New-Generation Projectors for Installed AV— Not All Laser Projectors Are Created Equal PRESENTED BY IN COLLABORATION WITH Advanced platforms and features separate the “me-too” laser projectors that are flooding the market from the high-performing projectors that are being spec’d in by the most demanding and ROI-conscious AV integrators and end users. INTRODUCTION The TCO (total cost of ownership) arguments for using solid-state video projectors (instead of conventional lamp-based projectors) for installed AV applications are compelling: because the new-generation projectors are “lamp-free, there are no lamp replacement costs over the life of that projector. And the market has spoken: the best, most popular, most robust lamp-free projectors today are laser-phosphor projectors— now commonly called “laser projectors.” But AV integrators and AV end users are learning that not all laser projectors are created equal. The best new-generation laser projectors do far more than just providing better TCO with a lamp-free design. Only by choosing a projector that’s based on the latest advances in engineering can you be sure that you’re future-proofing your AV installation for years to come, and not just getting another “me-too” laser projector. This white paper outlines the advanced features that separate the flood of me-too laser projectors from the technology and business case-leading projectors that are being spec’d in by the most demanding and ROI-conscious AV integrators and end users. NEW-GENERATION PROJECTORS 2 FOR INSTALLED AV BEYOND TCO—TOWARD A NEW installed AV application must have key PROJECTION PARADIGM new-generation features that deliver The reign of the video projector as the not just better TCO but superior image display tool of choice for the classroom, quality, state-of-the-art engineering, boardroom, meeting space—and indeed installation options, and networking any installed AV space that requires a performance. Those features include: flexible imaging platform—has been a The best projectors long one. Even after the introduction • A DLP-based laser-light engine of flat-panel displays into the market, that avoids the compromises and for the classroom, video projectors continue to deliver much performance limitations of LCD-based boardroom, meeting greater brightness and higher resolution laser projectors. The market has options, larger screen size options, spoken: DLP is widely regarded as the room, and any installed more configuration options, greater superior display technology for image AV application must flexibility, and many other advantages. quality, longevity, and reliability. DLP have key new- But throughout their reign, projectors projectors can reproduce deep blacks have continued to evolve—from the and a more accurate white balance generation features that low-resolution, limited-light-output, than LCD projectors. And they can deliver not just better maintenance-heavy units of yesterday better support the higher color gamut to today’s high lumen lower TCO, more needed for 4K and UHD, as well as for TCO but superior image reliable, and better performing units. high-contrast HD. quality, state-of-the-art However, the sheer quantity of projection manufacturers and models available for • A dust-resistant airtight optical block engineering, installation the installed AV market has exploded design that prevents brightness options, and networking over the years, leading to confusion and degradation and ensures long performance. many ostensibly similar options. maintenance-free and dependable operation (not just for the illumination Today, with the proliferation of laser system but for the entire projector). projectors, an inexperienced AV integrator or end user may think, “the • Highly efficient cooling systems, which choice is now simple: lamp-based ensure stable 24/7 operation. These projectors mean too many lamps to include unique liquid-cooling and buy down the road, LED projectors heat-pipe cooling systems that enable don’t have the lumens I need, nor do the DMD module(s) to keep images the ‘hybrid’ projectors … so I’ll just crisp and bright while reducing fan pick a laser [phosphor] projector, and speed and lowering noise levels (and we’re good to go.” Smart integrators thereby minimizing distractions in quiet and projection users know that costly classrooms [and meeting rooms) mistakes lie down that road—namely, performance, TCO, quality, and reliability • Flexible installation options such as shortfalls in a few short months or years Panasonic’s DIGITAL LINK(HDBaseT) after the initial purchase. Those mistakes and built-in connectivity that supports can consume both limited budgets and the transmission of uncompressed manpower. Smart integrators know that full HD video and control commands choosing the best laser projector is not through a single CAT5e or higher STP NEW-GENERATION PROJECTORS just about the “lamp-free” TCO math. cable for distances up to 150 meters 3 FOR INSTALLED AV The best