Japanese electronics manufacturer Panasonic has revealed the PT-DZ21K Series 3-Chip DLP projectors dubbed as smallest and lightest that features an astonishing 20,000 lumens of brightness display.

In its press release, Panasonic said that the three compact projectors are named PT-DZ21KU, PT-DS20KU and PT-DW17KU that offers varying resolutions. The PT-DZ21KU is capable of supporting 20,000 lumens with Widescreen Ultra Extended Graphics Array (WUXGA) 1920×1200 resolution, while the PT-DS20KU is a SXGA+ (1,400 x 1,050) resolution and 20,000 lumens of brightness. The PT-DW17KU is WXGA (1,366 x 768) resolution and 16,500 lumens of brightness.

Adding to the brightness feature is the longer lamp replacement cycles that boost up to 2,000 hours of use, with 3D compatibility that is highly ideal for use in large venue applications.

According to the company the combination of four new 465W UHM lamps and Dynamic Iris allow the projectors to deliver a 10,000:1 contrast ratio for high brightness and high picture quality. The PT-DZ21K and PT-DW17K has a 16:10 aspect ratio while the PT-DS20K supports 4:3.

Two of the projectors (PT-DZ21KU and PT-DS20KU projectors) support 3D display technology, with active shutter system in which the projector can be easily equipped with an external emitter via the 3D timing signal IN/OUT terminal. For a passive polarized 3D system, frame sequential, side by side, and top and bottom formats are supported that outputs an interactive display.

With the DICOM Simulation mode medical professionals can view X-ray images for hospital and medical applications. Operating the projector remotely is possible with the built-in Multi Projector Monitoring and Control Software which when the projector is connected via LAN network, it can be controlled using a web browser as well as send an email msaage when an error occurred or the lamp needs to be replace.

With the reduced in size that is 50% smaller to the existing projectors sold in the market Scott Wellington, Panasonic Product Marketing Manager said that without sacrificing product performance and visual experience for their audience in a variety of environments will greatly reduce the cost associated for shipping and transport.

The three projectors are designed to have an extremely small footprint due to a highly efficient optical design as well as an improved liquid cooling system that makes it possible to keep the noise level to a minimum during operation as well as save power due to its lower power consumption of under 2,500 watts despite the increase in brightness output.

Among the features of the PT-DZ21K series are lens memory adjustment that adjust the the image size and location in up to three different projection positions programming of the mechanical shutter to fade the image in and out during show transitions and the Edge Blending, and Multi-Unit Brightness Control for projections onto wide screens and surfaces to create an immersive experience.

The PT-DZ21KU and PT-DS20KU models is able capable of projecting images on various curved-screens with the Geometric Adjustment feature, which can be enhanced with the optional upgrade kit, ET-UK20, to support even more diverse curvatures and shapes with bitmap masking.

The projector is also capable of supporting optional lenses to allow it to throw a wide range of image projections as well as improve the distance. With its 360 degree installation capability it can be installed on the floors as well as being attached in ceilings. Operating temperature can reach up to 45 degree Celsius and is capable of handling more than 100 input signals. Input terminals supported are SDIx2, HDMI, DVI-D, LAN (RJ45) and 3D timing signal IN/OUT.

The PT-DZ21KU projector will be made will be available in May 2012, and the PT-DS20KU and PT-DW17KU will be available in June 2012.

Price update: (Jan, 2013)
These three projectors price range from $56,000 to $57,000 in the US.