Panasonic PTAE1000U 1080P for $2799.99!!! Holy Cow! ...

Hey bro!.......That place has kinda bad reviews but for that price it might be worth taking a chance. My credit card is secured so I don't really have anything to lose. Let me know how it turned out.......

So Jeff... what was the result?

Hi Richard been gone on vacation for awhile. I did get the PTAE-1000U Panny player and I love it! Wasn't without a few snags though. That company is slow shipping and I had to call repeatedly, but eventually the Projector showed up...It was double-boxed and in perfect working order. I love the unit and it's really nice to have the power zoom/focus for a change...... I guess if you want a great deal you have to put up with a bit of abuse.....

Richard, this may be interesting to you...

NOTICE [Thurs, 12/14]: We have received a second AE1000 that incorporates improvements that were not present in the unit we used for the original review. We are currently evaluating it, and plan to update this review shortly. In particular, the softness we noticed in the HD image has been eliminated on the new unit. So we expect to be increasing the 5-star rating accordingly. Thank you for your patience. [EP]
http://www.projectorcentral.com/panasonic_ae1000.htm

That is interesting and what does that mean to current owners like Jeff and I? Hope this is a firmware thing...

Richard check this out!....They all have the updated lense housing and the projector was completely redone just prior to shipping...so yours and Jeffs are one of the Holy Grail!!!!!!

from projector central:

UPDATE [Fri, 12/15]: The original review of the Panasonic AE1000 was published on November 17 based on a late generation pre-production sample. We received a final production unit on Wednesday, December 13 which incorporates several important enhancements that were not present in the sample previously reviewed. All production units that have been shipped contain the updates, so buyers need not be concerned about whether a unit they get from a dealer is up to final standards.

The primary concern we had with the original unit we tested was a softness in the HD image. Due to this flaw we had rated the AE1000 4 stars in performance. However, Panasonic changed the lens and lens housing in the final production unit, and the softness problem has been completely eliminated. Its HD image is now as sharp as any 1080p projector we have seen to date. Accordingly, the performance rating has been raise to 5.0 stars, and the value rating, previously at 4.5, has been raised to 5.0.

With the last minute improvements to the final production models, Panasonic has delivered a phenomenal projector that stands out as a truly remarkable achievement, especially in light of its aggressive price point of $3,999. We are pleased to give it our strongest possible recommendation.

This article came from here....

http://www.projectorreviews.com/panason ... /index.asp

Jeff, I noticed they jerked the price up a thousand bucks. I guess now they are selling the USA version. I did find 2 other sites that have this projector for 2800.00 and some change.

Curious where you found it for $2800+. Were they from a reputable dealer? THanks! I'd also be willing to put up w/ some hassles to save a $1000!

Sure, no problem...go here...I just ordered one!...It's the E model, same as the U but has a scart input. May want to buy extended warranty.

http://www.bwayphoto.com/product.asp?it ... Everyprice

If you go to this site you will notice that the USA version is 1100.00 more than the European model...They are identical except fot the Scart input on the E model. I decided to purchase the European model as use some of my savings to purchase extended warrantys.

https://www.prestigecamera.com/results~ ... asonic.htm

Richard, I have always enjoyed your posts and do respect your experience and opinion. I just don't see the veil you refer to regarding lcd projectors. Do you see this in comparison with dlp projectors or some other medium like crt?

I confess I just don't see this, even with my Z4. I have not seen the 1080p Panny yet but haven't read a bad review. I worry that others might pass up a darn fine projector (or class of projectors) due to your comments, especially at low price points offered by Sanyo and other lcds. I have no trouble admitting that dlp has had better contrast but that difference is less with each new round of models.

I may be wrongly assuming that the relative lower contrast of lcd is what you may see as a veil. If not, well, I just don't know what it could be. For my eyes the lcd has always looked the equal fo dlp due to lcd's sharpness and contrast is now so close now that lcd is for me a better value based on expense and picture quality. I don't think I am blinded by the usually lower prices of lcd models, but being of Scottish descent perhaps I shouldn't rule this out too quickly.

Thanks for your good work here and have a Merry Christmas.

I just don't see the veil you refer to regarding lcd projectors. Do you see this in comparison with dlp projectors or some other medium like crt?

