Panasonic PT-AX100U 3LCD Projector Review

The Panasonic PT-AX100U is a native 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) high definition digital home cinema projector with an impressive 2,000 lumens of brightness. Equally impressive is a contrast ratio of 6,000 for delivering crisply defined images. The PT-AX100 is an improved version of the AE900U and a lower specification (but still impressive) sister to the Panasonic PT-AE1000U which is native 1080p.

Panasonic PT-AX100U LCD Projector

The Panasonic PT-AX100U incorporates 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 a compact form factor. For the PT-AX100U, Panasonic have utilized the advanced 3LCD Microdisplay 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

Video Processing

Panasonics PT-AX100U video processing engine processes video signals at a very adequate 10 bit rate. It’s big sister, the TP-AE1000U, has a Cinema Works Pro video processing engine which pumps through video at a 14 bit rate. For the home cinema user, higher bit rate processing delivers sharper images and greater image detail particularly with darker scenes and fast action.

Dynamic Iris

Panasonic has used its Dynamic Iris technology as with previous models and for the PT-AX100U they have also introduced 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

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-AX100 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-AX100U 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-AX100U 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 manual 2x optical zoom. For producing a nice squared up projected image without keystoning the AX100 has optical lens axis shift adjustment of ±25 degrees horizontally and ±53 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-AX100U 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
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: