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Panasonic PT-AE4000 MSRP $1999 - Page 215

post #6421 of 8336
1/10/11 at 10:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by switchg3ar View Post

I am really considering this projector; I have a few questions for you guys. I have been looking around the forums and I can't seem to find a clear answer.

This is my setup; I have 16:9 motorized screen. When I watch a movie in 2:35.1 I understand I will get the letter box on the top and bottom. Can the lens memory be programmed so that when the projector sees 2:35.1 content it will shift the lens position down so that the image is touching the black bottom border? If so is this done automatically when it sees the content? I understand the zoom and focus can be stored but can vertical shift be stored? I've looked in the manual, I am not finding a clear answer. The closest I found was you can do electronic image shift but not a lens shift. If someone could clarify this for me I would appreciate it.

Can the projector recognize the content and performs all of this or would I just have to hit one button?

I am going to put a vertical masking system on the top if I can just shift the 2:35.1 image down on the 16:9 screen I am set. I am going to have a motorized black blind drop an inch in front of the screen to cover the top part.

Thanks

I'm thinking this will likely work, but the key is probably in the vertical height of the projector lens in relation to the screen? Where is it positioned?
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post #6422 of 8336
1/10/11 at 1:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by switchg3ar View Post

I am really considering this projector; I have a few questions for you guys. I have been looking around the forums and I can't seem to find a clear answer.

This is my setup; I have 16:9 motorized screen. When I watch a movie in 2:35.1 I understand I will get the letter box on the top and bottom. Can the lens memory be programmed so that when the projector sees 2:35.1 content it will shift the lens position down so that the image is touching the black bottom border? If so is this done automatically when it sees the content? I understand the zoom and focus can be stored but can vertical shift be stored? I've looked in the manual, I am not finding a clear answer. The closest I found was you can do electronic image shift but not a lens shift. If someone could clarify this for me I would appreciate it.

Can the projector recognize the content and performs all of this or would I just have to hit one button?

I am going to put a vertical masking system on the top if I can just shift the 2:35.1 image down on the 16:9 screen I am set. I am going to have a motorized black blind drop an inch in front of the screen to cover the top part.

Thanks

Yes to all your questions, the shift is actually done by shifting the image down on the LCD panels. This is the V-AREA POSITION in the LENS CONTROL menu selection-- pg 37 of the Functional Manual. The projector will recognize 2.35:1 material and it can automatically shift to a lens memory setting to display that material. When 16:9 material, it will shift to another memory position that stores those lens settings.

Since you will NOT be zooming the picture, your projector can be mounted anywhere that the 16:9 image ends up on the screen. You will then move the 2.35:1 image electrically down to the bottom of the 16:9 'frame'. The top of frame will be black. There is no motorized vertical (or horizontal) lens shift on the AE4000.

(By the way, you can find a link to the manuals in the first post of this thread.)
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post #6423 of 8336
1/10/11 at 1:56pm
But remember their is only one auto switch option. But their are more then one aspect ratio. 1.85, 2.35, 2.40 are the big ones.
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post #6424 of 8336
1/10/11 at 7:49pm
Thanks for your help. I was actually looking at the main one on the manufactures site, not the functional instructions.

The functional instructions provide the details I was looking for.

Mopar_Mudder your star ceiling is amazing!
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post #6425 of 8336
1/11/11 at 9:04am
Just wanted to add my review to this thread.

I got my Pan 4000 one year ago. Projecting on a sheetrock wall with multiply sandings and several coats of Kilz2. Screen size is 140" diagonal...probably 16' to 17' from the eyes. Probably average one or two movies every week and maybe an hour of TV every month.

I have had zero issues and am still VERY happy with the 4000. It looks fantastic. I have been so pleased that since I have gotten it I have not even been here to keep up with every thing.
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post #6426 of 8336
1/11/11 at 9:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1TONY1 View Post

Just wanted to add my review to this thread.

I got my Pan 4000 one year ago. Projecting on a sheetrock wall with multiply sandings and several coats of Kilz2. Screen size is 140" diagonal...probably 16' to 17' from the eyes. Probably average one or two movies every week and maybe an hour of TV every month.

I have had zero issues and am still VERY happy with the 4000. It looks fantastic. I have been so pleased that since I have gotten it I have not even been here to keep up with every thing.

Same here. I am using my Pan 4000 with a 120" Elite screen. It is spectacular and I am still amazed every time I watch a gorgeous Blu Ray disc.
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post #6427 of 8336
1/11/11 at 10:51am
I had a big scare over the weekend. We had a major power outage that affected four counties. The power was out for four hours and no reason has been given for the blackout. Of course I was in the middle of playing some GT5 when it happened. After the power came back on I did some tests with projector and everything seems fine. Huge relief!

