The Best 1080p Resolution Home Theater Projectors of 2007
04/25/2007-Art Feierman

Overview
Image Quality
General Performance
Warranty
Summary, Pros, Cons

1080p Home Theater Projectors - Summary and Comparisons:

Click on these links to read more in-depth comparisons.

Panasonic PT-AE1000U vs Epson Home Cinema 1080
Epson Home Cinema 1080 vs Mitsubishi HC5000
3LCD: PT-AE1000U vs Home Cinema 1080 vs Mitsubishi HC5000
BenQ W9000 vs Panasonic PT-AE1000U
Sony VW50 Pearl vs Mitsubishi HC5000
Optoma HD81 vs. Sony VW50 Pearl
Optoma HD81 vs BenQ W9000 and W10000
BenQ W10000 vs JVC RS1
JVC RS1 vs Sony VW50 Pearl
JVC RS1 vs Optoma HD81
JVC RS1 vs Panasonic PT-AE1000U
Summary - The Bottom Line

JVC RS1 vs Panasonic PT-AE1000U

OK, you are probably scratching your heads here: Why is he comparing these two - one is almost twice the price of the other.

It's easy. This perhaps is more of the Toyota Camry to Lexus comparison.

Both projectors are film-like, and a pleasure to watch.

In my opinion, the JVC RS1 outperforms the Panasonic PT-AE1000U at The JVC DLA-RS1 projector. everything relating to image quality. It's just that the Panasonic does everything well, and makes me think of it as a "poor man's RS1". (JVC shown here)

You have to get over the basics - the Panasonic isn't very bright, so you need to be a smaller screen user, and you have to realize that the Panasonic is just a little bit less sharp than the JVC.

The Panasonic PT-AE1000U projector. The PT-AE1000U can't even begin to match the black levels or shadow detail of the JVC RS1 either, and out of the box performance in terms of color accuracy is also a JVC RS1 advantage.

The JVC RS1, matches the Panasonic with equally flexible placement capabilities, has a longer warranty (2 years vs. 1), and of course, has the best image of any of these projectors. It's remote is excellent, although it's not a learning remote for controlling multiple devices, like the PT-AE1000U's. The JVC is also far brighter in best mode, although in brightest mode, its' not dramatically brighter.

Again, it's just that the Panasonic is very pleasing to watch. Properly set up it's very neutral. Not a great deal of wow factor, but no real distractions either. As I pointed out, I think the PT-AE1000U is more "film-like" than the other LCD projectors.

Got it, here's what I've been trying to say: Like the JVC RS1, the PT-AE1000U, when you have settled in to watch a movie, (particularly an HD-DVD or Blu-ray DVD), the projector leaves your stream of conciousness. It becomes transparent to you. You see the image on your screen, but nothing says - "projector at work", no distractions, etc. like for example the Epson Home Cinema, which to me had a slightly "hard" look to its image.

The Panasonic is just a great projector for smaller screens, that once set up will provide lots of enjoyment, and let you forget about the technology. I think, that to a large degree, it is the projector for people buying their "last" projector. It's probably not for those always seeking something better, who will analyse the projector's image to death. Rather it will best serve those who want a beautiful picture to watch and a great experience, and want to forget about all the technological toys that put it there.

I say this, despite the Panasonic's particularly strong technology suite - laden menus, waveform generator etc. There's plenty to play with for those who live for the hobby as much as the picture, but, I believe that the Panasonic is best for those that just want to enjoy.

If the JVC is way out of your budget, and you aren't going with a overly large screen, the Panasonic makes an excellent alternative.

Review continues below this advertisement.

And that's why I decided to write up the Panasonic up against the JVC.

To emphasize my point - I told my wife earlier today, (after only two days usage, and 12 hours on the RS1 lamp), that while I can always get a projector in the future that will be better than my JVC, I just don't need one. This one works for me! Everything I've seen on it, just blows me away whether I'm looking at the picture critically or just enjoying. Pure WOW factor in action. Last night I put on House of the Flying Daggers (a magnificant movie and production with amazing photography), I wanted to shout "Finally" after 13 years of having projectors at home.

I think most people buying the more affordable PT-AE1000U will feel the same way about the Panasonic, and that, is a serious compliment!

I ramble, enough.

Click on these links to read more in-depth comparisons.

Overview
Image Quality
General Performance
Warranty
Summary, Pros, Cons

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