Electronics heavy weight Panasonic has finally come out with its long awaited 3D LCD projector. This new Panasonic PT-AT5000 projector gives strong competition to already available projectors in stores like the Sony VPL-HW30, JVC DLA-X30, and Epson TW9000 and TW6000.
The PT-AT5000 was unveiled in July, 2011 at Panasonicâs Los Angeles-based Hollywood Labs. Even apart from the important 3D addition, the company has emerged strong after the launch with some major improvements over its previous AE4000 offering.
Overview
The Panasonic PT-AT5000 projector has a 3D LCD projection with a contrast ratio 300,000:1. It also features a significant improvement in its brightness output: 2000 ANSI lumens. Brightness is especially important in a 3D projector, as this helps remove the dimming effect of active shutter glasses. The device retro looks are impressive with curving lines and a sleek black body. The lens has been placed to the right and the exhaust to the left, in direct opposition to the previous iteration.
Home cinema galore
This 3D projector has kept crosstalk quite low by employing a trio of LCD panels switching at 480 Hz. An exclusive âBlack Boxâ technology has also been used for this purpose. The 2X zoom feature, which allows it to display a 3 meters (in diagonal) image from a distance of 3.6 meters announce its challenge to other devices in the high end projector segment. The life of the lamp in normal output mode is 4,000 hours.
The most enchanting feature of this 3D projector is its excellent compatibility with a 3D source. It can link with Panasonicâs Viera Link and communicate with other home theater and multimedia equipments of the same brand. A high 1,920×1,080 pixel resolution and seven different picture modes optimize the picture quality.
The projector uses a 200 W Red Rich lamp which achieves increased brightness and excellent colors. A fully HD optimized optical system has been employed to provide sharpness and clarity. Its optical filter improves RGB purity levels, at the same time deepening the blackened texture. This affects the purity of colors considerably, improving clarity along with projecting richer images.
The technology used to produce the dynamic iris makes the PT-AT5000 really worth the dollar spent. Auto detection of the brightness of each image by the iris makes it equally useful in dark scenes as well. This is done frame by frame, identifying each image by creating a histogram and then adjusting the lamp power. It, thus, encapsulates immense power to add beauty and life to your images and videos.
What lies beneath
Power supply: 100 240 V
Power consumption: 285 W (.08W in standby mode)
Brightness: 2,000 lumens
Movement of lens: 100% vertical and 26% horizontal
Colors: full color
Contrast ratio: 300,000:1
Resolution: 1,920×1,080 pixels
Operating noise: 22 dB
Accessories: Power cord, wireless remote control, batteries for remote control, lens cover
Optional accessories: Replacement lamp unit, ceiling mount bracket, 3D IR transmitter, 3D eyewear.
What we love
Panasonic has always endeavored to develop ecofriendly product designs, and production and delivery processes. The Panasonic PT-AT5000 projector complies with RoHS directives and encompasses the following ecological considerations: Lead free glass has been used for the lens, and none of the flame retardants are halogenated to produce poisonous gases. An ECO button on the remote control reduces power usage, and the projector is powered by a mere 0.08 W during standby. A sleep timer helps reduce power wastage by turning the device off after a certain period.
What we hate
a. The lens shift control is not at all user friendly.
b. Somehow, Panasonic has missed out on the 3D memory lens shift functionality.
c. The Color Management System (CMS), faulty in the last model, continues to frustrate with its UI in the current avatar also.
Price
The price of this bright new device has not yet been revealed by Panasonic. Speculators put its cost to be approximately between $2,995 and $2,495. This is not at all high if you keep in mind its rich 3D viewing experience. The Panasonic PT-AT5000 works better and brighter than its near competitors, looks stunning and therefore, is good value for money.
