Panasonic Offers Up First 3D Projector
- Lamp reduces to brightness required
- Has built-in IR transmitter
- Lamp life of up to 5,000 hours
Panasonic has released its first Full HD 3D LCD home theatre projector, which is claimed to have enhanced levels of brightness, contrast and smooth images in both 3D and 2D.
Producing a 300,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,000 lumens of brightness as well as 1080p (1,920 x 1,080 pixel) resolution due to a newly developed optical engine, this PT-AE7000E projector delivers 2D images as well as immersive 3D content at home. It is also one of the world’s first 3D projectors to use transparent LCD panels driven at an impressive 480Hz which, combined with Panasonic’s original Overdrive Technology, significantly reduces crosstalk
The optical system features a new 200W red-rich lamp and new LCD panels with a large aperture ratio for increased red luminance and brightness output. The combination of fully optimised Pure Contrast Plates, Pure Color Filter Pro and Dynamic Iris Pro is said to deliver smooth contrast and vivid colours as well as deep blacks with fine shadow details. The PT-AE7000E also has lamp life of up to 5,000 hours in eco mode.
The projector is equipped with a built-in 3D IR transmitter so the viewer can watch large-screen 3D images with optional Panasonic 3D eyewear, which is sold separately.
It uses frame sequential technology for 3D image projection. The Overdrive Technology has been carefully tuned together with the 480Hz LCD panel to reduce crosstalk for comfortable 3D viewing. The projector is also equipped with a newly developed dual-core processing engine so that the projector can process 3D signals with all of the benefits of 2D image enhancements. Frame Creation, Detail Clarity Processor and other image processing technologies are optimised for 3D images in the same manner as 2D images for natural, life-like visuals with good clarity and also sharp, clear images for fast-moving action in sports and movies.
3D viewing can also be adjusted with the 3D Viewing Monitor and 3D Picture Balance features. Because the 3D effect changes with varying screen sizes, the 3D viewing monitor ensures that the viewer’s stereoscopic effect is within the recommended zone set forth by the 3D Consortium Committee. The left and right eye images can be displayed side by side on the PT-AE7000E with the individual Waveform Monitor to adjust 3D picture balance.
Other 3D features include 2D-3D conversion, which converts 2D content into five different 3D effect modes. An optional IR transmitter (ET-TRM110) is available for extended transmission distance.
Many Blu-ray Discs and DVDs come in aspect ratios that are wider than the projector’s 16:9 aspect ratio, to match the image size (2.35:1) seen in movie theatres. The projector’s Intelligent Lens Memory feature makes it possible for the user to program up to six different zoom/focus positions. Automatic switching between 16:9 and 2.35:1 video content is achieved through the signal aspect detection capability.
Enhanced theatre automation, such as lighting and a motorised screen, is possible with the unit, as it is equipped with two programmable 12-volt trigger terminals and Viera Link. Viera Link provides seamless operation of multiple Viera Link compatible Panasonic devices via the PT-AE7000E remote control with backlit buttons.
The PT-AE7000E is also equipped with three HDMI inputs (supporting x.v.Color and Deep Color), so multiple HD sources can be connected without an HDMI switcher. Initial setup and installation are claimed to be quick and easy, as the 2x zoom can project a 120-inch diagonal image from as close as 3.6 metres to 7 metres from the screen. The projector’s lens shift capability enables 100 per cent vertical adjustment and 26 per cent horizontal adjustment.
In addition to its imaging features, the new unit is also an eco-conscious product. Its intelligent power management system reduces the lamp power to the exact level of brightness required depending on the content being displayed. Advanced Panasonic digital circuitry intelligently determines the necessary power output by analysing more than 3 billion different image patterns. This advanced analysis process reduces power consumption by as much as 10 per cent when the Dynamic Iris function is operating.
Other ecological considerations include an off-timer that reduces wasteful power consumption, and an extremely low standby power consumption of 0.08 watts.
RRP
$4,179
