The High-End and Specialty Projectors category includes stunningly bright projectors suitable for museums, big auditoriums, the largest lecture halls, as well as large houses of worship (i.e. mega-churches). The projectors in this group can also be used for specialty signage and related applications and include advanced capabilities such as edge blending and projection mapping.
The Epson L1755UNL is a beast! 15,000 lumens, WUXGA native resolution, interchangeable lenses, and basically dripping in features and capabilities
The Epson Pro L1755UNL is a 15,000 lumen, large venue, 4K pixel shifting laser projector with WUXGA resolution, that can accept a full range of 4K content.
Epson currently offers a total of eight commercial laser projector chassis in its Epson L-Series lineup. Brightness ranges from 6,000 lumens delivered by the Pro L1100U all the way up to a retina-burning 30,000 lumens provided by the newly announced Pro L30000U. Less expensive L series projectors start around $2000 (without interchangeable lens options).
Epson PRO L1755UNL Specs
Specification
Description
Price
$33,000
Technology
3LCD
Native Resolution
1920×1200
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
15000
Contrast
2,500,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
Multiple lens options
Lens Shift
Yes
Lamp Life
20000 hours (Laser Light Engine)
Weight
52.2lb (with standard lens)
The ProL1755UNL, like all the models in the Epson Pro L series, uses a dual blue laser light engine. One blue laser ultimately hits phosphor wheels to generate red and yellow beams, while the other blue laser handles the blue component. As with all 3LCD projectors, a dichroic prism is used to re-assemble the three different colors into a single full-color image.
While pixel shifting can’t match the resolution of a true 4K projector, it does increase sharpness and detail compared to a standard 2K projector. The Epson Pro L1755UNL projector can accept up to a 4K@60P signal.
When fed 4K content, this Epson projector uses pixel shifting to fine tune the image to more closely resemble 4K. Pixel shifting fires each pixel twice by shifting the location by 1/2 pixel diagonally. Combined with good image processing, it does a very nice job emulating the original 4K content.
Projection mapping which is masking 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 software-based projector mapping solutions, the ProL1755UNL has a Geometric Correction feature that lets you correct image distortion caused by projecting an image onto a curved or right-angled screen. You cannot combine traditional H/V keystone correction with the other image shape correction methods with projection mapping.
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. Under the Blend Range menu’s sub-setting, you can fine-tune the blend’s starting position and the width of the blended area. You can use the projector’s Black Level setting to make the difference even less noticeable. The result is an image that looks seamless, like it’s being displayed by a single projector. However, Edge Blending can’t be combined with pixel shifting but that is okay in many situations where maximum flexibility is more important than absolute resolution.
Some of the projector models in the Pro L series can be purchased with or without the standard lens. Several of the models including the L1755U are also available in both black and white finishes. I reviewed the black finish L1755UNL, but there is an identical version in white, the L1750UNL.
The NP-PX1005QL won our Best in Class Performance Award in 2021
The SHARP NEC NP-PX1005QL won our Best in Class Performance Award in 2021. The SHARP NEC NP-PX1005QL is a great option for someone looking for a high-brightness native 4K installation projector. It can reproduce far more detail than a comparable Pixel Shifting projector. It would be ideal for displaying video, artwork, photos and other images that require a large amount of detail.
The NP-PX1005QL is one of the twelve projector models in SHARP NEC’s PX-Series lineup. All units in the PX series utilize DLP chips but they vary in resolution and brightness.
SHARP NEC PX1005QL Specs
Specification
Description
Price
$24,000
Displayed Resolution
WQXGA Resolution (3840 x 2160)
Technology
DLP
Claimed Lumens
10,000 Lumens
Brightest Mode Measured
10,055 Lumens
Light Engine
Laser
Light Engine Lifespan
20,000 Hours
Longevity
Approx. 30 Hrs/Wk in 180 Day School Year = 18.5 Years Before Lamp Change
Weight
63.9 lbs
SHARP NEC NP-PX1005QL is a 10,000 lumen, large venue, 4K DLP projector with WQXGA 3840 x 2160, resolution that can accept a full range of 4K content. This is a commercial/installation class projector with a focus on higher education, corporate, and house of worship markets.
