Panasonic reveals new DLP projectors: 12,000 lumens and pixels galore

Hmmph. Outside of Samsung's blisteringly hot SP-A800B, we're fairly certain Panasonic's latest duo are the most impressive at InfoComm. Putting those XGA / WXGA units to shame, the PT-DZ12000U packs a drool-worthy WUXGA resolution (1,920 x 1,200) and 12,000 lumens to boot. The PT-D12000U checks in with the same three-chip DLP engine and lumen count, but eases up on the pixels with just 1,400 x 1,050. Furthermore, both units boast a System Daylight View to keep things visible even in well lit rooms, and the built-in Ethernet port enables remote monitoring and control through a web browser. Just one problem with all of this, though: the $69,000 (PT-DZ12000U) / $59,000 (PT-D12000U) price tags. Must be that Auto Cleaning Robot -- good help is hard to find these days.

[retro77 @ Jun 20th 2008 10:26AM]

Man there is a flood of projectors hitting the market.

[Flashpoint @ Jun 20th 2008 10:29AM]

OK lets see...

I could get a new ESCALADE;

A new NAVIGATOR;

A 2007 Lexus LS460

a used Mercedes Benz S550 (loaded with 30,000 miles on it from Ebay)

a New Lincoln MKS (loaded)

a slew of Japanese cars (possibly even 3 Scions, Toyotas or 2 new Honda Accords)

an ultralight jet airplane (BD5J acrostar)




OR, I COULD BUY A PROJECTOR.

[boulderhorn @ Jun 20th 2008 10:33AM]

with a careful bit of shopping, you could grab one of those vehicles AND a nice 1920x1200 projector (JVC-RS2 or similar)...

[Danakin @ Jun 20th 2008 10:34AM]

I was trying to think of something like that to post...yours is much better...I'm glad I hit F5.

[csoto @ Jun 22nd 2008 1:56AM]

This projector is not for you. We have the 10K lumen version (slightly lower resolution, only 1080p) and it is the most fantastic projector we've ever used. It's not quite a 4K pixel range, but it certainly makes our HD screenings look great.

We will probably buy 3 - 5 of these when we outfit a new building (or whatever replaces it, since this will be 2 years from now).

[Yevon @ Jun 20th 2008 10:31AM]

Can someone please explain what an auto cleaning robot is and will it kill me in my sleep?

[BradVT @ Jun 20th 2008 10:43AM]

I was wondering the same thing. Maybe it has a little droid inside that comes out to clean it off when it gets dusty

[Dave D @ Jun 20th 2008 11:09AM]

actually, they just forgot to mention that feature... It explains the $69,000 price - it is like a perfect maid service. iRobot watch out!

[Josh @ Jun 20th 2008 11:13AM]

haha, i really want to know how this auto cleaning robot thing works

[louage @ Jun 20th 2008 11:30AM]

I love the fact that it states 'AUTO CLEANING ROBOT'.. then in smaller writing right next to it: 'FILTER CLEANING' with a ruddy great screw that needs to be *manually* turned. Is auto the new manual? :-/

[Patrick @ Jun 20th 2008 12:15PM]

my guess is that it automatically cleans out the air filters.

[Timmy @ Jun 20th 2008 2:59PM]

It's an Auto Cleaning Robot that comes with a Free projector.

[contact @ Jun 21st 2008 11:39AM]

Actually it is a really useful feature in the Theatre world. We use the 10K version of these in out hire stock and they normally get rigged in rather inaccessible places so having the filters auto clean makes life a lot easier. It also means no-one has to touch the projector so the focus doesn't get all screwed up.

You only need to actually touch the projector to do the lamp/filter change at around 1000 hours.

[gabe @ Jun 20th 2008 10:35AM]

hmm - didn't know there were many Engadget readers actually in the market for projectors

[rcappo @ Jun 20th 2008 11:27AM]

I have a projector, so I'm out of the market for a few years. But a 120" HD screen from 12 ft away is very nice. More people should look into them if they watch most of their TV at night. (It could work during the day in a dark enough room).

[AaronKalb @ Jun 20th 2008 3:53PM]

Unfortunately most of the projectors I've seen here on Engadget are business pj's.

Once you watch a HD movie (Planet Earth is amazing) on a 100" screen in your living room, "normal" tvs just don't do it for you anymore.

[Natedawg @ Jun 20th 2008 11:27AM]

I'm only interested in the small print on the bottom of the picture, where it says "Auto Cleaning Robot". I could use one of those around the ol' homestead.

[phanbouy @ Jun 20th 2008 1:20PM]

for 60 grand it had better be a freakin' holodeck

[phanbouy @ Jun 20th 2008 1:27PM]

for 60 grand it had better be a freakin' holodeck

[Neebu @ Aug 11th 2008 8:06AM]

The projectors have become much more advanced in terms of clarity of picture and the quality of the pixels. Also, the projectors have found use in everyday households, as new versions of domestic projectors have arrived on the market. The abundance of LCD projectors, DLP projectors and video projectors has allowed the common man to enjoy the experience of a big theater hall in his living room.