Panasonic's first 1080p LCD projector, the PT-AE1000

Christmas has come early at CEDIA this year, and even Panasonic is joining the fray with their first 1080p LCD projector, the PT-AE1000. The unit is based on Epson's new 0.7-inch D6 LCD chips, the same thing powering Mitsubishi's new HC5000 unit, and while we don't have an exact price, it doesn't seem like $4k would be a far wrong guess. As for the rest of the specs, the AE1000 has 1100 lumens of brightness, a 2x zoom and lens shift ability. Unfortunately, Christmas hasn't come early for reals, and we'll still have to wait until November for this thing to start shipping.

[Via AboutProjectors]

[my_name_is_tudor @ Sep 14th 2006 6:46PM]

Looks like a giant PS2 eye-toy

[Jake @ Sep 14th 2006 7:05PM]

$4 grand would be sweet pricing. I don't think I've seen specs like this under $5k yet.

The price/performance ratio on these front projectors is really getting excellent. Used to cost around $10 grand for a really good one. Now you can get a killer one for $5k, maybe less. You can get a really very good one for around $2k.

I've got a Sanyo PLV-70, which is Hi Def (720p) and really bright (I can't remember the lumens but I can watch it in a lit room). I think I got a good price and paid around $5K a little over 2 years ago.

I've got a 10 foot diagonal screen and hi def content (via OTA and DirecTv) looks awesome!

I'm just gonna wait a bit longer to upgrade. I want DLP (as opposed to the LCD in my Sanyo) and a direct digital connection (HDMI). My Sanyo has DVI but it's kind of useless because it doesn't have HDCP so it doesn't work with my set top box. Look's like I'll be able to get 1080p also -- which I could live without but what the heck. I'm guessing that would be pretty killer with hi def DVD if/when I get around to getting that.

I think anyone considering a Plasma/LCD should at least consider front projection. The quality is excellent these days.

[leaky @ Oct 5th 2006 5:16PM]

Jake
Can't believe you want a dlp over a lcd! I don't know how you can stand the flickering. Look closly at a white image on a dlp and you will see constant flickering that looks like the video noise on the old laser disk. Also my sharp lcd is in its 11th year with still a great picture. Don't think any dlp will do that.
Leaky

[James @ Sep 14th 2006 7:48PM]

"It's just hard to believe that this will go for around 4k. I'll take my 42" plasma any day."

Jerry, you, sir, are an idiot.

That PJ would SPANK your plasma. PQ, contrast, brightness, resolution. Not even close. Plus 3 times larger.

Front projection rapes plasma any day of the week.

[Adam @ Sep 14th 2006 9:43PM]

I can't understand why plasmas continue to be so popular when the prices on projectors keep dropping. I purchased one for under $2K over three years ago and I have XGA resolution upscaled to HDTV with 120" picture.

[Ben Hobbs @ Sep 14th 2006 11:05PM]

Sweet,

It will be cheaper than the Sony LCOS offering so I would expect a $3,500 to $4,000 price tag and it to come down quickly as Sanyo, Hitachi etc... start launching their 1080p LCD projectors.

[Kris @ Sep 15th 2006 4:08AM]

I bet that could make a business meeting entertaining

[H�kan @ Sep 15th 2006 4:40AM]

The design is sweet, reminds me of IBM Workstations with the black plastic and the strips. Still a bit expensive considering the lack of 1080-material available (in Sweden). May be a better deal in a year or two for those of us who can wait. *hugging my PT-AE700*

http://www.geocities.com/itpic45/IBM_IntelliStation_Zpro.JPG

Sure it's similar.

[GhostDoggy @ Sep 15th 2006 5:14AM]

Considering the Sony 1080P Pearl is listing for $4995, it will be interesting to see how far the Panasonic's street price will get pushed down.