Panasonic PT-AR100U Projector - Physical Tour

Posted on July 27, 2013 by Art Feierman

The Panasonic PT-AR100U projector, is in a larger box than its predecessors from the PT-AX series. The PT-AR100U starts with the larger case of the PT-AE7000, but is finished in off-white, not the black of the higher end Panasonic projector.

Panasonic PT-AR100U Projector - Appearance

The PT-AR100U projector is pretty clean looking - off-white, rectangular, but with slightly sloping sides. It won't offend, it won't end up in a museum either.

The front of projector has the large 2:1 zoom mounted off center to the right (if facing the projector). To its left are the IR sensor for the remote control, and a large exhaust vent. The hot air blows out toward the front and right hand front at an angle. If you are using table top, you won't want to be sitting two feet forward, and one to the right, it could get a bit toasty.

The control panel is a small affair located on the side by the front, as seen here.

The top of the projector removes, when it's time to replace the lens, so that there's no need to have to unmount a ceiling mounted PT-AR100U, when it comes time to put in a new lamp. (Home theater projectors mount upside-down, when ceiling mounted.)

There's a large intake vent behind the control panel. All the inputs and connectors are found on the back panel.

Down below, you'll find two screw thread adjustable front feet, and a single fixed rear foot, for a stable 3 point stance.

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PT-AR100U Control Panel

The Panasonic PT-AR100U control panel is on the side closest to the lens, and right behind the front of the projector. The buttons are reasonably spaced and have a good feel. While overall similar to the control panel on the Epson 3010, I prefer the feel of this Panasonic projector.

At the top left of the panel is the power switch (once for on, twice for off), and to its right, is the Input Select button which brings up your input choices.

The navigation controls are right below, the four arrows in a round formation with the Enter button in the center.

Slightly below to the outsides are the Menu and Return button (called back or escape on some other projectors).

PT-AR100U Projector - Input/Output

The PT-AR100U projector has the usual selection of inputs and other connectors. In this case, it starts off on the left, with a pair of HDMI inputs. Just to the right, are the traditional analog computer input (HD15 connector), and a serial port. Three color coded RCA jacks for component video input is further to the right.

Next comes the lower performance inputs - composite video and s-video. Finally, on the right, are a pair of 12 volt triggers, for those with need. The power receptacle, hard power switch, and kensington lock are below.

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