Panasonic PT-AX100 Review |
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Reviewed: 02 May 2007
Design
The Panasonic PT-AX100 does not have the space age curvaceous look of some of its competitors, but its solid build quality and smooth rounded corners will still add a touch of class to any living space.
An all white finish and neat inlaid operational buttons add to the stylish effect.
Features
Connectivity on the PT-AX100 is pretty standard with 1 HDMI a VGA PC input and the usual S-video input, component input and serial port.
Resolution: 1280 x 720 Brightness: 2000 ANSI Lumens Contrast: 6000:1 Dimensions: 395(w) x 112(h) x 300(d)mm Weight: 4.9kg OTHER FEATURES: CONNECTIONS: 1 HDMI, VGA, Component, S-video
The picture processing heart of the PT-AX100 is Panasonic's very own 'SmoothScreen' processing which has been designed from the ground up to eliminate an affliction of many an LCD projector, the 'Chicken-Wire' effect.
Panasonic claims a contrast ratio of 6000:1 alongside an exceptional 2000 Lumens brightness.
The figure of 2000 Luens brightness is quite significant in that it should allow you to view the PT-AX100 with the lights on.
With a shortish throw to its lens, the PT-AX100 has the flexibility to operate well in a small room. From a distance of 1.5m, the Panasonic PT-Ax100 is able to create a 50in diagonal image with the zoom function.
Performance
The Panasonic PT-AX100 is an exceptional performer for the price. Pictures are sharp and vibrant, displaying a smoothness that is unrivalled in its class.
High Definition sources weren't quite as sharp as we have seen on some budget models, but better than average. Colours are worthy of particular note, with skin tones some of the most realistic we have seen on a sub £1,000 projector.
The PT-AX100 stands out from the crowd in that even fast action sources appear smooth and free of distortion. For an LCD Projector the fluidity displayed is quite exceptional.
Panasonic have been busy with every area of the PT-AX100, and while there is nothing revolutionary about this projector, it is the subtle upgrades that have made a big difference. The brightness of 2000 Lumens allows you to watch the PT-AX100 with lights on quite comfortably. We noticed the benefits of 'SmoothScreen' technology straight away. There is almost a complete absence of the 'Chicken-Wire' effect on the PT-AX100.
Of course, the PT-AX100has its flaws, most noticeable of which is the indifferent black levels that it produces. We are used to seeing this on an LCD projector, but it is all the more disappointing on the PT-AX100 as performance in other areas is so good. Even comparing it to other budget projectors, there is a noticeable amount of grey on darker scenes.
A big surprise was how well Standard Definition (SD) sources were handled by the PT-AX100. SD pictures were as smooth, detailed and free of noise as anything in this class. The PT-AX100 was remarkably free from the 'stuttering' effect we have seen on many comparable projectors.
Conclusion
The Panasonic PT-AX100 shows just how far LCD projector technology has progressed. For a sub £1,000 offering Panasonic have produced an exceptional all round performer.
