Next in sharpness come the Optoma HD72, and the BenQ PE7700. The Panasonic is a little softer than the others. Of the other, more expensive projectors, the Sony HS51A comparable to the Sanyo, while by comparison, the Epson is softer than the Panasonic on DVD.
Ergonomics
Generally, LCD projectors have a big advantage in this regard. Both the Sanyo and Panasonic home theater projectors, offer 2:1 ratio zoom lenses. In most rooms, that means you can place the projector somewhere between halfway back all the way to the back wall. This also means that you can shelf mount the projector instead of putting it on a table, or ceiling mounting it. (Note, the Epson and Sony LCD projectors also have wide range zooms, not as much as these two, but more than the DLP projectors.
The other advantage of LCD projectors in this price range, is lens shift, which allows you placement flexibility in terms of height. Combine the zoom lens and lens shift and rear wall mounting works almost every time. The Sanyo has a slight edge over the Panasonic in lens shift. You can place the projector from about a foot or so (depending on screen size) below the bottom of the screen, to an equal amount above the top.
Switching to the two DLP projectors, they both offer zoom lenses with only 1.2:1 zooms - a shift of 20% not the 100% of the Panny and Sanyo. This means that with a 110" screen, you have about 2+ feet of placement flexibility.
In addition they both lack lens shift, which typically doesn't show up in DLP projectors selling for less than $3000-$4000
With the BenQ PE7700 home theater projector, if you place the projector on a low table or low wall shelf, the center of the lens needs to be exactly even with the bottom of the screen surface. If ceiling mounting, even with the top of the screen surface.
The Optoma, by comparison, sits lower on a table or back shelf, probably about 1 good foot below the bottom of screen surface, or an equal amount above the top when ceiling mounted.
So, bottom line on ergonomics - the Panny and Sanyo have a major edge in where you can place them.
Summary:
Each of these four home theater projectors have particular strengths and weaknesses. The good news is that all of them produce an image that almost certainly will perform better than you had anticipated!
Before making your final decision on purchasing a home theater projector in this range, I suggest you read the full reviews of the projectors that look like they will work for you.
I strongly recommend that you choose your dealer wisely. Find one with a good buy policy (it can't hurt), and one that is knowledgeable. You might end up spending an extra $100 or more, but it can be a really good investment.
Two more tips: Buy high quality cables, for, you can see the difference. Screens are the other key area, match the screen to your projector's traits and to your room. For articles on choosing a projector screen, click here.
Here's a couple of lines on each of the four review projectors pointing out their relative strengths and weaknesses.
Panasonic PT-AE900u: Good brightness, best out of the box color, "Smooth Screen" lcd panels make it less suspectable to screen door effect. Great room placement abilities. On the down side, average brightness, and an image not quite as sharp as the others. 1 year warranty.
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