PANASONIC PT-FRZ60 LASER DLP INSTALLATION PROJECTOR REVIEW-SPECIAL FEATURES

Panasonic PT-FRZ60 Laser DLP Installation Projector Review – Special Features:​ Laser Light Engine, Digital Link (HDBaseT), Projection Mapping and Edge Blending,Network Management Tools, DICOM Simulation, Mounting Flexibilty

The PT-FRZ60 uses a liquid-cooled, multi-laser module light source along with a sealed optical block to deliver a rated brightness of 6,000 lumens.
Panasonic claims 20,000 hours until light output declines to 50% for the PT-FRZ60. As with a lamp- based system, the life rating is the point where 50% of the brightness has been lost. If the PT-FRZ60 were used 40 hours a week, the 20,000-hour lifespan equates to over 9 1⁄2 years of operation.

Laser Redundancy 

Like many of Panasonic laser installation projectors, the PT-FRZ60 uses their Multi-Drive Laser Optical Engine with Failover Redundancy Circuits for maximum reliability. This means the laser diodes are grouped into multiple laser modules. If one diode in a module fails, only the laser diodes in the affected series are bypassed. The remaining diodes continue to operate, so the projector maintains close to full brightness. In the case of many other laser projectors, if a laser diode fails, the entire module shuts down resulting in a dramatic loss of brightness. The Multi-Drive Laser Optical Engine used by the PT-FRZ60 Series adds an invaluable layer of insurance and peace of mind when image presentation must not be interrupted.

Sealed Optical Block

Since the optical unit and light source is sealed to protect them from dust particles and its heat pipe- based cooling system eliminates the need for an air filter, the PT-FRZ60 is ideal for dusty environments.

There are four modes to adjust the brightness output of the laser light source:

• • Normal – 100% brightness at high fan speed which results in an estimated laser light source life of about 20,000 hours.
  • ECO – Brightness is reduced to 80% and the estimated laser light source life increases to about 24,000 hours.
  • Quiet – Reduces brightness by 80% while reducing fan speed to lower noise. The estimated laser light source life is about 20,000 hours.
  • User – The laser engine brightness can be adjusted from 20% to 100%. Increasing the lamp brightness level decreases the laser light source’s life.

When the Dynamic Contrast setting is engaged, the PT-FRZ60 laser light engine can be modulated scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame to accurately increase the projector’s dynamic contrast performance. This improves picture quality, particularly in video where scenes frequently change from light to dark. The power consumption is also reduced when this feature is implemented.

DIGITAL LINK is based on HDBaseTTM, so the PT-FRZ60 is compatible with a wide variety of HDBaseT transmitters from manufacturers like Gefen, Extron, and Atlona. By using DIGITAL LINK, you can transmit 4K video up to 50m (164 ft) with a single LAN cable. In Long Reach Mode, you can also send 1080P content up to 150m (492 ft) using an ET-YFB200G DIGITAL LINK Switcher.

We've all been in meeting rooms where several presenters attempted to share a single HDMI cable. Panasonic offers an optional DIGITAL LINK Switcher which allows the connection of multiple sources which can then be routed to a DIGITAL LINK-ready projector like the PT-FRZ60 via a single CAT5e or higher ethernet cable.

Using the DIGITAL LINK Switcher (ET-YFB200G) or any other compatible HDbaseT switcher eliminates the need to move a single HDMI cable from one presenter to another because multiple presenters can be simultaneously connected to the PT-FRZ60.

Projection mapping masks the image digitally to light up non-traditional, often three-dimensional objects. This is used often at concerts, museums, and other digital signage applications. While there are powerful 3rd party software-based projector mapping solutions, the PT-FRZ60 has basic projector mapping features built-in.

If you need more light output or want to use multiple projectors to display a larger, wider aspect image, the PT-FRZ60 is equipped with Edge Blending and Color Matching adjustments to make that goal easier. By utilizing Edge Blending, you can split an image over multiple projectors and display it as one large image while reducing the hard transition from one projector to another. Using the PC control software you can also correct any color variations between the projectors. The result should be an image that looks seamless, like it is being displayed by a single projector.

Since I only had one projector at my disposal, I didn’t have the opportunity to test this feature, but I am confident that it would simplify color matching on multiple blended projectors.

Once you have connected your projector to your network, there are several ways that you can control and monitor the PT-FRZ60.

Web Control

Web Control can be accessed from the web browser of a laptop, smartphone or tablet. Just enter the projector’s IP address into a compatible browser to get access to most of the projector menu functions. To prevent unauthorized tampering, you can even set up a password.

PJLINK

PJLink is a unified standard created to allow the operation and control of a projector. One benefit of PJLink enables the connection of different manufacturer's projectors for better communication between the projectors, other displays, and control systems.

Multi Monitoring & Control Software

Panasonic Multi Monitoring & Control software allows you to check the status of multiple (up to 2,048 devices) networked Panasonic projectors and perform various projector operations from your computer. You can monitor the status of multiple projectors and get information such as power status and errors, so you are alerted to projector abnormalities immediately. You can also select individual projectors or projector groups to check detailed information such as the usage hours of the projector light source, the current input, and any current errors.

If you opt for the paid license (free 90-day trial available) of the software, you will have access to additional early warning features. These advanced functions enable real-time monitoring, abnormality detection, and notification before servicing is required. You can even set up a networked projector to send you an e-mail alert if there is a problem. The email will list the name of the projector experiencing a problem and detailed information about the issue.

DICOM Simulation color mode is designed to present medical images – such as X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, PETs, etc., with enough contrast, detail, and quality along with minimal noise for use in medical schools, at medical conferences, and for educational purposes.

DICOM Simulation is not high enough quality nor intended to be used as a substitute for doctors reading original medical films. However, it is ideal for classroom or instructional settings for training doctors, nurses, and technicians.

The PT-FRZ60 is suitable for applications where an orientation other than traditional landscape placement is required. The unit can be installed universally at any angle. Tilt-free, roll-free, and portrait installations are supported. The projector can be rotated freely (360°) to point up or down depending on the installation requirements and can be rotated and installed on its side to create a portrait image. Since the PT-FRZ60 has a built-in angle sensor, images are automatically rotated depending on whether unit is sitting on a table or mounted upside down from the ceiling.