Panasonic PT-AE4000 MSRP $1999 [Text View] - Page 3

Kilroy

10-27-09, 02:10 PM

I've read that people have successfully angled their projector down and/or angled their screen up to get away with high placement. Sounds like you're fairly safe just being a couple inches above the screen.

But I've never tried it myself.

Thanks. Here's a follow up question. I found some information on this topic here: http://panasonic.net/avc/projector/products/ae4000/positions.html

Panasonic has this pic showing standard mounting positions, which helps me understand what you are saying:

http://panasonic.net/avc/projector/products/ae4000/img/positions/positions1.gif

But it then lists this table:

http://panasonic.net/avc/projector/products/ae4000/img/positions/distance-2.gif

which seems to suggest that with a 120" screen (for example) in a 2.35/16:9 setup, the projector lens center could be positioned vertically from 0" to 3'11" above the top edge of the screen. Do you think that 3'11" is the max adjustment you could get from manually angling the PJ up or down within its 30 degree limit or is it possible that the digital lens shift could account for some of that 3'11" flexibility?

sunmoon51

10-27-09, 02:46 PM

ABOVE? looks like H is the distance BELOW the top edge of the screen (in case of ceiling mount)...

Kilroy

10-27-09, 02:52 PM

ABOVE? looks like H is the distance BELOW the top edge of the screen (in case of ceiling mount)...

If that were the case, wouldn't the title for that column have been "Height from the center of lens to the edge of the screen"? You could be right though. I don't know. I'm just trying to get a good grasp on this issue before I spend the cash on the mount.

Another thought - if H is indeed just the distance the center of the lens can be from the top edge of the screen down, then this diagram does not take into consideration the option of angling the PJ itself at all. It also supports what Bob was saying in that the center of the lens needs to be at or below screen height - in a standard, i.e., non-angled position configuration.

Okay, I think I have it sussed out now. The physical vertical shift, as described on page 15 of the manual, does not work with the lens memory feature. Instead, that feature relies on digital lens shift. All I need now, I guess is clarification that H in the diagram above is indeed the distance from the top of the screen DOWN to the center of the lens. I'm thinking it must be, but the title for that column was confusing.

Cashstore

10-27-09, 03:32 PM

nevermind

frank1940

10-27-09, 04:57 PM

If that were the case, wouldn't the title for that column have been "Height from the center of lens to the edge of the screen"? You could be right though. I don't know. I'm just trying to get a good grasp on this issue before I spend the cash on the mount.

Another thought - if H is indeed just the distance the center of the lens can be from the top edge of the screen down, then this diagram does not take into consideration the option of angling the PJ itself at all. It also supports what Bob was saying in that the center of the lens needs to be at or below screen height - in a standard, i.e., non-angled position configuration.

Okay, I think I have it sussed out now. The physical vertical shift, as described on page 15 of the manual, does not work with the lens memory feature. Instead, that feature relies on digital lens shift. All I need now, I guess is clarification that H in the diagram above is indeed the distance from the top of the screen DOWN to the center of the lens. I'm thinking it must be, but the title for that column was confusing.

If you read the AE3000 owners thread, you will find that the manual is correct and what you perceive as being true is--- Up to the point of where you are attempting to setup anamorphic setup using the auto-zoom feature.

The problem is that you must vertically first center the 16:9 image using the mechanical zoom. When you zoom out to fill the screen vertically with the 2.35 image, a portion of the image moves off the screen. You now must center the 2.35 image with the electronic vertical shift. And if the lens is not within the screen area, you can't shift it far enough. (Now you realize that if the centerline of the lens is on the centerline of the screen, BOTH the center of the 16:9 image and the zoomed 2.35 image will will be on the same spot using only the mechanical adjustment! As you move the lens further and further off the screen centerline, you need more and more electronic offset.) Hopefully, you can now see the problem.

There have been basically three solutions used to solve this dilemma:

First, move the projector to within the screen area.

Second, tilt the projector. However this creates a keystone problem. With a small tilt, this may be unnoticeable. IF it is noticeable, you can use the keystone correction within the projector to 'fix' it. (Most enthusiasts will avoid this at any possible cost.)

Three, tilt both the projector and the screen until the required alignment is achieved. This obviously has some significant costs has well as other drawbacks associated with it.

Kilroy

10-27-09, 05:27 PM

Well done, Frank. Thanks for the clarification.

RapalloAV

10-27-09, 06:09 PM

There have been basically three solutions used to solve this dilemma:

First, move the projector to within the screen area.

Second, tilt the projector. However this creates a keystone problem. With a small tilt, this may be unnoticeable. IF it is noticeable, you can use the keystone correction within the projector to 'fix' it. (Most enthusiasts will avoid this at any possible cost.)

Three, tilt both the projector and the screen until the required alignment is achieved. This obviously has some significant costs has well as other drawbacks associated with it.

I would like to add one more solution and make the list now 4 four
Use two screens at different heights, say:
Rear screen fixed 2.35 scope.
Front pull down 16x9, stop at what height you need.

Kilroy

10-27-09, 06:16 PM

Smarty-pants

10-27-09, 06:30 PM

Another, easier, question. I'm ready to order the AE4000 and will definitely pick up an extended warranty. With the extra one year through Panasonic (rebate for purchases through 12-31-09), we have 2 year limited or 2,000 hours limited (whichever comes first - excluding lamp). Extension options (Warrantech) allow for extending that an additional 1 to 4 years, for an effective warranty of 3 to 6 years. What do you all think would be the effective "shelf life" of this unit based upon tech advances (3d!), lowered cost of units, etc. I'm thinking a two year extension for a four year total is the sweet spot. Thoughts?

4 years at the extreme longest if your worried about your pj getting "outdated".
In fact, I'd say even 2 yrs before it's getting a little long in the tooth tech wise.
As fast as things are moving the last couple years, it's going to move even faster in the near future.

I'm not a person who has to be on the bleeding edge of technology, however personally, I don't think there is a need for a warranty longer than 2 years... unless the user plans to run the projector a TON and needs a bulb warranty, or plans to run the projector till it dies.

I feel the smart thing to do, for most enthusiasts who realize it takes SOME money to play the "theater game", it's financially best to use and take care of the pj, than after a year or two, sell it and use the money toward an upgrade.
To each their own however.:)

Bob Whitefield

10-27-09, 06:40 PM

Another, easier, question. I'm ready to order the AE4000 and will definitely pick up an extended warranty. With the extra one year through Panasonic (rebate for purchases through 12-31-09), we have 2 year limited or 2,000 hours limited (whichever comes first - excluding lamp). Extension options (Warrantech) allow for extending that an additional 1 to 4 years, for an effective warranty of 3 to 6 years. What do you all think would be the effective "shelf life" of this unit based upon tech advances (3d!), lowered cost of units, etc. I'm thinking a two year extension for a four year total is the sweet spot. Thoughts?

Just my personal opinion, mind you, but I never get extended warranties. Why?

If something is going to go wrong with an electronic component, it will probably do so within the manufacturer warranty period.
I take very good care of my equipment, so it's even less likely something will go wrong than with the average consumer.
Companies make money on extended warranties. They're an insurance policy, after all, with a profit margin built in. I'm paying that profit margin, regardless of whether something goes wrong.
The money I save by not buying extended warranties stays in my pocket, because I self-insure. Yes, I might have to pay for a repair in the future, but across all the items I buy, I save a great deal of money.

Again, just my two cents.

Also, as you point out, 3D is coming, also LED lamps will be mainstream in a few years. Would you really want your obsolete projector repaired when newer, better models are available?

darinp2

10-27-09, 07:01 PM

alanr

10-27-09, 07:02 PM

Does anybody have an idea about how relieble the AE2000 & 3000 has been? Did they exhibit any failures like Iris problems and such? Just interested... I ordered a 4000 last week. So I'm assuming the same quality controls would hodl for the 4000... Thanks.

tighr

10-27-09, 07:39 PM

Smarty-pants

10-27-09, 07:47 PM

From the sounds of it, a lot of folks are extremely excited about this projector. It's in my pricepoint, and this will be my first projector. I have a question, however: is a projector such as this overkill for a room that isn't exactly dedicated for theater? I plan on installing this in a living room, which will have ambient light, although it does get rather dark with the lights off and the blinds pulled. Is this an appropriate application for this projector, or would I be just as happy selecting an older model or cheaper projector?

There's nothing wrong with using this pj for your situation.
Whether you would be happy with something lesser or cheaper, you will have to decide what fetures are important to you, what you want and need, and compare other selected projectors to ultimately decide for yourself.

nightfly85

10-27-09, 07:54 PM

As long as you can keep light from spilling directly onto your screen (contrast killer) you should be good. This thing output over 500 lumens in calibrated best cinema mode so it can compete well with off-axis ambient light.

I have my HT setup in my LR as well. The kitchen is off to the side, glass sliding glass doors, etc. an my Epson 800 does well in the evening.

vid53

10-27-09, 10:52 PM

I have a light controlled room with a shelf on the back wall 19 feet from a 120 inch screen. Will the AE4000 be able to perform well at that distance?

rwate01

10-27-09, 11:22 PM

There's nothing wrong with using this pj for your situation.
Whether you would be happy with something lesser or cheaper, you will have to decide what fetures are important to you, what you want and need, and compare other selected projectors to ultimately decide for yourself.

I am looking to put this in a light-controlled room of 14.5(wide)x20(deep) feet. I'll need to view some media with sconce lights on. I have four sconces at 40-60 watts each (can't remember). The sconces are on the side wall, with the first two six feet from the screen wall.
Question 1. With the lights on (wife-required in some circumstances) will I still have good contrast or will the picture wash out?
Question 2. Given the above, what screen would you suggest -- gray or white?
I expect/hope to place projector approx. 9-10 feet from screen. Any input most appreciated.

AugDog

10-27-09, 11:53 PM

I have a light controlled room with a shelf on the back wall 19 feet from a 120 inch screen. Will the AE4000 be able to perform well at that distance?

yes, easily

RapalloAV

10-27-09, 11:58 PM

I have a light controlled room with a shelf on the back wall 19 feet from a 120 inch screen. Will the AE4000 be able to perform well at that distance?

Yes a 120" is easy to fill with a light controlled room. Go for it!

neworder59

10-28-09, 02:01 AM

Im heading to Minneapolis (coming from Canada) on Black Friday. Anybody here from Minneapolis that can help me find a place or recommend a place to purchase this projector? Thanks in advance.

rwate01

10-28-09, 05:30 AM

A couple of questions on this pj. Here are my facts:
1. 14'6"W x 20' deep room.
2. Light-controlled room is possible for movie viewing.
3. Lighting is provided by rope lighting laid inside crown molding and 4 60-watt sconces on dimmers on the side walls. Sconces closest to screen are approx. 6 feet from front wall.
4. IMPT: will need to do a good amount of viewing with the sconces on mostly at higher level.

QUESTION:
With this PJ and the lights on, should i be concerned with picture quality (very impt to me). Should i consider grey vs. matte white screen?
thanks all.

CCONKLIN1

10-28-09, 06:18 AM

Just my personal opinion, mind you, but I never get extended warranties. Why?

If something is going to go wrong with an electronic component, it will probably do so within the manufacturer warranty period.
I take very good care of my equipment, so it's even less likely something will go wrong than with the average consumer.
Companies make money on extended warranties. They're an insurance policy, after all, with a profit margin built in. I'm paying that profit margin, regardless of whether something goes wrong.
The money I save by not buying extended warranties stays in my pocket, because I self-insure. Yes, I might have to pay for a repair in the future, but across all the items I buy, I save a great deal of money.

Again, just my two cents.

Also, as you point out, 3D is coming, also LED lamps will be mainstream in a few years. Would you really want your obsolete projector repaired when newer, better models are available?
Bob,
I agree with you 99%!:D However, bulb warranties are still so cheap that ANYONE who plans on using their projector a lot should buy one! I don't know of a single bulb that costs less than the warranties currently offered, and most give you TWO replacements!
Best,
Chris

Kilroy

10-28-09, 07:11 AM

Bob,
I agree with you 99%!:D However, bulb warranties are still so cheap that ANYONE who plans on using their projector a lot should buy one! I don't know of a single bulb that costs less than the warranties currently offered, and most give you TWO replacements!
Best,
Chris

I usually do buy extended warranties on electronics in the 2k plus category. I had one on my first Samsung DLP TV and am thankful I did, since I did need some repairs during the extended period. Tough decision.

One thing to keep in mind is that at least right now, when you buy the PJ for $1,999.00 you can get the 2 year extended warranty for items under 2k (which is $159 at ProjectorPeople - for example). That is $70 cheaper than the 2 year extended warranty for an item priced from 2k to $2,500, and $60 cheaper than a three year warranty for an item under 2k.

(I have a sneaking suspicion that once this pre-order period is over, the price of this PJ will bump up to about $2,159 to $2,199 in most places, simply due to supply and demand for this PJ. B&H Photo & Video is already at that price range. So, basically, I see this pre-order period as carrying a sale on the extended warranties as well as the PJ itself)

Also, the extended warranty is transferable to a new owner for $10. So, should I decide to upgrade during the extended warranty period, the fact that it is in place and transferable should make it easier to sell at a decent price.

I'm going with the two year extended and, hopefully, won't need it. :)

m0tion

10-28-09, 07:59 AM

BowWowz

10-28-09, 08:12 AM

Just my personal opinion, mind you, but I never get extended warranties. Why?

If something is going to go wrong with an electronic component, it will probably do so within the manufacturer warranty period.
I take very good care of my equipment, so it's even less likely something will go wrong than with the average consumer.
Companies make money on extended warranties. They're an insurance policy, after all, with a profit margin built in. I'm paying that profit margin, regardless of whether something goes wrong.
The money I save by not buying extended warranties stays in my pocket, because I self-insure. Yes, I might have to pay for a repair in the future, but across all the items I buy, I save a great deal of money.

Again, just my two cents.

I absolutely agree with this.

