Panasonic PT-AE4000 MSRP $1999 - Page 219

I'm all for frame rates higher than 24fps, and tried very hard to like frame creation modes 2 and 3 on the AE4000.

But in those modes FC often calls attention to itself. When it works, it looks great, with smooth motion. But then the next scene will be too complex for the algorithm, and reverts to essentially what you see in mode 1. The constant switching is what I found distracting. At least in mode 1 everything looks the same.

Maybe the AE5000 will have improvements in this area, if it has faster hardware and/or better algorithms.

My projector has developed a "Tannish / yellow" cloud in the bottom left portion of an image. It's only detectable with a white background. It seems to be growing and now takes up about 10% of the total image.

Any comments? I've done a search through the thread with no luck.

^ My guess: burnt polarizer. Most common cause is due to a power failure during operation which shuts down the cooling fans before they have time to cool the unit properly, which is why in normal operation shut down takes a minute or so and isn't instantaneous. Killing the power with the main toggle switch instead of the on/off push button or accidentally yanking the power cord would be two examples. Anyone operate the unit besides you?

Thanks Zillch. I've been the only operator. Over the last year, we have had maybe two power outages that could have done this. Doesn't sound like there would be an easy or inexpensive fix? Will a new bulb resolve this? I assume not.

Do you think the "cloud" might continue to grow?

Thanks again for your insight.

Is your projector hanging upside down?

Yes it is.

If you search the forum for "blue polarizer" you'll see some people claim it can grow, which surprises me, and there is talk of how to open and inspect them yourself, maybe even replace them yourself [search for "Panasonic parts" for your source for new ones].

I don't know much more about it. Good luck.

This is a perfect time to suggest to all to get a APC or similar battery backup emergency power conditioner. I get 15 minutes of full system juice in the event of failure and thats plenty time to shut down as alarm is pretty loud.
I did put in a 14000 w Generac NG generator but it takes 6 seconds to kick on and projector could get toasted in that time.
I got my APC used for $75.00 and its a life saver.

I just added a Panamax MX5102 to my system. Not only does it provide battery backup for my 4000, but it also has an IR learning function that can be used to send a shut down command the the pj in the event of a power outage. (However, to use this feature you must also employ an IR-to-RS232 converter so you can use the discrete RS232 power off command. You don't want to use the standard IR on/off toggle command because it could inadvertently turn on the pj if there were a power outage and the pj was already off!)

Good point. I knew I was cutting corners by not getting a battery backup. Now I pay the price. If it doesn't get any worse, I'll live with it. It rarely presents itself during movies.

I've searched the links provided, but nowhere could I find out where to get a polarizer from and how much it might cost for the part. Anyone know off hand?

^ This thread may have some good info:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=572889.

Obviously don't order any parts unless you have verified the issue. This may be the type of thing you need:

https://www.ued.net/ued/addItems.do?...de=MSCLSXA0518 but I'd buy direct from Panasonic if possible

One guy in this thead mentions he was certain his issue was the blue polarizer, buys one and replaces it himself, only to discover he was wrong!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1157338

Thanks. That did have the info I needed. Sounds like a hassle free ship it off cost is about $250. So, I'm still not doing anything now, but it's nice to know what my options are if the problem escalates.

Interestingly, with the 4000 compared to my 900, I notice that the air filter needs cleaning much more often. I'd clean the 900 at 100 hours and there would be next to nothing on the filter. At 100 hours, the 4000 is overdue!

This may or may not have been asked but I really dont want to trudge through 219 pages to find out but I currently have a panny pt-ax200u that is only a year old with less than 750 hours on it. I am building a new theater room and considering upgrading to this unit. My question is.....Is the upgrade worth the cost (currently $1999) or should I consider waiting for the price to come down on this unit OR a new model release from Panny? I am not ready quite yet for the pj as my room is not done however I need to make some decisions soon of whether I am going to upgrade so I can decide if I want to go with a scope screen.

Thanks

Its worth the upgrade for sure over the 200 but since you have a good working unit maybe a wait and see could be of huge benefit to you shortly down the road, the 4000 is likely to be replaced soon with something maybe better and the 4000 may be cleared out saving you a good amount.
Its something to consider, the 200 isnt too shaby and its not like your slumming with it IMO.

