Panasonic PT-AE900U Projector Review

[Clint DeBoer]

audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/PanasonicPTAE900UProjectorReview1.php">Say what? I thought you just reviewed the... Yeah, we know. We got our first glimpse of the Panasonic PT-AE900U at this year's CEDIA Expo in Indianapolis. While the projector wasn't displaying picture at the booth, we were excited to see that it sported the new D-5 LCD panel and had a significantly improved contrast metric, a tweaked ANSI lumen output and dynamic iris optical system. What really, mattered, of course, was whether it outperformed the PT-AE700U. We quickly lined up a review unit from Visual Apex, one of our recommended online retail partners and an authorized Internet retailer for many Panasonic Electronics products. Being a fan of LCD projection technology already, I was curious to see how much better the Panasonic performed with its "Smooth Screen" pixel-smoothing technology and enhanced contrast ratio spec. And, yes, the 900 is significantly better than the 700 - I got to experience both up close and personal.

[Read the Review]

[BMXTRIX]

Time to update that 'Our Picks On What To Buy' list.

It would be interesting to see how the Z4 compares in your opinion as Proj. Central thought the Z4 was a bit better.

I personally think the smooth screen technology has an overall softening effect on the final image not making it as crisp as I felt it should be. At least, with the AE700. Still a killer image.

Should also be noted that not one mention was made of vertical banding which was THE story of LCD last year. Seems that Epson took that seriously with their new chips and really has made it pretty much go bye-bye.

I've GOTTA say you are digging in the dirt when you write this as a 'CON' for the projector: "More optical zoom would be welcome"

Because, of couse, most $25,000 projectors don't have that much optical zoom built in. Most user about a 1.2:1 -> 1.5:1 zoom range vs. a full 1:1 -> 2:1 zoom range. I guess, more range is always welcome - but I would list the existing range, and placement versatility as a HUGE pro, not even mention it as a 'con'.

But - you definitely struggle to find issues with that projector.

How about: Lens shift function joystick can be a bit jerky which makes it tougher to use than 'wheel' based lens shift. That's one of my pet peeves with it. Also, I don't think there is a way to turn 'smooth screen' off, so if you actually want a sharp distinct pixel, you can't do it as far as I know.

Meh - I love the new LCD projectors and forget the shootout with the old AE700 - people really want to know how it stacks up to the Optoma H78, the BenQ 7700, the InFocus 7205 or 7210... Or, in simple terms, DLP 720P units.

Great review!

[Takeereasy]

Home theatres really are going to be the norm soon. Nice affordable front projectors will see to that. Nice review and a darn nifty product. Thanks again AH.

[jcPanny]

Meh - I love the new LCD projectors and forget the shootout with the old AE700 - people really want to know how it stacks up to the Optoma H78, the BenQ 7700, the InFocus 7205 or 7210... Or, in simple terms, DLP 720P units.

Projector Central did a head to head with the new Panasonic AE900 and the BenQ 7700. They preferred the Panny.
They are also planning a comparision of the Sanyo Z4 and the high end Optima H79 DLP.

It looks like the new LCDs are stepping up the compitition in the $2K projector market.

[jeffsg4mac]

This is just what the doctor ordered. Bye bye, 47in panny CRT RPT, hello 100in screen I am getting one after the the first of the year. Anyone want to buy a slightly used 47in HD panny?

[BMXTRIX]

Projector Central did a head to head with the new Panasonic AE900 and the BenQ 7700.

Thanks... I am definitely aware of what Projector Central did and the upcoming Z4 vs. H79 head-to-head.

I always say that this site needs to link up with them for some good cross-reference information. I post there regularly and am constantly referring people back here for audio info... then over to AVS Forum for DIY screen info.

AVS is great, but often a little to deep for newbies just looking for basic solid and good info. Plus, none of the great articles that are here.

[photodyer]

Just a quick question for those in the know . . . I too am feeling the epiphany hit and saying goodbye for now to the RPTV's I've been researching for months!

Anyway, one of the remarkable things about the Panny AE7000 was that it was capable of doing the image acrobatics needed to work with an anamorphic lens for 2.35:1 projection. Am I assuming correctly that this ability has been maintained in the the AE9000? If so, WOW . . . a 2.35:1 setup for under $5000 including screen and lens . . .please say it is so!!

[Clint DeBoer]

How about: Lens shift function joystick can be a bit jerky which makes it tougher to use than 'wheel' based lens shift. That's one of my pet peeves with it.

But the fact that you unscrew the joystick to loosen it and tighten it down to fix it in a locked position gives it a one up on many other lens shift systems I've seen. The Yamaha wheel system doesn't do that and as a result gives you a "looser" lens shift function.

[The Dukester]

Hey, Clint, Gene, anyone....have you had a chance to see Sony's new pj? It is the model hs60 overseas. Not sure if it will be that or the hs51a in the US. Just wondering how the Pannasonic, etc stack up. I can't even find much here on the hs51. How does it stack up as well? AVS has a fair amount on these but I was wondering what you guys have seen/think.
Dukester

[photodyer]

Clint,

Are you saying that a 1.3/1.4 gain screen is the most appropriate for this PJ? I've no practical experience with front projection yet, but I thought the rule of thumb with LCD's was "go gray" to enhance blacks. We have total light control, medium rose walls with a dark burgundy accent area where the screen will be, rich brown carpet, but white ceilings varying from 7-8' high (basement).

Are screen fabrics available standalone, such than one could get reasonable test swatches and compare in the actual environment?