OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

Ahh... I did not know that. Is there any advantage to buying the 1.85:1 over the 1.78?

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

Not really. Talk to David at Carada about this issue. He was able to make a very compelling case to me regarding his preferences and experiences. I definitely trust his opinion.

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

I don't see why you would want to buy the narrower screen and have to mess with lenses and remapping the larger sizes onto a smaller screen.

Why not do the 16:9 and just have bars for the other aspects.

We're talking huge 90"+ screens here.

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

Yeah...It's just a "purist" thing I guess. Most of my favorite movies are 2.35:1 so I was leaning toward that ratio. When I stop to think about it...the 1.78:1 would be the best (and logical) choice. With that said...I will buy the Panny AX100U and a 96" Carada Criterion Brilliant White screen. CAN'T WAIT!

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

I am probably buying the same projector. And hopefully just over 100" screen from Carrada.

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

"You have chosen.....wisely"

I will be ordering mine soon. The $1500.00 (with the $400 rebate) is a great deal at the moment. I would like to have a 102" screen, but I am worried about my throw distance. By using the equation in the manual, I should be able to fill a 102" screen, but I want to be sure so I will get the 96". At a sitting distance of 12-15 feet 96" should be more than enough (I hope).

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

I'm in the same distance, 14' length, figure head will be at 13 once furniture is in.

I've been told to buy the projector first and see what it throws, then get the screen.

Who are you buying from?

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

My actual throw distance is around 9.5 feet. I hope this will be ok because at this point in construction (99% complete) the projector position is non-movable.

I will be buying from www.projectorpeople.com or www.bhphoto.com

The main selling point for me will most likely be the price of the extended warranty (one that includes replacement bulbs) because the warranty that is included is only 1 year for the projector and 90 days on the lamp.

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

Readthe new warranty on AX100 issued by panasonic. You can find it on AVS. They have voided the warranty if you use it something like 4 hours a day or 12 hours a week - I didn't read it carefully, but 12 hours a week is a little low to some.

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

My lawyer said it actually doesn't matter if they consider the warranty void after such and such time due to Implied Warranties. If you runt the projector 8 hrs a day for month and it breaks they are still required by law (in most states) to replace, repair, or refund. I can't remember exactly what he called it...."Implied Warranty of Merchantability" or something like that.

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

Here is the warranty copied from Panasonic's site. My company gets a partner discount or something from them:

Panasonic Projector Systems Company
Unit of Panasonic North America
3 Panasonic Way, 4B-9
Secaucus, NJ 07094


Panasonic Puerto Rico, Inc.
Ave. 65de Infanteria, Km.9.5
San Gabriel Industrial Park
Carolina, Puerto Rico 00985


PANASONIC LCD PROJECTOR
pt-ae700u, pt-ae900u,
pt-ax100u and pt-ae1000u

Panasonic Projector Systems Company or Panasonic Puerto Rico, Inc.
(collectively referred to as “the Warrantor”) will repair this product and
all included accessories with new or refurbished parts, free of charge in
the USA or Puerto Rico, of the original purchase in the event of a defect
in materials or workmanship as follow:

Carry-in or mail-in service in the USA may be obtained during the
warranty period by contacting Panasonic Projector Systems Company
Factory Authorized Service Center either by using our website
http://www.panasonic.com/support/ or by calling toll-free 888.411.1996
to locate the nearest Authorized Service Center.
Carry-in or mail-in service in Puerto Rico can be obtained during
the warranty period by calling the number listed in the Service
Center Directory.

This warranty is extended only to the original purchaser and is nontransferable. A purchase receipt or other proof of date of original
purchase will be required before warranty service is rendered.
This warranty only covers failures due to defects in materials or workmanship
that occurs during normal use. The warranty does not cover
damage that occurs in shipment, failures that are caused by products not
supplied by the warrantor, or failures that result from accident, misuse,
abuse, neglect, mishandling, misapplication, alteration, modification,
faulty installation, setup adjustments, improper antenna, inadequate signal
pickup, maladjustment of consumer controls, improper operation, power
line surge, improper voltage supply, lighting damage, or service by
anyone other than an authorized repair facility or damages attributable
to acts of nature.


LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS
There are no express warranties except as listed above.
THE WARRANTOR SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, DAMAGE TO DISCS) RESULTING FROM THE
USE OF THIS PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF
THE WARRANTY. ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO THE
APPLICABLE WARRANTY PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts, so the above exclusions or limitations may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights
that vary from state to state.

If you have a problem with this product that is not handled to your
satisfaction, write to the Consumer Affairs Department at the
Company address indicated above.

