Thread: Panasonic PT-AE4000U VS LG CF181D

I have never owned a projector before and I have narrowed down my choice for my price range between the Panasonic PT-AE4000U and the LG CF181D. I think I have read all of the reviews possible for the 2 projectors and I am still struggling with which one to go with. I have read that the Panasonic with the new "Red" lamp produces a red tint to skin tones and other lamp life issues. I haven't read anything negative about the LG but I was trying to figure out if the contrast differences would be enough to choose the Panasonic? LG has the LCoS which is supposed to be the VERY best (that I have read anyway) with picture quality. I am a big plasma junkie and I know that the pictures from this price range of projectors probably will not compare but I have heard that LG produces the closest thing to plasma in this price range. Any help in this decision making would be greatly appreciated.

True, there are some issues with black levels on the LG but as far as I read it was only slightly below the Panasonic so I wasn't really factoring that in. The Panasonic is only $1,999.00 VS $2,299.00 for the LG but I was putting that aside since the website I found the LG on was giving away an extra lamp which is $300.00 so that kinda equaled it out. They were also giving away a 2nd year warranty on the Panasonic since it only comes with a 1 year warranty in which the LG comes with a 2 year warranty standard. Basically they are equal in price and warranty (on that website anyway). The other factor with the decision is that the Panasonic is only rated for 2000hrs on lamp life compared to the 3000hrs and up to 3500hrs on the LG (which I know is only possibilities not factual) so expense in lamps comes into play as well. $300 for the LG and $350 for the Panasonic and how frequently I would have to replace one VS the other. Again, I really know nothing about projectors besides what I have read in reviews and a couple of my buddies have them but they are older models so I cannot say I know personally about any of this. lol

I guess my biggest issue is that having not owned one would I regret getting either of these VS a LG 60PZ950 Plasma THX Certified OR Samsung PN59D8000 Plasma. I'm very big on HD quality and don't want to be disappointed by going big.

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

Maybe this review will help with your decision - LINK

I had previously read that review and had forgotten about it but since you gave me a recap I am leaning towards the Panasonic. I have seen some screen shots of the older 3000 model and they were outstanding.

Seating distance is between 10' -12'. Screen size that I would like to have is 120" diagonal. We are re-finishing our basement, well actually our whole house, we had a house fire last year and it is just now being rebuilt so I am turning the basement into a bar/theater room. I think the projector would make a great addition to the bar area. Total room dimensions are roughly 12' x 22'. Planning on having the screen on the 12' wall at one end and the bar at the other with the seats in between. Haven't seen my house in almost a year so I kinda don't remember the exact dimensions.

As far as the screen goes I was looking at the Elite Screens EZFrame fixed 120" I have seen that SI makes the Black Diamond Screen which is supposed to be just the best thing in the world but I cannot see spending $3,000 for a screen in my situation. I am looking to spend no more than $5-600 for a screen and Elite seems like a good fit in Cinegrey to enhance the black levels.

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

At that seating distance 100" to 110" would be about right. I don't know that screen or the luminance/reflective properties of it so I can't help there...I will say this though, the type of screen is uber important.

Here is what I pulled from their site.

• Award winning Home Theater Screen with full tension uniformity
• Models available with CineWhite 1.1 Gain, CineGrey 1.0 gain, Wraith Veil (rear) 2.2 gain, and AcousticPro1080 (sound transparent) 1.0 Gain material
• Anodized black aluminum frame with black velour surfacing to enhance the appearance with the stylish masked border that absorbs projector light overshoot
• Easy to assemble and install in minutes
• Sliding wall mounts ensure the installation is properly centered
• Available in 4:3, 16:9 and 16:10 aspect ratios
• Diagonal sizes ranging from 84" - 226"
• Custom sizes are available
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

Basically why I have even chosen these 2 projectors and this screen is because my limit is $3,000.00 but I want the best bang for my buck with clarity and quality. I already have a great stereo Onkyo HT-S9400THX (at least I hope it is, haven't used it yet, still in the box) So If you have any suggestions I haven't thought of on screen/mount and so on I would appreciate it.

Originally Posted by BMoore

Basically why I have even chosen these 2 projectors and this screen is because my limit is $3,000.00 but I want the best bang for my buck with clarity and quality. I already have a great stereo Onkyo HT-S9400THX (at least I hope it is, haven't used it yet, still in the box) So If you have any suggestions I haven't thought of on screen/mount and so on I would appreciate it.

I was wrong, it is the S9300THX Model.

Thanks for all of your help. I will post a thread there.