You pay a premium to insure anything. It only makes sense to insure something if its breaking will pose a financial hardship. That's why cars, homes, health, etc need to be insured.

I would say a toy around $2000 does not qualify. You should be saving as insurance.

Assuming you buy a fair amount of electronics, just put the money you'd spend on extended warranties in a high yield savings account - you'll be surprised how much cash accumulates.

Joseph Clark

10-28-09, 08:19 AM

If anybody in the Seattle area is getting one of these and wants to see it on some different screens or in different environments (I have Da-Lite High Power, Carada Cinema White, and original StudioTek 130 screens along with a mostly black velvet room and a mostly off-white walled setup) please let me know. I have the AE3000 now (although it is currently at the repair site), so could make for some interesting comparison too. Kind of a trade where I get to see the AE4000 and somebody else gets to see some different screens or how the projector would look if they made their room totally black kind of thing. I could help a little bit with setting things like Brightness and Contrast too.

--Darin

That's a very cool offer, Darin. If I were in the Seattle area, I'd take you up on that in a heartbeat. Have you done any comparisons between the AE3000 and other more expensive projectors? I've had very little opportunity to do direct A/B's between projectors in my area, but I'd love to, especially with someone as experienced as you alongside to make observations.

par4

10-28-09, 08:21 AM

I absolutely agree with this.

You pay a premium to insure anything. It only makes sense to insure something if its breaking will pose a financial hardship. That's why cars, homes, health, etc need to be insured.

I would say a toy around $2000 does not qualify. You should be saving as insurance.

Assuming you buy a fair amount of electronics, just put the money you'd spend on extended warranties in a high yield savings account - you'll be surprised how much cash accumulates.
A high..... yield..... savings account......
Hmmmm, they have such things?

Bob Whitefield

10-28-09, 08:22 AM

Bob Whitefield

10-28-09, 08:29 AM

Also, the extended warranty is transferable to a new owner for $10. So, should I decide to upgrade during the extended warranty period, the fact that it is in place and transferable should make it easier to sell at a decent price.

That's a good point, a transferable warranty could make sense if you plan to sell the projector in a year. I usually try to hang onto equipment as long as possible, though, so I'll stick to self-insuring.

BMAG

10-28-09, 08:42 AM

A high..... yield..... savings account......
Hmmmm, they have such things?

Yes! Some of the banks our tax dollars bailed out are offering teaser rates as high as one percent for new money market accounts ;)

osofast240sx

10-28-09, 08:58 AM

I have the AE3000u shooting a 140" pic at 21' these projectors(3000/4000) are a lot better than you think.

reece

10-28-09, 09:06 AM

yes, easily

How about a 140" 2:40.1 screen? Bat cave, projecting from 18 to 19' back. Will have some dimmed lights when we watch football, basketball games. I have used the calculators and should work, but I am concern it wont be bright enough.

Thanks

BowWowz

10-28-09, 09:14 AM

Yes! Some of the banks our tax dollars bailed out are offering teaser rates as high as one percent for new money market accounts ;)

You guys need new banks. I have a checking account with the local credit union that pays 4.01%

Regardless of that, stick the money from the warranties in the mattress and you'll still be better off in the long run.

Mopar_Mudder

10-28-09, 09:24 AM

I have the AE3000u shooting a 140" pic at 21' these projectors(3000/4000) are a lot better than you think.

Is that a 16:9 or a 2.35 screen? If it is 2.35 is the brightness still good when you zoom a 2.35 image in on it?

Also what mode do you run it in?

xamphear

10-28-09, 09:30 AM

marchafb

10-28-09, 09:50 AM

Just checked VA's website and they show "ETA: Wed., Oct 28th!
All orders will be fulfilled from our 1st shipment" So looks like we will be getting them soon!

bruce3404

10-28-09, 10:51 AM

A contact in the order fulfillment department of PP says their tracking shows the shipment arriving tomorrow. They hope to have all of the units shipped by end of business on Friday, which sets up customer deliveries for the middle of next week.

I'm getting the same info from Visual Apex in Seattle. I'm puzzled about the above discussion regarding extended warranties. Everyone should be aware that Panasonic is offering a free extended warranty for two years (or 2000 hours). This does not include the bulb, however. To receive this, you must purchase the unit before the end of the year, from an authorized Panasonic dealer. Here's a link:
http://www.visualapex.com/ProductSupport/PT-AE4000U_promo.pdf

AugDog

10-28-09, 11:10 AM

Im heading to Minneapolis (coming from Canada) on Black Friday. Anybody here from Minneapolis that can help me find a place or recommend a place to purchase this projector? Thanks in advance.

I don't know anyone local here in Minneapolis that carries the panasonic projectors. You can have one shipped to me and I will "hold" it for you :) Seriously, would be happy to help you out if needed. PM if you wish.

Chrisx510

10-28-09, 11:20 AM

Anyone know of stores that have this projector to demo in California (Bay Area)?

Please PM me if you know of any places. Thanks

AugDog

10-28-09, 11:22 AM

Just spoke with VA to change my shipping option. Said they are planning to ship tomorrow and should have my projector by Friday. Vikings-Packers on the new projector this weekend is still a possibility. Love the anticipation of the wait, but ready for it to be over.

donkie

10-28-09, 11:28 AM

Just checked VA's website and they show "ETA: Wed., Oct 28th!
All orders will be fulfilled from our 1st shipment" So looks like we will be getting them soon!

I spoke with them again yesterday and upgraded my shipping since I realized they are quite far away from me, can't stand to wait for ground service. Foolish expense but my new theater room is ready to go, three years is too long without the big white screen. The new Onkyo just showed up too.

They will ship Thursday and possibly today, I forsee sudden illness/lack of office presence on Friday...:D

Studio2000

10-28-09, 01:41 PM

osofast240sx

10-28-09, 01:47 PM

Is that a 16:9 or a 2.35 screen? If it is 2.35 is the brightness still good when you zoom a 2.35 image in on it?

Also what mode do you run it in?

2.35 and its perfect. i watch movies with the lights at 15-25% on

Agni

10-28-09, 01:50 PM

frank1940

10-28-09, 02:07 PM

I was wandering around on the Japanese Panasonic site and found an Engineering drawing for the mounting holes layout for anyone interested in making their own mount.

https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/projector/extranet/main/products/ae4000/ae4000cad.html

EDIT: If you download the PDF, you will have a single sheet 8-1/2by 11 engineering drawing that is easy to print out.

nickmo

10-28-09, 02:13 PM

For those of us eagerly awaiting delivery of our pre-order units, has anyone started planning what movies they are going to play to showcase the new toy?

I'm trying to come up with a list epic scope films with great soundtracks.So far I have:Master and Commander, Gladiator, BraveHeart, 300 and so on, but these are all war/action movies. I'd like to add some kid/family friendly films to the list. Any suggestions? Feel free to keep adding action movies if you don't know of any kid/family friendly films anyway.

Thanks guys
updated suggestions:
The Fall (2006) (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460791/) - Bachiano
The Nightmare Before Christmas BR (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107688/) - fteixeira
Disney's Sleeping Beauty BR (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053285/) - fteixeira
WALL-E (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0910970/) - fteixeira
Cars (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317219/) - fteixeira
Ratatouille (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382932/) - fteixeira
The Dark Night (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468569/) - AugDog

Bachiano

10-28-09, 02:43 PM

The Fall (2006)
Best colors and musical sound track in years.
Absolutely beautiful ear and eye candy.

Oh -I almost forgot.
The Acting is incredible too.

fteixeira

10-28-09, 03:21 PM

I'd like to add some kid/family friendly films to the list. Any suggestions? Feel free to keep adding action movies if you don't know of any kid/family friendly films anyway.

My recommendations:

A Nightmare Before Christmas BR: Unreal detail, 1.66:1 AR

Disney's Sleeping Beauty BR: Ultra clean image, beautiful animation, ~2.5 AR will show off ae4000's zoom capabilities

Also, Pixar movies such as WALL-E, Cars, Ratatouille will knock anyone out with the image quality.

AugDog

10-28-09, 03:56 PM

Guys,

Clearly we can see that the Panasonic PJ's are building a very exciting product for users. I dont know if its your enthusiasm, but I am now also thinking in purchasing one of these.

I would like to ask you a question:

How reliable has the Panasonic Projectors been such as your AE900, 2000, or AE3000?

The reason I am asking is if I buy a PJ now, I really do not think I will be replacing it for at least 4 years.

How reliable has these units been for you?
1) How long you had it (bulb life)
2) Any major issues with LCD panels?
3) Quality of Support.

I am really considering the PAE4000 at this time, but am also interested in reliability.

Thanks

Dave

I bought a 700 in the fall of 2004 sold it 3 weeks ago with 1700 hours on the bulb. The young man and his entourage that came to buy it all said wow to a 5 year old projector. At the time when I bought the 700, I was prepared to spend up to $10K for a very nice 720 dlp (I could not stand the screen door effect which panasonic solved). I have seen a lot of setups at friends' houses and show rooms, and I have never once regretted my purchase or the money I saved.

I did seem to have a wierd issue where I could not get a picture and may have been handshake problem, but I can't remember for sure. I unplugged everything and turned all back on and it worked fine. Not a single other problem.

That brings me to today. I planned to upgrade to 1080P projector this year and can't say I even thought twice about going back to panasonic and was actually hoping to buy a new 3000 for $1750 or $2000. 4000 at $1999 is a bonus.

PS - First movie will be Dark Knight and then I suspect Wall-E, Cars and Sex in the City with my wife. We are looking forward to some of the new releases, particularly UP and Star Trek. Planet Earth will be a must as well. Truth be told, I want to watch my whole blu-ray catalog over again. Really great thing about new projectors. I remember wanting to do that same thing with my 700.

cornchip75

10-28-09, 03:57 PM

Any Canadians out there who have preordered this from the US and are having it shipped? I am nowhere near the boarder! I'm wondering if this projector will even be a reasonable priced possibility.

AugDog

10-28-09, 04:01 PM

Anyone know where the IR receptor is on this projector?

donkie

10-28-09, 04:17 PM

Anyone know where the IR receptor is on this projector?

On the front to the left of the lens

edit see pg 12 https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/projector/extranet/main/manual/ae4000/AE4000E_Eng-OI.pdf

Kilroy

10-28-09, 04:25 PM

I ordered one today from Projector People. They said the initial shipment was 400 units and that there were already 300 plus pre-orders ahead of me. Just a heads up for those on the fence and needing/wanting a PJ soon.

postman

10-28-09, 04:33 PM

Guys,

How reliable has the Panasonic Projectors been such as your AE900, 2000, or AE3000?

The reason I am asking is if I buy a PJ now, I really do not think I will be replacing it for at least 4 years.

How reliable has these units been for you?
1) How long you had it (bulb life)
2) Any major issues with LCD panels?
3) Quality of Support.

Since you asked ...

I bought my AE300 in March 2004. I replaced the original bulb last month, it had just shy of 5000 hours. I have occasionally had to blow dust off the LCD panels, that's all. When I replaced my bulb I pulled out the polarizers too and while I could see some discoloration it wasn't severe. No experience w/ Panasonic support because I haven't needed it.

If I buy another PJ, it will likely be a Panasonic.

aleiby

10-28-09, 04:38 PM

However, bulb warranties are still so cheap that ANYONE who plans on using their projector a lot should buy one!

It appears ProjectorPeople no longer offers these. Do you know if it's possible to buy one through another company even if you didn't buy your projector from them?

AugDog

10-28-09, 04:45 PM

Thanks Donkie. Interesting that it is lower in the box than my 700. May cause a need to change my IR relay a little.

Anyone get a tracking number yet that actually has a shipment attached to it?

Bronco70

10-28-09, 05:00 PM

Kilroy

10-28-09, 05:10 PM

It appears ProjectorPeople no longer offers these. Do you know if it's possible to buy one through another company even if you didn't buy your projector from them?

I think you can buy one in conjunction with the purchase of a lamp as well as a PJ. If I recall, Visual Apex sells them. Make sure you read the fine print on the bulb warranty. I think they are only good for replacing bulbs that tank before the rated hours duration. I'm not sure how they would gauge that, however.

Also, AugDog, I don't think they ship out until tomorrow.

AugDog

10-28-09, 05:30 PM

Also, AugDog, I don't think they ship out until tomorrow.

I understand that is where we are headed and mine is scheduled to ship tomorrow too, was just curious if a dealer had possibly received a shipment today and turned it around to a customer. Friday will be a big day it seems.

azzman

10-28-09, 07:59 PM

Do any of the US based online suppliers that stock this projector ship to Australia? I would like to buy one, as the AUD is strong and im sure the official AU RRP will be insane

shumi_9

10-28-09, 08:38 PM

http://www.panasonic.net/avc/projector/manual/pdf/AE4000U_En.pdf

blackbelt

10-28-09, 10:17 PM

Since you asked ...

I bought my AE300 in March 2004. I replaced the original bulb last month, it had just shy of 5000 hours. I have occasionally had to blow dust off the LCD panels, that's all. When I replaced my bulb I pulled out the polarizers too and while I could see some discoloration it wasn't severe. No experience w/ Panasonic support because I haven't needed it.

If I buy another PJ, it will likely be a Panasonic.
Holy cow thats alot of hours in a short time. Well for me it would be. Is that all movies or some tv as well and maybe gaming?

Smarty-pants

10-28-09, 10:33 PM

Holy cow thats alot of hours in a short time. Well for me it would be. Is that all movies or some tv as well and maybe gaming?

5 1/2 YEARS is a short amount of time ???:confused:
For a projector, especially a single bulb, that is an ETERNITY.

rmerlano

10-28-09, 10:39 PM

Somebody knows where may I buy the AE4000 excluding VisualApex and PeopleProjector???

Regards

imbmom

10-28-09, 10:40 PM

RapalloAV

10-28-09, 10:45 PM

We have the PT-AE4000 ready now and shipping tomorrow in NZ:)

Smarty-pants

10-28-09, 10:48 PM

ZenithPete

10-28-09, 10:56 PM

Somebody knows where may I buy the AE4000 excluding VisualApex and PeopleProjector???

