Panasonic PT-AE900U LCD Projector with $700 in Rebates from VisualApex!

[Ajbolit]

You can get Panasonic now cheaper than Sanyo Z4 - which one is a better projector? It is hard to beat 3 years warranty of Sanyo, especially since a lot of people complaining about Panasonic service. Anybody was able to compare those 2 side by side? I am buying one or another next week and is leaning toward Sanyo just because of the better warranty. It appears that they are very similar machines - inexpensive and high picture quality. But Sanyo is quiter, sharper and has a better warranty. Panasonic is cheaper, but has a better Screen Door Effect, apparently better colors. Any comments?

 

[Audioholics]

I've reviewed both now. The Sanyo is a bit sharper and the Panasonic can let you sit closer... Color is similar on both and I think the black levels are very similar. Z4 review is being peer reviewed and will be posted next week.

 

[wilkenboy]

I was in the same boat and got the 900U. I had a chance to see the Z4 and was impressed, but the blacks appeared a little "blue" to me compared to the 900, and the 900 has no SDE unless you are VERY close.

But the reality is that these projectors are very close in terms of performance and you will likely be very yhappy with either- the comparitive analysis I've seen vs. what I viewed is about correct. The Z4 is a little sharper (with SDE and a little blue shift in the blacks which I'm sure could be calibrated out) - the Panny has no SDE and a better scaler.

If you order through Visual Apex Audioholics link you get the warranty extended to two years for free on the Panny.

Summary: can't go wrong with either.

~Josh

 

[Ajbolit]

OK - so Sanyo be it! I just didn't get it - which one is quiter - Sanyo's rated quiter than Panasonic - am I right?

 

[Ajbolit]

When is your review finally coming up? I can't wait for a comparison between Sanyo and Panasonic . Lately am leaning towards Pany, since I was told that could double my warranty by simply using AmExpress to pay for the purchase online.
Picture does seem to be better on Panasonic.

 

[AAD]

I am the proud owner of a new AE900U projector and love it. I am now in the precess of upgrading my receiver.

Although this may be a dumb question I am going to ask it anyway...Does the AE900U automatically upscale all incoming signals? I have searched through the manual and reviews and I am just not sure. If the projector upscales I don't think that I need a receiver that can do it. Is this correct???

Any and all thought are welcome to help me sort through my confusion.

 

[AVRat]

It scales everything to it's native 1280 x 720 resolution.

 

[AverageJoe]

A word of advice regarding the PT-AE900U rebate - Get the forms in within 30 days of purchase. Purchase date, not delivery date (even though you need the UPC code off the box).
My daughter's postmark was two days late so the rebate was denied. No fault of Panasonic - can't blame them for following the letter of law regarding their deadline, but be aware: no leeway.

 

[Davidt1]

I am interested in buying this projector too, but a few things worry me. People complain very loudly about the short lamp life. Can someone who has this projector for a while verify the lamp life of this projector? Is this something you can buy and install yourself, or do you have to take to service center. Also, $400 for lamp? OUCH. The professional reviews are very positive, but not one talks about the lamp issue.

 

[Zamees]

Did anyone else receive their $300 blockbuster card yet?

Mine came today, 4/17 with an expiration date of 6/30/06. So basically to take advantage of $300 worth. I'll need to rent 40 games in 73 days. Pretty rough that the expiration date is EXTREMELY quick, they must have gotten these cards out of the bargain bin. Not to mention, Panasonic "claimed" there was an error on the rebate form, and it wasnt supposed to be 6-8 weeks, it was supposed to be 8-13 weeks. I think today makes 13 weeks, 4 days.

So I'm just wondering others experiences with the Blockbuster Card, same deal, or did i get screwed here?

 

[txmrlevine]

rebate - Panny 900 picture etc.