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

I just purchased this projector and got it installed today. I am not happy with the image at all and I guess I am to dumb to calibrate it my self. I tried to do some adjustments using the Avia guide to home theater DVD but the colors still don't seem correct. And it really does not appear my installer is going to be much help. Anyone got any suggestions on how to calibrate, or Ben I see you are in Dallas know anyone in Texarkana or that will come here to do a professional calibration.

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

I have heard this also about these projectors. Some are great out of the box and others need serious calibration. I am hoping when mine arrives it will be ok. If not....then I will shell out the scratch to get it calibrated. Once calibrated and the colors are on.....I have read the images are spectacular.

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

Matthew... did you ever get your screen and projector set up?

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

You might give Steve Martin a call: www.smartcalibration.com - - he does travel from time to time, but you will have to check with him to see if Texarkana is too far. Steve did the calibration on the projector for this review - - he is now VERY familiar with how to get an optimal image from it!

I'm not surprised that you weren't too happy with the picture out of the box... as I mentioned in the review, it has a strange quality to it that was distracting. Fortunately, the calibration fixed all of these problems.

Good luck!

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

I ordered the projector yesterday, and I will order the screen this evening or in the next day or so. Which ratio would you reccommend?

I would really like the 2.35:1....but I am torn between the 1.78, 1,85 and the 2.35. Dave at Carada recommended the 1.78, but I want the 2.35 to get the best picture out of my favorite movies (Star Wars, LoTR, etc...)

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

I'm with David on this one... in order to fully utilize a 2.35:1 screen, you will need an anamorphic lens. 1.78:1 gives you the most flexibility.

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

Would there be any harm in betting a slightly larger screen...ie at my distance I was going to get a 96" diagonal, but get 102" or 104"?

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

Matthew, who did you purchase this projector from? Did you get a good deal?

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

I purchased the projector from Visual Apex ( www.visualapex.com ). I chose this vendor because they offered a free 1yr extended projector warranty (for 2 yrs total) and a free 2yr extended lamp warranty. With the $400 mail in rebate and free shipping the projector was $1499. You can't go wrong with that.

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

As long as you have the proper throw distance available to completely fill up that size screen, I don't see why it would be a problem. If you just want a bigger screen and aren't able to afford the throw distance, then I would recommend the smaller screen. You definitely want your image to fill the entire screen.

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

I see. I will go for the 96" then. On a side note...have you heard about any projectors with HDMI 1.3 coming out this year?

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

No news on anything that's HDMI 1.3 compatible just yet. I don't really think there will be any advantage for 1.3 on a FP until we have content that takes advantage of the expanded color that is possible through 1.3.

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

Wouldn't the 1080p projectors be able to take care of teh colors?

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

HDMI 1.3 supports a new standard called "Deep Color". This new standard is a 30-bit, 36-bit and 48-bit color system (current specs support 24-bit color) that is capable of displaying 1.5 times as many colors as the current system. The primary use for this new standard is in video games. Unfortunately, there isn't currently any media being produced that supports Deep Color. It is feasible that, in the future, hardware and software manufacturers might support Deep Color. Unfortunately, nothing is currently on the market. So, while HDMI 1.3 is great for passing advanced audio and stuff like that, until Deep Color starts being utilized, there really isn't any practical use for HDMI 1.3 in a front projection system. Resolution has nothing to do with it.

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

Ahh. I guess the best idea would be to get a PS3. It uses HDMI 1.3 if I remember correctly.

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

The PS3 is a good choice... you should know, however, that neither the Blu-Ray or HD DVD specs support Deep Color. Toshiba has even gone so far as to advertise Deep Color support on their second generation XA2 player despite the fact that the software specification can't even support the technology. That used to be called false advertising

Of course, the Blu-Ray and HD DVD standards could be changed to support Deep Color, but then none of the current players on the market would be able to play the software. So, I wouldn't bet on either next gen format being Deep Color compatible anytime in the foreseeable future.

The PS3 will support Deep Color on games, though...

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

Could Deep color support be easily added to the PS3 by a firmware update?

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

probably not... the entire Blu-ray or HD DVD standard would have to changed to incorporate Deep color. It is possible that a firmware update could do the trick, but it is highly unlikely. Moreover, it is highly unlikely that either format will EVER support Deep Color.

Re: OFFICIAL HTF REVIEW: PANASONIC PT-AX100U 720p FRONT PROJECTOR

That's kind of crazy. I wonder why they didn't design HDDVD or Blu-ray to include Deep color. I am sure they new the HDMI 1.3 technology was coming.