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Panasonic PT-AE900U LCD Projector Review

by Clint DeBoer last modified December 07, 2007 10:32
Panasonic PT-AE900U LCD Projector Review

Panasonic PT-AE900U projector

Summary

  • Product Name: PT-AE900U LCD Projector
  • Manufacturer: Panasonic
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStarhalf-star
  • Value Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
  • Review Date: October 27, 2005
  • MSRP: $3199 (discontinued)
Specifications

Brightness: 1100 ANSI lumens
Contrast: Up to 5500:1 (full on/off)
Resolution: 1280 x 720 native HD resolution (1920 x 1080 maximum)
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen native 16:9 aspect ratio (4:3 compatible)
Supported Screen Size: 40-300 inches diagonal
LCD Panel: D-5; 3 x 0.7" polysilicon active matrix
Optical System: Dichroic mirror separation/prism synthesis system
Iris: Dynamic Iris optical system constantly adjusts the brightness and gamma characteristics in real time
Video Features: New Dynamic Sharpness Control adjusts video signal waveforms based on the difference in brightness of adjacent pixels, Progressive Cinema Scan (3/2 pulldown) and HD IP, Cinema Color Management technology for faithful and accurate color representation, 10-bit full digital processing and 10-bit gamma correction, 7 picture modes for customizing color adjustments, Smooth Screen technology for smooth, film-like images
Scanning Formats: 480i/576i/1080i and 480p/576p/720p (PAL equivalents supported)
Video Inputs: HDMI-HDCP, component, composite, S-video, and PC/RGB (HD15)

Projection Lens: 2x optical zoom; f = 21.7 - 43.1 mm. F/1.9 - 3.1, manual focus & zoom
Lens Shift: Vertical and horizontal (65% vertical, 24% horizontal)
Keystone Correction: +/- 30 degrees
Lamp: 130 W UHM lamp
Mounting: ceiling, desk, front/rear (menu configurable)
Power Supply: 100-240 volts, 50-60Hz
Power Consumption: 180 watts (maximum), 0.8 watts (standby mode with fan stopped)
Operating Temperature: 32 - 104 degrees F (0 - 40 degrees C); 20-80% humidity (no condensation)
Fan: Whisper quiet 26dB operation (in low mode)
Projection Method: Front/rear/ceiling mount/table-top

Uniformity Ratio: 85% (center-to-corner)

Remote Control: Learning remote; 7m range on axis, 3 VDC power supply, AAA x 3 batteries
Standard Accessories
: Power cord, Wireless remote control unit, batteries for remote control (UM-3 x 2)

Operating Noise: 26dB (minimum)

Dimensions: 13.2" x 3.7" x 10.6" in (335 x 95 x 270 mm)

Weight: 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg)


Pros

  • ZERO screen door effect from real viewing distances
  • Excellent contrast
  • Deep, rich colors
  • Consumer adjustment of RGB gain, cut and gamma
  • Backlit LEARNING remote
  • Finely adjustable color temperature
  • 3000 hour lamp life
  • Can move OSD position

Cons

  • Requires calibration out of the box
  • IR sensor on front only
  • Overscan enabled by default
  • More optical zoom would be welcome
  • Friends may show up unexpectedly to watch movies
  • No 12V trigger

Introduction

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.
  1. New D5 LCD Panels
  2. PT-AE900U Features, Connections & Remote Control
  3. PT-AE900U Setup Menu and Calibration
  4. PT-AE900U Viewing Evaluation & Conclusion