Regards

abt.com has it for 1999.99, is an authorized Panasonic seller (important for warranty), and has a good reputation, it still says preorder but I imagine that will change soon

imbmom

10-28-09, 10:57 PM

Not owning the 3000 or 4000 models, I have no answers from experience.
However, I do know that for someone to be able to give a proper answer, you are going to need to give the specifics of where your screen lies compared to the position of your projector. (IE: "The top of my screen is even with the top of the pj lens", or something similar.)

Yes, I have read about the requirements for the lens to be within the screen limits and I am planning accordingly in that regard. I have a ceiling height of 8', I plan to mount center of lens somewhere in the nieghborhood of 7' +/-. Screen will be mounted accordingly so that lens is within screen limits by a couple inches.

My throw and seating be approx. 13'6"-8".

Thanks.

Bob Whitefield

10-29-09, 12:22 AM

I have some more questions as I continue to tweak the theater build.

I am considering building a soffit over my seating area to serve a dual purpose. 1) Allow me to place some can lights directly over the berklines. 2) Build a "cuddy" shelf inside the soffit to house the ae4000. I thought it would be a nice way to conceal the projector.

My question is two-fold. a) Can this projector sit right side up on a shelf that is approx. 7' high? Or would it need to be mounted upside down at that height? b) Would mounting the projector in this fashion create headaches for cleaning/servicing filter? I would probably mount on a tray with drawer glides allowing it to be pulled out of the cubby for cleaning, would the projector need to be re-focused and what-not, every time the shelf was pulled out and then return to original position?

Thanks for the help!
It can definitely sit right side up, many people mount it on shelves that way. But you should give serious thought to ventilation and filter cleaning. It needs to have plenty of open area in front and behind the projector for air exhaust/intake, Panasonic recommends 20 inches in both directions, see page 14 of the operating instructions. Or install a fan to supply cool air.

The filter should be cleaned each month, and if you have to pull the projector out, that means realigning it to the screen each time, which will start to get old. Focus is probably less of an issue.

You could glue some cups to the bottom of the shelf that the feet fit snugly into, ensuring the projector is in the exact same position, assuming the drawer glides also return to the same position. Or make a hinged access panel so you can remove the filter without moving the projector at all.

careybsn

10-29-09, 12:36 AM

I have some more questions as I continue to tweak the theater build.

I am considering building a soffit over my seating area to serve a dual purpose. 1) Allow me to place some can lights directly over the berklines. 2) Build a "cuddy" shelf inside the soffit to house the ae4000. I thought it would be a nice way to conceal the projector.

My question is two-fold. a) Can this projector sit right side up on a shelf that is approx. 7' high? Or would it need to be mounted upside down at that height? b) Would mounting the projector in this fashion create headaches for cleaning/servicing filter? I would probably mount on a tray with drawer glides allowing it to be pulled out of the cubby for cleaning, would the projector need to be re-focused and what-not, every time the shelf was pulled out and then return to original position?

Thanks for the help!

I would echo the other answer about ventilation. I have my ceiling mount arriving tomorrow and I have had it sitting near the back of my room on top of a desk just to test everything out.

This projector generates quite a bit of heat out of the front vents. I knew I needed to mount mine near the back of the room before I bought it.

Before using it, I kind of scoffed at that 20" clearance when I read it in the manual. But after feeling how much heat this projector (PT-AE3000U) will give off sitting in front of it, I am not going to take a chance putting it too close to the back wall.

I went ahead and ordered the cheif CMS390 ceiling plate so I can adjust the projector a bit from the front of the room to the back of the room. I am just a little wary about butting it up too close to the back wall after feeling how much heat comes out of the projector.

darinp2

10-29-09, 12:42 AM

I just checked projectorpeople.com and visualapex.com. Projector People still shows ETA of 10/28 and Visual Apex now shows out for delivery. I decided yesterday to order one from Projector People with overnight delivery and they are going to try to get Saturday delivery added to that, but as I am near the end of the list I'm not sure if they will get mine out by Friday.
Have you done any comparisons between the AE3000 and other more expensive projectors?I have done some in the past. Some of us compared my AE3000 to my JVC RS1 in my off-white walled living room setup last year. I thought the RS1 had a little bit better looking blacks overall, but the AE3000 has some really nice features. I'm amazed/frustrated at how this cheaper projector has such good fake frame creation stuff and if I do buy one of the newest high end JVCs I'm sure I'll appreciate the darker blacks, but will be somewhat frustrated by their inferior fake frame creation stuff based on what I've read, unless they fix it like they fixed their CMS last year.

The AE3000 has had some dust blob issues (it is in the shop right now to get them cleaned just before my one year warranty ran out since I missed the rebate by a couple of days), but it has worked well for me overall. I do like their implementation of the fake frame creation stuff and how low can take a little bit of the edge off of 24Hz without too much soap opera look. It also worked great on a 15.5' wide outdoor screen a friend and I bought, even in rear projection mode. The Dynamic mode is nice to have for that and since it doesn't end up being a lot of ft-lamberts I think the over the top colors don't look as bad in that setup. And the AE3000 works well in my off-white living room setup. I can also use it in my mostly black velvet theater, but the lower on/off CR bothers me more in there compared to other projectors like the JVC RS20. But still for the price I think it is very nice.

I don't use the automatic lens for 2.35:1 vs 16:9, but I do use it for when I move my AE3000 between rooms. I have settings that I can just bring up and that is nice. Especially compared to manual zoom that is a pain for somebody who uses their projector in different rooms and outside sometimes.

I went to a comparison of one with an Epson 6500 and the 6500 seemed flakier, but also looked like better blacks to me and others. It was like the AE3000 was more refined and trustworthy, with the 6500 having a higher contrast look that was inviting, but the 6500 also tended to look digital compared to the AE3000 and RS20. Overall I think I would have taken the 6500 images with all the AE3000 features (although I would have wanted what I saw as a better implementation of fake frame creation on the AE3000 than 6500 with original firmware), but that wasn't an option.

The SmoothScreen does make some things like text look blurrier to me than many other projectors (and I think the RS20 was sharper overall than the AE3000), but I also appreciate being able to sit close without seeing pixels compared to some other projectors. So, I see positive and negative there. The JVCs have high enough fill ratio that I would prefer that to SmoothScreen, but with LCD panels with low fill ratio I can appreciate the SmoothScreen feature and the JVCs tend to cost a lot more.

I think I can see a little bit of vertical banding at times with the Panasonics on very bright stuff (like uniform white), but I also need to check the flicker settings in the service menu as those can affect the vertical banding.

Overall I guess I am a fan of the Panasonics for the prices. I've owned just about every model going back to the AE300 other than the AE2000 and AX200 and the only projectors I have left at the moment are a Panasonic AX100 that is at my parents, an AE1000 that is usually for my bedroom, and the AE3000 that is in the shop and should be back soon. I sold all my more expensive stuff. Although the desire to get rid of my more expensive stuff so I could use that to buy something else more expensive was part of it, the flexibility of the Panasonics and price/performance for the packages does appeal to me. And although few others may care I love the waveform monitor in the latest Panasonics. Makes it easy to satisfy my curiosity about the levels some things were mastered at and check for certain issues quickly (like black levels that seem to be mastered a little different than normal).

I'm looking forward to trying the highest frame creation mode on the AE4000 with some 1080i60 material.

And one feature I would really like to see next year (or during the year if anybody can provide an external solution) is a way to automatically delay the audio by the amount of the processing in the projector. Panasonic could do it with an HDMI output for audio that delays based on the processing since going between fake frame creation off and enabled in the highest setting can be a huge difference in the amount of audio delay needed to sync up with the video. I'm not sure if HDMI 1.4 has any utility for feedback to do something like that without an extra connection.

--Darin

VirTERM

10-29-09, 07:29 AM

Any Canadians out there who have preordered this from the US and are having it shipped? I am nowhere near the boarder! I'm wondering if this projector will even be a reasonable priced possibility.

Well, I am still thinking about it. Got Optoma HD20 and french crystals, but zooming would be much easier....
Wojtek

Terminator840

10-29-09, 07:53 AM

That sounds good, I assume you'll normally sit in the front row, so the projector will be behind you?

dabagboy, to answer your question, the main reasons to put the projector behind you are light leakage and noise. The AE4000 is very quiet, so the second is probably not an issue, but the fewer distractions in your theater, the better.

Have to disagree with you here. I find a third of the new releases I watch are in 2.35 (actually 2.39 or 2.40 in most cases). Of course that could be my taste, most of my wife's chick flicks are 1.85.

Here's a link to 102 Blu-ray 2.35 aspect films released since 2008...
http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/search.php?keyword=&studioid=&videocodec=&disc=&yearfrom=2008&yearto=&regioncoding=&aspectratio=2.35%253A1&aspectratio_original=&audio=&subtitles=&synopsis=&submit=Search&action=search

Most films are filmed in the 1.85 AR or "flat" as its called. Most big budget, action type movies are in scope. I think what happens is most people think most movies are in scope because those are usually the most memorable ones. A lot of time the AR comes down to the director. Most use one or the other for most of there movies. Look at Spielberg lots of his movies when he is not involved with Lucas are in the 1.85 AR like Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan. Those are 2 movies I always thought would look much better in Scope.

robber616

10-29-09, 07:55 AM

my room small 11,6x12,7 . with ae4000 i can go with 104" 2.35:1 or 114"16:9 (carada screens) . i know biger is better but if i go with 104" 2.35:1 when i play games screen will be so small . i play games 30% movies 30% and 30% tv
10% clean up man case. what should i do??? thanks

imbmom

10-29-09, 08:48 AM

It can definitely sit right side up, many people mount it on shelves that way. But you should give serious thought to ventilation and filter cleaning. It needs to have plenty of open area in front and behind the projector for air exhaust/intake, Panasonic recommends 20 inches in both directions, see page 14 of the operating instructions. Or install a fan to supply cool air.

The filter should be cleaned each month, and if you have to pull the projector out, that means realigning it to the screen each time, which will start to get old. Focus is probably less of an issue.

You could glue some cups to the bottom of the shelf that the feet fit snugly into, ensuring the projector is in the exact same position, assuming the drawer glides also return to the same position. Or make a hinged access panel so you can remove the filter without moving the projector at all.

Thanks alot for all the help.

The clearance in front I don't see as a problem because it will be completly open. The cuddy will be approx 24"w x 24"d x 12" tall.

The rear clearance sounds like it will be an issue I will need to address if I go this route. I could install a vent very easily to allow air flow....or I could install a combination vent/access panel to also allow for filter access, and forego the drawer glides alltogether.

I guess I will have to toy around with this a bit.

Thanks again.

Viche

10-29-09, 08:59 AM

I would echo the other answer about ventilation. I have my ceiling mount arriving tomorrow and I have had it sitting near the back of my room on top of a desk just to test everything out.

This projector generates quite a bit of heat out of the front vents. I knew I needed to mount mine near the back of the room before I bought it.

Before using it, I kind of scoffed at that 20" clearance when I read it in the manual. But after feeling how much heat this projector (PT-AE3000U) will give off sitting in front of it, I am not going to take a chance putting it too close to the back wall.

I went ahead and ordered the cheif CMS390 ceiling plate so I can adjust the projector a bit from the front of the room to the back of the room. I am just a little wary about butting it up too close to the back wall after feeling how much heat comes out of the projector.

I'm not seeing anything about clearances in the new manual. 20"! That's a lot. The room I want to use is only 12 feet deep. By the time I move the projector 20" out, the lense will only be 9' from the screen. That makes for a small image! Darnit!

Bob Whitefield

10-29-09, 09:30 AM

I'm not seeing anything about clearances in the new manual. 20"! That's a lot. The room I want to use is only 12 feet deep. By the time I move the projector 20" out, the lense will only be 9' from the screen. That makes for a small image! Darnit!

See the operating instructions, middle of page 14, it recommends 50 cm.
https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/projector/extranet/main/products/ae4000/ae4000manual.html

Now that's a recommendation, and I've seen plenty of setups where people have AE projectors on a wall shelf with nothing like that amount of clearance behind it. The important thing is that the front exhausts are unobstructed, and cool air can enter from the back. You might use a ceiling mount or wire mesh shelf if you're concerned.

Viche

10-29-09, 10:00 AM

See the operating instructions, middle of page 14, it recommends 50 cm.
https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/projector/extranet/main/products/ae4000/ae4000manual.html

Now that's a recommendation, and I've seen plenty of setups where people have AE projectors on a wall shelf with nothing like that amount of clearance behind it. The important thing is that the front exhausts are unobstructed, and cool air can enter from the back. You might use a ceiling mount or wire mesh shelf if you're concerned.

Yeah I see it now. Projector central calculator is telling me I can do an 84" wide screen with the projector 9.5' from the screen. That leaves me about 18" out from the back of the proj to the wall. Damn that's gonna be a bright image. :eek:

careybsn

10-29-09, 10:06 AM

I'm not seeing anything about clearances in the new manual. 20"! That's a lot. The room I want to use is only 12 feet deep. By the time I move the projector 20" out, the lense will only be 9' from the screen. That makes for a small image! Darnit!

I'm not saying I'm going to stick to the 20 inches in the manual, but it did prevent me from shelf mounting it. I figure with air coming from underneath, the sides, and from above in a ceiling mount configuration, that will certainly help me get it closer to my back wall without the worries. (my room is only 13' deep and I want to have a 106" screen.) I'll probably put it somewhere around 12-15 inches from the back wall. But then you still have to factor in the length of the projector.

I think I could get a 120" image in that room if I moved it back far enough but all I'm going for is something between 100"-106".

I've been sitting at about 8-9ft from a 106" 16:9 screen the last week and I think it's a great size in my 12x13 room. I feel like it's just perfect for me. It's definitely big especially with 16x9 material.

The only bad thing with maxing out the lense is you won't be able to switch between 16:9 and 2.35:1. If I'm wrong on that, someone please correct me.

