Panasonic PT-DW5000U DLP Projector Review

Posted on August 15, 2006 by Art Feierman

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Panasonic PT-DW5000U Specs
Price	12000
Technology	DLP
Native Resolution	WXGA (1280x768)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)	4500
Contrast	2,500:1
Zoom Lens Ratio	1.30:1
Lens Shift	No
Lamp Life	1300 hours full power, 2000 lumens low power, up to 4000 hours
Weight	32
Warranty	2 years with Zip-it overnight loaner program

This is my second review of a "D" series Panasonic single chip DLP projector. We reviewed their least expensive projector in the group just about a year ago, the PT-D3500U. The D3500U is their basic commercial projector, and junior to the D5500U, which was recently replaced by the D5600U.
We awarded the D3500U our Hot Product Award last year, and are equally pleased that the DW5000U easily earns this reward.

The PT-DW5000U is essentially a widescreen version of the D5600U. Like it's 4:3 ratio sibling, the DW5000U offers interchangeable bayonet mount lenses, dual lamps, and a liquid cooling system that makes the projector less sensitive to overly warm room conditions

Thanks to the liquid cooling system, the Panasonic is rated to be able to work in temperatures up to 110 degrees fahrenheit!

Unlike a few new widescreen DLP's just now reaching the market, from the likes of Mitsubishi (we just reviewed the HD4000U) and Optoma EP1690 (review follows this one), the Panasonic PT-DW5000U is a true commercial projector, built for heavy duty cycle operation, if need be. And even if you aren't running it 8 or even 24 hours a day, it still has far more brightness and more features than those much smaller portable widescreen projectors. In addition it even offers two types of lamps, the standard ones and extremely long life lamps. The list of other enhancements goes on, and on. I'll try to touch on as many as possible in this review. Despite the power, and big time features like dual lamps, the PT-DW5000U is surprisingly light, weighing in at only 32 pounds. Most dual lamp projectors start at about 50 pounds. That combined with a sealed light path that keeps dust from interfering with the projected image, should make this the darling of the commercial rental community.

The PT-DW5000U should be popular in a wide range of locations and applications. These should include: auditoriums, sports books and bars, churches, digital signage, general "rental and staging" applications, universities, high end boardrooms, and also, it should be especially desirable in movie theaters to project movie trailers and advertising before a movie.

There are two versions of the DW5000: The PT-DW5000U, which comes with a standard zoom lens, or, for those needing a different lens, the PT-DW5000UL, which comes without a lens.

Time to get started!