Panasonic PT-AX100U 3-LCD HD Home Theater Projector- Product Review and Rating

In a further evaluation, with regards to its scaling capabilities, the PT-AX100U did a good job passing most of the Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD Tests, especially in terms of video noise reduction and the ability to remain stable with mixed video and film elements. The PT-AX100U also showed good performance on jaggie elimination, motion tracking, and moire pattern elimination. In addition, the PT-AX100U did an excellent job rendering the 3:2 Pulldown film cadence.

What all the above technical explanations mean is that the PT-AX100U's built-in video processors and scaler can deliver an excellent image on the screen, within real world conditions.

With regards to Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD true 1080i and 1080p source material, the ability to accept input resolutions up to 1080p, then accurately scale those resolutions to the native 720p resolution of the projector, and maintain excellent image quality, is a real plus for the PT-AX100U.

Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD source material were rendered faithfully, with reference to the PT-AX100U's scaling capability.

The HD-DVD disc of The Phantom of the Opera was most impressive, in terms of color and black levels. Another HD-DVD disc that stood out was Peter Jackson's King Kong, which showed excellent detail, especially with close up images of Kong, where you could see every computer generated hair, facial wrinkles, and facial scars!

On the Blu-ray Disc side, Superman Returns, showed excellent, natural looking color, but detail was soft in spots, which may be more attributable to the disc transfer itself more than the projector. On the other hand, Mission Impossible III showed excellent facial detail, color, and black levels. However, sometimes the color appeared a little saturated in skin tones, but by no means unnatural.

In terms of Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD resolution input capabilities, the PT-AX100U handles it very well.

What I Liked About the PT-AX100U

1. Excellent Image Quality for the price. Color, contrast, and detail excel, in addition, there is no visible evidence of the LCD Screen Door Effect that is usually present on many LCD video projectors.

2. Accepts input resolutions up to 1080p - also accepts 1080p/24. In addition, the PT-AX100U also accepts both PAL and NTSC frame rate input signals. The scaling and processing of all input resolutions either up or down to 720p is very stable.

3. Lots of Lumens - The 2,000 Lumens light output rating for the PT-AX100U not only looks good on paper, but definitely yields results on the screen. The projected images definitely looked bright and sharp, and not washed out or muddy.

4. Very practical Lens Shift Lever and adjustable feet. The remote control of the PT-AX100U was the easiest video projector remote I have used. With a compact size, minimum of buttons, backlighting, and coupled with logically laid out onscreen menus, function and setting navigation was very easy, especially in the dark.

5. Runs quieter than most projectors in this class.

1. No Motorized Zoom or Focus Function - must be done manually at lens. This is standard in video projectors in this price range, however.

2. Only one set of Component and HDMI inputs. There is plenty of empty space, below the current inputs, to accommodate another set of component video inputs, as well as an additional HDMI input.

3. No separate DVI input. Although HDMI is the input of choice for most HD source components, there are source components that do make use of DVI. Even though HDMI and DVI connections are cross-compatible via conversion cables, adding a dedicated DVI input would be more convenient for consumers.

4. Larger footprint than many projectors in this price range.

5. No carrying case or storage bag included in box. Although this projector is designed with the stay-at-home user in mind, it is light enough to take to other venues. Having its own custom case included in the box would be a nice addition.

Bottom Line

The PT-AX100U offers features and performance that really brings the movie theater experience home. Setting up and using the PT-AX100U was very easy; the rear mounted connections are clearly labeled and spaced out, and the on-unit control buttons and remote control were easy to use in conjunction with the onscreen menus. Both the instruction manual and quick start guide were very easy to understand; a novice should have no problem setting up and using this projector.

The PT-AX100U's practical lens shift lever makes it easy to position and line up with the screen, especially in smaller rooms.

Although the PT-AX100U is not in the same price class as high end video projectors, it none-the-less is an excellent performer. I found the color quality and contrast levels exceeded my expectations. In addition, the built-in 720p scaling of the PT-AX100U did an excellent job of upscaling lower resolution 480p DVD material and downscaling higher resolution 1080i/1080p Blu-ray and HD-DVD resolutions, including 1080p/24 signals.

Another welcome observation was the traditional LCD Screen Door Effect was not noticeable, even on large projected images. I had to keep reminding myself that I was viewing an LCD projector and not a DLP projector.

The PT-AX100U is definitely a welcome entry into the video projector market and is illustrative of a trend that is making high quality video projection more affordable for the consumer. With a list price of $2,999 (as low as $1,999 on the street), the PT-AX100U is a hard one to pass up.

I was very impressed with the overall performance and function of the Panasonic PT-AX100U; the specifications on paper come very close to its real world performance. Whether you are in the market for your first home theater video projector or want to upgrade a older projector, definitely check out the Panasonic PT-AX100U.

I give the Panasonic PT-AX100U 3LCD Video Projector 5 out of 5 Stars.

For an additional, more detailed, look at the operation of the PT-AX100U, check out my Panasonic PT-AX100U Home Theater Projector - Close-up Photo Profile - Review.