The good thing is this will be more than bright enough of a projector for that room size.

There are tradeoffs using this projector in smaller rooms, but for the price, performance and the features you can use, it's well worth the money.

There are a lot of things you don't take into account with these things. It's never as simple as you thought it was going in.

xenon2000

10-29-09, 10:12 AM

rayr129

10-29-09, 10:14 AM

Anyone here received their ae4000u tracking info yet from PP ?

xenon2000

10-29-09, 10:20 AM

...
The only bad thing with maxing out the lense is you won't be able to switch between 16:9 and 2.35:1. If I'm wrong on that, someone please correct me.
...

I am sure you already knew this, but... The 2.35 "mode" works by zooming and shifting the image. So yes, if you Zoom the pana to the max size screen to fill a 16x9 screen, then you can't use the 2.35 mode. If you are getting this projector for the 2.35 mode, like I am. Then you need to of course have a 2.35 screen to start with. Then you need to setup the pana to remember your 2.35 size and 16:9 sizes. First you would set the zoom and shift for the 2.35 mode. That will be your max size. Then you set the memory for 16x9 mode for it's zoom and shift.

Because all it is doing is expanding the optical 16x9 native image to be larger than your 2.35 screen so that the black bars are projected outside of your screen, and then shrinking it down to fit the 16x9 sensor into the 2.35 screen for side bars.

So yes, if you max out the zoom for 16x9 content, the 2.35 mode can't be used. Use the calculator to figure out the screen size and projector distance for a 2.35 screen for your install. Then start with 2.35 mode and work down from there.

Bob Whitefield

10-29-09, 10:29 AM

I know I have seen this info somewhere online. And it likely counts for 3000 model as well.

I want to put my projector as close to the screen as possible for max light output. Projector will be centered horizontally, but will likely need lens shift vertically.

My question is about the shifting limits. I read that at one end of the zoom, you get the full lens shifting and that it reduces at the other end of the zoom. But I can't remember what end of the zoom and how much it's reduced.

Wondering if I will have reduced or full shifting ability with the projector closest to the screen with the biggest projected image for the brightest output. Even with the reduced range, I am sure there would be enough shift to work for me.

My understanding is that if you can zoom to both 2.35 and 1.78 aspects at your chosen distance, and the projector lens is no higher/lower than the top/bottom of the screen, then you're safe. But personally I would test it first before buying a screen or installing a ceiling mount.

These posts from page 9 of this thread may help:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17427030#post17427030
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17429870#post17429870

And I'm sure you know about this calculator:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Panasonic-PT-AE4000U-projection-calculator-pro.htm

careybsn

10-29-09, 10:44 AM

I am sure you already knew this, but... The 2.35 "mode" works by zooming and shifting the image. So yes, if you Zoom the pana to the max size screen to fill a 16x9 screen, then you can't use the 2.35 mode. If you are getting this projector for the 2.35 mode, like I am. Then you need to of course have a 2.35 screen to start with. Then you need to setup the pana to remember your 2.35 size and 16:9 sizes. First you would set the zoom and shift for the 2.35 mode. That will be your max size. Then you set the memory for 16x9 mode for it's zoom and shift.

Because all it is doing is expanding the optical 16x9 native image to be larger than your 2.35 screen so that the black bars are projected outside of your screen, and then shrinking it down to fit the 16x9 sensor into the 2.35 screen for side bars.

So yes, if you max out the zoom for 16x9 content, the 2.35 mode can't be used. Use the calculator to figure out the screen size and projector distance for a 2.35 screen for your install. Then start with 2.35 mode and work down from there.

I appreciate the info. I think for me, I'm just going to stick with the biggest 16:9 I can get. I really enjoy watching movies (obviously), but I really enjoy watching sports and things like Austin City Limits, Soundstage, Palladia, and all types of concerts on the big screen too.

I'm pretty happy with the black levels on the AE3000U so the bars don't bother me that much. Maybe I'll go with a masquerade system in the future, but I really like the benefit of having a bigger screen for football games and concerts. And March Madness should be great this year with the new setup too.

It's just a trade off I'm willing to make with these projectors in a smaller room. Thanks for your comments though. Everything is appreciated from this noob.

Viche

10-29-09, 11:12 AM

I'm not saying I'm going to stick to the 20 inches in the manual, but it did prevent me from shelf mounting it. I figure with air coming from underneath, the sides, and from above in a ceiling mount configuration, that will certainly help me get it closer to my back wall without the worries. (my room is only 13' deep and I want to have a 106" screen.) I'll probably put it somewhere around 12-15 inches from the back wall. But then you still have to factor in the length of the projector.

I think I could get a 120" image in that room if I moved it back far enough but all I'm going for is something between 100"-106".

I've been sitting at about 8-9ft from a 106" 16:9 screen the last week and I think it's a great size in my 12x13 room. I feel like it's just perfect for me. It's definitely big especially with 16x9 material.

The only bad thing with maxing out the lense is you won't be able to switch between 16:9 and 2.35:1. If I'm wrong on that, someone please correct me.

The good thing is this will be more than bright enough of a projector for that room size.

There are tradeoffs using this projector in smaller rooms, but for the price, performance and the features you can use, it's well worth the money.

There are a lot of things you don't take into account with these things. It's never as simple as you thought it was going in.

Switching between 16:9 and 2.35:1 in that scenario would be fine as long as you do Constant Width, which is what I plan to do. I have a limited amount of width to work with.

bruce3404

10-29-09, 11:24 AM

Just spoke with Visual Apex. They are unloading their shipment right now (9AM) and anticipate getting some orders out today (Thursday) with the balance shipping no later than tomorrow.

marchafb

10-29-09, 11:34 AM

I have my tracking info from VA!

Can't wait to replace my Sony Bravia AW15. Not that it is a bad unit as it did it's job, but I am ready to step up to 1080p.

bruce3404

10-29-09, 11:39 AM

fteixeira

10-29-09, 11:48 AM

Just received PP confirmation of shipment. I was told I was order #10 by the PP sales rep when I ordered on day 1.

fteixeira

keenanj

10-29-09, 12:02 PM

no tracking number from PP yet.

But hey it gets here when it gets here my man cave is waiting.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22019133@N02/4050157502/sizes/l/

AugDog

10-29-09, 12:18 PM

Have my tracking number from VA with an expected 3:00 delivery tomorrow.

Charlutz

10-29-09, 12:20 PM

Viche

10-29-09, 12:31 PM

OMG what just happened? Every other letter in the forum is a "*"! Anyone else seeing this? Not that you 'd be able to read my post if you were...

Edit: things are back to normal again :O

AugDog

10-29-09, 12:55 PM

My first projector was a PT-AX200U that I was very happy with for the two years I've owned it. Sold my house last week and the projector with it. 127" DIY painted screen. Use is for movies, but also the occasional sports gathering with some light in the basement. Haven't shopped for a pj in two years. Looking at the AE4000. What other 1080p PJs should I evaluate in the less than $2k price range? Optoma HD20 seems popular. Any of the Mits? Epson?

This may not be the best thread for the 'which 1080P projector should I look at?' question, but I will kind of answer and say it depends on your needs and budget. One thing that seems to be coming through on this thread is that you have a lot of happy panasonic (many 720P) owners that are upgrading. I have always likes the way dlp's looked but for me the features, value, performance, flexibility have made me an extremely happy panasonic projector owner.

nickmo

10-29-09, 01:31 PM

Got my tracking number from PP today at 10:00 am! Could be here by Monday or Tuesday! I gotta get my screen built! Yikes! :D:D

SimonJB

10-29-09, 01:33 PM

Got my tracking number from PP today at 10:00 am! Could be here by Monday or Tuesday! I gotta get my screen built! Yikes! :D:D
Congrats! What # in line were you?

keenanj

10-29-09, 01:38 PM

ok got my trackign from pp also shoudl be here mid week.

what do you guys think about the screen and room?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22019133@N02/4050157502/sizes/l/

solomon

10-29-09, 01:56 PM

+1 for tracking from PP. I think I was around 120 in line. Here's hoping for Saturday or Monday delivery !

BMAG

10-29-09, 02:04 PM

ok got my trackign from pp also shoudl be here mid week.

what do you guys think about the screen and room?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22019133@N02/4050157502/sizes/l/

Is this your first projector for that room? The light colored walls and ceiling are going to degrade your picture quality.

mickolu

10-29-09, 02:11 PM

Got my tracking, as promised, from Visual Apex. Should be here on Tuesday!!! Now to decide which movie I will watch first.

tusia16

10-29-09, 02:13 PM

This is going to be my first projector!!! So excited.... just got tracking from Visual Apex. I will be getting it on Monday. Yahoo!!!!!!!

nickmo

10-29-09, 02:58 PM

Congrats! What # in line were you?

I don't know what number. Is there an easy way to find out?

SimonJB

10-29-09, 03:02 PM

I don't know what number. Is there an easy way to find out?
If they emailed you a copy of your sales order, one of the line items should say -nnn* PROJECTOR, 1080P 1600 LUMEN 15.9 LBS LCD 100,000:1

the nnn is your place in the queue.

nickmo

10-29-09, 03:13 PM

If they emailed you a copy of your sales order, one of the line items should say -nnn* PROJECTOR, 1080P 1600 LUMEN 15.9 LBS LCD 100,000:1

the nnn is your place in the queue.

like this?:
SHIPMENT SUMMARY:
SHIPPED: 1 - PANPTAE4000U: PROJECTOR, 1080P 1600 LUMEN 15.9 LBS LCD 100,000:1 CONTRAST
or this?
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_En5Q_28heK0/Sun4aviSZDI/AAAAAAAABBI/Kho7YVD-NMc/s800/PPsalesorder.JPG

speedbal

10-29-09, 03:19 PM

Just got my confirmation from VA as well. Looks like it will be here tomorrow (hopefully, since I paid for overnight shipping). Pretty good since I only ordered on Tuesday night.......... can't wait.

My carada brilliant white screen came in yesterday. Looks like I am going to have some fun this weekend.

Took my HC6800 back last week because it didn't make sense to spend 700 more (tax in TX is 9%) for a projector that doesn't have the bells/whistles as the panny. Hopefully I made a wise choice (since this my first projector and I am likely not to tell the difference anyways)

speedbal

yep... should be here tomorrow. Tracking number in FedEx.... wooohooo

Shipment Dates

Anticipated ship date

Oct 29, 2009

Estimated delivery

Oct 30, 2009 by 3:00 PM

Joseph Clark

10-29-09, 03:20 PM

This is going to be my first projector!!! So excited.... just got tracking from Visual Apex. I will be getting it on Monday. Yahoo!!!!!!!

First projector. First AVS post. You have no idea what you've gotten yourself into. :D

Joseph Clark

10-29-09, 03:37 PM

I just checked projectorpeople.com and visualapex.com. Projector People still shows ETA of 10/28 and Visual Apex now shows out for delivery. I decided yesterday to order one from Projector People with overnight delivery and they are going to try to get Saturday delivery added to that, but as I am near the end of the list I'm not sure if they will get mine out by Friday.
I have done some in the past. Some of us compared my AE3000 to my JVC RS1 in my off-white walled living room setup last year. I thought the RS1 had a little bit better looking blacks overall, but the AE3000 has some really nice features. I'm amazed/frustrated at how this cheaper projector has such good fake frame creation stuff and if I do buy one of the newest high end JVCs I'm sure I'll appreciate the darker blacks, but will be somewhat frustrated by their inferior fake frame creation stuff based on what I've read, unless they fix it like they fixed their CMS last year.

The AE3000 has had some dust blob issues (it is in the shop right now to get them cleaned just before my one year warranty ran out since I missed the rebate by a couple of days), but it has worked well for me overall. I do like their implementation of the fake frame creation stuff and how low can take a little bit of the edge off of 24Hz without too much soap opera look. It also worked great on a 15.5' wide outdoor screen a friend and I bought, even in rear projection mode. The Dynamic mode is nice to have for that and since it doesn't end up being a lot of ft-lamberts I think the over the top colors don't look as bad in that setup. And the AE3000 works well in my off-white living room setup. I can also use it in my mostly black velvet theater, but the lower on/off CR bothers me more in there compared to other projectors like the JVC RS20. But still for the price I think it is very nice.

I don't use the automatic lens for 2.35:1 vs 16:9, but I do use it for when I move my AE3000 between rooms. I have settings that I can just bring up and that is nice. Especially compared to manual zoom that is a pain for somebody who uses their projector in different rooms and outside sometimes.

I went to a comparison of one with an Epson 6500 and the 6500 seemed flakier, but also looked like better blacks to me and others. It was like the AE3000 was more refined and trustworthy, with the 6500 having a higher contrast look that was inviting, but the 6500 also tended to look digital compared to the AE3000 and RS20. Overall I think I would have taken the 6500 images with all the AE3000 features (although I would have wanted what I saw as a better implementation of fake frame creation on the AE3000 than 6500 with original firmware), but that wasn't an option.

The SmoothScreen does make some things like text look blurrier to me than many other projectors (and I think the RS20 was sharper overall than the AE3000), but I also appreciate being able to sit close without seeing pixels compared to some other projectors. So, I see positive and negative there. The JVCs have high enough fill ratio that I would prefer that to SmoothScreen, but with LCD panels with low fill ratio I can appreciate the SmoothScreen feature and the JVCs tend to cost a lot more.

I think I can see a little bit of vertical banding at times with the Panasonics on very bright stuff (like uniform white), but I also need to check the flicker settings in the service menu as those can affect the vertical banding.

Overall I guess I am a fan of the Panasonics for the prices. I've owned just about every model going back to the AE300 other than the AE2000 and AX200 and the only projectors I have left at the moment are a Panasonic AX100 that is at my parents, an AE1000 that is usually for my bedroom, and the AE3000 that is in the shop and should be back soon. I sold all my more expensive stuff. Although the desire to get rid of my more expensive stuff so I could use that to buy something else more expensive was part of it, the flexibility of the Panasonics and price/performance for the packages does appeal to me. And although few others may care I love the waveform monitor in the latest Panasonics. Makes it easy to satisfy my curiosity about the levels some things were mastered at and check for certain issues quickly (like black levels that seem to be mastered a little different than normal).

