[huh @ Sep 6th 2007 11:19AM]

Panasonic has a way of mucking with the video output that makes it unsuitable for some uses. Think of an audio player's equalizer function that adds effects (concert hall, etc), sometimes they conflict with the original audio engineer's ideas, and the result is horrible. There is just no way an algorithm can second guess every visual circumtsance.

In particular, Panasonic's "optimizations" can degrade computer output, since they are optimized for the (hopefully retro by now) idea of using a projector solely for video.

Sanyo's projector have the same flaw, but not as critical, for example the auto iris can be more trouble than its worth, as well as making lots of noise cranking the iris as scenes change and probably reducing product life. Fortunately you can turn it off. Pure signal please!

[Brandon Coyle @ Sep 6th 2007 2:40PM]

Panasonic's projectors are always in the top ratings. They must be doing something right. Just one example is below. These guys review everything and it is very non-judgemental. Check it out. Also, remember these are home theater projectors. They are not created for PCs or it would be DVI instead of HDMI, and it would be 1600x1200 res.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/home-theater-multimedia-projectors.htm

[huh @ Sep 6th 2007 11:34PM]

My point was these projectors can be suboptimal for computers, because of Panasonic's over-tweaking, which can also cause problems with "movies." While their primary purpose may be for movies, many people currently and in the future will use them with home theatre PCs, for movies and emerging interactive media. Models are starting to emerge that acknowledge higher quality, non "data," computer uses, but presumably people on Engadget will be ahead of the curve.

Projectorcentral is the best projector review site - which doesn't mean much, especially considering how subjective and slanted projector reviews can be ("in a side by side comparison, X looked better while watching X.") I wrote them about their lack of concern for HTPC uses, and they were clearly willing to drag their heels and ignore the HTPC crowd for now.

I went to a store intending to buy the PT-AE900u, but ended up buying the Sanyo Z5 because for computer use it had a clearer display. The cause was their "Smooth Screen" effect, which as far as I know is an intentional physical altering of the display. "Smooth Screen" may be useful for pure movie watching, but you could just defocus the projector slightly. (And I'm not just talking about this one effect).

Try this (if you haven't noticed it already). Turn on a 3d effect (concert hall, etc) on an amp while listening to a song that already has a lot of echo in it. It sounds like crap. There is a similar effect when Panasonic's (or any other product) "enhancement" runs across a condition it wasn't designed for. Many of these "enhancements" are really rigged gimmicks for the showroom. Big surprise.