I have just measured my ceiling mounted Panasonic AE 1000U noise at 48.2 dB when recorded from a normal seating position (the projector is hung on a nine foot high ceiling). From time to time on these forums I have noted comments by some that the Panasonic AE 1000U and AE 2000U are more noisy than their published spec indicates, and this is certainly true! I have also seen innumerable posts indicating that an exact measurement was not taken since the noise appears to be below the lower 50 DB limit of the typically used Radio Shack meter. Until recently I had the same limitation.

But being totally disgusted with the sound output of the projector, I just purchased a calibrated Sper Scientific Digital Sound Meter and measured the noise, C Scale, Fast Response, Maximum Hold. I might say that except for a recent problem with a flickering picture (which I may or may not have solved as an HDMI connection issue), I am quite positively taken with the Panasonic AE 1000U as far as the reproduction of source video.

Sooooooooo, I wonder if perhaps I have a defective fan assembly, or if this is just something I can only overcome by wearing sound insulated headphones or building a dreaded hushbox! I understand that the fan is automatically speeded up when the projector is ceiling versus desk mounted - as indicated, mine is ceiling mounted, normal light output, low altitude.

Is there anyone else out there who has measured the noise output of this projector or the AE 2000U? If so, I would be most appreciative of any feedback. I must say that I do not purchase ANY component, including projectors, receivers, pvrs, speakers, etc., without first checking user experience on AVS. And I lurked a long time around here before I purchased my last two Panasonic Projectors and last two Denon Receivers. I did note that some users commented adversely about the noise level of the AE 1000U. If I receive any feedback here that my unit may be abnormally loud, then I will send it back to Panasonic for repair by February 4, the last day of my one year warranty. In advance, thanks to any who may respond!

I can barely hear my AE2000. I don't have a dB meter but I would guess it's less than 40+ dB for sure. Mine is directly overhead. I hear it when I stand and my head is nearer to it but sitting down watching TV or a movie I hear nothing.

I'm satisfied for sure.

My Ae2000 is more quiet than my Z5.

I have my AE1000 shelf mounted on a shelf 190 cm (75 inches)
with my seat below and during anything with regular listening volume have never heard fan noise or been bothered by it.
The only time I really hear it is after everything has been turned off and its in cool down.

I think your fan assembly is defective. I have my ae1000u shelf mounted (on a temporary basis) on a medium-sized end-table stacked on a large end-table, right at the end of my couch. When it's in use, I'm often sitting directly next to it, or directly in front (and below) it in a love seat. In both positions, my ear is probably about 1-2 feet from the projector. The heat is a bigger issue (not so much now during the winter, though). I can hear the fan in my XA2 more clearly than my projector, and my XA2 is 11 feet away in an open cabinet. And FWIW, I can't hear the XA2 during normal movie volume, either. My guess is the sound of the fan is very close to the published specs.

Sounds like yours may be faulty. I've had an AE1000 and now an AE2000 and neither could be heard unless I went right up to them with the DVD sound muted. Certainly not from my seat some 6-8 feet in front of the PJ. The only time I could hear it was when I put it in 'High Altitude' mode which speeds the fan up.

Thanks to all of you who responded! This has been very helpful to me, and your experience is now the basis for my sending the projector back to Panasonic for repair of the fan before the warrenty period is out.:o

Remember that this projector runs the fan at a higher level for cieling mount as opposed to desk mount.

So is the AE2000 quieter than the AE1000? I currently have the AE900 and it is mounted right over my head (about 3 ft above) and I can hear it. I'm hoping to upgrade and get something that is basically dead quiet.

jcg

Sounds like yours may be faulty. I've had an AE1000 and now an AE2000 and neither could be heard unless I went right up to them with the DVD sound muted. Certainly not from my seat some 6-8 feet in front of the PJ. The only time I could hear it was when I put it in 'High Altitude' mode which speeds the fan up.

So is the AE2000 quieter than the AE1000? I currently have the AE900 and it is mounted right over my head (about 3 ft above) and I can hear it. I'm hoping to upgrade and get something that is basically dead quiet.

jcg

I went from an AE900 to the AE2000. The AE2000 is indeed quiter than my AE900 was, and I thought that was plenty quiet.

Oh yeah that's a good point I forgot to mention. I live at 6600 feet AND have it ceiling mounted so I have to have high altitude setting on all the time and I still don't hear it unless my head is close to it. I'm worst case scenario and still have no issues.

I'd send it in for warranty service.