Usually don't have problems with utilities here but I am now reconsidering getting a back up power source. What rating would I need to give the projector enough time to power down properly?
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post #6428 of 8336
1/11/11 at 6:44pm
Depends upon how long the fan runs to cool the bulb down and the current req't.

I got a CyberPower last April and it paid off last week when we had a clear sky outage for about an hour.
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post #6429 of 8336
1/11/11 at 6:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Terminator840 View Post
I had a big scare over the weekend. We had a major power outage that affected four counties. The power was out for four hours and no reason has been given for the blackout. Of course I was in the middle of playing some GT5 when it happened. After the power came back on I did some tests with projector and everything seems fine. Huge relief!

Usually don't have problems with utilities here but I am now reconsidering getting a back up power source. What rating would I need to give the projector enough time to power down properly?
It's rated at 240 watts so something a bit bigger then that. Remember VA != watts so 250 VA will be too small so you need to check the wattage of the UPS. You really don't need a lot of time to cool down the projector. As soon as you power off the projector the power consumption would drop to something like 20 watts just for some electronics and the fan to cool it off.

The only thing I might consider is a pure sine wave UPS. The pulsing of the square wave might be very harsh on the light bulb when the UPS kicks in. The electronics will be fine because of the built in regulators.
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post #6430 of 8336
1/12/11 at 10:58am
Seeking some help here as I finish up my new theater. I am trying to figure the best placement for the projector so the electricians can rough in the electric in the proper place.

Here is the setup - 125" wide scope screen, main row of seating at ~18'. I planned to locate the projector ~19' to be behind all the seating, but the ProjectorCentral calc says this will be too far back for optimal brightness. If I move it to say ~15' the calc says all is good, but because the main seats are on a 12' riser and the screen height is limited by a soffit, the projector will only be ~6' off the riser. It won't be in the walking path, but I worry it will be distracting to viewers in the back row.

Any thoughts on which location would be best?
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post #6431 of 8336
1/12/11 at 11:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by avoiceoreason View Post

Seeking some help here as I finish up my new theater. I am trying to figure the best placement for the projector so the electricians can rough in the electric in the proper place.

Here is the setup - 125" wide scope screen, main row of seating at ~18'. I planned to locate the projector ~19' to be behind all the seating, but the ProjectorCentral calc says this will be too far back for optimal brightness. If I move it to say ~15' the calc says all is good, but because the main seats are on a 12' riser and the screen height is limited by a soffit, the projector will only be ~6' off the riser. It won't be in the walking path, but I worry it will be distracting to viewers in the back row.

Any thoughts on which location would be best?

Sounds like it could be distracting yes. But to me is sound like 18' is to far away for seating from a 125" screen?
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post #6432 of 8336
1/12/11 at 11:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mopar_Mudder View Post

Sounds like it could be distracting yes. But to me is sound like 18' is to far away for seating from a 125" screen?

Well, first row will be at ~12' so the audience will have choices, but I figured 18' feet would be fine for a 125" wide (136" diagonal) CIH screen.

Is 19' too far back to put the AE4000? Will the image be too dim? I will have total light control with no ambient issues.
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post #6433 of 8336
1/12/11 at 12:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by avoiceoreason View Post

Well, first row will be at ~12' so the audience will have choices, but I figured 18' feet would be fine for a 125" wide (136" diagonal) CIH screen.

Is 19' too far back to put the AE4000? Will the image be too dim? I will have total light control with no ambient issues.

I think you're pushing it, brightness-wise, with a 136" screen at 19 feet. The difference in brightness between 15 and 19 feet is significant, 50% or more.

A data point: I have a 131" scope screen with the AE4000 at 15 feet, and find the more accurate Color 1 and Cinema 1 settings to be too dim. A slightly tweaked Normal mode provides a better overall picture, much brighter. I mostly use the eco bulb setting, reserving the brighter setting for when the bulb gets older.

I doubt the projector will be too distracting at 15', and you could always add one of these if you want a cleaner look:
https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro.../etpce2000.pdf
http://www.provantage.com/panasonic-...0~4PANP0CY.htm

But remember, the projector lens must not be higher than the top of the screen.
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post #6434 of 8336
1/12/11 at 12:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Whitefield View Post

I think you're pushing it, brightness-wise, with a 136" screen at 19 feet. The difference in brightness between 15 and 19 feet is significant, 50% or more.