I'm looking forward to trying the highest frame creation mode on the AE4000 with some 1080i60 material.

And one feature I would really like to see next year (or during the year if anybody can provide an external solution) is a way to automatically delay the audio by the amount of the processing in the projector. Panasonic could do it with an HDMI output for audio that delays based on the processing since going between fake frame creation off and enabled in the highest setting can be a huge difference in the amount of audio delay needed to sync up with the video. I'm not sure if HDMI 1.4 has any utility for feedback to do something like that without an extra connection.

--Darin

Thanks, Darin. I don't know when mine will arrive from VA (probably pretty far down on the list), but I'm looking forward to it. I've been a DLP guy since I gave up on CRT (Sharp 9000, Optoma H79 and Sharp 20000 DLP projectors), but I just don't have nearly as much of an opportunity to see different projection technologies as I'd like. The idea is to put the Panasonic 4000 into a bedroom, but if I like it enough, it could earn a spot in my main home theater. To be fair, though, I'm going to have to put a new lamp in my Sharp 20k to compare them.

tighr

10-29-09, 04:30 PM

Thanks, Darin. I don't know when mine will arrive from VA (probably pretty far down on the list), but I'm looking forward to it. I've been a DLP guy since I gave up on CRT (Sharp 9000, Optoma H79 and Sharp 20000 DLP projectors), but I just don't have nearly as much of an opportunity to see different projection technologies as I'd like. The idea is to put the Panasonic 4000 into a bedroom, but if I like it enough, it could earn a spot in my main home theater. To be fair, though, I'm going to have to put a new lamp in my Sharp 20k to compare them.
Wow, I'd imagine the Panasonic 4000 to be slightly overkill for a bedroom... unless you have a really large bedroom.

Joseph Clark

10-29-09, 04:49 PM

Wow, I'd imagine the Panasonic 4000 to be slightly overkill for a bedroom... unless you have a really large bedroom.

It's not a big room, but I'm spoiled. After getting used to a big screen, going back to a small one just doesn't feel right. Besides, it'll serve as a backup if the main room's projector goes out for repair. That's seldom a problem with a Sharp projector, but my Optoma was out for repair more often than it worked.

rmerlano

10-29-09, 04:51 PM

abt.com has it for 1999.99, is an authorized Panasonic seller (important for warranty), and has a good reputation, it still says preorder but I imagine that will change soon

Thank you ZenithPete.
Another place?

Thank´s!

fteixeira

10-29-09, 04:59 PM

like this?:
SHIPMENT SUMMARY:
SHIPPED: 1 - PANPTAE4000U: PROJECTOR, 1080P 1600 LUMEN 15.9 LBS LCD 100,000:1 CONTRAST
or this?

You have to look at the order sales order sheet, not the invoice. Here's my sales order:

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/7444/77xxxx2.gif

SpecialBlend

10-29-09, 05:37 PM

My first projector too. Just shipped from VA! Woot!

kejsi

10-29-09, 05:38 PM

I got confirmation from PP today that mine has also shipped. I think I was somewhere in the 180 range.

Alex solomon

10-29-09, 05:58 PM

Thanks, Darin. I don't know when mine will arrive from VA (probably pretty far down on the list), but I'm looking forward to it. I've been a DLP guy since I gave up on CRT (Sharp 9000, Optoma H79 and Sharp 20000 DLP projectors), but I just don't have nearly as much of an opportunity to see different projection technologies as I'd like. The idea is to put the Panasonic 4000 into a bedroom, but if I like it enough, it could earn a spot in my main home theater. To be fair, though, I'm going to have to put a new lamp in my Sharp 20k to compare them.

I am a huge fan of Sharp and Marantz projectors. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on LCD compared to DLP projector.

nickmo

10-29-09, 06:10 PM

You have to look at the order sales order sheet, not the invoice. Here's my sales order:

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/7444/77xxxx2.gif

Ahhh, thanks. I was number 32.

bruce3404

10-29-09, 06:33 PM

ok got my trackign from pp also shoudl be here mid week.

what do you guys think about the screen and room?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22019133@N02/4050157502/sizes/l/

You're going to definitely need to paint it darker. Use a satin or flat paint. I just did mine in a deep, deep red and it looks killer. Was a bitch to paint, though.

Ron Jones

10-29-09, 06:42 PM

ok got my trackign from pp also shoudl be here mid week.

what do you guys think about the screen and room?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22019133@N02/4050157502/sizes/l/

I agree with the previous suggestions that you really need to repaint the room. I would suggest a flat (or matte) black paint for the wall behind the screen and gray or black (or some other dark color) for the ceiling and walls. Light colored walls and ceiling will refect a lot of light back toward the screen (even with no light coming from windows and with minimal room lights) and this will raise the black levels seen on the projected images.

Joseph Clark

10-29-09, 07:05 PM

I am a huge fan of Sharp and Marantz projectors. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on LCD compared to DLP projector.

I, too, am anxious to find out how they compare. The Sharp should have a big advantage in ANSI contrast, but the Panasonic should (I think) have better on/off. That's the area where I'm still quite confused about the relative advantages. I want to see for myself, first hand, in my main home theater room.

I'd be interested in other people's thoughts on this ANSI vs. on/off contrast issue. I've read a lot about it, but until I get to A/B projectors with significant strength in each area, I won't really understand what the numbers mean. That's why I'd love to take Darin up on the offer to compare projectors and screens. But, a St. Louis to Seattle drive isn't in the cards. :)

xenon2000

10-29-09, 07:27 PM

I appreciate the info. I think for me, I'm just going to stick with the biggest 16:9 I can get. I really enjoy watching movies (obviously), but I really enjoy watching sports and things like Austin City Limits, Soundstage, Palladia, and all types of concerts on the big screen too.

I'm pretty happy with the black levels on the AE3000U so the bars don't bother me that much. Maybe I'll go with a masquerade system in the future, but I really like the benefit of having a bigger screen for football games and concerts. And March Madness should be great this year with the new setup too.

It's just a trade off I'm willing to make with these projectors in a smaller room. Thanks for your comments though. Everything is appreciated from this noob.

Actually, your 16:9 content would still be as big "as you can get".... With a CIH "Constant Image Height" system. Let's say you decided that 102" diag was the screen size you loved for your 16x9 content. That is a 50" height and about 7.5 feet wide, slightly more I think. So let's say you pick that as your screen size. Now when you watch broadcast sports in 16x9, you get the size you wanted. But now with that screen, you get a much smaller 2.35 ratio movie. Which most movies are 2.35 to 2.40:1 ratio. BUT, if you now keep that 16x9 size, and make the screen wider and at the same 50" height, you now still have same 16x9 size you wanted and started with, but now your movies are even bigger at 128" in ultra wide 2.35:1 ratio. So you never end up with top and bottom bars. The image only changes size horizontally from 2.35->16x9->4:3 with a big 50" constant height.

Of course if your goal is for a 128" diag 16x9 screen, then you start to get into some insanely big 2.35 screens and need much more room width.

So why not start with your 16:9 screen size goal? Seriously, pick a size... find the height of that screen, then see if your room and speaker setup would allow for more width... if so and you want movies that don't shrink with top and bottom bars... then the AE4000U has a big advantage by letting you have an easy CIH screen setup.

edpowers

10-29-09, 07:28 PM

I, too, am anxious to find out how they compare. The Sharp should have a big advantage in ANSI contrast, but the Panasonic should (I think) have better on/off. That's the area where I'm still quite confused about the relative advantages. I want to see for myself, first hand, in my main home theater room.

I'd be interested in other people's thoughts on this ANSI vs. on/off contrast issue. I've read a lot about it, but until I get to A/B projectors with significant strength in each area, I won't really understand what the numbers mean. That's why I'd love to take Darin up on the offer to compare projectors and screens. But, a St. Louis to Seattle drive isn't in the cards. :)

I am also interested in your comparison. Unfortunately I had to part with my Sharp 20k when I sold my house and I'm still looking for a replacement for my new multi-purpose room. I've been very happy with the Sharp line of DLPs through the years, but would love to give the Panny a shot with its low price tag. I want a projector with a long throw, so all of the cheaper DLPs will not work.

What screen do you use in your main theater? What screen are you planning to use in your bedroom with the 4000? My biggest concerns are sharpness and motion compared to the Sharp 20k. ANSI is less of a priority since I'll have my new projector in a room with a white ceiling and lighter colored carpet.

xenon2000

10-29-09, 07:30 PM

I agree with the previous suggestions that you really need to repaint the room. I would suggest a flat (or matte) black paint for the wall behind the screen and gray or black (or some other dark color) for the ceiling and walls. Light colored walls and ceiling will refect a lot of light back toward the screen (even with no light coming from windows and with minimal room lights) and this will raise the black levels seen on the projected images.

I agree too, unless it's a rental or lease agreement stopping you from painting. I have an all white room to start with and thought the image looked ok. Then I painted the ceiling flat white and the walls a theater-hue matte dark/med navy blue and the image difference on the screen was HUGE. There was so much light reflection with the white walls. And my theater space looks better as well. So unless you just can't do it, a few bucks of paint will make a huge difference. I had everything setup and then I had to cover everything and paint. But it was worth it.

Joseph Clark

10-29-09, 07:31 PM

I am also interested in your comparison. Unfortunately I had to part with my Sharp 20k when I sold my house and I'm still looking for a replacement for my new multi-purpose room. I've been very happy with the Sharp line of DLPs through the years, but would love to give the Panny a shot with its low price tag. I want a projector with a long throw, so all of the cheaper DLPs will not work.

What screen do you use in your main theater? What screen are you planning to use in your bedroom with the 4000?

I have a 110" DaLite HP in the main home theater (it replaced a similar size Stewart Firehawk). Love that combo.

I don't have a screen for the bedroom yet. Still thinking about that.

edpowers

10-29-09, 07:35 PM

I have a 110" DaLite HP in the main home theater (it replaced a similar size Stewart Firehawk). Love that combo.

I don't have a screen for the bedroom yet. Still thinking about that.

I had a 106" HP with my Sharp 20k and loved the combo as well. I am anxious to hear what you think of the HP with the 4000. I would like to move to a fixed 120" HP 16:9. That would allow me to hide the projector in a closet behind the back wall. I would be at maximum zoom, so I'm curious if light output will be sufficient.

Joseph Clark

10-29-09, 08:16 PM

I had a 106" HP with my Sharp 20k and loved the combo as well. I am anxious to hear what you think of the HP with the 4000. I would like to move to a fixed 120" HP 16:9. That would allow me to hide the projector in a closet behind the back wall. I would be at maximum zoom, so I'm curious if light output will be sufficient.

I"ll report back after I have a chance to compare. My Sharp, at best settings, looks great with the HP. My older, 1.3 gain Firehawk was just too dim for the 20k. The HP I love. It's the only piece of home theater gear I own that I've never had the urge to upgrade.

S.A.M.

10-29-09, 09:14 PM

Still showing the AE 3000 on the Panasonic USA site...

Studio2000

10-29-09, 10:17 PM

Quick question

Does VA or PP charge sales tax?

Thanks

Dave

Bob Whitefield

10-29-09, 10:41 PM

Quick question

Does VA or PP charge sales tax?

Thanks

Dave

Only if you're in Washington state (VA) or Florida (PP).

vikashc

10-29-09, 10:47 PM

Hi Guys,

Can someone please tell me the boxed weight of the AE4000 and also the dimensions of the box.

I need it to calculate my shipping .

Thanks for the help..

Cheers
Vik

Sunil

10-29-09, 10:58 PM

Hi Guys,

Can someone please tell me the boxed weight of the AE4000 and also the dimensions of the box.

I need it to calculate my shipping .

Thanks for the help..

Cheers
Vik

26.0 lbs/11.8 kg according to fedex tracking page.

BTW another 'first pj' person here. Should get it from VA tomorrow. But my HT room is till in works and be probably a week before I have everything in place.

Alex solomon

10-29-09, 11:01 PM

Bronco70

10-30-09, 12:53 AM

I"ll report back after I have a chance to compare. My Sharp, at best settings, looks great with the HP. My older, 1.3 gain Firehawk was just too dim for the 20k. The HP I love. It's the only piece of home theater gear I own that I've never had the urge to upgrade.

Seems a number of us around here love our HP screens. For the recent poster with the white walls and ceiling the HP would help. The nature of retro-reflective. But darker walls would be a good addition. I got away with a really dark burgundy for the walls in our theater. Did not want to push the WAF with the ceiling though.

It will be interesting to see what the gain potential really means with the HP.

For 4 years with a zero offset pj the gain has been whatever it is. No need to calculate what can't be altered.

With a 4000 centered at eye level it will go to the max. which is if I remember correctly a 2.8 Gain. Might even need a ND filter in low lamp mode on a 133" screen.

Look forward to reading all the first impressions from owners here.

Joe

Joseph Clark

10-30-09, 01:25 AM

How is the black level with HP screen ?

Achieving a respectable black level is more of a problem for a projector than it is for a screen. It's easy to make any screen darker to achieve a lower black level - a neutral density filter, lower lamp setting, smaller iris. In this respect, the HP is no different than any other screen. With any projector/screen combination, if the black level is too high, it can be lowered.

All these black-level-lowering methods can be advantageous. If you use a neutral density filter, you can remove it after the bulb ages to get back some brightness. If you use a lower lamp setting (eco mode), the lamp typically lasts longer. If you use a smaller iris, you usually get better contrast and perhaps increased sharpness. If you just like brighter images and don't care as much about absolute black level, the HP can provide them.

Having an HP screen doesn't mean you have to have an unacceptably high black level. Achieving a bright enough image is a more common and much tougher problem. With that, the HP can help.

