Panasonic’s original Gradation Smoother function reduces banding noise in gradients of shaded color evident in content that lacks the optimal color bit-depth. Operators can select three levels* of image correction appropriate to the severity of the problem, or disable the function when it’s not needed. Gradation Smoother is your go-to solution when banding is evident in the projection, but there’s no time to re-edit the content.

* Projectors ship with Gradation Smoother set at a factory default of [2].

Edge-blend uniformity on curved screens is difficult to achieve with line-based black-level border adjustment. Warped image-edges result in unequal blend-widths, and a lack of uniformity in overlapping areas is exposed when dark scenes are projected. PT-RQ50K gains new black-level calibration that allows black borders to be reshaped to suit screen curvature using up to 17 control points in much the same way as our Free Grid function. Adjacent images can be matched within a 0.5-dot margin—ideal for 4K video projection—while a wider range of adjustment in finer increments is also enabled.

The PT-RQ50K’s laser engine and optical drive doubles output power from the same compact footprint as the PT-RQ32K. A redesigned airflow path and new finless radiator boosts the efficiency of the liquid cooling system, while a separate cooling for the red laser is regulated by Dynamic Digital Control for excellent image consistency and high reliability. Space-saving design with integrated cooling systems bring the logistic efficiencies of all-in-one projection to large-venue staging, saving operators time and money.

Newly introduced within Multi Monitoring & Control Software and also accessible via web browser, Remote Preview allows projectionists to check the content being received by the projector via a Wi-Fi®- or LAN-connected laptop. It works with the projector in Standby, with the shutter on, or when direct sunlight makes inspecting on-screen images difficult. It gives a chance to fix errors between the source and projector before setup is completed.

With the PT-RQ50K, upgrade features for Geometry Manager Pro are built into the software and do not require paid activation. Simply download and install Geo Pro to a PC to simplify advanced multi-screen geometric adjustments. Built-in capabilities include uniformity correction and Auto Screen Adjustment for automatic and simultaneous calibration of multiple screens (including curved-screen correction) using a compatible camera. These features expedite edge-blending and color-matching in mapping applications with automatic calibration for black level, brightness uniformity, and stacking.

Free Grid is a function in Geometric Adjustment that enables convenient grid-based image adjustment using the projector’s remote controller. Grid resolutions of 2 x 2, 3 x 3, 5 x 5, 9 x 9, or 17 x 17 can be projected and areas of the image reshaped or geometrically altered to compensate for screen distortions. This correction is easily performed by adjusting control points located at grid-line intersections. Move freely between grid resolutions to achieve the desired level of granularity without losing work progress. This clever data-saving function allows technicians to smoothly create a distortion-free projection in a wide range of installation situations.

Smart Projector Control is a remote app for iOS and Android™ devices^*1 that can adjust and control up to 64 projectors individually or simultaneously from anywhere within range of the wireless network. Use the app to connect the projector to the wireless network^*2 without manually entering SSID and password simply by scanning a QR Code displayed on the projector’s Information Monitor. Once connected, you can switch the unit on or off, select an input signal, and adjust the projector’s OSD menu settings via your device’s touchscreen with the unit in standby. Installers avoid delays when it’s not possible to project the OSD menu, and can set up a fleet of projectors while other event infrastructure is assembled. As well as OSD menu operations, the app can adjust lens settings and select test patterns and lets you focus the projection using your phone camera^*3 from distances of up to 30 m^*4 (98 ft) away. For more information, visit the Smart Projector Control website.

PT-RQ50K projectors can be paired with your smartphone via NFC* (Near Field Communication) when the projector is off and disconnected from AC power by touching the device against the projector’s NFC touchpoint. Adjust selected projector settings using Smart Projector Control app, such as Projector ID and IP address, while waiting for power to be connected and setup to begin. Fleets of projectors can be prepped for immediate network connection and setup the moment power rolls out on the installation site, saving time and resources. After the event, projectors can be reset to factory defaults while unplugged and ready for crating, an action that used to require OSD menu projection.

To further simplify setup and operation of the PT-RQ50K, an Information Monitor is located on the side panel adjacent to terminals and physical controls. The monitor provides menu-based navigation for smooth setup of Projector ID and basic network configuration. It also shows projector status including temperature, runtime, and active signal data, as well as error codes should a problem be detected.

An exclusive new lineup of optional lenses for the PT-RQ50K provides throw-ratio coverage from 0.55:1 to 7.76:1, adapting projections to suit the installation site. All seven models support powered zoom, lens-shift, as well as lens memory and lens ID for easier on-site adjustments. AFO (Active Focus Optimizer) feature optimizes focus based on content APL, keeping images sharp and in focus.

The SOLID SHINE Laser drive groups laser diodes into discrete modules. In the unlikely event one single diode in a module goes out, Failover Circuitry enables the diodes in the affected series to be bypassed—the remaining, functional diodes continue to operate with imperceptible loss in brightness. If a laser diode fails in other laser projectors, the whole module goes down and the brightness loss is so great that the projector must be taken offline. Panasonic laser diode failover technology adds yet another layer of insurance for events projection when image presentation must be maintained.

If the primary signal is disrupted, the projector switches to a backup input^*1 in just 0.3 seconds at the fastest^*2, so image display is maintained when projection mustn’t be interrupted. No screen-blanking occurs during backup input-switching.