projectors for the classroom, (492 ft.), allowing you to save on the boardroom, meeting room, and any cost of peripheral connectivity systems. • Enhanced flexibility due to 360-degree, to their performance limits daily—with omnidirectional installation capabilities, exceptional results. software that expands image- adjustment functionality, and wide “The AV integrators are the ones driving range of compatible lenses. the projection technology evolution, through feedback and constant input to The advances made by Panasonic over our design team,” says John Meehan, recent years reflect the key advances sales engineer at Panasonic. Meehan, in projection technology—and those who works with top AV system designers advances are the very performance nationwide, says that laser projector features now expected by the most features such as instant on-off are now demanding AV professionals. expected. It’s now about the next level of performance. Panasonic was the first company, in 2004, to come to market with a wireless “AV integrators are driving the projection projector. In 2005, Panasonic announced technology evolution through ongoing the first 1-chip DLP projector brighter feedback to our design team,” says John than 5,000 lumens. Panasonic holds Meehan, sales engineer at Panasonic. 319 patents in projection technology Meehan, who works with top AV system in the United States and 837 globally, designers nationwide, says that laser and the list of innovations goes on. projector features such as quick on-off Fast forward to the recent projection and portrait mount capability are to be landscape, and in 2013 Panasonic expected, so it’s now about the next raised the bar to a new level with the level of performance. The difference is in introduction of its next-generation laser the details, and the story is that all laser Solid Shine™ line of projectors. No projectors are not created equal. projector manufacturer today can match the projection technology that Panasonic “Projector shootouts are meaningful again” offers. The proof is in the real world of says Meehan, “We hear it from our AV installed AV, where AV integrators and integrators and users. Panasonic laser demanding end users push projectors projectors look better overall—Brighter NEW-GENERATION PROJECTORS 4 FOR INSTALLED AV and more colorful images with better “We are a very strong Panasonic blacks and more neutral, pleasing whites.” partner,” says Wilson. “They have a complete line of laser projectors, from “We’ve seen whitepoints get pushed 3,500 lumen all the way to 35,000 toward green to achieve the brightness lumen. That’s important because with specs, but this distorts the color gamuts, Panasonic specifically we know that which also vary quite a bit more than we can get the same quality with “ We hear it from our you’d expect in terms of the RGB 1-chip and 3-chip DLP. They chromaticities. We’ve included an internal have that full lumen range, and they AV integrators and color sensor circuit that monitors and have the color range—1-chip or users. Panasonic laser maintains the proper RGB levels and 3-chip, depending on the application— therefore the whitepoint, in our projectors so we know that whether we’re doing projectors look better as they age.” a boardroom, a divisible conference overall — Brighter and room, or a simulator, for example, we’re more colorful images “And all of our laser models include choosing well. It’s really easy for me advanced features such as 7-Color to choose Panasonic—the range of with better blacks and matching controls, edge blending, projectors goes up all the more neutral, pleasing geometric correction controls for H&V way—lumens, resolution, and more. keystone, corner correction, and curved We use the 35,000 lumen Panasonic whites.” screens. Also there are six control options for a high-school auditorium or a — John Meehan, Sales Engineer, available, including the emulation of our house of worship—and we use a 4K Panasonic competitor’s serial command codes.” there as well.” “Sealed optics with heat-pipe cooling Wilson says he educates his customers of the DMD chips enables long-term about the fact that Panasonic was the and low-maintenance operation. This first to come to the market with laser has been borne out by dust chamber projectors, and that experience translates simulation testing to ASHRAE specs into a larger number of deployed units in to simulate 20,000 hours of use in use today. classroom and office environments.” “The number of Panasonic projectors For the nationally known, Washington, that just our company alone has installed DC-based, AV integrator CTSI, the shift is formidable. And, more importantly, to using solid-state laser projectors we’ve had zero warranty calls on those. for both their corporate and high-end We’ve never had a service call from a government installations is in full swing, failed projector. And with the range of according to AV engineering manager projectors from Panasonic, it’s important Mike Wilson.