It is the first projector that I know of to have the focus memory settings. It actually has complete lens position memory if I am not mistaken (shift, zoom, and focus).
It also has the same LCD panels as the upcoming Epson, and a dynamic iris that (somewhat artificially) improves black levels, similar to the current Epson 1080 UB.
The $3.5k MSRP was conjecture from an early Canadian holiday guide from Panasonic. The actual price is confirmed at $2.5k and is up for pre-order from ProjectorPeople.com and should be in stock within the next couple of weeks. I am pretty stoked and I probably won't be able to wait for the upcoming Epson 6500 UB that should be out mid-December.