I love my Projector - it's been up about 3 weeks now. No complaints. My first issue was with the wires for getting the source to the projector - at first my equipment was about 30 ft worth of cable to get pic to projector - even component video was horrible. SO I move the equipment closer and bought MOnster THX component cables wow what a difference. I am projecting about 13 ft to 106 inch elite cinetension screen. I hadn't got my rebate yet but i ordered the projector in late March so I don't expect it for a month or so. I hope the Blockbuster rebate really is not over in June - that would stink. Anyway I'm still wating for Uncle Sam to get me my rebate from last years wages also so I guess soon my back account will look a bit better soon.

Later.

 

[Zamees]

It'd be nice to know if anyone else received the blockbuster card yet. Am I really the only one who's gotten one?

 

[exm]

Did anyone else receive their $300 blockbuster card yet?

Mine came today, 4/17 with an expiration date of 6/30/06. So basically to take advantage of $300 worth. I'll need to rent 40 games in 73 days. Pretty rough that the expiration date is EXTREMELY quick, they must have gotten these cards out of the bargain bin. Not to mention, Panasonic "claimed" there was an error on the rebate form, and it wasnt supposed to be 6-8 weeks, it was supposed to be 8-13 weeks. I think today makes 13 weeks, 4 days.

So I'm just wondering others experiences with the Blockbuster Card, same deal, or did i get screwed here?

Same here and apparantly reading from boards, other people got the same deal. Would it make sense to call them?

Btw: how is $300 equal to 40 movies?!

 

[Zamees]

I attempted to call, but each time was on hold for more than 20 minutes when I hung up. I think their ad was up to $300, games by me rent for $7.99 so i could be up to $320 in my area, if I got a game every day.

 

[Zamees]

Just to update people watching this thread. I received a letter from Panasonic that they increased the expiration date till 10/31/06. That definately makes it a lot better, as i'll be able to use up my card now.

 

[jhawkins]

Sounds good but is really good for my Screen

Will that work well with the Gray Screen material in my new wall screen I purchased iamaloser.com I love my screen and it works amaizing with my current sony but i know that there are better projectors out there. The company i purchased the screen from sells projectors and they are the best looking ones i have seen but looks are not everything. Let me know

 

[AverageJoe]

Will that work well with the Gray Screen material in my new wall screen I purchased iamaloser.com I love my screen and it works amaizing with my current sony but i know that there are better projectors out there. The company i purchased the screen from sells projectors and they are the best looking ones i have seen but looks are not everything. Let me know

I'd be glad to offer advice, but you don't really want it do you?

Your first post was a request for advice about a screen your friend has. Then magically, 12 hrs later, you've ordered it, received it, and think it's great. Every one of your posts is an ad for Grayhawks.

You haven't swayed me a bit from buying from Carada. They are far more honest in their methods. Good luck in your future sales efforts.

 

[Craig234]

Grayhawk

Excellent cach, AverageJoe.

How sleazy. When confiming what he'd done I ran across a poster 'Digerati' who had done the same basic thing; it's probably the same guy.

Unless someone says otherwise, I think I'll take Grayhawkavs off the list for possible screen purchases.

[Edit: You are both dead on - We banned him, thanks. - Admin]

 

[wlecount]

FYI - Rebate has been extended another month!

 

[mstanchindel]

Pt-ae900u

Hello I am a proud new owner of a PT-AE900u purchased from TVAuthority.com. I was closly looking at the Sanyo Z4 but chose the Panasoinc because of the pricing.

I will mount the projector on the ceiling 18'.5" back from the screen in a 22' x 12".5" room with no windows and dimmable lights. I am looking for a 92" diag. ceiling mount electric screen suggestion. Two online retailers have recommended the Draper Salara 92" with the AT1200 fabric. I would like to place my speakers behind the screen. I think I can get my hands on one of these screens for about $2300 (in a pkg deal with purchasing other a/v products). Is there another acoustically transparent screen that would work well with this projector for around/under 2k? Thanks for any recommendations.