Panasonic outs first HDBaseT projectors at Infocomm

Panasonic has introduced a range of projectors which support HDBaseT. The new Digital Link models made their bow at Infocomm, creating a new category for Pro AV projection in the process. The aim, says Panasonic, is to provide projection solutions where a distance connection is required.  Panasonic Digital Link is based on Valens HDBaseT technology, and supports delivery of uncompressed HD, audio and control commands up to 100m via a single Cat5e/6 LAN cable.

The company unveiled an LCD HDBaseT model, the PT-VW431D and two lampless LED models, the PT-RZ470 (pictured above) and PT-RZ370. All are fully compatible with Crestron's DigitalMedia 8G+ compatible switchers, AMX's Enova DVX and DGX Digital Media Switchers and the Extron XTP system.

Hartmut Kulessa, marketing manager for PSCEU (Panasonic Systems Communications Company Europe), says the rapid the adoption of HDBaseT-embedded products across the industry made compatibility a priority. "We saw a need to support the technology with our projectors… we'd like to lead the market into a new era of simple yet dependable connectivity."

Dror Jerushalmi, CEO and co-founder of Valens Semiconductor, says these new arrivals are an important validation of the technology: "The adoption of HDBaseT by industry leaders such as Panasonic confirms HDBaseT's status as the de facto standard of the digital connectivity industry." Jerushalmi also believes that the launch marks a significant step in HDBaseT's migration to the wider consumer electronics market."

The lampless one-chip DLP PT-RZ470 and PT-RZ370 projectors utilise a new LED/laser diode for long lasting high brightness. The models are rated at  "more than 3,000 lumens" and are available in Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) and WXGA (1,280 x 800) resolutions. Attractions include edge blending and colour matching. The brand expects them to be installed in educational institutions, museums and for digital signage. Around 20,000 hours of virtually maintenance-free operation is anticipated. Both models are also 3D compatible.

The PT-VW431D LCD offering has a brightness of 4,300 lumens and offers WXGA (1,280 x 800) resolution. Features include Panasonic's Daylight View sensor which adjusts the image according to ambient light. A 1.6x manual zoom lens throws an image bewteen 2.5m to 4.1m. To help with installation, there's a vertical lens shift function able to shunt the image by +48% vertically without picture distortion.

Following their Infocomm bow, these Digital Link debutants will be showcased at Panasonic's London Visual Experience Centre at Pinewood Studios, on June 27 - 28. Product shipments begin October.

Infocomm records attendance jump

Organisers say InfoComm 2012 saw traffic increase four per cent over last year, taking the total number of AV professionals visiting the event to 34,268; there was representation from more than 90 countries. Registrations for the InfoComm University educational courses were also up, rising 15.6 per cent to 6,940 over last year. More than 5,560 pros attended seminars and workshops, nearly 1,000 more than in 2011.

Topics covered were as diverse as wireless AV and acoustics. Proving particularly popular were classes on smart buildings, networked AV and conferencing. The show itself totaled 933 exhibitors, spread across 487,000 net square feet of exhibition space.