View Full Version : Panasonic AE3000 Improvements


Randomcreek
02-22-09, 09:23 AM
To be a truly great must-have PJ, I think that thee AE3000 needs some incremental improvements. What so you think? Here's my short list.

Light source/Brightness changes to allow for larger screen sizes. Several options here in my view. Just using a brighter wattage bulb is the no-brainier solution, but they could also use different type of bulb not requiring the special color filter that cuts much of the light output. Another option since the AE3000 has special Lens memory mode, I think it may be possible to engineer the ability to squeeze the light when in 2.35 (or other) mode so that the full intensity of light from the bulb only passes through the active liquid crystals (i.e. not through those that make up the black bars). In any event, any increase in brightness without loss of accurate color rendition or durability would be welcome.

Remote control functionality improvement. This projector is the first to use new remote that does not operate more than one piece of equipment. My biggest complaint with the old remote was the FONT SIZE was soooooo small you needed magnifying glasses to read the little LCD screen at the top of the remote. The new remote is a simple design without an LCD, but if it was done with a FONT and large buttons you could actually read or use (without glasses)- I like the multifunction type better. Why not use different colors or tactile cue instead of (or in addition to text)?? This really goes for every remote I have and I have probably at least 25. Also, I know they dropped the ability to control multiple other pieces of equipment, but it would be nice to at least be able to control volume on a receiver and basic play/pause/FF, etc on a disc player instead of the complete ability to control all the multiple pieces of equipment one may have. Also, the new one lacks the ability to change some of the new features at touch of a button, like frame interpolation requiring you to go several steps into an on-screen menu to change modes. This is a must do IMO.

Frame Interpolation: How about the ability to do Split-Screen adjusting with different frame interpolation modes? You could have it off on one side and set to 1 or 2 on the other side when previewing your films/video content, then decide which mode works best for the content prior to viewing the entire piece. Although those that have reviewed this think it works as advertised, additional incremental improvements in algorithms would be great, too

Dust. Add secondary tray of filters (in addition to existing ones) at the back to eliminate dust blobs (i.e. duplicate the AVS solution to tape Filtrate filters on the back)

Noise. It’s not a particularly noisy projector, but incremental improvement here seems like it would be something folks have mentioned would be nice to have.

12 volt trigger. Also mentioned as missing for those that need it for their automated set-ups.

I’m sure there is more. These are just some things I’ve come up with that I thought may make for good conversation. Perhaps others that have put many hours of viewing or calibraton time in think there are other improvements of greater value or have better ideas on how to improve on the ones I’ve mentioned here?

btp
03-10-09, 02:00 PM
#1 on my list would be brighter (200 watt bulb!!), followed closely by better contrast, followed again by a bump up in sharpness. The AE3000 (or its successor) needs these improvements to compete more head-to-head with the Epson 6500UB. FYI, I currently own both.

I have no problem with the simplified remote.

The FI works as well or better than anyone else's. I'm not sure how useful a split screen adjustment for FI would be. Pretty low on my wish list.

Dust - allegedly they've already made improvments to the filters and ventilation system, but I do understand some AE3000 owners have already had dust blobs. Not a huge issue to me but I can understand the frustration for those who've experienced it.

Noise - I find the fan noise moderate and not objectionable at all. Quieter is always better but I think it's as good or better than a lot of the competition already.

12 volt trigger - would be nice to have, although I personally don't need it.