The NP-PX1005QL uses a laser light engine rated at 20,000 hours of life. While you can find a few high-brightness 3LCD installation projectors that offer 4K resolution, they cost much more than comparable native 4K DLP models. For example, a Sony 4K 3LCD laser projector with 8,000 lumens retails for $60,000 while a 4K DLP laser projector with 10,000 lumens, like the PX1005QL, cost about 1/3 of that amount.
The NP-PX1005QL has all the connections you would expect on a higher-end business and education class projector including two DVI-D connections, dual HDMI 2.0b inputs, HDBaseT port, and four 3G-SDI Inputs.
HDBaseT lets you run HDMI distances of up to 100 meters (about 328 feet) over a low cost CAT5e/CAT6 wire. 3G-SDI allows the projector to interface directly with a video located up to 100 meters away via coax cable which makes it a great solution for live video production.
While the SHARP NEC NP-PX1005QL does not ship with a lens, for maximum flexibility it is compatible with a total of eight bayonet style lenses which allows for a throw distance range of 1.6ft to 183 ft. Whether a projector must be positioned very close or very far away the screen, multiple lenses options ensure the projection can be adapted to work at a variety of throw distances. The SHARP NEC NP-PX1005QL is compatible with a total of eight lenses ranging from a .38:1 Fixed Short Throw model to a 5.25-8.28:1 Zoom unit.
The Projector Warping feature allows you to correct image distortion caused by projecting an image onto a curved screen. If you need more light output or want to utilize multiple projectors to display a larger, wider aspect image, the NP-PX1005QL is also equipped with Edge Blending to make that goal easier.
The NP-PX1005QL is 4K DLP unit so it can provide a crisper and clearer picture from 4K content than can be reproduced by pixel shifting 3LCD HD projectors in its price point. High brightness and excellent color combined with an incredibility sharp image from 4K content makes the SHARP NEC NP-PX1005QL a performance leader in its category.]
The SHARP NEC NP-PX1005QL retails for $24,000. If you are looking for a 10,000 lumen projector, you will have to choose between a Pixel Shifting 3LCD projector or a Native 4K DLP projector like the PX1005QL. If high resolution is one of your top priorities when looking for a flexible high-brightness installation projector, you should definitely consider the SHARP NEC NP-PX1005QL.
The Panasonic PT-MZ16 delivered outstanding out-of-the-box color.
We were shocked at how much brightness the Panasonic PT-MZ16 could produce all while delivering outstanding out-of-the-box color reproduction. From its rear Information monitor to its wide variety of inputs, the PT-MZ16 is feature-packed. in addition, it has all the installation features you could want in a high-end education projector.
Panasonic PT-MZ16KL was amazingly bright considering its compact size. It delivered a measured 16,000 lumens which should be more than enough brightness to overcome ambient light found in a large lecture hall. The out-of-the-box picture quality was great with several of its preset picture mode delivering accurate colors.
Panasonic PT-MZ16/BU Specs
Specification
Description
Price
$33,999
Resolution
WUXGA (1920×1200)
Technology
3LCD
Claimed Lumens
16,000 Lumens
Brightest Mode Measured
16,107 Lumens
Light Engine
Laser
Light Engine Lifespan
20,000 Hours (Normal Power)
Longevity
Approx. 30 Hrs/Wk in 180 Day School Year = 18.5 Years Before Lamp Change
Weight
49.2 lbs
To produce 16,000 lumens the PT-MZ16ML uses multiple laser diodes. If one diode in a module fails, only a limited number of diodes in the affected series are bypassed. The remaining diodes continue to operate which maintains close to full brightness.
The PT-MZ16KL is compatible with a total of seven lenses ranging from a .0.480–0.550 Short Throw model to a 4.14–7.40 Zoom unit so you have plenty of installation flexibility. Of course, the PT-MZ16KL has all the connections you would expect on a higher-end business and education class projector including a DVI-D, HDMI 2.0b, HDBaseT port and 3G-SDI.
The PT-MZ16KL includes an Information Monitor. This a small display located on the rear panel which helps with menu-based navigation as well as showing the status of the PT-MZ16KL including temperature, runtime, and active signal data, as well as error codes.
