Panasonic PT-AE4000 MSRP $1999 - Page 12

Just an FYI for fellow Canucks. I was told today by a number of AE4000 dealers the Canadian price is $3999

all the more reason to get it from the states. If they don't sell any in Canada, then they will have to lower the price! There's no way I can support that kind of extortion!

Yeah, that would be crazy with the exchange rate as it is now. Any Canuck old-hands here have a prefered US dealer for shipping to Canada?!?

AVS doesn't handle Panasonic right now. Bummer. Where are you guys ordering from? (I know there's probably a waiting list.)

Last I heard from PP was that Panasonic was shipping them to vendors "around the 23rd from Japan".

And as long as they don't get shorted on the amount they recieve, mine should be in that first shipment. So excited

ProjectorPeople
VisualApex

Links are at the top of every page on AVS.

Thank you, Dave.

I have a setup question for all you experts before I go and order everything for my HT.

After much research here is my anticipated setup...

Room size: 19' wide x 25' deep
Throw distance: 14'
seating distance: 14'
Screen size: 120" 2.35.1
Projector: Panny ae4000

Does this look like I will have any issues? Could I safely go to 128"?


This is my first projector and I'm trying to cover my bases.

Thanks for any input!

If you are all worried about a 1 year warranty, check with your credit card. My VISA will double your manufacturer warranty for up to 1 extra year, so a 1 year becomes a 2 year. I used it with no problems on my Plasma TV at 23 months when the picture went out.

So call your credit card and check.

Could I just clarify something with everyone for a second? I'm new to the projector world and have my 4000u on pre-order. I'm building a DIY screen and am planning on building a 2.39 aspect ratio screen. I often see people quoting 2.35. According to the Wikipedia article for aspect ratios, modern movies are actually 2.39...not 2.35. So being that I'm building my screen from scratch, shouldn't I build it to 2.39 (assuming I don't have any interest in movies prior to 1970)? Are people just using "2.35" as a standard terminology when the measurement is actually 2.39?

Already have my blackout cloth...buying the wood this week...want to make sure I'm doing my math correctly!

^^^The dif between 2.35 and 2.39 is trivial at best. Build to whatever specification is best for your personal setup.
Many DIY screens will measure out to all kinds of variations with intent on Cinemascope presentation... 2.33, 2.41, 2.35, 2.39:1...
It's not a big deal.

As for "accuracy", some movies are 2.40:1, and some are 2.35:1, and some are 2.39:1. So there really is no real perfect size. Personally, I would go with 2.35:1.

Sounds good so far.

Use the projector calculators on the Panasonic and projectorcentral websites to varify if your screen size / viewing distance / ect... is within spec and recommendation.
As a best guess right now, I don't think 128" would be a problem.

Depending on your particular setup... screen, ambient light, ect... it's possible that particular screen size could yield a dimmer picture than desired, but then again maybe not, depending also how you calibrate the projector and what output modes you use.

There are many variables to consider, and most of those variables depend specifically upon your personal setup and situation.

If this is true then LOL. Buying it from the States you can probably buy a brand new projector if the 4000 ever broke and for some reason Panny wouldn't repair it for the price you pay in Canada.

I don't know if it would be a deal killer for me, but I'll bet there will be a way to opt out of it in the next generation or two of this model. Maybe a firmware update (?). I believe there will be that much of a blowback from it.

Imagine even mild channel surfing through the HD and SD cable/satellite line-up and sitting through 5-6 seconds of this "REMINDER" - "REMINDER" - "REMINDER" - "REMINDER" - "REMINDER" of what your projector is doing from channel to channel dead center in the screen. It would be at least as annoying as the channel identification being "DISPLAYED" - "DISPLAYED" - "DISPLAYED" - "DISPLAYED" - "DISPLAYED" dead center in the screen every time you changed channels.

At some point there will be multi-disc blu-ray DVD players where you can line up a trailer dvd, cartoon dvd, feature dvd, etc. to make for a somewhat seamless night at the movies (many people already do this, of course, with home theater computer set-ups and multi-disc SD DVD players). Except that in this case every time you switch from a 1.33:1/1.78:1 aspect ratio to a 2.35:1 you'll be "REMINDED" - "REMINDED" -"REMINDED" - "REMINDED" - "REMINDED" that the projector is conveniently adjusting for the difference.

Why? Why would I want it to? Why would I need it to? I just don't see why this is even necessary or, at the very least, why you shouldn't be able to opt out of the constant "REMINDER".

By the time someone has bought a front projecter with this feature and navigated through the menu system to set up the Lens Memory w/Auto Detect to make all of it happen automatically, I really don't think they're going to need to be "REMINDED" - "REMINDED" - "REMINDED" - "REMINDED" - "REMINDED" what it's doing or that, indeed, it is working for them each and every time it occurs.

Again, not a total deal killer. But easily several unnecessary and annoying steps backward for anyone who envisioned this great feature to work somewhat silently behind the scenes to create more of a real theatrical experience rather than a blatantly, in-your-face "technical" front projector experience.

^^^^^
Wisdom!!