Indeed, without that experience anybody would perceive these as great projectors yet that deals in the realm of subjective opinion. When imaging science is applied the numbers speak for themselves.

Ultimately we all have to pick and choose what products we want in our life. The goal here is to have you fully informed so when and if you do change to DLP the difference in performance as you experience it may still be a surprise but the why will have already been covered. There are numerous reports of other users making these comparisons and their experience of the shocking results. They were led to believe they were not taking a hit in performance... I don't want that happening here.

One thing is clear, when you go to a large screen it is an immersive experience that a proper viewing distance with any smaller display size cannot overcome. Your body and mind know that 50" at 3 screen heights is not the same experience as a 100" at 3 screen heights. I do think that is the source of all the hoopla regardless of a lack in imaging science and the evidence is overwhelming. Folks would rather watch a larger image degraded than a smaller image that responds properly.

If you are on a budget trying to make things financially fit, a challenging room that won't allow proper installation or viewing habits that won't tolerate pixel visibility there are options.

If none of that is your concern then proper imaging is only about $2000 more and that is clearly not out of reach for most new installs or upgrades.

I have not seen the 1080p Panny yet but haven't read a bad review.

I doubt you will and that is a major problem since it does fail in a number of areas. I just read a review on the new Sony 1080P SXRD FP and while the reviewer did point out the flaws they were easily glossed over in his final conclusion. I have deep respect for this person and the publication but I can smell the money trail in that final response. For them to continue getting free review product they gotta make every product seem like a good thing or simply not publish the review.

For the videophile geek...

The Panasonic includes a waveform monitor allowing you to see your signal source including digital HDMI/DVI! Like a scope it displays in frame/field or line modes. Includes Y, G, R, and B signals in both modes. You can select which line you want to view.

This allows you to see your signal and know conclusively what is coming from your source for your video setup. In fact you should be able to do a source calibration with this tool!

Yet to be discovered is what is correct because a manipulation of the picture controls is directly reflected on the monitor. Until I calibrate the display I won

Panny is now offering a 400.00 rebate...Richard, did you buy yours before or after Dec 7th?...

http://www.projectorpeople.com/SLIS/dow ... 033107.pdf

Thanks for that link!

Receive 40 free movie or game rentals from BLOCKBUSTER

Richard, I screwed up...there is also a rebate form for the 400.00 cash back...I thought I posted it...but somehow the block buster one showed instead...

Never mind...I didn't screw up...It is a choice scenero...you can opt for $400.00 cash back or the block buster deal...

Our Price: $3,599.00
After $400.00 rebate.

K... it is a mail in rebate then I assume...

Receive $400 cash back or a Blockbuster rental card for 40 free movie or game rentals (up to $300 value). Click here for rebate claim form. Offer good 12/7/2006 through 2/2/2007

Found this promo too...

http://www.projectorpeople.com/projecto ... ebates.asp

Free OPPO Digital 1080p Up-Converting DVD Player with purchase. Limited time offer! Only from ProjectorPeople.com. Offer good 12/15/2006 through 1/14/2007.

Between all of it that sure is some incentive...

One thing is clear, when you go to a large screen it is an immersive experience that a proper viewing distance with any smaller display size cannot overcome. Your body and mind know that 50" at 3 screen heights is not the same experience as a 100" at 3 screen heights. I do think that is the source of all the hoopla regardless of a lack in imaging science and the evidence is overwhelming. Folks would rather watch a larger image degraded than a smaller image that responds properly.

Richard, how can you be so sure of this? To me it does not make logical sense.
The iGlasses, for example, promise an equivalent to 70" screen experience even though their actual image size is about 1"

In a darkened room, with an 8 ft screen set up to exactly match the field of view of a 16:9 23" monitor, after adjusting brightness, etc.. How could you even tell the difference between looking at the 2 ft image from 2 feet away or the 8 ft image from 8 feet away? If you held up a frosted screen in front of you and traced the pixels of a static image, the drawing of the monitor would look the same as the drawing of the projected image.

Am I missing something here?
Is it just a psychological effect, i.e. comforting that the image is 8' rather 2' high?

I'm also anxiously waiting for 1080p projection to hit <$1k, but except for being able to throw a Superbowl party so others can watch with me, I'm wondering, WHY? (answers from anyone else OK, too!)

Is it just a psychological effect, i.e. comforting that the image is 8' rather 2' high?