The unit's Projector Warping feature allows you to correct the image distortion caused by projecting an image onto a curved screen. If you need more light output or want to utilize multiple projectors to display a larger, wider aspect image, the unit is also equipped with Edge Blending to make that goal easier. All adjustments can be made using Panasonic’s free Geometry Manager Pro software.
The Panasonic is the brightest projector I have ever had in my test space. in addition to delivering an outstanding picture, the PT-MZ16KL had every connection and feature you would need in a museum or large lecture hall installation. The PT-MZ16KL can deliver an amazing 16,000 lumens brightness along with outstanding picture quality from a very compact chassis. The Panasonic PT-MZ16KL is truly a uniquely capable projector.
Sony VPL-VW5000ES and GTZ280 projectors deliver big, bright, and beautiful images
When the VPL-VW5000ES came to market, it was the most advanced home cinema projector in the world. It's more business-focused twin brother the GTZ280 is particularly suitable for demanding multi-projection applications in 2D or 3D, with consistently homogeneous brightness. The additional infrared laser source makes the VPL-GTZ280 ideal for pilot training and rescue simulation applications using night-vision goggles.
The GTZ280 offers high-speed 4K 120 Hz signal processing (optional feature) which supports Frame Doubled or Dual Input 3D at 60p per eye with full 4K resolution, for impressively smooth, immersive stereoscopic simulations. The low transport delay contributes to an extremely responsive performance in fast-motion simulator applications.
Specification
Description
Price
$60,000
Technology
SXRD (3)
Native Resolution
4K (4096x2160)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
5000
Native Contrast Ratio
20,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
2.10:1
Lens Shift
Yes
Lamp Life
20,000 hours
Weight
94 lbs
The VPL-VW5000ES's SXRD panels and laser light source help the projector achieve high dynamic contrast. This means that the full color spectrum-from deep, inky blacks through to vibrant reds, blues, and greens-is replicated with fine detail and realism. The highly efficient Z-Phosphor laser light generates up to 5000 lumens.
For maximum flexibility, both units are compatible with two Sony ARC-F lenses. The VPLL-Z7008 is a short throw lens with a throw ratio of 0.80:1 to 1.02:1. The standard throw VPL-Z7103 lens which comes bundled with the VW500ES has a throw ratio of 1.27:1 to 2.73:1.
Focus, zoom, and lens shift are all motorized allowing for Lens Memory functionality, which in this case means being able to save up to five different settings to best fill your screen depending on your content’s aspect ratio. That could be 16:9, 2.35:1, 2.37:1, 2.40:1, etc.
During our review of the VW5000ES we noted that the color was outstanding, skin tones were typically beautiful and natural looking.
The VW5000ES supports HDR out of the box while it is an optional upgrade on the GTZ280. Since both projectors are exceptionally bright, HDR material looks rich and vibrant. The wider color gamut – BT2020 (REC709 is the standard for 1080p), provides colors that seem closer to real life in saturation, and realism.
The VW5000ES delivers excellent 1080p and 1080i viewing but fully comes into its own with 4K content and HDR. This makes the unit an excellent purchase for any venue where color accuracy and picture quality are important – like art galleries, planetariums, and museums.
The VPL-VW5000ES earned our Best Projector of the Year award in 2016. Although the VW5000ES and GTZ280 have been outclassed by some newer models (including the twice as bright successor VPL-GTZ380), it still remains a compelling choice for any education venue with the budget to enjoy stunning picture quality, and exceptional brightness, lots of lens shift, and large color spaces.
So even after six years on the market the VW5000ES and GTZ280 are still highly recommended. Check our review of the VW5000ES
Whether it is an ultra-premium home theater, art gallery, or museum, the GTZ380 is a great option for any application where maximum image quality is critical.
If you are looking for the ultimate projector experience for your venue, consider Sony’s flagship projector, the VPL-GTZ380, which is a 10,000 lumen, native 4K SXRD projector that retails for $80,000 (minus lens).
Compared to its predecessor VW5000ES, the GTZ380 delivers much higher brightness and wider color gamut resulting in a massive increase in color volume. The GTZ380 can deliver twice the peak brightness of the VW5000ES and the chassis size is nearly identical – it only weighs about 24 more pounds.
Sony states that the GTZ380 is nearly 20% smaller than the next smallest 10,000 lumen native 4K projector on the market. Weighing just 112 pounds, it is both the most compact and lightest unit in its class.