Late this month is the last I was told.

DreamCatcher

Hey thanks Dave.

I think I will stick with the 120", and go with the 1.0 gain, to ensure I have a brighter picture.
Although my room will have complete light control...I watch alot of sports with the lights on dim.

Thanks for the response.

Visual Apex told me that they were still expecting them by the end of the month when I ordered mine today. They also told me they had enough in their expected first shipment for me to get mine right away, so hopefully no waiting.

Now I have to find some DaLite High Power screen fabric. I think I'll call Jason Turk tomorrow and find out what the options are.

can the 4000 be compared to a JVC RS-15/20??? is that a fair comparison or are they 2 different classes of projector?

Its probably safe to say that if you can ask that question then, yes they can be compared.

The JVC is in a different class, but the differences may not be apparent unless you have a good room setup and are really into quality.

For an average buyer I don't know how you can go wrong with the Panasonic.

I went from a 2.35:1 to a 2.20:1. I'm glad I did. 1.85:1 movies have almost the same impact that the cinemascope does. And when 16:9ing it is still acceptable. My screen is 139" wide. Watched PAN'S LABYRINTH the other night and was very pleased. I was going to horizontally mask for 2.40:1 but the single black bar at the top doesn't bother me enough. I drop the image down so 3 sides are masked. The top mask is the least bothersome if missing in my view.

Newbie wanting to get his feet wet with this pj---I have a few questions if anyone wants to share some hard-earned expertise:

My info:
1. Prob want a 80 to 90 inch width screen, not sure of 16:9 or 2:35. Any opinions welcome.

2. PJ will be approx 13 feet from the wall, prob will put it on a shelf/end table about 1.5 feet off the ground. (too low?)

3. I will be hooking it up to a htpc via hdmi---cord run of about 15 to 20 ft.

4. The pj will be used for 50% movies and 50% TV. Net surfing will happen frequently as well.

5. It will be in a main living area that is equipped with both mini blinds and pretty heavy curtains that will nearly always be drawn when the unit is being watched.

6. My viewing chairs will be approx 13ft from the screen--with my sofa being a little off angle to the screen at about 11 ft.


Now for the questions---and I do appreciate your patience with such a long post

1. The pj will be on a table between my 2 chairs: if i place it on a shelf at about 1.5 ft, will this be too low? Will the people sitting in the chairs, be distracted by the light beam from the pj going to the screen? Never had a pj, so not sure how noticeable the beam of light will be? BTW, the pj will be projecting pretty much straight at the middle of the screen.

2. Will the pj be too loud for those sitting in the chairs during scenes of low-no volume?

3. Based on above info, anyone care to hazard a type of screen? Wilson DW--Paint type--BO cloth--or Carada (wish I could afford that last one I do want to keep the spending to a minimum. I would love to make use of the elec trigger, but not sure if there are any cheap motorized out there? Would prob want tensioned...

4. Will this pj have enough vertical shift to move the screen up, since im basically projecting from the floor!?

5. If i am overwhelmed by the large screen during normal tv watching, is it simple to shrink the screen to a more managable size?

6. Again on the screen, does anyone think i will have enough brightness and contrast, or will i need a gain screen or a gray contrast screen? I think choosing a screen is harder than choosing the projector---especially since this Panny is rockin everyones world!

7. If the exhaust vents are on the front, is it taboo to place the pj in a relatively enclosed table shelf, or does it need to be a very open shelf/table?

8. My current tv is a mits dlp rear projection wd-65732, good picture when it worked!! It just died and my extended warranty is going to replace/ buy out. Im taking the cash! Anyone know how this intended setup will compare to the old tv?

Thanks so much for you time and patience!
I really want this projector, if I can get all my info straight!

Is anyone else from Australia considering importing the AE4000 from the US to save thousands?? Is it safe to ship projectors by air? Also, with the warranty, am I right in thinking that it would still be covered by warranty in the US and I would just need to ship it back for any repairs? Cheers.

I suggest buying a sheet of MDF and painting it with Behr brand brilliant white paint and trying out the biggest picture that you can to see if you want smaller, larger or what you see. You shouldn't commit to a screen size until you have some experience in your room.


Not too low. Should be fine.


Should be fine. I only tried shelf mounting when I first got my PJ and tried it to make sure that it worked before committing to ceiling mounting. I didn't notice the beam of light but, then again, I was so amazed by the giant screen that I didn't notice anything else.


Probably not


I made a suggestion earlier


It should. If I am not mistaken it is at least as flexible as my old Sanyo Z2 and it can do what you describe easily.


This is why I suggest playing with a homemade screen first but yes it is easy to shrink the picture.


Everything should be fine unless you have lots of lights on.

7
Heat kills electronics. If the heat vents out of the front then the cool air needs to be coming from somewhere else. You want as much air as possible to your pj. (all electronics actually)


A pj can be a bit more of a hassle if you like to turn the television on and off frequently. You shouldn't turn a pj on and watch 30 minutes of television and then turn it off and then back on 30 minutes later. The expansion and contraction from heating up and cooling off will shorten your bulb life and, possibly, other parts of the pj. As a rule; once I turn my pj on it stays on for the day unless there is a period of two hours between use. It should look as good or better than your old tv if you have good light control and your screen is perpendicular to the pj lens.

