Panasonic PT-AE4000U: Any thoughts?

**Jester** · **10-12-09, 05:41 AM**

I just noticed that Panasonic is going to bring the PT-AE4000U to the US Market at $1999. After reading as many reviews as I could get my hands on, it sounds too good to be true (for the price). Anyone have any thoughts on this projector?

**mechman** · **10-12-09, 08:04 AM**

From what I've read it appears that Panasonic is stepping up to the plate and offering excellent quality at a great price. Lots of people have given their last pj (AE3000) rave reviews and this one is supposed to be a step up with an improved lamp, better contrast, color accuracy (supposedly cinema 1 mode measures 6500K across the gray scale out of the box), etc.

If I were looking for a new projector, I don't think I'd look much further.

**Sonnie** · **10-12-09, 08:47 AM**

That price sounds about right since I see they have dropped their 3000 to $1699 or thereabouts. I paid $2495 for mine.

If the 4000 is that much better and $500 less... they will struggle keeping them in stock.

**Instal** · **10-19-09, 03:02 PM**

The 4000 does sound too good to be true. Projector Central has done a shoot out against 5 other units with one of them being a $10,000.00 PJ and the 4000 goes toe to toe no problem. My question is where is the Sanyo offering for this year? I have put the question to Evan Powell with no responce. Traditonally it is hard to choose between the Panny and Sanyo and I haven't seen anything from Sanyo. Has anyone heard anything?

**Blaser** · **10-20-09, 06:24 AM**

I haven't heard of Sanyo and anyway, I'd chose the panny!

**Klawd** · **10-20-09, 11:25 AM**

This might explain why Sanyo isn't releasing much these days.

http://www.reuters.com/article/techn...58S3LT20090929

**Instal** · **10-21-09, 03:01 PM**

Quote:

Klawd wrote:

This might explain why Sanyo isn't releasing much these days.

http://www.reuters.com/article/techn...58S3LT20090929

That explains it thanks for the link. I guess I don't have to wait anymore Pany 4000 here I come!

**tonyvdb** · **10-21-09, 03:42 PM**

Thats interesting, The two biggest projector makers becoming one, Sanyo always had a great rival projector keeping Panasonic on its toes. Hopefully Panasonic continues the build quality.

**Instal** · **10-21-09, 04:33 PM**

Quote:

tonyvdb wrote:

Thats interesting, The two biggest projector makers becoming one, Sanyo always had a great rival projector keeping Panasonic on its toes. Hopefully Panasonic continues the build quality.

Very good point, with the aparent extrordinary value of the 4000 combined with the merge of Pany and Sanyo it might mean other PJ manufacturers throwing in the towel. Sure hope not as that will only hurt the consumer in the long run.

**recruit** · **10-23-09, 03:04 AM**

I'm looking forward to the new Panasonic PJ, it seems to tick all the right boxes and especially for the price compared to the big boys ala Sony/JVC...

**Instal** · **10-23-09, 11:56 PM**

The only other thought I have about the 4000 is man that thing is ugly

**recruit** · **10-24-09, 02:48 AM**

Quote:

Instal wrote:

The only other thought I have about the 4000 is man that thing is ugly

I agree, they have never looked that nice all of them but tbh once mounted on the ceiling you tend to forget they are there...

**Instal** · **10-24-09, 05:50 PM**

Quote:

recruit wrote:

I agree, they have never looked that nice all of them but tbh once mounted on the ceiling you tend to forget they are there...

Unfortunately in my small space my pj is on a home made stand and is very prominent in the room. Right now I have a Z5 which IMHO is the best looking PJ out there. The Panny is gonna look UUUUUGLYYYYY

**recruit** · **10-24-09, 06:01 PM**

Looks are not always everything, but if I was not going to mount on the ceiling then I may have second thoughts on leaving it out on show, luckily mine will be mounted on the ceiling so not too much of an issue, with the performance that this new unit is going to offer and I have already seen excellent feedback for it, it makes it excellent VFM...I had a Sony Pearl as my last PJ and that was probably one of the best looking imo...there is just so many PJ to choose from now

**mjg100** · **11-01-09, 09:21 PM**

I am a DLP guy and I would have to have this projector on my short list if I was shopping for a projector right now.

**recruit** · **11-02-09, 03:31 AM**

Quote:

mjg100 wrote:

I am a DLP guy and I would have to have this projector on my short list if I was shopping for a projector right now.

I prefer LCD over the DLP variant as the last DLP I owned I suffered from the Rainbow effect which can be slightly annoying, for me it is either the Panasonic PT-AE4000 or the new JVC PJ, but the Panasonic does seem to be better VFM...

**mjg100** · **11-02-09, 06:32 AM**

Quote:

recruit wrote:

I prefer LCD over the DLP variant as the last DLP I owned I suffered from the Rainbow effect which can be slightly annoying, for me it is either the Panasonic PT-AE4000 or the new JVC PJ, but the Panasonic does seem to be better VFM...

What was the color wheel speed on the DLP that allowed you to see rainbows? A higher speed helps. Both of my projectors are 5x speed. There are some 2x out there and a lot of people see rainbows on them.

**akan101** · **11-12-09, 10:29 AM**

Well i think that Intelligent Lens Memory with Auto Detection: Up to six settings can be stored in the Lens Memory, including zoom and focus positions for projecting in the normal 16:9 or 4:3 image ratio, and wide cinema projection settings. These memories can be recalled manually or can be set for automatic switching. The projector is able to detect 2.35:1 and 16:9 source and retrieve the stored setting automatically. This Lens Memory function lets you easily enjoy images with different image ratios on a wide 2.35:1 screen for an immersive movie theater-like experience.

**recruit** · **11-12-09, 05:18 PM**

Quote:

mjg100 wrote:

What was the color wheel speed on the DLP that allowed you to see rainbows? A higher speed helps. Both of my projectors are 5x speed. There are some 2x out there and a lot of people see rainbows on them.

Hi mjg100, sorry I missed that question, I had a Themescene PJ not too sure the model number now but it was only a 720p and probably approx 4 years ago so I suppose technology has moved on, I'm more or less decided on the the new Panasonic, so it will be my xmas present to myself I think

**akan101** · **11-14-09, 10:25 AM**

Panasonic Pt-Ae4000 is unbelievable for its price really great deal

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