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Panasonic PT-AX200U 3LCD HD Home Theater Projector - Front View
Panasonic PT-AX200U 3LCD HD Home Theater Projector - Front View
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Panasonic PT-AX200U 3LCD Home Theater Projector - Product Review

From Robert Silva,
Your Guide to Home Theater.
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Guide Rating - rating

The Bottom Line

At an MSRP of $1,999, the Panasonic PT-AX200U 3LCD projector is an upgrade of its popular PT-AX100U, which I reviewed previously. Two improvements include better detail performance with dark scenes and better motion response for video game play. With its native 720p resolution and high light output, the video quality is excellent. Flesh tones, overall color saturation, and contrast levels provide a very natural looking image, with none of the usual LCD artifacts, such as the screen door effect. The level of performance is hard to beat in this price range.

For a deeper look at the PT-AX200U, check out my Photo Profile

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Pros
  • Excellent Image Quality for the price - No visible LCD screen door effect.
  • 2 HDMI ver 1.3 Inputs - Accepts 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 source signals.
  • High lumen output produces bright images for large rooms and screen sizes.
  • Game Mode enhances black level and controller motion response.
  • Easy-to-use Lens Shift Lever and adjustable feet - Very Easy to Use Remote Control
Cons
  • 1080i and 1080p input signals scaled to 720p for screen display.
  • No Motorized Zoom or Focus Function - must be done manually at lens.
  • No separate DVI input (HDMI inputs can be used using DVI/HDMI Converter cable).
  • Larger footprint than many projectors in this price range.
  • No carrying case or storage bag included in box

Description

  • 3-Chip LCD Video Projector with 2,000 Lumens of light output and 1280x720 (720p) Native Pixel Resolution.
  • Image size range: 40 to 200 inches - adds flexibility for both small and large screen sizes and room environments.
  • Native 16x9 Screen Aspect Ratio. The PT-AX200U can also accommodate standard 4x3 aspect ratio sources.
  • 6000:1 Contrast Ratio. 220 Watt Lamp and 3000 Hour Lamp Life.
  • Light Harmonizer 2 ambient light sensor improves brightness and contrast in various lighting conditions.
  • HDMI, VGA, HD-Component, S-Video, and Composite Video inputs.
  • Compatible with input resolutions up to 1080p, including 1080p/24 (scaled to 720p for screen display). NTSC/PAL Compatible.
  • Game Mode improves detail in dark areas and provides quicker motion response between game controller and onscreen action.
  • Automatic video input Detection - Manual video input selection also available via remote control or buttons on projector.
  • Ceiling and Table mount compatible. Wireless Remote Control. Easy to use owner's manual and quick startup guide.

Guide Review - Panasonic PT-AX200U 3LCD Home Theater Projector - Product Review

Having reviewed the PT-AX100U, the predecessor of the PT-AX200U, I was already familiar with its basic features, functions, and physical layout. What separates the two, besides the lower price for the AX200U, is an additional HDMI input (bringing the number to two) and enhancements in both black level and motion response.

If you already own a PT-AX100U, don't despair, you have an excellent 720p LCD projector, but if you are trying to choose between the two now, definitely check out the new and improved AX200, especially if you are a gamer.

I found that with both the AX100U and AX200U, when watching movies, I had to remind myself and my viewing partner that were watching an LCD projector and not a DLP projector. There was no sign of the usual screen door effect that can plague LCD projectors. Also, both the AX100U and AX200U have an excellent light output at 2,000 lumens, which produces a bright image on a large screen surface.

As a test of the lumens output of this projector, I placed the AX200U in two different positions in a 30x15 foot room. The first position was at 18 feet from the screen. This resulted in a very bright 130-inch image. The next position, about 30 feet from the screen produced an image well or 145-inches and was still bright enough for comfortable viewing.

The drawbacks of the AX200U (as was present in the AX100U) was the lack of power zoom, focus, and lens shift controls (all of these controls where manually operated). However, the AX-200U does now include two HDMI inputs, instead of the single input on the AX100U.

I was impressed with PT-AX100U, and more so with the AX-200U. I give the Panasonic PT-AX200U 3LCD video projector the same rating as I gave the previous PT-AX100U, 5 Stars out of Five. This is definitely a great performing, affordable, video projector to consider for a home theater setup.

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