Panasonic debuts 1080p home theater projector
updated 12:25 pm EST, Wed November 8, 2006
Panasonic 1080p Projector
Panasonic took part in a CES press preview event today which marked the introduction of the company's first full HD projector. Owners of the new PT-AE1000U can display video at 1080p, matching the native resolution of Blu-Ray and HD DVD movies. The image quality itself is also improved, Panasonic says. A specially-tuned, aspherical lens system is claimed to provide 1,110 lumens of brightness as well as improved contrast. In combination with vertically aligned LCD pixels and improved iris control, the AE1000U can achieve a high 10,000:1 contrast ratio. Color accuracy is also a distinguishing trait of the new projector. A 14-bit color gamma correction system helps ensure accuracy automatically, but enthusiasts can now view the waveform for an incoming signal and adjust individual colors in response -- a feature previously left to professional calibration tools, Panasonic says. Two HDMI ports allow the device to connect to two different HD sources and an RS-232C connector can merge the AE1000U with home and theater automation systems. Panasonic plans to release the projector later this month for $5,999.
