Panasonic PT-RQ18KU 16,800 Lumens (center), 3DLP Laser, 4K (3840 x 2400) Resolution with Quad Pixel Drive, Filter-Free (No Lens, Black)
Panasonic PT-RQ18KU 16,800 Lumens (center), 3DLP Laser, 4K (3840 x 2400) Resolution with Quad Pixel Drive, Filter-Free (No Lens, Black) is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Panasonic PT-RQ18KU 16,800 Lumens (center), 3DLP Laser, 4K (3840 x ...
Product Overview
The Panasonic PT-RQ18KU is a 16,800-lumen 3DLP laser projector with 4K Quad Pixel Drive resolution, built for large-venue fixed installation and rental and staging. This large venue laser projector pairs 3-chip DLP color with a compact, lightweight, filter-free chassis that installs in almost any orientation. Integrators specify the PT-RQ18KU when a project needs 4K on-screen detail and dependable high brightness without the size, weight, or budget of a 30,000-lumen-class unit.
Product Description
The PT-RQ18KU uses pixel-quadrupling Quad Pixel Drive to put up to 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) on screen from a 3-chip DLP engine driven by a 16,800-lumen laser light source. Image tools including Dynamic Contrast, Gradation Smoother, and point-based black-level adjustment support clean edge-blending across flat and curved surfaces for projection mapping. A Multi-Laser Drive Engine guards against brightness loss if a diode fails, and a Backup Input switches to a secondary signal if the primary is interrupted, both valuable on live shows. An Intel SDM-ready slot lets integrators add the input terminals a project requires, while Smart Projector Control with NFC and Remote Preview Lite speed commissioning. With a 20,000-hour light source, hermetically sealed optics, and liquid cooling, the projector runs nearly maintenance-free in continuous use. It ships without a lens; pair it with a Panasonic ET-D3LE-series lens. Step up to the PT-RQ25KU or PT-RQ35KU for more output, or compare the WUXGA PT-RZ17KU.
Key Features
- 16,800 Lumens, 4K Quad Pixel Drive — 3-chip DLP imaging with Quad Pixel Drive puts up to 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) on screen for large audiences.
- Multi-Laser Drive Engine — Helps prevent visible brightness loss if an individual laser diode fails during a show.
- Backup Input — Automatically switches to a backup signal if the primary source is interrupted.
- Intel SDM-Ready Slot — Add proprietary or third-party function boards to match input terminals to your signal plan.
- Filter-Free, Liquid-Cooled — Hermetically sealed optics and liquid cooling support 24/7 near-maintenance-free operation.
- Edge-Blending Tools — Dynamic Contrast, Gradation Smoother, and point-based black-level adjustment support multi-projector and curved-surface mapping.
- Compact, 360-Degree Install — Lightweight chassis mounts in any orientation, including ceiling and tilted rigging.
- DisplayPort and Dual HDMI — One DisplayPort and two HDMI inputs simplify source integration.
Typical Applications
- Auditorium — Large auditoriums and lecture halls needing 4K imagery on big screens.
- House of Worship — Sanctuaries and worship venues running continuous, multi-service schedules.
- Broadcast Studio — Studio backdrops and sets requiring 4K detail and edge blending.
- All-Hands Room — Large general-session and all-hands spaces served by one high-output projector.
- Government Space — Briefing and simulation rooms requiring bright, low-maintenance projection.
Technical Specifications
| Display system | 3-Chip DLP |
|---|---|
| On-screen resolution | Up to 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) via Quad Pixel Drive pixel-shift |
| Brightness | 16,800 lumens (center) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:10 |
| Contrast ratio | 25,000:1 |
| Light source | Laser phosphor |
| Light source life | 20,000 hours (full) / 24,000 hours (low) |
| Keystone correction | Vertical ±45°, Horizontal ±40° |
| Inputs/outputs | 2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 2 x BNC, RS-232C in/out, RJ-45 LAN, USB-A; HDCP 2.3 |
| Expansion slots | 1 (Intel SDM-ready) |
| Lens | Optional ET-D3LE-series lenses (no lens included) |
| Fan noise | 46 dB (full) / 43 dB (low) |
| AC input | 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Power consumption | 1,280 W (full brightness) |
| Operating temperature | 0–45 °C (32–113 °F), 10–80% humidity |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 550 x 220 x 570 mm |
| Weight | 35 kg (77.2 lbs) |
Specifications sourced from Panasonic / vendor data. Verify lens-shift and final values against the current Panasonic PT-RQ18K spec sheet.
Competitor Comparison
| Criterion | Panasonic PT-RQ18KU | Barco UDX-4K22 | Christie M 4K25 RGB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brightness | 16,800 lm center, efficient mid-high output. | Approx. 22,000 lm, higher output and price. | Approx. 25,000 lm RGB laser. |
| Imaging | 3-chip DLP with Quad Pixel Drive to 4K UHD. | Native 4K UHD 3-chip DLP. | Native 4K RGB pure-laser. |
| Reliability | Multi-Laser Drive Engine + Backup Input for live shows. | Sealed engine, redundancy varies by config. | RGB laser engine, premium service needs. |
| Form factor | 35 kg, compact and light for its class. | Larger, heavier chassis. | Large RGB-laser chassis. |
| Expansion | Intel SDM-ready slot for flexible I/O. | Barco-specific I/O options. | Christie-specific I/O options. |
| Best fit | 4K large-venue installs prioritizing size, weight, and value. | Higher-brightness Barco-standard fleets. | RGB color-critical premium work. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the PT-RQ18KU include a lens? No. It is a no-lens model that uses Panasonic ET-D3LE-series lenses. Choose the lens by throw ratio for your screen size and projector position.
Is it true 4K? It uses Quad Pixel Drive pixel-shift to put up to 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) on screen from a 3-chip DLP engine. It delivers 4K on-screen detail; for native 4K chips, consider the PT-RQ50KU.
How does it integrate into an AV system? Two HDMI inputs, one DisplayPort, RS-232C, and RJ-45 LAN cover most source and control needs, and the Intel SDM-ready slot adds optional terminals. HDCP 2.3 is supported.
How reliable is it for live events? The Multi-Laser Drive Engine limits brightness loss if a diode fails, Backup Input protects against signal loss, and the 20,000-hour sealed, liquid-cooled design supports continuous operation.
What about warranty and support? The PT-RQ18KU carries Panasonic's commercial projector warranty and ProVideo service support. Creation Networks can advise on warranty, lens selection, and integration.
At Creartion Networks, we do everything we can to create an excellent customer experience. This includes fast shipping and easy returns.
- Most in-stock orders placed Monday-Friday ship within 24-48 hours. General restrictions apply; please see our full shipping policy here.
- We offer a 30-day return policy from the delivery date on many products. Product restrictions apply. Restocking fees for the return of open-box items. Please see our full return policy here for more information.
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