Our Panasonic PT-AE900U has just gone to projector heaven!  We have been very happy with the Panasonic brand for our home theater and had been planning to replace our old projector with the PT-AE4000U model.  However, from the EH article ‘Best Home Theater Projectors from CEDIA 2011’ I see that a new model - the PT-AR100 is due for release in October.  Our max budget is $2000 which is right where both are priced. 

I’d be very grateful for any advice/opinions on whether we should go for the PT-AE4000U model (which appears to get very solid reviews) or else opt for the soon-to-be released model, PT-AR100. 

FYI - we have no issues with light in the room and the screen is 100”.

Thank you so much in advance for your time, input and guidance.

The best thing you could do is to visit your local A/V dealers to audition any potential projector. There are many quality projectors in the $2,000 price range, including projectors from Epson, Sony and Optoma.

Stepping up into the next price category and there are products from JVC Professional and Runco that are available.

Typically in the price range you are looking at most of the products use LCD technologies, but Optoma does offer Texas Instruments’ DLP technologies at lower price points.

Robert, thank you so much for taking the time to reply - I really appreciate your advice.  I think you are right that we should start expanding our search to include other brands (if anyone has any specific recommendations I’d be very grateful!).  After doing a little more homework I think the PT-AE4000 would be a better fit for us but I’m hesitant to pay that much money for a product that was released in 2009 and we’re not interested in the 3D options yet (as in PT-AE7000).  Thanks again for your help!

The major reason why I mentioned the various technologies and other manufacturers is that you do have a lot of options available to you. You may find that a DLP powered projector produces a punchier image; a step up into an LCoS-based product gives you a more film-like image or Epson’s LCD technologies provide more contrast and deeper black levels. It is important for you as a consumer to look into the other products and technologies the market has to offer.

As for the Panasonic projector, I wouldn’t be concerned about the 3D option. I often remind people that 3D-enabled products tend to be more feature laden than non-3D products and that 3D is just an option—it doesn’t have to be used.

The key for your product comparisons will be to for you to try to see the products in conditions that are similar to your home’s so you can make the fairest evaluations. Some of the factors to look at going into your evaluations will include the same screen type (or at least screen gain), room conditions, screen size, source components (Blu-ray disc players, cable/satellite boxes) and content.

You may want to ask the dealers you visit about the content they run during their demos and if it’s o.k. if you bring your own content. Blu-rays like the Disney WOW disc provide a nice combination of test patterns and clips from various Disney movies, which makes it a nice disc to use for demo content.

Good luck with your purchase, you’ll have a lot of fun trying out all of the different projectors.

I wasn’t aware price dropped to 1500…nice. This might be the thorn in 3010 side if they don’t get on the lens shift wagon.

You can get the second year warranty if you buy by Oct 31, just print form and send in-

Ordered my 4000 on Tuesday night from Audio General, shipped yesterday - here Monday. Great deal on the chief mount as well.

Great deal- 1869-250 rebate- free ship/no tax/cheapest prince on mount. Saved me $400 compared to if I would have bought 3 weeks ago from somewhere else I had been looking at….

The key for your product comparisons will be to for you to try to see the products in conditions that are similar to your home’s so you can make the fairest evaluations. Some of the factors to look at going into your evaluations will include the same screen type (or at least screen gain), room conditions, screen size, source components (Blu-ray disc players, cable/satellite boxes) and content.

After doing a little more homework I think the PT-AE4000 would be a better fit for us but I’m hesitant to pay that much money for a product that was released in 2009 and we’re not interested in the 3D options yet

It’s always good to learn from experts! Thanks a lot Robert for providing so much detailed info on the product comparision. I think you have made a very important point about the 3D enabled option. I am planning to buy a new projector for my home theater and looking for something basic to cover my needs.

I will choose Panasonic Projectors PT-AE4000U. This brand is accompany me several years.