VinS

Panasonic PT-AE700U

Alright, I've been enjoying the high res details of HDTV for over a year now and I love it. The problem, I have a 30" Philips HDTV. I love the TV but I just think it's not big enough anymore. I've been researching for the last few days to try and get an idea for when I get ready to purchase a projector and the Panasonic PT-AE700U seems to get top reviews. I just have a few questions that I would like for anyone to answer before I drop a couple grand...

1) Compared to a plasma screen (with exception of the obvious size difference) how does this projector stand up in image quality?? I'm particularly interested in high speed motion such as sporting events and video games like on a PS2, etc

2) These projectors aren't cheap to begin with but how much does a replacement lamp cost and what is the expected life span of a lamp?

Newegg.com offers this projector for $1960, they are a great company to order from but I have concerns about there only being a 1 yr manuf. warranty. If anyone has recommendations for a similar, hopefully cheaper, with a better warranty projector let me know. I've noticed the Sanyo Z3 is comparable. Thanks in advance

Michael TLV

Greetings

Bulb is about $300 ... rated life is up to 5000 hours

I've know people who have gone to 4500 hr with this bulb in the older Panny LCD units. Same bulb.

Some others when to 1300 hr before it went. Life depends on how you use it and how well it is ventilated.

regards

Michael @ The Laser Video Experience
THX Video Systems Instructor
ISF Calibration Instructor
Lion A/V Consultants Network

Chris Brock

greetings! I can chime in on the picture quality. I have a AE700 projecting onto a 110" Carada screen. I have a few friends that work at both Circuit City and Best Buy and they have both said with 100% certainty that the PQ I have with this setup is as good as any display they carry. So I would say that you arent going to be hurting yourself in the PQ area by going with the AE700 or another comparable projector such as the Z3.

MikeMon

Being a new 700U owner I would also like to say that I could not in any way be happier with my projector. I also know where you can get an extended warranty if you are interested 99.00 for 2 years (mack warranty ). So what are you waiting for go get that thing.

VinS

First off, thanks for the replys.

Second, MikeMon: where can you get the 2 year warranty? and can you purchase the projector through another vendor and still get it?

Third, Does anyone have any experience with the 700U and video game systems like the PS2?

Appreciate it

VinS

I just noticed that the 700U comes with a 3 year warranty according to Newegg.com. Can you get that 2 year as an extension of that 3 year for a total of 5?!?!? That would be an excellent deal.

MikeMon

http://www.mackcam.com/warranty.html

I am pretty sure you can get it regardless of who you buy it from, its a panasonic approved extended warranty. You should call them to be sure. Worst case I can give you the info for the store I bought my 700u from (located in NJ I believe) There the best people to deal with and they even cod if its in your favor.

No experience with the ps2 yet since I am still working on the room nothing is permanently mounted yet.

Good luck, and trust me there is no way you will be disappointed.



You can extend the warranty any time I thik as long as you do not let it run out. Be sure you check on thet though I thnk I only got a 1 year parts and 90 day lamp??

VinS

there's a $200 rebate on the panasonic website too!! expires 6/30/05 I apparently can't post the link because I don't have enough posts but just put ftp infront of this:

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/B_PT...RebateForm.pdf

Chris Brock

I have my Xbox hooked up to mine right now and it is awesome. It really makes a difference in game play. Games such as Halo and Forza Motorshports really make you feel like you are in the game when you are watching such a large screen.

trevis_h

The replacement lamp is $350 US from an online store (cheapest I've seen online). Thay rate them at 2000 hours and the unit will not function once you hit the 3000 hour mark. You must reset the lamp counter and risk having the lamp blow up in your projector.

It's better to change it out at 2000 to 3000 hours, or when the light output is dimminished so much that you can't stand it anymore.

You can get lamps off ebay, new with warranty for cheaper than the $350 US.

Cheers,

Trevis

Richard Hardbattle