Panasonic PT-AE7000 Full HD 3D Home Cinema Projector

Panasonic has begun shipping a home-targeted Full HD 3D projector that integrates cutting-edge capabilities with a proven projection technology to create breathtaking motion pictures—at an unprecedented price. The Panasonic PT-AE7000U HD Home Cinema Projector is a 3-LCD projector that incorporates three advanced transmissive liquid crystal display panels (red, green and blue) to compose the 1920 x 1080p image.

Panasonic calls the process “transparent LCD,” but the basic technology predates both DLP and reflective LCD-chip-type projectors. What makes this bright (2,000 Lumens) projector so interesting is a variety of signal-processing algorithms and a red rich lamp, among other features.

According to Panasonic, the PT-AE7000U is the only 3D projector to use a 480 Hz refresh rate to drive its LCD panels. As a result, it can produce “stunning large-screen 2D images, as well as an immersive 3D viewing experience for home theater viewers.” Combined with Panasonic’s original Overdrive Technology, the PT-AE7000U achieves very low crosstalk (which would be discernible as double images) for comfortable and adjustable 3D content viewing.

The PT-AE7000U is illuminated by a new 200-Watt Red-Rich Lamp, and new LCD panels with a larger aperture ratio, for increased red luminance and brightness output. The combination of fully optimized Pure Contrast Plates, Pure Color Filter Pro and Dynamic Iris Pro has resulted in a 300,000:1 contrast ratio, according to the company.

The projector is also equipped with a newly developed dual core processing engine so that 3D signals can be processed with all of the benefits of 2D image enhancements. Whether projecting 2D or 3D, the engine brings out fine details and three-dimensionality for natural, life-like visuals. Fast-moving scenes in sports and action movies are produced with full clarity.

As the image leaves the projector, a 2x optical power zoom/focus lens completes the system. The advanced optics comprise 16 lens elements in a dozen groups, including two large diameter, aspherical lenses and two high-performance extra-low dispersion lenses. Each lens is aligned to insure uniformity of focus from the center to the edges of the picture.

The projector’s 3D technologies were developed in collaboration with Panasonic’s Hollywood Laboratory engineers, who helped the filmmaking community to develop 3D industry standards. For 3D viewing, you’ll want the Panasonic ET-TRM110 Built-in 3D Infrared Transmitter and 3D glasses, available in such configurations as Panasonic's Twin Pack of Active Shutter 3D Eyewear (TY-EW3D3MPK2). Also, you’ll need a 3D-capable movie source like the DMP-BDT310 Full HD 3D Blu-ray Disc Player or a player embedded in a complete speaker system like Panasonic’s SC-BTT750 Blu-ray Disc Home Theater Sound System. The PT-AE7000U does not contain a speaker.