Steve,

Just my 2 cents, but go scope no matter what you do with the PJ. If you're room is wide enough, go scope. I have a scope screen with a AX100u. I've been jonesing for a couple years to go 1080p but haven't yet. Granted I have a anamorphic lens, but I love my scope screen. I wish I had listened to Sandman and bought the bigger one (I got the 110" wide, should have got 120" because the height difference is so small).

If you're even thinking you might get a 4000 or 5000 or one of the new epson's go scope.

Well for the record my screen wall is 152" (12' 8") across if that helps. I am on the fence with scope as I watch a lot of hdtv in there as well as play quite a bit of xbox so I am unsure if scope is right or wrong.

Let me second that recommendation for a scope screen. I have an 11' scope and wouldn't do it any other way. TV and other 16:9 content looks great, while scope movies are spectacular, as they are intended to be. Also, many movies are in 1.85, slightly wider than 16:9, and the AE4000 lets you create a lens memory specially for that aspect.

The important thing, if you decide to get a scope screen, is get one that's big enough so 16:9 images are without compromise.

You might consider the 136" Carada Precision, brilliant white material (you want BW for a screen that big). I see they have free shipping this month.
http://www.carada.com/ProductInfo.as...N-SCREEN-C136P

And yes, the AE4000 is definitely worth the money. And through the end of March there's a free bulb offer, another nice savings. If you can wait 7 months, you could see what the (likely) AE5000 has to offer. Although 7 months is a long time in home theater years.

It's wrong. Whatever you do don't buy scope. It's wrong for what you watch a lot of.

Also don't buy the 4000. Continue to use the 200 but consider upgrading when the new "5000" or the "5000-3D" come out. The ETA is Sep/Oct. I doubt they'll be much, if any, more money.

You know it's wrong, but it feels so right...

Hi Tony
How many hours has your PJ?
IMO, the polarizer, when it happens, usually burnt in the middle and not in the edges.
http://www.google.com.ar/imgres?imgu...t:429,r:20,s:0
Could be dust that has been deposited on the blue polarizer or maybe the polarizer has moved (slided) down (the PJ is upsidedown). See this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...=#post14085040
Hope this helps.

People have any kind words to say about picking up the AE4000 from Projectorpoint.com?

Projectorpeople wouldn't price match and I am not familiar with projectorpoint.

Any reviews would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Guys..be easy. I read through the forum. Just to make sure.

Dont want to spend too much on Projector Mount.

Planning to pull the trigger for this item from Monoprice. Model # 5466. Which was used by other owners.

Do i need to buy anything else for the mounting? Adapter plate, extension arm?

P.People just did a pricematch for me last Monday. Projector received on friday. Projector point is authorized dealer??
Check ur PM.

That mount will be fine. You'll need to get some bolts to attach the PJ to the mount. I think someone posted the size of them here, plus they're listed in the manual too.

in the panny drawnig it says M4X12

These posts earlier in the thread might be helpful if you're looking for another option:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...3#post17979313
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...2#post17590572

After looking at several mounts, including the monoprice, I bought this one, mainly for looks and strength. Poor instructions, so not as easy to install as some more expensive mounts, but better built than cheaper ones. Can also run cables through the pipe, although since my media room has a wood ceiling, I couldn't take advantage of that. It included all bolts needed for the AE4000.
http://www.mountdirect.com/Projector...ries_p/npl.htm
http://www.mountdirect.com/NPL_Exten.../npl_ext_v.htm

Thanks bud..That mount looks rock solid than monoprice. Shipping all to gether it comes to $73 from mountdirect. $20 (monoprice) vs $73....let me think...

once again thanks..

BTW, you don't have to buy the telescoping tube, any 2" NPT pipe will work, that's the advantage of the NPL series mounts, they use standard NPT (national pipe thread) hardware.

Also, Mount Direct often has 15% or more off coupons.

Just for the record: I own the mono mount and when installed I could hang it from it. I would say that's pretty sturdy. The mount I'm using was $60 and I'd use the mono mount in a heartbeat if it extended to size I wanted.

But hey if something is more expensive it has to be better.

Oh and you're welcome.

I currently have a H31 with 501 hours. With DVI and bluray, picture is quite nice. I am waiting for the new model since my main theater will not be done within 3 years. (paying off debt first).