A data point: I have a 131" scope screen with the AE4000 at 15 feet, and find the more accurate Color 1 and Cinema 1 settings to be too dim. A slightly tweaked Normal mode provides a better overall picture, much brighter. I mostly use the eco bulb setting, reserving the brighter setting for when the bulb gets older.

I doubt the projector will be too distracting at 15', and you could always add one of these if you want a cleaner look:
https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro.../etpce2000.pdf
http://www.provantage.com/panasonic-...0~4PANP0CY.htm

But remember, the projector lens must not be higher than the top of the screen.

Thanks. Sounds like based on your first hand experience I need to put it at 15'.

Getting the lens below the top of the screen was my main concern with it potentially being distracting as it will only be 6' off the riser (a soffit running along the screen wall limits me on the screen height). One question on this though - does the entire lens need to be below the top of the screen, the center of the lens, or just the bottom of the lens?

Is your projector in front of any seating or is it behind all of your seating?

Thanks again.
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post #6435 of 8336
1/12/11 at 12:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by avoiceoreason View Post

Well, first row will be at ~12' so the audience will have choices, but I figured 18' feet would be fine for a 125" wide (136" diagonal) CIH screen.

Is 19' too far back to put the AE4000? Will the image be too dim? I will have total light control with no ambient issues.

I am 17'6" back from a 136" wide, 147" diagaonal screen. Running eco mode and color 1 with all the lights out is fine.
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post #6436 of 8336
1/12/11 at 12:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by avoiceoreason View Post

does the entire lens need to be below the top of the screen, the center of the lens, or just the bottom of the lens?

Is your projector in front of any seating or is it behind all of your seating?

I have the top edge of the lens level with the top of the screen, which allows the projector to be completely level. But many people have gotten by with a higher position, angling the projector down slightly. This introduces a small amount of keystoning of course.

My projector is about a foot behind the main seating, about 6 feet off the floor.

Mopar is giving you different (and probably better ) advice, which is why I described my setup as one data point. His amazing theater has much darker wall treatments than mine (wife had input in my case ). Another key factor is that my screen has only 1.1 gain, you can of course get much higher than that.
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post #6437 of 8336
1/12/11 at 5:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mopar_Mudder View Post

I am 17'6" back from a 136" wide, 147" diagaonal screen. Running eco mode and color 1 with all the lights out is fine.

Interesting. Hmmm, so now maybe I can push it back a little. I could probably cheat it up a bit and put it at ~18' - 18' 6".

Also, in reference to Bob's comments after your post, my room actually has similar tones to yours (nice theater BTW), though I would say my walls are an even darker red - almost a burgundy wine color, with dark brown wall panel insets. I was going to go w/ the Carada Criterion Bright white which has a 1.4 gain. And my room is in the basement - no windows, so should be completely dark w/ the lights out.

So based on that description and your experience do you think it would be okay at 18' 6"? I would really like to get it behind the seating.

Thanks for everyone's help on this. I have put a lot of thought into the room and it is getting right to the end and I feel like this is the last critical decision to make, and I don't want to screw it up.
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post #6438 of 8336
1/13/11 at 6:41am
One other quick question - if I do try to split the difference, the projector will likely then be right over the top of row 2. Not a problem with hitting it since one would lean forward to exit the seat, but not sure about noise. Any thoughts from owners on noise level if this were directly overhead?
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post #6439 of 8336
1/13/11 at 7:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by avoiceoreason View Post

One other quick question - if I do try to split the difference, the projector will likely then be right over the top of row 2. Not a problem with hitting it since one would lean forward to exit the seat, but not sure about noise. Any thoughts from owners on noise level if this were directly overhead?

When seated, my AE4000 is about three feet from my head. I can hear the fan, but only if the room is quiet and I'm listening for it. It's completely inaudible during a normal movie, either in eco or normal bulb mode. Much quieter than the Epson I use for business presentations; I was pleasantly surprised when I got the AE4000.

If you're at rough-in stage, avoid having HVAC vents in the path of the beam--heated air creates swirling patterns on the screen. I had to close off one of my vents to prevent this.
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post #6440 of 8336
1/13/11 at 7:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Whitefield View Post

When seated, my AE4000 is about three feet from my head. I can hear the fan, but only if the room is quiet and I'm listening for it. It's completely inaudible during a normal movie, either in eco or normal bulb mode. Much quieter than the Epson I use for business presentations; I was pleasantly surprised when I got the AE4000.

If you're at rough-in stage, avoid having HVAC vents in the path of the beam--heated air creates swirling patterns on the screen. I had to close off one of my vents to prevent this.

