Using the PT-F200U as a Theater Projector

Now that the PT-F300 series supports native widescreen mode and comes with a DVI input I feel it takes a step closer to being a hybrid model applicable for home theater. The  biggest challenge is black levels, so we'd only recommend it for larger screen sizes where the light output can be sufficiently dispersed onto the surface. This projector still cannot "down-shift" enough to produce acceptable blacks on smaller screen sizes and shorter throw distances. For ambient light situations, however, it hits the ball out of the park.

Other features of the PT-FW300U projector:

• Anti-theft features: Security anchor, user password, control panel lock and text superimposing
• Picture mode selection (standard/dynamic/natural/cinema/blackboard)
• AV mute for image/sound muting
• Menu lock function
• Built-in closed caption decoder

Viewing Tests

For our primary viewing tests we hooked up the Panasonic PT-FW300U to an HD source (this year's Superbowl, in fact, and displayed the output onto an outdoor projector screen. The results were stunning and we found that we were able to view picture just after the sun began it's descent and the peak light of day had slightly waned. This was amazing because we were essentially watching

This is a shot with the flash. Even lit up you can still see the image on the screen with almost total clarity and significant contrast.

At night the game looked incredibly vivid, keeping the eyes on the action and away from our makeshift screen

Conclusion

We were glad we could get up-to-date on Panasonic's latest F-series projector. The PT-FW300U, while still an incremental upgrade over past models, offers some compelling new features that seem to streamline the product and offer a more refined solution to businesses needing a solid, high output presentation product. We love the addition of DVI (especially since it is a locking connector and more appropriate than HDMI for business and presentation use) and the network features are sure to come in handy for larger venue or campus installations that are pre-wired to take advantage of it. Overall, this is a bargain product and can be had at prices far lower than the MSRP listed here. Highly recommended.

Panasonic PT-FW300U LCD Projector

MSRP: $2,499 | Buy It Now from VisualApex

Panasonic Corporation of North America
One Panasonic Way
Secaucus, NJ 07094
http://www.panasonic.com/

About Panasonic
Best known by its Panasonic brand name, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of US$81.44 billion for the year ended March 31, 2005. The company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, New York (NYSE:MC), Euronext Amsterdam and Frankfurt stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company's website at http://panasonic.co.jp/global/index.html.