It's easy to get confused about projector/screen issues. God knows I've had my fair share of misunderstandings, and still do. To this day, I can't quite wrap my head around the differences between PC/Video-Full RGB/Studio signal levels. The one thing I feel pretty confident about, though, is that the HP is a really good screen. For people to complain that it raises black levels is pretty silly. That's what we're asking it to do. When we tell the HP that we want a brighter image, we're telling it that we want it to make the whole image brighter, which includes the black level. It doesn't raise the black level magically while leaving the rest of the image alone. It raises the brightness of the entire image. You could raise image brightness with a much more expensive projector, or a cheap HP screen. With the quality image the HP throws, that's an easy choice for me.

For people who ask the question, can I have a 150" screen with a Panasonic AE4000 projector, the answer may be yes with an HP but maybe not with a lot of other screens. That the HP makes that screen size possible while delivering a high quality image, at a very good price, makes it even more attractive. Are there other high gain screens that are capable of a 150" image as good as the HP's? I don't know. That's another reason I'd like to get more opportunities to do some direct comparisons.

There are others on the forum who are much more knowledgeable about these issues than I am. I defer to them for more technical (and no doubt more accurate) explanations. For me, though, the HP screen is a great answer to a lot of questions about building a home theater. As I said, it's the only piece of home theater gear I've had no inclination to upgrade. I can't imagine that will change with the Panasonic when I get it. I know for a fact that black level won't be an unsolvable problem for my HP, no matter how bright the 4000 is.

Beta Tester

10-30-09, 02:46 AM

keenanj

10-30-09, 07:03 AM

Hmm lets see how it looks first in this room is in the basement with no windows, I have some sconces shooting away from the screen for a little light. The projector will be about 12" away from the 106" screen.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22019133@N02/4050157502/

I like the keep the same nutral paint scheme in the whole house.

Alex solomon

10-30-09, 07:50 AM

Achieving a respectable black level is more of a problem for a projector than it is for a screen. It's easy to make any screen darker to achieve a lower black level - a neutral density filter, lower lamp setting, smaller iris. In this respect, the HP is no different than any other screen. With any projector/screen combination, if the black level is too high, it can be lowered.

All these black-level-lowering methods can be advantageous. If you use a neutral density filter, you can remove it after the bulb ages to get back some brightness. If you use a lower lamp setting (eco mode), the lamp typically lasts longer. If you use a smaller iris, you usually get better contrast and perhaps increased sharpness. If you just like brighter images and don't care as much about absolute black level, the HP can provide them.

Having an HP screen doesn't mean you have to have an unacceptably high black level. Achieving a bright enough image is a more common and much tougher problem. With that, the HP can help.

It's easy to get confused about projector/screen issues. God knows I've had my fair share of misunderstandings, and still do. To this day, I can't quite wrap my head around the differences between PC/Video-Full RGB/Studio signal levels. The one thing I feel pretty confident about, though, is that the HP is a really good screen. For people to complain that it raises black levels is pretty silly. That's what we're asking it to do. When we tell the HP that we want a brighter image, we're telling it that we want it to make the whole image brighter, which includes the black level. It doesn't raise the black level magically while leaving the rest of the image alone. It raises the brightness of the entire image. You could raise image brightness with a much more expensive projector, or a cheap HP screen. With the quality image the HP throws, that's an easy choice for me.

For people who ask the question, can I have a 150" screen with a Panasonic AE4000 projector, the answer may be yes with an HP but maybe not with a lot of other screens. That the HP makes that screen size possible while delivering a high quality image, at a very good price, makes it even more attractive. Are there other high gain screens that are capable of a 150" image as good as the HP's? I don't know. That's another reason I'd like to get more opportunities to do some direct comparisons.

There are others on the forum who are much more knowledgeable about these issues than I am. I defer to them for more technical (and no doubt more accurate) explanations. For me, though, the HP screen is a great answer to a lot of questions about building a home theater. As I said, it's the only piece of home theater gear I've had no inclination to upgrade. I can't imagine that will change with the Panasonic when I get it. I know for a fact that black level won't be an unsolvable problem for my HP, no matter how bright the 4000 is.

Thanks for the detailed reply. It was very helpful.

jdoughertyiv

10-30-09, 08:10 AM

To those of you that want to use the Panasonic CIH feature, make sure that you have the necessary distance between the projector and screen. To get a large 2.35 image in CIH mode requires lots of distance. One of the advantages of using an anamorphic lens is you can shorten this significantly.

While I guess it depends on what your definition of a large 2.35 image is, I think most would consider 120" wide to be large. The AE-4000 can be as close as 13' 7" to the screen using the widest zoom, I wouldn't say that's lot's of distance. While longer throws could get you better contrast, simply saying you need lots of distance for a large screen doesn't seem to be true. You also need to be careful with throw distance when using an anamorphic lens to minimize pincushion and the like.

Cashstore

10-30-09, 08:11 AM

careybsn

10-30-09, 08:31 AM

Actually, your 16:9 content would still be as big "as you can get".... With a CIH "Constant Image Height" system. Let's say you decided that 102" diag was the screen size you loved for your 16x9 content. That is a 50" height and about 7.5 feet wide, slightly more I think. So let's say you pick that as your screen size. Now when you watch broadcast sports in 16x9, you get the size you wanted. But now with that screen, you get a much smaller 2.35 ratio movie. Which most movies are 2.35 to 2.40:1 ratio. BUT, if you now keep that 16x9 size, and make the screen wider and at the same 50" height, you now still have same 16x9 size you wanted and started with, but now your movies are even bigger at 128" in ultra wide 2.35:1 ratio. So you never end up with top and bottom bars. The image only changes size horizontally from 2.35->16x9->4:3 with a big 50" constant height.

Of course if your goal is for a 128" diag 16x9 screen, then you start to get into some insanely big 2.35 screens and need much more room width.

So why not start with your 16:9 screen size goal? Seriously, pick a size... find the height of that screen, then see if your room and speaker setup would allow for more width... if so and you want movies that don't shrink with top and bottom bars... then the AE4000U has a big advantage by letting you have an easy CIH screen setup.

I hear what you are saying and I appreciate you taking the time to give me advice. I'm pretty much maxed out on width in my room. I've just got enough on each side of the wall for my speakers to sit as it is now. It's just not a big room at all. The good thing is that with a 106" screen in a 12x13 room, I feel just as immersed in a 2.35 movie as possible. I'm still going to give it a week before ordering my screen and test some smaller sizes to see what I think.

I will sit and compare the height of the 2.35 screen that is showing now versus a 16:9 in that same height and see if I think it is big enough to keep me feeling good about the size of it all.

I may watch Saving Private Ryan or Band of Brothers in that size to see how I feel about it.

A 106" 16:9 in that room is right on the edge of being monstrous. I've been thinking about going 100" just to tone it down a tad. I'll have to start blue taping this weekend to get a better idea of where I'm at.

The good thing is I got the pj mounted last night on the ceiling and got my theater seats in yesterday and they are in the room now. So I am in the final stages of deciding. I'm much further along than sitting in there with my dining room chair and the pj on a desk.

Bob Whitefield

10-30-09, 08:42 AM

My projector is shipping out now, so this may be jumping the gun, as I'll be able to point it at a wall and test, but:

I need to do a [modified] CIW setup, as I am width challenged. I am setting up a batcave, but still concerned about FL (foot-lamberts) for my screen. I want to setup a 60x107 screen, big enough for 120" at 16:9 (and 5" of black masking felt on the left side of the screen) The Projection Calculator Pro says that'll be 14FL. I will do a 47X110" 2.35 setup, which is at 13 FL, with a 13" masking at the bottom. My concern is that as my bulb wears down over the months and years this will start to become unacceptably dim. Do I have a valid concern here?

More specifically, the Projection Calculator Pro is using a default of 1.51x zoom, which of course is right in the middle of the range. I know I'll need to zoom to get the 2.35:1 picture, when applicable, but I'm wondering if I couldn't mount this thing a bit closer than 16'6" it is recommending. Specifically, around 0 zoom at a 16:9 setup, and whatever zoom is nescessary at 2.35:1. In this way my picture would be slightly brighter. I'd love to be able to run on 'efficent' for the first few months, and then jump up to a higher light output after the bulb dims.

Or do I just need to make my screen a bit smaller, such as a "true" CIW 59x105 (45:105 @ 2.35)?

4000 owners, what's your plan? Thanks for any insights.

Definitely test on the wall before buying a screen. Try watching both 2.35 and 16:9 content (preferably Blu-ray/HD) zoomed as large as your wall will allow. Mark the corners on the wall with tape. Then try watching the same content the way it would appear in a CIH/CIW setup, e.g. 2.35 letterboxed in a 16:9 screen, and 16:9 with pillars on a 2.35 screen.

Then you can make an informed decision about which screen aspect to go with. I'm a firm believer in CIH, but if you don't have the wall width, and don't mind 2.35 movies being smaller, then CIW may make more sense.

I don't think you need to worry much about screen brightness with the 4000 and the screen sizes you're talking about. I use low bulb mode for most viewing, switching to high for important movies (especially if 2.35), or if we have guests. As the bulb gets dimmer, as you mentioned, you can use high more often to compensate.

Joseph Clark

10-30-09, 09:08 AM

bruce3404

10-30-09, 09:12 AM

Here it is, 7AM. I've been up for a couple hours with the excitement of the new projector being delivered today. It's actually in town and on the truck for delivery. Just pulled the AE-900 off the mount and packaged it up. I felt kind of sad taking the 900 down since it's been such a great performer and as much a part of my life as an inanimate object can be.

bruce3404

10-30-09, 09:22 AM

edpowers

10-30-09, 09:27 AM

... For me, though, the HP screen is a great answer to a lot of questions about building a home theater. As I said, it's the only piece of home theater gear I've had no inclination to upgrade. I can't imagine that will change with the Panasonic when I get it. I know for a fact that black level won't be an unsolvable problem for my HP, no matter how bright the 4000 is.

I completely agree. Another bonus is if you need/want to use a pull down screen ... the HP material completely hides all waves and wrinkles. This is a big advantage over most other screen materials where you need to get a tensioned version to avoid those problems.

bruce3404

10-30-09, 09:48 AM

It's here!!! Fedex doesn't usually deliver packages until late in the day, but my projector showed up around 7:45AM. Should be a fun day.

xenon2000

10-30-09, 10:37 AM

To those of you that want to use the Panasonic CIH feature, make sure that you have the necessary distance between the projector and screen. To get a large 2.35 image in CIH mode requires lots of distance. One of the advantages of using an anamorphic lens is you can shorten this significantly.

Hmmm, not sure what you mean by "lots of distance", the Projector Central pro screen calculator with the AE4000 and the screen type set to 2.35, shows you only need 13'5" distance for a 128" diag 2.35 screen. Which gives you a 102" diag 16x9 screen. To me, 13'5" distance is pretty short for a huge 128" 2.35 screen if you ask me. And certainly way cheaper than an anamorphic lens setup.

xenon2000

10-30-09, 10:39 AM

It's here!!! Fedex doesn't usually deliver packages until late in the day, but my projector showed up around 7:45AM. Should be a fun day.

wow, 7:45 AM? That is so early. Even with next day AM service, I usually never see anything sooner than about 10am. And that is at work. Was this to your house at 7:45am? That is amazing! Have fun with the projector!

xenon2000

10-30-09, 11:12 AM

I hear what you are saying and I appreciate you taking the time to give me advice. I'm pretty much maxed out on width in my room. I've just got enough on each side of the wall for my speakers to sit as it is now. It's just not a big room at all. The good thing is that with a 106" screen in a 12x13 room, I feel just as immersed in a 2.35 movie as possible. I'm still going to give it a week before ordering my screen and test some smaller sizes to see what I think.

I will sit and compare the height of the 2.35 screen that is showing now versus a 16:9 in that same height and see if I think it is big enough to keep me feeling good about the size of it all.

I may watch Saving Private Ryan or Band of Brothers in that size to see how I feel about it.

A 106" 16:9 in that room is right on the edge of being monstrous. I've been thinking about going 100" just to tone it down a tad. I'll have to start blue taping this weekend to get a better idea of where I'm at.

The good thing is I got the pj mounted last night on the ceiling and got my theater seats in yesterday and they are in the room now. So I am in the final stages of deciding. I'm much further along than sitting in there with my dining room chair and the pj on a desk.

I do like others suggestions and have used it myself, which is to use tape/pencil with just the wall to determine screen sizes. Of course I like making DIY screens. You say your room is 12x13, one room I was thinking of using was 11.5' x 18.5', the speakers I was going to use only need about 6-7inches of width. And so I could do a 128" 2.35 screen with the speakers on the sides of the screen and about 3" of border all the way around the screen. Just barely fitting within the 11.5' width of the room. Of course the 18.5' of depth to the room would allow that 128" 2.35 CIH setup with the projector at 13.5' at the front. So I guess the real factor would be your room depth of only 13'.

I just did the numbers, and with that room depth of 13' being the real limiting factor, the projector at a max distance of about 12'3" from the lens to screen. Turns out your max CIH setup would be 116" diag (46" x 107") 2.35 screen, making 16x9 content 96" diag. Of course giving you plenty of side space for speakers.

Of course at 12'3", your max 16x9 screen can be a massive 122" diag (60" x 107"), and as you will notice in the numbers, this means at a max width for the screen at 107", that you still get the huge 2.35 content area of 116" diag.

So, technically you would have 2 options for that room with this projector.
1. CIH, Constant Image height setup. 116" diag 2.35 and 96" diag 16x9
2. Constant Image width setup between 16x9 122" diag and 2.35:1 116" diag. 107" width for each.

Of course 122" 16x9 screen in a 12x13' room would be insanely huge for the seating distance. lol. But I see your limitations now. Though personally I think a 96" 16x9 image in a 12x13 room where you max seating distance is about 12' from your eyes to the image; is actually still very large. My current front row is about 12' with a 100" 16x9 screen, and even from my back row seat at about 17' from 100" seems just right for my room for 16x9 content, but find 17' from the same screen with 2.35 content a tad on the small side.