Okay, good to know. That definitely helps. My vents are both located in back and to the sides of the second row, so shouldn't be a problem there.
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post #6441 of 8336
1/13/11 at 7:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by avoiceoreason View Post

Interesting. Hmmm, so now maybe I can push it back a little. I could probably cheat it up a bit and put it at ~18' - 18' 6".

Also, in reference to Bob's comments after your post, my room actually has similar tones to yours (nice theater BTW), though I would say my walls are an even darker red - almost a burgundy wine color, with dark brown wall panel insets. I was going to go w/ the Carada Criterion Bright white which has a 1.4 gain. And my room is in the basement - no windows, so should be completely dark w/ the lights out.

So based on that description and your experience do you think it would be okay at 18' 6"? I would really like to get it behind the seating.

Thanks for everyone's help on this. I have put a lot of thought into the room and it is getting right to the end and I feel like this is the last critical decision to make, and I don't want to screw it up.

Personaly I think you will be OK at 18'. But I have never had another projector and have nothing else to compare to so someone else might come and look at mine and say it is way too dark? You can also use normal mode which boost the brightness a pretty good amount over the color1, and the colors don't look too bad to me.

My projector is directly over the secound row of seats and no one has ever complained about the noise. With contant at normal volume levels you will never hear it.
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post #6442 of 8336
1/13/11 at 11:03am
I concur with others regarding the insignificance of the 4000's fan noise. Mine is ceiling-mounted directly above the middle of the second row of seating, and during a movie fan noise is virtually indiscernible. Heck, my heating/cooling vents, which are located on the other side of the room, sound louder than the pj.
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post #6443 of 8336
1/13/11 at 12:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamesN View Post

I concur with others regarding the insignificance of the 4000's fan noise. Mine is ceiling-mounted directly above the middle of the second row of seating, and during a movie fan noise is virtually indiscernible. Heck, my heating/cooling vents, which are located on the other side of the room, sound louder than the pj.

Thanks for the comment on your setup.

I think based on everyone's input I am going to try to split the difference. If I locate it at 17' 6" it will be mounted right above the middle of the middle armrest of the 2nd row.

This will allow me to keep it behind/above the audience but cheat it up a little to increase the brightness. This puts it about 6" outside the recommended range according to the projector central calculator. Hopefully it will be okay.
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post #6444 of 8336
1/14/11 at 7:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by avoiceoreason View Post

I think based on everyone's input I am going to try to split the difference. If I locate it at 17' 6" it will be mounted right above the middle of the middle armrest of the 2nd row.

This will allow me to keep it behind/above the audience but cheat it up a little to increase the brightness. This puts it about 6" outside the recommended range according to the projector central calculator. Hopefully it will be okay.

Well, I slept on it, and now I am rethinking it again. Maybe it's because I ordered my screen yesterday, and the Carada guy e-mailed to ask about my setup and said I should consider moving the PJ closer. (as an aside, I was pleasantly surprised that the Carada customer service would take the time vs. just processing the order, and the person e-mailed back and forth 3-4 times).

Anyway, do any of you owners:

1) Have the projector back 17'+ from a scope screen (again mine is 125" wide)?

or

2) Have the projector mounted in front of the back row seats?

If 1) is it bright enough

If 2) is it distracting at all to the back row viewers (mine will be mounted ~6' off the riser floor)

Thanks again for everyone's input. The projector should arrive Tuesday!
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post #6445 of 8336
1/14/11 at 9:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by avoiceoreason View Post
Well, I slept on it, and now I am rethinking it again. Maybe it's because I ordered my screen yesterday, and the Carada guy e-mailed to ask about my setup and said I should consider moving the PJ closer. (as an aside, I was pleasantly surprised that the Carada customer service would take the time vs. just processing the order, and the person e-mailed back and forth 3-4 times).

Anyway, do any of you owners:

1) Have the projector back 17'+ from a scope screen (again mine is 125" wide)?

or

2) Have the projector mounted in front of the back row seats?

If 1) is it bright enough

If 2) is it distracting at all to the back row viewers (mine will be mounted ~6' off the riser floor)

Thanks again for everyone's input. The projector should arrive Tuesday!
Hi...

I have a Carada 125" 2.35:1 screen with the 4000 about 14' back (directly over 2nd row of seating). I originally started with the Carada Classic White, but wasn't pleased with the brightness so I upgraded to their Brilliant White. Now I am thrilled with the image (running the pj in Eco mode on Cinema 1). And when the bulb starts to dim, I can switch to normal mode and eke some more life out of it.

