The Panasonic PT-FRQ50 is a SOLID SHINE, professional, DLP laser projector that can display 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) resolution with a rated brightness of 5,200 lumens. The PT-FRQ50 is an installation-class projector that uses a laser/phosphor wheel light engine and is rated to deliver 20,000 hours of low-maintenance operation in Normal light mode. This projector offers smooth and detailed 4K images, easy system integration, and high reliability.
The PT-FRQ50 offers a 2.0x manual zoom (throw ratio: 1.46–2.93:1), manual focus, F 2.0–3.4, f 21.5–43.0 mm, and a large amount of vertical and horizontal lens shift for convenient installation flexibility. Of course, the PT-FRQ50 has all the connections you would expect on a better business/education class projector, including HDMI 2.0 and a DIGITAL LINK (HDBaseT) port.
In this review, I'll be giving you a brief overview followed by a list of the highlights and notable features, a tour of the hardware, and some insights into the picture quality and performance of the Panasonic PT-FRQ50.
Panasonic PT-FRQ50 Specs
Price
$4,999 MSRP
Technology
DLP w/ XPR (Single-Chip DMD)
Native Resolution
1920x1080x4
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
5200
Contrast
20,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
2.0X
Lens Shift
Yes
Lamp Life
20,000
Weight
35.5
Warranty
3-year or 12,000 hours (whichever comes first) laser diode warranty
OVERVIEW
5,200 rated lumens
The Panasonic PT-FRQ50 is a 5,200-lumen, 4K installation projector with a laser/phosphor light engine rated for 20,000 hours of low-maintenance operation. The PT-FRQ50 features one of Texas Instruments' newest (0.65") DLP Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) chips. Panasonic claims the unit can deliver a dynamic contrast ratio of 20,000;1.
The PT-FRQ50 is equipped with 2.0x zoom and ample horizontal and vertical lens shift for enhanced installation flexibility. The PT-FRQ50 is part of Panasonic's FRQ Series of 4K installation DLP laser projectors which also includes the 6,000-lumen PT-FRZ60. Both models are housed in a similar chassis measuring 19 5/8˝ x 6 5/8˝ x 19 3/8˝ (498 x 168 x 492 mm) and weighing between 35 to 36 pounds each. The two main differences between the models are brightness and price.
The PT-FRQ50 offers the wide range of connections a professional user would expect to find on an installation-class projector. Inputs include dual HDMI and a DIGITAL LINK/LAN (HDBaseT) input. For applications where smooth motion is important, the projector supports frame rates up to 240 Hz/1080p. The PT-FRQ50 can project content at a resolution of up to 4K@60 fps via its HDMI and DIGITAL LINK terminals (HDBaseT).
Like most Panasonic projectors we have reviewed in the past, the PT-FRQ50 offers solid build quality and installation flexibility. The addition of HDR support means this projector should be ideal for use in museums and art galleries where picture quality is critical. Panasonic also provides an input-to-output latency of 8 ms or less for applications where smooth motion is important.
Let's get into the review and find out how well the projector performs.
