Panasonic's PT-CMZ50 LCD laser projector delivers giant, 80-inch images from ultra-short distances, making it perfect for a variety of environments. In this review, Tech and Learning looks at the projector's usefulness in an educational setting.

The Panasonic PT-CMZ50 is an ultra-short throw laser projector, targeted to higher education settings but also has its place in the K-12 environment, especially large audience settings. The projector’s high-quality bright images, along with virtually no shadowing, make it ideal for interactive presentations as well as collaborative workspaces.

Panasonic PT-CMZ50 Ultra-Short Throw Laser Projector: Getting Started

Getting started with the Panasonic PT-CMZ50 was easy – there was nothing to put together, I just had to put in the batteries in the remote and plug it into a power source. I had no problem picking up and moving the unit around as it’s fairly lightweight and easy to handle, and not too large to fit on a table or desk. I really like the optional wall mount that comes fully assembled for quick and easy installation.

I found the projector startup cycle to be very fast, and since this is a laser projector I did not have to wait for the unit to warm up to see the full brightness of the image. I was very impressed with the image quality as well as the features for image correction and digital zoom. I placed the projector about an inch away from the display surface and it produced a very sharp 80-inch image. I had little to no shadowing on the image at close distance, and glare was not an issue at all due to its proximity to the wall. I also tested the unit’s ability to project a smaller image and it was easy to adjust to produce a sharp image.

Along with the ample amount of inputs, the CMZ50 has an HDMI output to connect a second projector. With this setup I can set these to sync with one another so the images match from a single source. This is great for large lecture halls or meeting rooms.

Panasonic PT-CMZ50 Ultra-Short Throw Laser Projector: Best Features

• Brightness and clarity: The projector boasts a 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 5,200 ISO lumens for clear images even in well-lit rooms
• The variety of input and output connections, including 4K and LAN connectivity.
• Long lifespan: The laser phosphor light source lasts up to 20,000 hours (or 24,000 hours in Eco mode), which significantly reduces maintenance costs
• Resolution: The WUXGA (1920x1200) resolution provides sharp and detailed images
• Quiet operation: Operating at just 35 dB (26 dB in Eco mode), the projector runs quietly, minimizing distractions during use
• Compatibility with Crestron, AMX, and Qsys control solutions via RS-232
• Filters can be cleaned twice before needing to be replaced

Panasonic PT-CMZ50 Ultra-Short Throw Laser Projector: Pricing

The MSRP is around $3,000. Contact Panasonic for a local reseller and exact pricing.

Panasonic PT-CMZ50 Ultra-Short Throw Laser Projector: Key Takeaways

The Panasonic PT-CMZ50 Ultra-Short Throw Laser Projector’s low maintenance, quality image, and long lifespan make it a standout. Although it is quite portable, the additional ceiling mount, which Panasonic states take about 15 minutes to install, is a great option. Its compatibility with third party applications, networking capability for monitoring and control, as well as being able to connect two projectors together makes this a great choice for higher ed environments as well as large venues in the K-12 space.

This article was written by Frank Pileiro from Tech and Learning and was legally licensed through the DiveMarketplace by Industry Dive. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.