New Panasonic AE4000 projector

http://www.projectorcentral.com/panasonic_ae4000_projector_review.htm

First review is up. I have to say that as an AE3000 owner, I didn't have much interest in upgrading to a 4000 based on what I read at Cedia. Heck, they didn't even show the projector there. But this first review has me thinking twice. Improved contrast along with increased brightness???  I am having second thoughts, especially since it looks like it will street for around $2k. I might need to sell my 3000 and upgrade. 

cool
I have not seen it yet.
Hopefully this will have a better color decoder and also better color uniformity.

Gregg, were there issues with the 3000? I'm considering the 4000 as my first FP purchase.

both are very big issues.

Brian, if you want a Ka$$ PJ, I was able to get a great deal on some JVC RS2 units. Email for info...it would be very similar budget to the 3000 - 4000 panny models.

I'm thinking of upgrading my Sanyo z4.  3800 hours on the original bulb.

I was thinking Epson 8500 or Panasonic AE4000.

3800 is way too many hours on the bulb....your light output is most likely less than 50% of the original amount.

At least change out the bulb.

Actually, It's amazing how good the projector looks.  Sure it is probably quite dim compared with a new projector but I have very good light control and in the dark all is good.

I can sell it as is to someone and buy a new projector.  Question is, what new projector?

if you want a Ka$$ PJ, I was able to get a great deal on some JVC RS2 units. Email for info...it would be very similar budget to the 3000 - 4000 panny models.

this unit is far above the other PJs mentioned in this thread in EVERY regard (except possibly price).

Call me if interested....201 232 3380.... i currently have 2 units left.

JVC's are the benchmark for sure!  Buget wise and size wise they are too much for my setup.

 In general, yes, the JVC LCOS models put out a subjectively better picture. How much better is the subjective part. But if you are interested in features such as lens memory for CIH setups and frame interpolation to smooth out pans and fast motion in sports, then the RS2's can't compete.
It's all in what you want from your projector.

you can add all the features you want...but if the picture looks like crap then what does it matter?

Objectively or subjectively? My clients want accurate...and it is easily quantified by objective criteria.  

Or if the feature doesnt work well, like doesnt hold focus in the zoom range...or the zoom / focus setting isn't accurate each time...or the zoom causes (or the lense in general) causes alot of convergence errors.  

Who on god's green earth would what frame interpolation on a front projector?

Alright, here we go again. 
Look, you can have your rainbows and motion judder all you want. I know you're a big DLP fan. And that's fine. But to put down a competent, feature-laden projector is not needed. I think you can see by the sales of these things that many people want these features and have a need for them.
I want my smooth pans and football without motion blur. And FI does that. Do I use it all the time? No. But I do use it when I think there will be a benefit to what I'm seeing on my screen. It does wonders for Planet Earth and like I said, sports is soooooooooo much better when FI is properly implemented.
And I don't get where the features don't work well. If you check out the numerous owner threads, you'll see there have been minimal issues with the 3000 and 4000 series. So that comment is unwarranted. 

I've been very happy with my 900, blown away by demos of the 3000 and closely follow the 4000 in hopes that it and the 3000 get down into the range where they are affordable to someone like me in the way the 900 quickly did.  I understand Greg has both a commitment to quality and product to move, but I disagree entirely with his lumping any of the Panny line in with so called 'crap'... 

One thing that people often fail to compensate for is zoom range in their projectors and I stand by my assessment that in the room where I have my PJ set up no other solution would work for me as well as the Panny's highly flexible lens system does. 

Sam

I guess we will have to agree to disagree and only 1 of us is an expert.

 I haven't visited this forum for several years and I can see I haven't missed a thing. Back to...

I have to step in and also defend the Panny line.

They are certainly not crap.  In fact, if I were going
to buy a new projector tomorrow my first choice would
be the Panny 4000.

Quote:
LMAO touche!  Post of the week right there.  If you need more ammunition I'm red/green and blue/brown color blind too.

rotflmao

Guys, Im not saying that the Panny is that bad...(well I am...but not really). It is good for what it is at the 2000 price point. At the same price point I would also look at the Epson PJs, they do not seem to have some of the issues that I see with the Pannys.

My other part to the discussion, was that the PJs that I had (RS2) were MUCH better than the Panny (but yes more expensive). Given that the RS2 had a MSRP of 8000 and I had them for 2900....to me it seemed like a no brainer (if your budget would allow for it). Please note that I am sold out of the RS2s and no more stock is available.

Gregg