PT-AX100U Vs, Panasonic PT-AE900U...

[bobdroopy]

Hey Guys,

I'm ready to check my Panasonic 700LU into retirement and upgrade to one of the newer models and enter the glorious HD era. but I has a couple of questions before I ordered one...

First off, the AX100U model is the way to go, right? At least concerning the two panasonic models... What do you think?

Also, The AX100U is fully 1080P supported, correct?

and finally,

Going into the Blu-ray HDDVD era, does this seem like a logical choice for a projector?


Thanks guys, I appreciate it ...


Bob

 

[BMXTRIX]

The AX100 is a 720p projector. I personally would not upgrade from one 720p projector to another one unless there is some serious quality issues with my current projector.

The forthcoming AE1000 projector will be a 1080p model which should be phenomenal with 1080p sources. But, the AX100, while it may accept 1080p sources, will just convert them to 720p and you will get no real gain from that 1080p support.

 

[RLA]

Good advice from BMX!
If your primary source will be Blu ray or HD DVD then you may want to hold out for 1080p projector. I can tell you that HD DVD looks fantastic on a 720p projector and you will most likely see a big improvement with the AE-700 as well.

 

[bobdroopy]

Thanks a lot for the help guys..

So pretty much the AX100 just converts 1080p back to 720p, and the AX1000 does full 1080p support... How expensive do you think the AX1000 is going to run?, and how much of a visual difference is 1080P compared to 720p,

Thanks guys, You're making this so much easier

 

[BMXTRIX]

Thanks a lot for the help guys..

So pretty much the AX100 just converts 1080p back to 720p, and the AX1000 does full 1080p support... How expensive do you think the AX1000 is going to run?, and how much of a visual difference is 1080P compared to 720p,

Thanks guys, You're making this so much easier

I'm not sure anyone has seen the AE1000 in person. Yes, it should handle 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 accurately which should lead to an absolutely phenomenal image.

Price? Likely in the $4,000 - $5,000 range.

How much better? Well, it is the upgrade from incredible to exceptional. That is, a real upgrade, but you have to be able to maximize the quality. Larger screens, closer viewing distances, etc. will really show how much better the image is. But, you still don't want to go to big or sit to close. At 1.5x screen width (THX standard) you will very likely see a significant improvement when using a 1080p display instead of a 720p display. There is a 100% gain in the number of pixels on screen which is what... about a 33% gain in pixel density? Maybe 25% gain. Anyway - it is a significant gain - enough to be noticable under most viewing conditions.

As long as the rest of the projector measures up (not yet known) then the AE1000 will be a kick A$$ projector!

 

[RLA]

As long as the rest of the projector measures up (not yet known) then the AE1000 will be a kick A$$ projector!

Exactly! Resolution is not the only consideration. Optics, light engine and overall construction are very important factors in how the projector will perform. On paper the AW1000 looks good but specs don't make a great projector.

 

[bobdroopy]

Alright guys, I think im going to get the AX100, I made a typo in my first post, I don't have the 700LU, it's more like the 300LU, haha, it was one of the first brands of portable home theater projectors and doesn't support HD, etc. etc.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I have the PT-L300U and while it is a 960x540 projector, it most definitely accepts HD signal of 1080i and 720p. I personally have been struggling with the upgraditis bug, but am holding out for 1080p. 1080p represents a 4 fold increase in the number of pixels on screen for me and the newer projectors have more brightness and FAR better contrast levels which will really enhance the experience on my 106" screen.

I will be lucky to see 1080p next year though... as much as I want it, it isn't in the budget right now. I may find a way though, the PS3 will be asking for it.