Panasonic PT-RW430UK Performance

Posted on September 12, 2013 by

Brightness

The PT-RW430UK is rated at 3500 lumens. While we were unable to achieve that output level in our tests, we still measured 3052 lumens at full wide zoom using a 100 IRE (white) field in Dynamic mode. I mention the white field, because the PT-RW430UK adjusts its RGB balance depending on presence of color in the displayed image. So, just bringing up the menu (which has color in it) on-screen causes the light output to drop by 47%. This means the high lumen output is only available for black-and-white presentations. As noted in the Color and Picture Quality section of this review, this RGB adjustment does result in better color accuracy, but could be a problem if higher lumen output is needed. At full telescopic zoom, output dropped to 1709 lumens.

For the rest of our testing, the lens was at mid-zoom, which dropped the output to 2701 lumens. Other modes (which do not have the automatic RGB balance adjustment as they are better balanced to begin with) are substantially lower. Selecting Graphics or Standard modes reduces the output to 1406 and 1185 lumens respectively. The other modes were all quite close in output, but presented another significant drop. Cinema mode clocked in at 703 lumens, while Natural and Rec. 709 (the best color balanced mode) and DICOM Sim modes were equal at 643 lumens.

The picture on the right is in the projector's brightest mode, Dynamic.

Click Image to Enlarge

The PT-RW430UK has a number of Eco lamp modes. There are two Eco modes and a Low mode. While in Dynamic mode, dropping the lamp into the Eco Save 1 brightness mode resulted in a 5% drop in lumen output to 2560 lumens. Eco Save 2 was virtually identical to Eco Save 1, with just a 30 lumen drop to 2530. Low lamp mode however, displayed a significant drop in output to 1667 lumens.

Audible Noise

The PT-RW430UK displayed typical noise levels for a projector of its size and brightness. Panasonic rates it at 35 dB with the lamp on Normal brightness and 29 dB with the Low lamp setting. Subjectively, these numbers seem correct. In either case, it’s quiet enough that it’s unlikely to be an issue in almost any presenting environment you’d find this projector.

Wired and Wireless Networking

The PT-RW430UK, with a wired network connection, offers the standard control and notification options. You get the usual remote monitoring (including email notification) and admin features, as well as control features pretty much equal to those from the remote control. The PT-RW430UK also supports Crestron’s RoomView network service. When used with Crestron Room View, integrated control including power on/off control, message display and confirmation of lamp service hours is possible. This allows for centralized access and control over a single projector or multiple projectors simultaneously, as well as notifications which can be distributed to each projector. Also, it’s equipped with AMX Device Discovery for simplified device management and PJLink for use with other manufacturer’s projectors and control software.

Both display and control is available over a single LAN cable when using an external digital interface box (see the Special Features section for more information).