Panasonic PT-AE1000U 3LCD Projector Review

The Panasonic PT-AE1000U is native 1080p high definition with an impressive 1,100 lumens of brightness for a home cinema projector.

Panasonic PT-AE1000U

The Panasonic PT-AE1000U uses LCD microdisplay technology where the complete display image is produced by a microdisplay chip which is generally only some 70mm squared. Microdisplay chip technology allows manufacturers to provide high resolution while maintaining compactness.

For the PT-AE1000U, Panasonic have utilized 3LCD technology which uses three microdisplay LCD panels (one per primary color) to produce an image. 3LCD is marketed as having three key advantages;

A brighter picture even in high ambient light situations,
More natural colors,
Greater resolution - high definition performance

Cinema Works Pro Video Processing

Panasonic have introduced a new video processing engine, Cinema Works Pro, for the PT-AE1000. With Cinema Works Pro Panasonic have pushed the common 10 bit processing standard out further. For the home cinema user, higher bit rate processing delivers sharper images and greater image detail particularly with darker scenes.

HD Compatible Lens System and New Optical Engine

An impressive16 lens elements are required for the PT-AE1000U’s newly developed full high definition lens unit. A boosted contrast ration of 11,000:1 is partially attributable to the new lens unit.

Panasonic use a “Clear Prism” to split the lamps output into pure primary colors (red, green and blue) used for image creation. [ Each primary color goes through one of the three microdisplay panels mentioned earlier ]

Dynamic Iris

Panasonic has used its Dynamic Iris technology in previous models but for the PT-AE1000U they have used a new algorithm to improve response time (to brightness level changes) and stability. Panasonic describe the system as working by analyzing histograms to determine the brightness level of each video image and adjusting the iris, lamp power and gamma curve - all at the rate of 60 times per second.

Pure Color Filter Pro

As well at the “Clear Prism” the included optical filter also optimizes the light from the UHM projector lamp to improve the tri primary colors purity levels. The improved color purity actually widens the color gamut area for more life-like colors.

Smooth Screen Technology

LCDs have always been suspect to pixilation (generally at closer viewing distances) where individual pixels become visible with black lines between them in what is commonly referred to as the “chicken wire effect”. The PT-AX1000U includes Panasonics new patented “Smooth Screen” technology for elimination of pixilation. Panasonic use crystal double refraction to bridge the inter-pixel gaps. This new technology removes one advantage DLP projection systems have had over LCD projection systems.

Intelligent Light Harmonizer

Panasonic’s Light Harmonizer technology provides a feedback loop for the automatic detection and adjustment for changes in ambient lighting conditions. Brightness levels are increased with more ambient light and lowered with a reduction in ambient light.

Cinema Color Management (CCM)

The incorporated Cinema Color Management technology allows PT-AE1000U users to choose between seven preset picture modes to manipulate exactly how they would like their video to appear on-screen. For those who like to set their own picture adjustment preferences there is a facility to store up to three sets of adjustment settings.

Superior Installation Flexibility

A notable feature of the Panasonic PT-AX1000U is the well rounded set of features which provide superior set-up flexibility. For flexibility in setting the distance from the screen it has a motorized 2x optical zoom. For producing a nice squared up projected image without keystoning the AX100 has optical lens axis shift adjustment of ±40 degrees horizontally and ±100 degrees vertically. Adjustment is made simple through the provision of a convenient joystick.

The projector also has vertical digital keystone correction of approximately ±30 degrees. However, lens shift should always be the preferred method of projected image adjustment as there is no possibility of introducing image inconsistencies (artifacts) as with digital keystone correction. The PT-AX1000U is capable of projecting an image of 40-200 inches diagonally at a 16:9 aspect ratio. Throw distance range is 3′11″ to 40′8″ (1.2 to 12.4m).

AV Connections

S-Video IN - Mini DIN 4-pin x 1
Video IN - RCA pin x 1
PC(RGB) IN - D-sub HD 15-pin (female) x 1
Component IN - PT-AE1000U: RCA pin (Y, PB/CB, PR/CR) x2 PT-AE1000E: RCA pin (Y, PB/CB, PR/CR) x1
SCART IN - 21-pin x 1 for PT-AE1000E only
HDMI IN - 19-pin HDMI connector x 2
SERIAL D-sub 9-pin x 1 (RS-232C based)

Environmental Impact

For those who consider the environmental impact of a products manufacture and use, Panasonic have detailed their efforts to minimize environmental impact resulting from this product. Environmental impact reduction strategies include: