Panasonic Connect Announces the PT-RZ14K
3-Chip DLP^™ Projector, Setting a Benchmark with
14,000 lm¹ on AC 100–120 V²

June 9, 2023

Osaka, Japan — Panasonic Connect today announced the RZ14K 3-Chip DLP™ Projector, a new model derived from our groundbreaking RQ25K Series aimed at rental/staging and integration operators.

Development Background

Rental and integration companies enhance their profitability by reducing projector transport and installation resources. Therefore, products for this market must be easily handled with a team of two, adapt seamlessly to various applications, require little maintenance, and prevent interruptions that impact the guest experience. Panasonic developed the RZ14K from our RQ25K Series to meet this need with an advanced feature set, compact body, and functions that save resources and streamline workflow. Although brighter, RZ14K weighs 20% less and is about 40% smaller than the previous RZ12K for easy installation in confined spaces. Contrast increases to 25,000:1³, and new scene-recognition circuitry improves the depth and realism of eye-catching content. RZ14K works with existing Panasonic lenses⁴ for 3-Chip DLP™ projectors to maximize efficiency and delivers full brightness on AC 100–240 V power². This capability brings immersive 3-Chip DLP™ projection to venues lacking high-voltage power.

Efficient and Profitable Events Production

RZ14K creates exciting opportunities for color-rich 3-Chip DLP™ projection in areas with limited installation and backyard space. Its Intel^® Smart Display Module (Intel^® SDM)-ready slot accepts optional proprietary terminal boards or third-party⁵ PC boards and AVoIP boards that adapt, scale, and expand connectivity. Workflow is streamlined with an NFC function, which allows projectors to be prepped or initialized via the Smart Projector Control app⁶ without AC power. Preactivated upgrade kits for Geo Pro⁷ expand the software’s functionality and automate edge-blending via camera⁸, saving time and effort.
Full-brightness projection is supported on AC 100–240 V power² from the consumer grid, broadening the range of applications and reducing the need for costly construction to install a high-voltage power supply. User test patterns⁹ can also be saved to the projector to support calibration with specific content before a video source is connected, another time-saver when deadlines loom.

Compelling Visuals That Inspire the Audience

RZ14K combines high brightness, resolution, and contrast with accurate color performance. Evolved Dynamic Contrast includes new scene analysis circuitry that more accurately recognizes light and dark areas of the image, making black, white, and contrasting colors stand out dramatically. If banding is evident in color gradients, and there’s no time to re-edit the content, Gradation Smoother offers three levels¹⁰ of correction via remote control. For seamless
multi-screen projection mapping, the black-level settings offer point-based border adjustment to enable precise black-level adjustment inside blends on curved screens. Black levels can also be set inside and outside¹¹ the image display area.

Maintenance-free Reliability to Reduce Downtime

The projector’s optical engine and laser light source module comply with the IP5X Dust Protected (IEC 60529)¹² standard, eliminating the need for an air filter and enabling 20,000 hours¹³ of maintenance-free operation. A newly refined liquid-cooling system and optimized one-way airflow path support continuous operation in dusty environments. Multi-Laser Drive Engine has unique failover circuitry that limits brightness loss if a single diode fails, while the Backup Input¹⁴ function switches to a backup signal without screen-blanking if the primary is interrupted. A built-in mechanical shutter is also included to prevent laser lighting effects from entering the optical engine via the lens and damaging the projector. This functionality creates compelling value for rental integrators seeking high ROI, cost performance, sustainability, and a stress-free path to more memorable and sharable entertainment experiences.

RZ14K will be available from CY2023 Q3. For more information on this and other Panasonic professional solutions, please our global projector website at https://docs.connect.panasonic.com/projector.

About Panasonic Connect

Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd. was established on April 1, 2022, as part of the Panasonic Group’s switch to an operating company system. With roughly 29,500 employees worldwide and annual sales of JPY 1,125.7 billion, the company plays a central role in the growth of the Panasonic Group’s B2B solutions business and provides new value to its customers by combining advanced hardware, intelligent software solutions, and wealth of knowledge in industrial engineering accumulated in its over 100-year history. The company’s purpose is to “Change Work, Advance Society, Connect to Tomorrow.” By driving innovation in the supply chain, public services, infrastructure, and entertainment sectors, Panasonic Connect aims to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society and to ensure well-being for all.

1 Measurement, measuring conditions, and method of notation all comply with ISO/IEC 21118: 2020 international standards. Value is the average of all shipped products.

2 When operating the projector on AC 100–120 V power, the maximum light output may be reduced if an optional third-party function board is installed.

3 Full On/Full Off with Dynamic Contrast set to [3]. Measurement, measuring conditions, and method of notation all comply with ISO/IEC 21118: 2020 international standards.

4 Some lenses excluded. For optional lenses compatible with the PT-RZ14K, please refer to the product's preliminary page.

5 Intel^® SDM-ready third-party function boards sold separately. Panasonic cannot guarantee the operation of third-party devices.

6 Available free from the App Store or the Google Play Store. Please check the device and OS compatibility before downloading and installing the app.

7 Geometry Manager Pro software for Windows^® and preactivated upgrade kits require projector registration. Visit PASS to register your projector and download free software.

8 Compatible cameras comprise Nikon D5200/D5300/D5500/D5600/D7500.

9 Supports PNG (1/8/16/24/32/48/64-bit, non-transparent, alpha blending disabled) and BMP (1/8/24-bit) formats with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1200 dots.

10 The projector ships with Gradation Smoother set at factory default [2].

11 Black-level area settings must be performed before black-level adjustment. The ability to unlink black-level adjustment from geometric adjustment is supported only on flat screens when adjacent images are aligned vertically or horizontally.

12 The dust-proof performance of this unit is not guaranteed to be free from damage or failure under all conditions (environment with conductive dust, etc.). Please use an enclosure in environments with smoke containing oil, salt, and moisture.

13 Around this time, the light output will have decreased by approximately 50 %. IEC62087: 2008 Broadcast Contents, NORMAL Mode, Dynamic Contrast [3], temperature 35 °C (95 °F), elevation
700 m (2,297 ft) with 0.15 mg/m³ of airborne particulate matter. Panasonic recommends a checkup at the point of purchase after about 20,000 hours. Light-source lifetime may be reduced depending on environmental conditions. Replacement of parts other than the light source may be required in a shorter period. The estimated maintenance time varies depending on the environment.

14 The terminal assignment is fixed. Input signals to primary and backup inputs must be identical.