PC Review: Epson 8500UB vs. Panasonic AE4000 Shootout

borromini · 10-26-2009, 09:48 PM

http://www.projectorcentral.com/epso...nic_ae4000.htm

Between these two, this would be a hard choice for me to make.

Chris Gerhard · 10-27-2009, 08:02 AM

At the same price, I think the Epson 8500UB would be my choice. I wouldn't pay much of a premium for it however. I doubt I have the ability to distinguish between the 2 based on picture.

Chris

Loves2Watch · 10-27-2009, 09:35 AM

This excerpt from a ProjectorCentral review makes the Panasonic AE4000 the clear winner - "Similarly, its ease of use is unrivaled-perfect color calibration out of the box in Cinema 1 mode, smart menus that are easy to navigate, lens memory to accommodate 2.40 super widescreen without an anamophic lens-no other projector has all of these things, and most have none of them."

And this - "Both show relatively low digital noise levels, but there is somewhat less on the AE4000 than the 8500"

borromini · 10-27-2009, 12:54 PM

Regarding the comments on picture quality...the review noted repeatedly throughout that while these are the image results of side-by-side comparisons, they are very minute and subtle differences and in no way indicate a poor performance or undesirable result for the Epson.

As for features...very true that the AE4000 seems to have the kitchen included. However, this may still not be enough for some folks when a single common feature is of utmost importance.

For instance, I'm looking for a very bright PJ that does not make major image sacrifices where ambient light is present for sporting events. This single aspect is very important to me and that's why the Epson presents such a strong attraction because it actually can pump out 200 more lumens than the Panny and with minimal tweaks can present a very good picture.

Now is that important enough to outweigh the lens memory feature? That's the hard part...it's difficult to decide. Since I don't have a physical screen to project on, but rather a wall...it's likely that the lens memory feature is less useful versus those who have a 2.40 screen.

Chris Gerhard · 10-27-2009, 03:19 PM

I am still likely to move away from LCD with my next projector. I almost purchased the JVC made Pioneer PRO-FPJI at $2,950. I believe the image is superior to these 1080p LCD projectors and it will last much longer but I have never used anything other than 720p LCD projectors in my theater, which haven't had a very long life.

Chris

Loves2Watch · 10-28-2009, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Gerhard

I am still likely to move away from LCD with my next projector. I almost purchased the JVC made Pioneer PRO-FPJI at $2,950. I believe the image is superior to these 1080p LCD projectors and it will last much longer but I have never used anything other than 720p LCD projectors in my theater, which haven't had a very long life.

Chris

The LCoS projectors by JVC, called HD ILA are nothing short of spectacular...

10-26-2009, 09:48 PM	#1
borromini HT Frontiersman Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Northern California Posts: 9,825	PC Review: Epson 8500UB vs. Panasonic AE4000 Shootout http://www.projectorcentral.com/epso...nic_ae4000.htm Between these two, this would be a hard choice for me to make. __________________ "I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy"

10-27-2009, 09:35 AM	#3
Loves2Watch SPAM Police Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: AZ, NM, TX, MX Posts: 13,945	This excerpt from a ProjectorCentral review makes the Panasonic AE4000 the clear winner - "Similarly, its ease of use is unrivaled-perfect color calibration out of the box in Cinema 1 mode, smart menus that are easy to navigate, lens memory to accommodate 2.40 super widescreen without an anamophic lens-no other projector has all of these things, and most have none of them." And this - "Both show relatively low digital noise levels, but there is somewhat less on the AE4000 than the 8500" __________________ Theater 1 - Panasonic TH-85PF12U Plasma TV, 6 Conrad Johnson LP275M Amps, Anthem Statement D-2 Pre/Pro, 6 Thiel SCS4 Speakers, 2 REL T-1 Subs, Infinity Interlude 120S Sub, Simaudio MOON Orbiter Universal Disc Player, ELP Laser Turntable, 2 Dish Network ViP 622 DVR's, Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray Player, Onkyo DV-HD805 HD DVD Player. Friends don't let friends buy Korean brand TV's.

10-27-2009, 12:54 PM	#4
borromini HT Frontiersman Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Northern California Posts: 9,825	Regarding the comments on picture quality...the review noted repeatedly throughout that while these are the image results of side-by-side comparisons, they are very minute and subtle differences and in no way indicate a poor performance or undesirable result for the Epson. As for features...very true that the AE4000 seems to have the kitchen included. However, this may still not be enough for some folks when a single common feature is of utmost importance. For instance, I'm looking for a very bright PJ that does not make major image sacrifices where ambient light is present for sporting events. This single aspect is very important to me and that's why the Epson presents such a strong attraction because it actually can pump out 200 more lumens than the Panny and with minimal tweaks can present a very good picture. Now is that important enough to outweigh the lens memory feature? That's the hard part...it's difficult to decide. Since I don't have a physical screen to project on, but rather a wall...it's likely that the lens memory feature is less useful versus those who have a 2.40 screen. __________________ "I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy"

10-27-2009, 08:02 AM	#2
Chris Gerhard High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 8,207	At the same price, I think the Epson 8500UB would be my choice. I wouldn't pay much of a premium for it however. I doubt I have the ability to distinguish between the 2 based on picture. Chris

10-27-2009, 03:19 PM	#5
Chris Gerhard High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 8,207	I am still likely to move away from LCD with my next projector. I almost purchased the JVC made Pioneer PRO-FPJI at $2,950. I believe the image is superior to these 1080p LCD projectors and it will last much longer but I have never used anything other than 720p LCD projectors in my theater, which haven't had a very long life. Chris