Specification
Description
Price
$80,000 (minus lens)
Technology
SXRD (3)
Native Resolution
4K (4096x2160)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
10000
Contrast
∞:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
1.95:1 (VPLL-Z8014 Lens)
Lens Shift
Yes
Lamp Life
20,000 hours
Weight
112 lbs
The GTZ380 can deliver more onscreen brightness than a double-stacked pair of VW5000ES which is incredible for a projector of its size.
The unit’s X1 Ultimate chip also provides a huge boost in video processing power which further improves both SDR and HDR picture quality.
A new laser light source incorporates a red laser diode in addition to the two different-wavelength blue laser diodes. The VPL-GTZ380 achieves the full DCI-P3 color gamut that’s 1.35 times wider than the sRGB achieved by other projectors, without any loss of brightness.
An additional red laser diode dramatically expands color volume, with none of the brightness loss common to other high-end models that use a built-in color filter. The immense color accuracy of the VPL-GTZ380 makes it a compelling choice for environments such as art galleries and museums.
The GTZ380 is also packed with “installer-friendly” features, including a motorized lens with tons of zoom and lens shift, including position memories. Picture position memories are great if you have masking screens or if you want to maximize the image size of 16:9 and widescreen on a 2.35:1 screen.
In addition, the GTZ380 has a large amount of zoom and horizontal/vertical lens shift capability, which makes installation a breeze, especially when trying to replace an older, previously mounted unit. The GTZ380 is an interchangeable lens projector it is often bundled with a 1.95:1 motorized standard throw ARC-F zoom lens (VPLL-Z8014) that has a throw ratio of 1.49:1 to 2.91:1. For even more installation flexibility, there is also a short-throw ARC-F lens available (VPLL-Z8008). The throw ratio of this lens is 0.85:1 to 1.09:1.
Quiet and compact, the VPL-GTZ380 features a four-corner mount design that’s ideally suited to multi-projection installations including large exhibitions, gallery spaces and planetarium domes. Ultra-deep black levels help reduce the visibility of intrusive banding when multiple projector images are edge-blended to create a super-sized picture.
The GTZ380 is intended for applications where the highest image quality is critical. While the unit will be most attractive to video enthusiasts looking for the ultimate home theater projector, you will also see it utilized for other higher education focused applications including training simulators, planetariums, and museums.
Christie DWU1400-GS is a 12,500 ANSI lumen, WUXGA resolution, single-chip DLP laser projector.
The Christie DWU1400-GS is a single-chip WUXGA DLP laser projector that generates 12,000 ANSI lumens of manufacturer-rated brightness. The DWU1400-GS is the brightest projector in Christie's GS series of pro projectors. Even at such a high output level and running 24/7, the projector is estimated to have a 20,000-hour operational lifespan (to 50% brightness) when run at full power.
Specification
Description
Price
$19,706 MSRP
Technology
1DLP (0.67" DMD)
Native Resolution
WUXGA (1,920x1,200)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
12,00 ANSI Lumens
Contrast
6,000:1 Dynamic Contrast
Zoom Lens Ratio
Lens Dependent
Lens Shift
H +30%, V +100% (Zoom lenses only)
Lamp Life
20,000 Hrs (ECO2 mode)
Weight
50.3lbs (22.8 kg) w/o lens
The DWU1400-GS features the same relatively compact and lightweight chassis as other GS series models, making transport and setup at a trade show or events easier than larger projectors in its class. This projector is fully compatible with all the accessories available for the other GS series projectors. It is also compatible with seven different interchangeable lenses that provide versatility, allowing the projector to be tailored to different venues.
The built-in standard version of the Christie Twist software allows seamless edge-blend and stacking of multiple projected images on any 2D or 3D surface. The software provides precise geometric control of each projector in the chain through the grid-point/mesh interface.
The DWU1400-GS is fully compatible with Christie's optional Mystique automated camera-based alignment and recalibration solution making for a quick and accurate projector setup. I'll go into more detail on these topics and more in the review below.
In the professional projection business, the brandscape is seemingly more stable, with core professional projection brands like Barco, Sony, and other familiar faces providing many of the available solutions. Christie Digital is one of the industry's best-known brands and a long-term participant in the professional projection category.