I am new to this also but here is my two cents, other please feel free:

My info:
1. Prob want a 80 to 90 inch width screen, not sure of 16:9 or 2:35. Any opinions welcome. I understand that most movies are in 16:9 currently

4. The pj will be used for 50% movies and 50% TV. Net surfing will happen frequently as well. Google earth on a huge screen is awesome especially when older relatives come over they love finding where they grew up


Now for the questions---and I do appreciate your patience with such a long post

1. The pj will be on a table between my 2 chairs: if i place it on a shelf at about 1.5 ft, will this be too low? The Panny site states the projector has a veritical correction of 100%, which I believe means if is is throwing a 40" tall image at default it can move the bottom of the image to the top edge. Will the people sitting in the chairs, be distracted by the light beam from the pj going to the screen? I would assume so dust particles and all being reflected especially in darker scenes if the projector is in the viewing lineNever had a pj, so not sure how noticeable the beam of light will be? BTW, the pj will be projecting pretty much straight at the middle of the screen.

2. Will the pj be too loud for those sitting in the chairs during scenes of low-no volume? Supposedly quiet but I assume kicks into high fan when overheating if not enough ventilation

3. Based on above info, anyone care to hazard a type of screen? Wilson DW--Paint type--BO cloth--or Carada (wish I could afford that last one I do want to keep the spending to a minimum. I would love to make use of the elec trigger, but not sure if there are any cheap motorized out there? Would prob want tensioned... Screens range in price from $300 to $4000+ for electric

4. Will this pj have enough vertical shift to move the screen up, since im basically projecting from the floor!? Research and use calculator on site

5. If i am overwhelmed by the large screen during normal tv watching, is it simple to shrink the screen to a more managable size? Yes set it in memory to swap back and forth

6. Again on the screen, does anyone think i will have enough brightness and contrast, or will i need a gain screen or a gray contrast screen? I think choosing a screen is harder than choosing the projector---especially since this Panny is rockin everyones world! I understand a 1600 lumen projector can do a "good image" with daylight, so with heavy blinds you should be set

7. If the exhaust vents are on the front, is it taboo to place the pj in a relatively enclosed table shelf, or does it need to be a very open shelf/table?
Hot air out the front but if it can't suck in enough cool air you might find it ramps up the fan or over heats

8. My current tv is a mits dlp rear projection wd-65732, good picture when it worked!! It just died and my extended warranty is going to replace/ buy out. Im taking the cash! Anyone know how this intended setup will compare to the old tv?Seriosuly?! How will a modern front projection setup that is double the size compare to your old rear projection... you will probably get over the limitations with time

Thanks so much for you time and patience!
I really want this projector, if I can get all my info straight![/quote]

I understand that with PT-AE3000 (See the owners thread for further information), the center of the lens must be inside of the screen IF you wish to use the Constant Height Image feature. (This feature is currently an exclusive with the PT-AE3000 and AE-4000 projectors.)

You are probably wondering why. I really don't think this thread is the place for this discussion as it has been extensively covered in the PT-AE3000 owners' thread. (The simplest explanation is that if the projector lens centerline is not on the center of the screen, the center of the 16:9 image and the zoomed 2.35 image is not in the same place on the screen.) The problem is complicated to understand and requires some careful study of the actual way you have to set up the mechanical lens offsets and the electronic offsets to get both the 16:9 and the 2.35 pictures properly centered on the screen and not (electronically) crop the top (or bottom) the 16:9 images.

If you don't plan on using the CHI feature, your proposed setup will probably work. It is difficult for us to tell because you didn't specify how high the screen was off the floor.

I know this is not the answer you were looking for but a bit or research on your part will determine what will work with the physical parameters of the particular setup. Hope this helps....

My word of wisdom is that since Panasonic seems to like think so little of us Canadians, then why even reward them with a sale period? (IE: buying from the States)

Obvious answer is that it's a great projector, but still....I say damn you to hell Panasonic!

My screen will probably be about 2 or 2.5 ft off the floor, so it will most likely be above the placement of the pj. I def want the CIH to be an option! I guess I need to head over to the 3000 owners thread and read up. I guess vertical shift will not take care of the cih problem huh?

Still looking for a few more comments on the beam of light from the pj being distracting since it will be right between my seats?

As I understand, the mechanical vertical shift will allow you to center the 16:9 picture. However when you try to center the 2.35:1 image (after zooming), the electronic shift can't move the picture far enough to center it.

I really don't believe looking through the light beam is an issue unless your house air quality is very poor. At least, I have never read about anyone complaining of it. Remember, with any positioning of any front projector, you will be looking through the light beam to some extent. A bigger issue might be light 'leakage' from the projector itself. If light were to escape through ventilation ports, around the lens assembly, etc., it could be quite a distraction.

Is it really Panasonic's fault or the Canadian govt regulations on imports?