Room with no windows: Panasonic PT-AX100 v/s Mitsubishi HD1000U

[rma123]

Hi: I am trying to decide on a projector for a basement room (13 ft from screen to projector) and have narrowed it to Panasonic PT-AX100 and Mit HD1000U. MHD1000U is about $300 cheaper. Any reason I should go for the PT-AX100 ? The room does not have any windows. So I am assuming 2000 lumens panasonic provides (compared to 1500 HD1000U) should not make a difference. Resolution is same on both (1280 X 720). The contrast ratio on the Panasonic is 6000:1 compared to 2500:1 for Mitsubishi. Will this make the video any better? In other words should I spend the additional $300 for the panasonic?

Any other comments or suggestions?

Thanks
Ray

 

[bass addict]

First off had you had a chance to demo a DLP or LCD pj. The reason I ask is some people are susceptible to RBE which cause headaches and nausea. I know my wife can't watch a DLP for more than a few minutes. In minor cases it is at the least annoying. I know I can spot rainbows a mile away. It has gotten better with the improved color wheels but still something to think about.

The Panny will have a lot better placement options with it's lens shift.

The Mits will have better blacks than the Panny, even though LCD has really closed the gap the last few months.

There have been a lot of reports of problems with the AX100 so make sure you buy from someone with a good return policy. (costco).

Any other questions feel free to ask.

Travis

 

[Dolby CP-200]

I’m not sure which Epson video projector it is that has a staggering about of (lumens) output for a staggering low price, I saw an add on Youtube about a month ago. Anyway here’s the Epson line up.

http://www.videoprojectors.co.uk/epson/epson-projectors.htm

 

[bass addict]

I’m not sure which Epson video projector it is that has a staggering about of (lumens) output for a staggering low price, I saw an add on Youtube about a month ago. Anyway here’s the Epson line up.

http://www.videoprojectors.co.uk/epson/epson-projectors.htm

Well not all of it. I am running an Epson TW700 (810 in the states), and it is an impressive machine. It replaced my Panny AE900 and while not a night and day difference it was a definite improvement.

Here's a link comparing it to the AX100. http://www.homecinemacentral.com.au/epson_tw700_review.htm

 

[Hi Ho]

I own the HD1000 and I am very happy with it. I don't have any problem with RBE but your experience may vary. Definetely check out some DLP projectors in person to see if it bothers you. DLP RPTV's don't count. Many people that are bothered by RBE with DLP projectors don't see it on rear projection sets.

The picture quality on the HD1000 is amazing. I feed mine mainly from a Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVD player and I couldn't be happier with the picture. HD-DVDs are perfectly sharp and upconverted standard DVDs look better than ever.

I have not seen the Panasonic in person but I do know that I have not been nearly as impressed with the LCD projectors I've seen compared to DLP. LCD always seems to have a blue cast to it, especially in dark areas.

 

[Dolby CP-200]

Well not all of it. I am running an Epson TW700 (810 in the states), and it is an impressive machine. It replaced my Panny AE900 and while not a night and day difference it was a definite improvement.

Here's a link comparing it to the AX100. http://www.homecinemacentral.com.au/epson_tw700_review.htm

You’re average cost on bulbs are they expensive or inexpensive, I’ll be keeping a close on video projectors for a few months while I try and manage to save up a few hundred pounds.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Hi: I am trying to decide on a projector for a basement room (13 ft from screen to projector) and have narrowed it to Panasonic PT-AX100 and Mit HD1000U. MHD1000U is about $300 cheaper. Any reason I should go for the PT-AX100 ? The room does not have any windows. So I am assuming 2000 lumens panasonic provides (compared to 1500 HD1000U) should not make a difference. Resolution is same on both (1280 X 720). The contrast ratio on the Panasonic is 6000:1 compared to 2500:1 for Mitsubishi. Will this make the video any better? In other words should I spend the additional $300 for the panasonic?

Any other comments or suggestions?

Thanks
Ray

While you do have the rainbow effect (RBE) to consider, my main reasoning for recommending people towards the LCD models is about room placement.

You do NOT want to use keystone correction which is a digital process that lowers resolution and image quality.

You do want to keep your projector perfectly level and mount it in a location that properly hits the screen.

So, with the Mits. you likely will need to mount the projector (inverted) flush against a 8 foot ceiling and have it PRECISELY 12 to 13 feet from your screen (check the numbers before mounting!) and then the screen gets put on the wall about 15 or 18 inches below the center of the lens (once again, do the math).

With the Panny, you basically put the screen up, put the projector up, and you are good to go. Rarely will you fall out of the range of zoom and lens shift that the Panny offers.

Image quality from both is very good.

 

[bass addict]

I have not seen the Panasonic in person but I do know that I have not been nearly as impressed with the LCD projectors I've seen compared to DLP. LCD always seems to have a blue cast to it, especially in dark areas.

I don't know which LCD's you have seen. I have owned a few different ones and never had that problem. Up until the last year DLP's have held the reign on black levels but LCD has come a long ways in this regard. They are extremely close nowadays. So let's see here.

Black levels - slight edge to DLP
RBE possibility - big downside to DLP (for those effected, you never know which friend is going to come over and be bothered by it).
SDE possibility - slight downside to LCD (have to be sitting extremely close to notice and this isn't a factor with the SS on the Panny's).
Mounting Flexibility - LCD by a mile
Color uniformity - slight edge to DLP
Brightness - mild edge to LCD (depends on PJ but the LCD's have been cranking more lumens as of late).
Contrast - mild edge to DLP

Bulbs run about 300 dollars and are good for around 2000 hours. I know people who have run them much longer and been satisfied, but this is when I switch mine out. You can buy a filter to place over the bulb when new and as it ages remove the filter so the light output is equal. If you are not using it as a daily TV viewing machine you will be surprised at how little hours you really rack up.

JMTC