Panasonic PT-AE900U or Optoma HD72???

Tim Glover · 08-27-2006, 03:44 AM

Hey. Need some advice. These are probably the most highly reviewed projectors in their price class. They are also among the highest rated projectors well above their price too.

...I have owned 2 Panasonic LCD projectors in the past & had some quality control issues. However the 900u is really a sweet pj. The Optoma is a DLP pj that is brighter and is noted to have excellent color.

Both are native 720p units.

Most reviews I've read seem to like them both. Both have some minor weaknessess the other one doesn't possess and the same for their strengths.

The Panny does have more flexible range in regards to placement. This is a cool feature and can be placed in the back of the room etc...The Optoma is more restricted in terms of placement.

Prices are nearly the same right now with both having rebates that expire August 31. The Optoma is $168 more.

Give me some of your thoughts guys. Thanks!

Tim Glover · 08-28-2006, 10:39 AM

Need some wisdom from my HTF brothers!

Robert_J · 08-28-2006, 05:00 PM

I went with the AE900 because of its flexability in mounting. It has been the best purchase since my HD DirecTivo.

-Robert

Michael TLV · 08-28-2006, 05:43 PM

Greetings

The Optoma is nice, but the color decoder is screwed up and cannot be fixed from the user menu. Don't bother with blue filters trying to set things up ... will give bad results.

Panasonic is also a nice unit but softer in image quality and it still has the non uniformity of color issues that all LCD projectors seem to share which bugs me a lot.

Regards

Tim Glover · 08-28-2006, 06:03 PM

I'm glad you chimed in Michael and was going to try and send you a PM but didn't want to be a bother. I usually am.

So it seems you're not a big fan of either of these? I was hoping to stay in that $1500 after rebates $ #'s but...

Am also considering a DLP rear projection unit too. But I really, really miss my front projector size screen.

Do you have other Pj recommendations? The IN76 from Infocus seems to be a good one...

Thanks

**HTF Ads**

Reginald Trent · 08-28-2006, 06:35 PM

The Sanyo Z4 is also highly regarded.

Jim Mcc · 08-29-2006, 03:39 PM

I would buy the Infocus IN76 before either of those. Unless you are sensitive to the DLP rainbow effect.

Jason Sweet · 08-29-2006, 05:47 PM

I have the HD72, bought it last week from ProjectorPoint. It came with the $300 rebate, and a free replacement bulb, shipped free. As of this week, they still had a few bulbs left, so that might help you in you decision.
I posted some pics of it in action at:
http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a150/IkariWarrior/

So far I'm loving it. It has great contrast, nice blacks and bright colors, plus 2 digital inputs which is nice. I'm sure they could be tweaked like Michael said, but out of the box I'm very satisfied. Hope that helps!

Michael TLV · 08-29-2006, 06:05 PM

Greetings

The Mits with the same chip as the optoma is a better performer than the 72. Price point is similar ... although the mits is a bit more.

(I don't really like the Sanyo Z4 either though.

For some of the same reasons as the Panasonic ... although it can be tweaked better than the Panasonic. )

Regards