The Panasonic PT-MZ16KL is a high-end installation projector with 3LCD laser technology and WUXGA resolution (1920 x 1200). It delivers a bright 16,000 lumens and features a laser/phosphor light engine rated for 20,000 hours of use.
It offers great installation flexibility with seven compatible lenses, from a short-throw 0.48–0.55 model to a zoom lens with a 4.14–7.40 range. The PT-MZ16KL includes all the connections you’d expect for a business or education projector: DVI-D, HDMI 2.0b, HDBaseT, and 3G-SDI.
This model comes in two colors: black (PT-MZ16KLBU) and white (PT-MZ16KLWU). For this review, Panasonic provided the black unit with a mid-zoom ET-EMS600 lens.
| Panasonic Specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| Technology | 3LCD |
| Native Resolution | 1920 x 1200 |
| Brightness (Manufacturer Claim) | 16000 |
| Contrast | 3,000,000:1 |
| Zoom Lens Ratio | |
| Lens Shift | |
| Lamp Life | |
| Weight | |
| Warranty | |
Overview
The Panasonic PT-MZ16KL is a powerful 16,000-lumen WUXGA installation projector with a laser/phosphor light engine rated for 20,000 hours of low-maintenance use.
It’s part of Panasonic’s MZ Series, which also includes the 10,000-lumen PT-MZ10KL and the 13,000-lumen PT-MZ13KL. All three share the same chassis (about 25.6” W × 7.3” H × 17.3” D without lens) and weigh around 49 pounds.
The PT-MZ16KL doesn’t come with a lens but works with seven lens options—from a short-throw 0.48–0.55 zoom to a long-throw 4.14–7.40 zoom—giving you plenty of setup flexibility. For this review, the mid-throw ET-EMS600 lens (1.35–2.10:1 throw ratio) was used.
Using 3LCD technology instead of a single DLP chip, the PT-MZ16KL delivers richer colors. Panasonic claims it achieves an impressive dynamic contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1 by precisely controlling the laser output.
Connections include HDMI, DVI-D, SDI, and DIGITAL LINK/LAN (HDBaseT). Although it’s a WUXGA projector, it supports up to 4K@60P input via HDMI and HDBaseT for sharper, more detailed images.
Highlights
16,000 lumens (color and white)
$33,999 (street price, without lens)
Laser light engine with up to 20,000 hours of life
WUXGA resolution (1920 x 1200)
3LCD technology for better color
3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
Seven interchangeable lens options
Supports 4K@60P input via HDMI and HDBaseT
Wireless projection apps and software
Advanced networking (wireless optional)
DIGITAL LINK (HDBaseT) for long-distance video over CAT6 cable
Network monitoring and control
Can operate vertically at any angle
Reusable air filter
3-year warranty