I personally just want the CIH setup to try out a motorized curtain effect where only the image width changes. But I have to admit, for your room I too would be a 16x9 screen only and leave the projector set to just the one native 16x9 mode and have bars like I currently do. That way you can set the 16x9 content as large as you want and still have a plenty large enough 2.35 content area for your goals.

mickolu

10-30-09, 12:48 PM

wow, 7:45 AM? That is so early. Even with next day AM service, I usually never see anything sooner than about 10am. And that is at work. Was this to your house at 7:45am? That is amazing! Have fun with the projector!

Seriously? Who did you order from? Did you pay overnight early delivery? Dang, I have a few more days to wait! I am so jealous.

jerran

10-30-09, 12:59 PM

I got my shipping info - no special delivery for me - standard ground and a long wait :) Next Thursday is the day for me.

Gives me time to mount the new Electric screen.

jer

donkie

10-30-09, 01:03 PM

Over 500 preorders and no posts with pictures/out of box thoughts yet?

Oct 30, 2009 8:00 AMOn FedEx vehicle for delivery - and I am stuck at work.

AugDog

10-30-09, 01:08 PM

Projector has arrived.

bruce3404

10-30-09, 01:10 PM

Seriously? Who did you order from? Did you pay overnight early delivery? Dang, I have a few more days to wait! I am so jealous.

I bought from Visual Apex; they're in Seattle and I'm in Eugene, so regular FedEx service is only a day. It left Seattle around 5PM and showed up here just over 14 hours later. Three cheers for VA and FedEx.

Some initial impressions (keep in mind that I've replaced an AE-900):

1. This unit is HUGE in comparison. My theater room ceiling is eight feet and the 900 sat at the low point of my ceiling mount bracket. I moved the 4000 up about 4" to the high point of the bracket. Not a big deal, since the old rule of thumb to have the lens centered at the top of the screen no longer applies.
2. The remote is tiny compared to the 900 remote...roughly half the size.
3. Adjusting the focus is done on the side panel, rather than simply twirling the lens.
4. Picture looks fantastic watching HD TV (I'll test out a BluRay disc later); while I'm sure some of this is due to replacing a 2300 hour bulb with a new one, there's no doubt that the resolution is far better (as it should be). In short, I'm really happy with the picture.
5. Instructions are provided in the form of a 34 page manual along with a companion 50 page CD which provides more detail than the manual. For most people, the manual will probably be all that's necessary.
6. I very much like the horizontal and vertical lens shift dials, which made alignment a snap.

But for a problem with my ceiling mount, which involved taking it apart and making some adjustments not related to the AE-4000, I could have easily set this projector up in less than an hour. It's all good!

RapalloAV

10-30-09, 01:17 PM

Did a quick setup last night of my PT-AE4000 but still need more time to evaluate and play round with the settings. With just out of the box settings, what Im seeing first off over my old PT-AE3000 is:
Much improved contrast and blacks.
Much improved and more accurate and natural looking colour.
Im sure the new red lamp is doing the magic!

Mr2Spyder

10-30-09, 01:19 PM

Woo Hoo!!! mine should arrive Monday...Gonna take the afternoon off work so I can be at home to receive the shipment...Will be interesting to see how it compares to the ae900, ax200, ae2000 and Samsung 710..:)

BudSMoke

10-30-09, 01:42 PM

AugDog

10-30-09, 01:51 PM

OK very first impressions. This thing is sick and is a lot bigger then I expected. Running on Cinema 1 (excellent balance of brighness, color temperate) and frame creation 1, and low lamp power. Anything brighter in my light contolled theater is too bright. Very good contrast and colors and the black is black compared to my 700. The lense shift is so much easier than the 700. Set up in 5 minutes flat. Very happy with the purchase so far. .

PS - this projector may keep me out of the theater except on very rare occassions.

Mr2Spyder

10-30-09, 02:00 PM

BudSMoke

10-30-09, 02:05 PM

of course I changed the bulb.

xenon2000

10-30-09, 02:09 PM

Why would you guys consider buying a Panny projector after all the consumers they have screwed over, including myself regarding, the ax200u flicker problem.

Not only was this problem never fixed, but Panny refuses to admit it is a problem and continues to sell a flawed product.

Regardless of how nice this projector may or may not be, I refuse to give money to a company who's customer support is worthless.

Sorry to hear about your luck as I know that not everyone has experienced the ax200u flickering. I am not personally familiar with the ax200u flickering issue, but I do know the ax200u has an auto room light function. My LCD Sony TV has what I think is the same feature where it adjusts light output based on the room light. I would get flickering with my Sony depending on a specific amount of room light and what content was playing. So I just turned it off completely and no flickering. Do you still get flicking with the ax200u if you disable the auto light output feature? Not sure what they call it on the ax200u. Or maybe you are talking about some other flickering issue, I don't know.

I am considering the Panasonic because I have had good experiences with their other products and support and for the great reviews of the AE3000 and AE4000. Not saying you don't have a flawed product. But I also understand that I must take negative experiences as a grain of salt. Sorry again that you had or are having a bad Panasonic experience. This will be my first Pana projector. I have been very pleased with my Optoma HD70 for the last 3 years.

Edit: Also, my Optoma HD70 has an auto bulb brightness feature for dynamic contrast based on content. It too causes odd flickering and distractions so I turned it off as well. So far I haven't see any dynamic contrast feature that didn't flicker or bug me in some way. So they all end up off. But not sure if that is what you are experiencing. I likely will disable the feature on the AE4000 when I get it as well.

Joseph Clark

10-30-09, 02:21 PM

OK very first impressions. This thing is sick and is very big. Running on Cinema 1 (excellent balance of brighness, color temperate) and frame creation 1, and low lamp power. Anything brighter in my light contolled theater is too bright. Very good contrast and colors and the black is black compared to my 700. The lense shift is so much easier than the 700. Set up in 5 minutes flat. The lense shift is so much easier than my old 700. TVery happy.

PS - this projector may keep me out of the theater except on very rare occassions.

With the exception of the occasional 3D film or IMAX feature, I never go to a commercial theater any more. My home theater has looked better than virtually any theater in my area for years. Even when I saw Star Trek at the IMAX, I kept noticing the screen imperfections and film debris. Picture, sound, convenience, comfort - a home theater with a front projection system is the best way to enjoy movies and TV these days. When the first movies are released in a standardized Blu-ray 3D format for our country, I'll be among the first in line for a new projector, and the number of times I go to a commercial theater will go down that much more. Hopefully, Panasonic will follow its own trend and make affordable 3D projection for the home a priority. Good HD 3D at home is looking more probable now than at any time in the past. The other thing is that digital technology probably means HD 3D won't be outrageously expensive.

AugDog

10-30-09, 02:44 PM

With the exception of the occasional 3D film or IMAX feature, I never go to a commercial theater any more. My home theater has looked better than virtually any theater in my area for years. Even when I saw Star Trek at the IMAX, I kept noticing the screen imperfections and film debris. Picture, sound, convenience, comfort - a home theater with a front projection system is the best way to enjoy movies and TV these days. When the first movies are released in a standardized Blu-ray 3D format for our country, I'll be among the first in line for a new projector, and the number of times I go to a commercial theater will go down that much more. Hopefully, Panasonic will follow its own trend and make affordable 3D projection for the home a priority. Good HD 3D at home is looking more probable now than at any time in the past. The other thing is that digital technology probably means HD 3D won't be outrageously expensive.

Yeah, but the wife likes to go out for new releases so we go sometimes. Can't say I am that interested in 3-D all that much unless someone convinces me that the home version will not give me a headache like the theater.

Mopar_Mudder

10-30-09, 02:47 PM

ragged

10-30-09, 02:51 PM

Where are the unboxing and screen shots. Cmon people!

figurehead

10-30-09, 03:01 PM

I would also like to see some initial unboxing shots. Also, what kind of ceiling mount could you people recommend for this projector. I need it to drop 8-10 inches or so from the ceiling?

Capitol K

10-30-09, 03:03 PM

Here are some initial impressions; I upgraded from an AX200U (and an AE900 before that).

Colors seem to pop more/be more vibrant than my other projectors. Dark scenes are visibly improved. Image is sharper (as to be expected going from 720p to 1080p).

I had been worried that with the lower lumen count, the 4000 might not work as well for me as the AX200 since I've got it in a living room with ambient light issues. But so far it seems plenty bright. In fact, the image seems to my eyes to be brighter than the AX200, which I hadn't expected. (Will need to revisit this opinion on a sunnier day though - sky is pretty overcast today.)

xorbe

10-30-09, 03:09 PM

In fact, the image seems to my eyes to be brighter than the AX200, which I hadn't expected.

New 4000 bulb versus used 200 bulb.

bruce3404

10-30-09, 03:11 PM

Capitol K

10-30-09, 03:12 PM

New 4000 bulb versus used 200 bulb.

I had just replaced the AX200 bulb a couple months ago...

bruce3404

10-30-09, 03:16 PM

With the exception of the occasional 3D film or IMAX feature, I never go to a commercial theater any more. My home theater has looked better than virtually any theater in my area for years. Even when I saw Star Trek at the IMAX, I kept noticing the screen imperfections and film debris. Picture, sound, convenience, comfort - a home theater with a front projection system is the best way to enjoy movies and TV these days. When the first movies are released in a standardized Blu-ray 3D format for our country, I'll be among the first in line for a new projector, and the number of times I go to a commercial theater will go down that much more. Hopefully, Panasonic will follow its own trend and make affordable 3D projection for the home a priority. Good HD 3D at home is looking more probable now than at any time in the past. The other thing is that digital technology probably means HD 3D won't be outrageously expensive.

Then there's the people who seem to think a commercial movie theater is their living room and they can chat during the entire film, let their kids run wild, take calls on their cell phones, text, etc, etc. And you can't drink beer in most movie theaters!

nickmo

10-30-09, 03:31 PM

We have a one year old child, and we've been to a theater twice since he was born. Both visits ("Quantum of Solace" and "Star Trek") we're disappointing. I've been regularly unimpressed by commercial cinemas ever since we bought our AE900U. Now, with children in the budget, there is no way we'll be going to the movies anywhere other than our living room.:)

On a different note I'm a little bummed right now. I got my UPS tracking number from PP yesterday at 10:00 am, but as of 1:30 pm today the projector still hasn't left their warehouse.
I used the standard free shipping that came with the purchase.
Oh well, I guess.:(

aleiby

10-30-09, 04:18 PM

If you mount the projector above the center of the screen, does it have to be upsidedown, or can it be placed on a shelf?

AugDog

10-30-09, 04:20 PM

If you mount the projector above the center of the screen, does it have to be upsidedown, or can it be placed on a shelf?

Your choice. Invert or shelf.

rmerlano

10-30-09, 04:22 PM

AugDog

10-30-09, 04:23 PM

AugDog

10-30-09, 04:24 PM

What size screen do you have?

16x9 106" Da-lite High Contrast Cinema Vision. Projector sits in a cabinet 16.5 feet away from the screen at the back of my theater ..

bruce3404

10-30-09, 04:27 PM

Further thoughts on the new AE-4000 vs my old AE-900
1. I miss the button on the bottom of the projector that would allow one to go from standby to on without searching for the remote. There is such a button on the side, but you have to open a door to get to it.
2. I'm currently watching an HD program with all the lights in my windowless room on. That's 4 overhead 65 watt lamps and six 25 watt sconces burning. The brightness level is amazing and completely blows away the AE-900, which was almost unwatchable with all the lights on.
3. While I wouldn't have any real need for it, there's a shackle lock opening on the rear of the projector. The manual indicates that it is provided with the projector, but I received no such lock.
4. I love the three HDMI ports. No more messing around with a balky switching box; nothin' but home runs now.
5. Even at low TV/DVD volume, there is no projector noise.
6. Because of the huge size of this projector vs the 900, I wish it were behind me. I imagine I'll get used to it and since it's all black, it shouldn't be very obtrusive. I used my existing mount and wiring. If I were starting over, I'd make sure the projector was a little more out of the line of sight.
7. The Zoom, Focus, and horizontal/vertical knobs/buttons make set up very easy.
8. Apart from having to adjust for a ceiling mount, the factory defaults are quite satisfactory, though I'm sure a new sticky on tweaking this projector is but a few days away.
9. I wish Panasonic would have put the CD contents into printed form. The printed manual is pretty basic and doesn't give much detail regarding the various settings available. Of course, I can print it all out, but for $2,000, I'm thinking Panasonic might have taken care of that for me. Perhaps their research indicates that most folks want a plug 'n play right out of the box and will never revise the default settings.

I'm very happy with my purchase and will look forward to reading what others have to say upon receipt of this wonderful machine.

AugDog

10-30-09, 04:27 PM

Where are the unboxing and screen shots. Cmon people!

I will try to take some pictures tonight. Any particular scene requests from Dark Night, 300, Watchmen, I am lengend, horton hears a who, Wall-E?

Watchman should be a very good test fo this projector. I was rough on my 700 for sure.

xenon2000

10-30-09, 04:28 PM

If you mount the projector above the center of the screen, does it have to be upsidedown, or can it be placed on a shelf?

Lens shift offset limits are the same above the lens as they are below the lens. So as already said, you can mount below or above center in either upside-down or right-side-up position.

bruce3404

10-30-09, 04:32 PM

I would also like to see some initial unboxing shots. Also, what kind of ceiling mount could you people recommend for this projector. I need it to drop 8-10 inches or so from the ceiling?

Trust me, unboxing ain't very exciting. Actually, the packaging is almost exactly the same as the AE-900, only a lot larger. I'm using a Premier PBL-UMS mount, the same one I used for the AE-900. I had an issue with the ceiling portion of the mount spinning, but was able to resolve it with an allen wrench and a socket wrench. This mount is well made and would probably accept a projector twice as large as the AE-4000. Shop around and you can find one for around $100.