Pretty much although comforting would not be the word as much as the image can take on a life like size. The Mojave desert at 10 feet wide and 3 screen heights will feel different than 3 screen heights and a 24" display. With the former you will feel like you could get up and walk through the screen out into the desert and with the latter it is an image or picture.

Hollywood and your local cinemaplex has counted on that effect for the last 50 years! I'll never forget seeing the first Star Wars and that HUGE destroyer fly by at the beginning! Can't get a screen that large in my room though...

Resolution wise there is no difference and you are not missing a thing on that level!

there is also a rebate form for the 400.00 cash back...I thought I posted it...but somehow the block buster one showed instead...

Richard...here is the link for the 400.00 cash back...



or

http://www.projectorpoint.com/download. ... o_id=42502

Thanks for finding that for the next guy... I definitely can't qualify!

We just got these in yesterday and we fired one up last night and I must say that this is the best projector I've seen so far at this price point.

I currently own the JVC Pro DLA-HD2K-SYS projector with a Draper M1300 screen, the PT-AE1000U faired extremely well against my $16K projector.

I am anxiously awaiting the new JVC Pro DLA-RS1 1080p projector to arrive at our warehouse in early March.

MRI Joe

$2,667.00 over here...

http://www.bwayphoto.com/product.asp?id=psptae1000eg

Richard and Techylah,

I think it has at least a little to do with the fact that we have two eyes. If I close one eye, eliminating depth perception, then I agree that there is no discernable difference between a 2' and an 8' screen, when both are viewed at the cooresponding distance. However, with both eyes open, even though the screen is of course a 2D image, the fact that it is further and so much larger does seem to have an effect on my viewing experience. Right now, I am typing using the same projector, and there is something different about surfing the net on a 150" screen, even though it's around 12' away.

I have absolutely no proof, and this is merely an observation.

Discuss away!

We are on the same page... what you are expressing is the natural optical experience and indeed this is the purpose of the big screen; to somehow replicate the same nervous system feedback we get when we look at real objects. Size plays a huge role in that and how a movie is directed directly affects that experience. Some movies are directed for the small screen such as middle Americas TV viewing experience with a handful of very large objects occupying the screen versus those that are directed for the big screen providing smaller objects on the screen but far many more of them as well. Our older movies were designed just for that. As the home video market grew though direction took a change in course shooting for small screen sizes viewed off in the distance like most in the mass market.

Bottom line is any screen size can provide the emotional impact of an image but only a big screen provides the physical impact of an image and when the camera is directed right you get sucked right in. When directed for the TV screen a big screen can actually be a negative experience which I pointed out in two recent moview reviews.

Just a comment on these projectors. A year ago I bought a Panasonic LCD projector, AE900U, I assume the predecessor to the 1000, & it replaced a '97 Vintage Runco CRT $12k projector (which apparently became worthless). I'm projecting onto a 5'x9' screen, which works out to be about 123". I also got the $400 Blockbuster deal & used all 40 movies with no problems. This projector blows the Runco away! I bought an HD receiver to get OTA reception & after 1000 hours I still am blown away with the sharpness of HD programs. Deep blacks. High contrast. I can't imagine how the picture could be any better, although I'm sure you guys could prove me wrong. And no adjustments, just straight from the box. Last I checked, this projector was discounted around $1200 & could be less now. At first I could notice the "screen" effect because I was looking for it. With an image change, it was there and gone so fast, you'd wonder if you really saw it. But now I don't notice it at all. My point is there are some terrific choices out here without spending a fortune. I was looking hard at Runco DLP at around $5000 and I am so glad I didn't go that way. Thumbs up to the Panny LCD here.

Results may vary. I have the Panasonic AE700U (720P). Just off warranty it developed a power problem repaired for just under $400 and now the blue LCD seems to be delaminating so that the entire left side of the screen is quite blue. The replacement part (optical block) is about $500 so this projector is done after about 2300 hours over 3 years. The picture on an 8 foot screen was great though not close to our 8-inch CRT projector in terms of black levels. David.

Did you clean/change the filter regularly?

Yes, I changed the filters. Actually, it may have been just 2 years that we owned the projector and the person I spoke to at Panasonic and Dave's TV and Radio thought it might have been due to prolonged viewing sessions when my older son was gaming. David.