
Panasonic PT-CMZ50 Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector: Introduction
Starting with the Panasonic PT-CMZ50 It was easy: there was nothing to put together, you just had to put the batteries in the remote and plug it into a power source. I had no problems lifting and moving the unit, as it is fairly light and easy to handle, and not too large to fit on a table or desk. I really like the optional wall mount that comes fully assembled for quick and easy installation.
I found the projector's startup cycle to be very quick, and since this is a laser projector, I didn't have to wait for the unit to warm up to see the full brightness of the image. I was very impressed with the image quality, as well as the image correction and digital zoom features. I placed the projector about an inch away from the screen surface and it produced a very sharp 80-inch image. It had little to no shadowing in the image at close range and glare was not a problem at all due to its proximity to the wall. I also tested the unit's ability to project a smaller image and it was easy to adjust to produce a sharp image.
In addition to the extensive number of inputs, the CMZ50 has an HDMI output for connecting a second projector. With this setup I can set them to sync with each other so the images match from a single source. This is ideal for large conference rooms or meeting rooms.
Panasonic PT-CMZ50 Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector: Best Features
- Brightness and Clarity: The projector features a 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 5,200 ISO lumens for clear images even in well-lit rooms.
- The variety of input and output connections, including 4K and LAN connectivity.
- Long lifespan: The phosphor laser light source lasts up to 20,000 hours (or 24,000 hours in Eco mode), significantly reducing maintenance costs.
- Resolution: WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution provides sharp, detailed images.
- Quiet Operation: Operating at just 35 dB (26 dB in Eco mode), the projector runs quietly, minimizing distractions during use.
- Compatibility with Crestron, AMX and Qsys control solutions via RS-232
- Filters can be cleaned twice before needing to be replaced
Panasonic PT-CMZ50 Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector: Prices
The MSRP is around $3,000. Contact panasonic for a local reseller and exact price.
Panasonic PT-CMZ50 Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector: Key Takeaways
The low maintenance, image quality and long life of the Panasonic PT-CMZ50 Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector make it a standout product. Although it's quite portable, the additional ceiling mount, which Panasonic says takes about 15 minutes to set up, is a great option. Its compatibility with third-party applications, its networking capability for monitoring and control, as well as being able to connect two projectors together, make it a great option for higher education environments, as well as large spaces in the K-12 space.