IndianaGeorge

10-30-09, 04:46 PM

Trust me, unboxing ain't very exciting.Did Visual Apex double box it? Mine arrives next Wednesday:D

AugDog

10-30-09, 04:51 PM

Did Visual Apex double box it? Mine arrives next Wednesday:D

I don't think VA did. There were two pansonic boxes though, one right inside the other.

bruce3404

10-30-09, 04:55 PM

Did Visual Apex double box it? Mine arrives next Wednesday:D
Yes. As AugDog mentioned, there were two Panny boxes, one inside of the other. This is exactly the way my previous Panny was shipped (from a different vendor).

IndianaGeorge

10-30-09, 05:06 PM

Yes. As AugDog mentioned, there were two Panny boxes, one inside of the other. This is exactly the way my previous Panny was shipped (from a different vendor).Thanks AugDog and Bruce for the quick replies:) One more question: Did they include a "dust cover" with your order? If so, do they send that separately, or did they open the box and put it in there? Might not be so bad, as long as the other box with the projector is still factory sealed. I wasn't expecting the dust cover and it's useless to me since I have a ceiling mount, so I wish they had asked if I wanted it or not.

AugDog

10-30-09, 05:09 PM

Thanks AugDog and Bruce for the quick replies:) One more question: Did they include a "dust cover" with your order? If so, do they send that separately, or did they open the box and put it in there? Might not be so bad, as long as the other box with the projector is still factory sealed. I wasn't expecting the dust cover and it's useless to me since I have a ceiling mount, so I wish they had asked if I wanted it or not.

Dust cover was right inside the first box. Almost cut it when I was opening th ebox. Inside box was sealed.

AugDog

10-30-09, 05:14 PM

Watching 300 while I finish some work and simply beautiful. I can not even imagine a better projector for my set up. The quality of the source material is definitely the limiting factor here.

AugDog

10-30-09, 05:44 PM

About to work on some pictures. Any requests?

rmerlano

10-30-09, 05:46 PM

About to work on some pictures. Any requests?

I´m legeng is good example for me...
Are you using frame interpolation? what option of it?

AugDog

10-30-09, 05:48 PM

Using frame interpolation 1 now and am going to try 2 for a while. 3 was disturbing. Made dark knight look like it was in fast forward.

Joseph Clark

10-30-09, 06:00 PM

About to work on some pictures. Any requests?

Next Gen Star Trek Blu-ray disc shots - maybe a space shot and an Enterprise interior shot with Picard?

I was told I'd be in the first wave of pj's from VA, but so far no word on my delivery. I was probably near the bottom of the list. Where in the queue are you guys who have gotten word from them? They said the first batch would be 300 when I spoke with them.

omegastarz

10-30-09, 06:22 PM

I will try to take some pictures tonight. Any particular scene requests from Dark Night, 300, Watchmen, I am lengend, horton hears a who, Wall-E?

Watchman should be a very good test fo this projector. I was rough on my 700 for sure.

Can you post some pics from I AM LEGEND? Especially the scenes where they show NYC empty and Will Smith is at the piers. This is the bluray version, right?

nightfly85

10-30-09, 06:42 PM

Another reason to use a HP screen is if you're forced to use a retractable screen, it lays much flater than most if not all screen types.

I dream of the day I can go with a fixed screen. Until then, HP all the way baby!

ejhuzy

10-30-09, 06:56 PM

It's taking all my will power to not go and order one of these. My AX100 is cruising along, but I'm dying for 1080P!

mnnc

10-30-09, 06:57 PM

Pardon the "duh" but what is HP screen...hp...?

mnnc

10-30-09, 07:00 PM

About to work on some pictures. Any requests?

yea!, yea!, uhhh, uhhhhhhh, uhhhhhhaaahuuuhhh....settle down beevis.:D

HeyNow^

10-30-09, 07:00 PM

Dalite High Power Screen

AugDog

10-30-09, 07:42 PM

AugDog

10-30-09, 07:45 PM

I am legend

156650

156651

DrewB

10-30-09, 07:51 PM

Nice shots, AugDog! I'm in Mpls too...we'll have to compare notes when I get mine later this year!

SpecialBlend

10-30-09, 07:53 PM

Nice Shots, Thanks!!! What are your Sharpness and Detail Clarity Processor settings? More please :)

AugDog

10-30-09, 07:59 PM

Horton

156659

AugDog

10-30-09, 08:03 PM

Nice Shots, Thanks!!! What are your Sharpness and Detail Clarity Processor settings? More please :)

Out of the box settings on cinema 1. So whatever that is. You really have to see this projector in person though. Camera shots are never going to do it justice.

I was thinking about getting a 2.35 screen to go with this projector, but the bars are so dark on my 16x9 I don't really need to zoom or go any wider.

omegastarz

10-30-09, 08:06 PM

great shots, cant wait for mine!

SimonJB

10-30-09, 08:13 PM

Out of the box settings on cinema 1. So whatever that is. You really have to see this projector in person though. Camera shots are never going to do it justice.

I was thinking about getting a 2.35 screen to go with this projector, but the bars are so dark on my 16x9 I don't really need to zoom or go any wider.

Thanks for taking the time to indulge those of us who are still waiting! Any chance you could post a non-cropped image (showing bars)?

bruce3404

10-30-09, 08:15 PM

I am legend

156650

156651

Just got done watching Legend, my first Blu-Ray. I did nothing (today) to tweak the settings, just watched the defaults. That second shot is quite representative of just how good this projector looks. Put it this way, if you're an actor, you don't want to have one blackhead:)

AugDog

10-30-09, 08:18 PM

The projector and my theater.

156661

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156663

par4

10-30-09, 08:25 PM

The projector and my theater.

156661

156662

156663
Very nice, Mr. AugDog. No doubt the AE4000 will help get you through that cold Minnesooooota winter!

AugDog

10-30-09, 08:29 PM

Thanks for taking the time to indulge those of us who are still waiting! Any chance you could post a non-cropped image (showing bars)?

Here is one. Good luck at making it out.

156664

Here I blew out the brighness and you can barely see the difference between the frame and the screen. '

156670

AugDog

10-30-09, 08:31 PM

Wife just came in and said wow. Asked if we could get a new movie for tonight. Life is good.

SimonJB

10-30-09, 08:32 PM

Here is one. Good luck at making it out.

156664

Here I blew out the brighness and you can barely see the difference between the frame and the screen. '

156670

Impressive! Thanks a lot.

AugDog

10-30-09, 08:35 PM

Just got done watching Legend, my first Blu-Ray. I did nothing (today) to tweak the settings, just watched the defaults. That second shot is quite representative of just how good this projector looks. Put it this way, if you're an actor, you don't want to have one blackhead:)

What picture mode did you choose?

Bronco70

10-30-09, 08:39 PM

OK, these don't do this justice and sorry for the not so good pictures. Going to switch lenses on my camera and roll out the tripod. Anyway, here are the handheld shots with big f-stop. Like I said, not the right lens for this job.

Dark Knight.

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156649

Congrats on being the first owner up with pics. They look quite good especially the last one. Lot's of detail.

Enjoy

Joe

AugDog

10-30-09, 08:45 PM

Thanks for taking the time to indulge those of us who are still waiting! Any chance you could post a non-cropped image (showing bars)?

One more. You can see there is no light leaking outside of the image. Off to the gym, late dinner, and a movie. Catch you all later. Interested in what others think.

156671

Bronco70

10-30-09, 08:50 PM

Here is one. Good luck at making it out.

156664

Here I blew out the brighness and you can barely see the difference between the frame and the screen. '

156670

Very instructive. With black borders like this many may reconsider the need for a CIH setup. Looks to be even a darker black than my almost new Panny plasma. Very promising.

Joe

Darth Indy

10-30-09, 09:10 PM

Here is one. Good luck at making it out.

156664

Here I blew out the brighness and you can barely see the difference between the frame and the screen. '

156670

Wow, that is impressive! The blacks are excellent. You can't even pic out where the screen and frame meet!

bruce3404

10-30-09, 09:18 PM

What picture mode did you choose?

Just left it on Normal, which is the default setting. Had to go to Hollywood Video to pick up a Blu-Ray (Netflix Blu-Rays won't show up for a couple days), so I'll have Legend to play around with for a few days with some of the other settings.

nightfly85

10-30-09, 10:04 PM

The projector and my theater.

156661

156662

156663

I am surprised you have a big reflective surface so close to your screen. You don't get glare and other weird light movement? Nice wall color.

AugDog

10-30-09, 10:51 PM

I am surprised you have a big reflective surface so close to your screen. You don't get glare and other weird light movement? Nice wall color.

No, never see the picture when the lights are down. Paint is Ralph Lauren Warwick Lodge matte. It is essentially a very dark green. The ralph lauren paint goes better than any paint I have tried. Wife picked Patton for the movie tonight.

donkie

10-30-09, 11:03 PM

My bulb just crossed 2 hours. I turned it on, set to cinema 1 and adjusted the screen size and focus, no other setup yet. Image is very bright, I have a 110" carada brilliant white screen. I don't see any pixels, black levels are excellent, depth is crazy...image just pops but still has most of that crt feel. Played with some bluray's, comcast, ps3 and my htpc. Can't wait to calibrate, should get to spend some time with a Chroma 5 this weekend after I paint and get some more hours on the bulb. I had to put up some of the curtain fabric as a temp fix around the screen, the brightness combined with builder beige is not a good solution...the new darker paint color is in the can and going up in the morning while the curtains are finished. This is my second digital, first was the Sony HS51 and prior to that I was in the CRT world, sony 1292/marquee 8500. I never had much HD on the CRT's but this projector blows them all away. I don't have anything else to reference except for the 6 or so hours I watched a RS20 and I am thrilled with the image quality I have out of the box. It is bright, deep and has plenty of punch. Blacks are far deeper than my old sony lcd and from a quick comparison don't seem to be that far off from my 50 inch kuro downstairs. The iris is 1000 times better vs my old sony. Scaler is perfect even on news crawls and my old dvd's. Pj is about twice the size of the old sony and is near silent even while it is sitting on the table 2 feet away as I type this. My ceiling mount should be in next week. I have a lot more setup to do (new room in a new house, new receiver too) but man LCD projectors have come a long way. Very happy.

bruce3404

10-30-09, 11:07 PM

Room is still a work in progress, with new seating scheduled to show up next week and a little more painting to finish. As mentioned in previous posts, the L, C and R front speakers are behind an acoustically transparent screen, due to the narrowness of the room.
Screen is 114".

AugDog

10-30-09, 11:19 PM

AugDog

10-30-09, 11:31 PM

Donkie, thanks for your assessment. I totally agree.

Couple of things. Didn't realize it, but had turned off the dynamic iris when i was messing around in the menus. Still looked great.

Played with the frame creation modes a little more. 2 and 3 give it what I would describe as a video effect. Almost video camera like. I like mode 1. Still had a film quality but reduces the motion blur of the 24 fps by just a hair.

2 and 3 should be great for sports though. Will give it a try for football this weekend.

Also, logitech does not have the remote codes out on its site for those of you using harmonys. I am trying the 3000 codes.

Studio2000

10-30-09, 11:46 PM

bruce3404

10-30-09, 11:58 PM

aleiby

10-31-09, 12:57 AM

Played around for about 2 hours tonight. Setup was a snap (though navigating the menus to find the focus was fun). Watched a bit of IronMan, streamed some 30 Rock through NetFlix and played a bit of Halo ODST.

I had changed the no-signal background from the default Blue to Black, and noticed right before turning the unit off that there's a single blue pixel near the bottom toward the middle. I'm assuming this is a stuck pixel.

My prev/first projector was a DLP, so this was never an issue. I remember the PSP debacle with everyone returning units to get a perfect screen. Is a single pixel expected / better than average, or grounds for replacement? I remember some tricks people had for the PSP that would flash the screen a bunch and often were able to "unstick" a pixel. Is this a common thing to deal with in the world of LCD projectors?

Smarty-pants

10-31-09, 01:55 AM

Quick General Question:

If I were to set up the AE 4000 with a ceiling mount (keeping in mind that I have the attic right above this room), there is a power outlet in the attic. Can I just run an extention cord in the attic and plug the AE4000 power to that? or is that classified as breaking housecode?

Thanks

Technically, that would be against code most likely.
For a solid solution, you could branch off the "hot" in the attic outlet, and put in a brand new outlet right in the ceiling where you have the pj mounted.
This is very easy to do considering all the wiring is in the attic.
If you do not have the knowledge and/or experience to do it yourself, you could hire a professional and it shouldn't cost very much at all.
About an hour or so for a pro to get it done.

Only drawback I can see, it surge protection. However, for those type of situations (which I have a few in my house), Monster makes a little two outlet protector that plugs right in to the outlet and is the same size as the outlet for length and width.
The depth is about 2 inches though.
Even with the surge and plug, it still probably wouldn't have down below the pj.

Just some thoughts for you...:)

______________________

EDIT: I see responded before reading bruce3404's post. ;)

Beta Tester

10-31-09, 03:33 AM

I am hoping that Panasonic did not achieve this price point by doing what they did with the AX100/200, by making them unreliable. Browsing through those AX100/200 threads is frightening.

mnnc

10-31-09, 06:29 AM

mnnc

10-31-09, 06:34 AM

Technically, that would be against code most likely.
For a solid solution, you could branch off the "hot" in the attic outlet, and put in a brand new outlet right in the ceiling where you have the pj mounted.
This is very easy to do considering all the wiring is in the attic.
If you do not have the knowledge and/or experience to do it yourself, you could hire a professional and it shouldn't cost very much at all.
About an hour or so for a pro to get it done.

Only drawback I can see, it surge protection. However, for those type of situations (which I have a few in my house), Monster makes a little two outlet protector that plugs right in to the outlet and is the same size as the outlet for length and width.
The depth is about 2 inches though.
Even with the surge and plug, it still probably wouldn't have down below the pj.

Just some thoughts for you...:)

______________________

EDIT: I see responded before reading bruce3404's post. ;)

He said the M word...I recommend a Panamax product or a ps audio soloist for that new pj. If you're going to do it...do it right. Otherwise branch off a nearby point and install new box/receptacle.