If I were you I would optimize placement for image quality over fan noise. The fan noise is truly negligible.

And yes, Carada has outstanding customer service!
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post #6446 of 8336
1/14/11 at 11:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamesN View Post

Hi...

I have a Carada 125" 2.35:1 screen with the 4000 about 14' back (directly over 2nd row of seating). I originally started with the Carada Classic White, but wasn't pleased with the brightness so I upgraded to their Brilliant White. Now I am thrilled with the image (running the pj in Eco mode on Cinema 1). And when the bulb starts to dim, I can switch to normal mode and eke some more life out of it.

If I were you I would optimize placement for image quality over fan noise. The fan noise is truly negligible.

And yes, Carada has outstanding customer service!

Thanks. (BTW, I got the bright white too)

I am thinking my 18' row is going to be the main seating row vs. the 12' row. If I ended up most often in the 12' row then it wouldn't matter so much as the PJ would still be behind the seats even if I moved it up to 15'. I just think I am going to end up in the 18' row most often and with the PJ at 15' it is going to be distracting. Is there any light output out of the sides/back of the 4000? If not maybe it wouldn't be as bad as I think.

Maybe I just need to hang a box from the ceiling and see how much it would actually bother me.
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post #6447 of 8336
1/14/11 at 2:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by avoiceoreason View Post
I just think I am going to end up in the 18' row most often and with the PJ at 15' it is going to be distracting.
Just my experience, but I think you'll find you spend most of your time in the front row. A 136" screen may seem really large at first, but you quickly get used to it.

I would suggest mounting it above the second row, I bet the last row will be the least popular, unless you have a bar back there. And even when seated in the last row, I doubt you'll really notice it.

Another consideration is making sure you can easily get to the filter to clean it. By the way, never vacuum the filter in place, always remove it and vacuum it in another room. Other than that, you should never need to touch the projector. I just leave the lens cap laying on top, and dust the projector occasionally with a Giottos rocket blower (and only while the unit is off).
Quote:
Is there any light output out of the sides/back of the 4000?
No, none. The only thing you see from the rear is the power LED.
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post #6448 of 8336
1/14/11 at 4:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by avoiceoreason View Post
... Maybe I just need to hang a box from the ceiling and see how much it would actually bother me. ...
I have to agree with Bob and others that suggested you move the projector closer. It's worth the effort to try hanging a box and see if it is distracting. Whether an image is bright enough is a personal preference, but it always helps to have some headroom: Bulb dims sigificantly; certain materials (games, general TV) may best be viewed with more brightness; and this projector isn't the brightest to begin with.

Here are a couple of other ideas:
- Have you thought about building a projector enclosure. I'm hoping the duller, uniform look should be less noticeable than a live machine with wires going in. The noise should also be even more contained. Of course, proper ventilation and a side opening or door on the filter side are all needed.
- Is it acceptable to "waste" the space on the second row directly behind the projector? It shouldn't be more than 1 foot wide. You could put a small side tables in there.

BTW, 6' between first and secnd row sounds a bit long to me, although I never researched as I didn't go with a second row. Moving the second row closer should also help to reduce the distraction, I believe.
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post #6449 of 8336
1/15/11 at 3:48am
Hi, im fairly new here, im wondering if its possible and if its a good idea to use the auto lens memory on my 16:9 106 inch screen to make movies that have black bars on top and bottom fit the whole 16:9 screen so there will be no bars? if it is possible will it sacrifice image quality and brightness? will it cut off some of the sides on the left and right of the screen or will it keep the sides the same as if I was waching with black bars on the top and bottom and just makes ajustments to the top and bottom? is the lens memory only usfull for a scope screen or can it be used as im asking? Also does the 4000 have an internal video scaler? if so how do I turn it on? Thanks for your help in advance
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post #6450 of 8336
1/15/11 at 6:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Whitefield View Post

When seated, my AE4000 is about three feet from my head. I can hear the fan, but only if the room is quiet and I'm listening for it. It's completely inaudible during a normal movie, either in eco or normal bulb mode. Much quieter than the Epson I use for business presentations; I was pleasantly surprised when I got the AE4000.

If you're at rough-in stage, avoid having HVAC vents in the path of the beam--heated air creates swirling patterns on the screen. I had to close off one of my vents to prevent this.

I have an HVAC return in the ceiling at the center back of my HT. My 2 choices for ceiling mounting a projector are either just in front of the return or just behind it at the very back of the room. If I mount it behind is there a chance that the air pulling into the return would have an effect on the picture more that mounting it in front of the return? The projector will most likely be right at 2' down from the ceiling.
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