Panasonic PT-AT5000E review

Best projector £2500+, Awards 2011. Class-leading 3D performance – this projector is a masterpiece Tested at £3000

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Best projector £2500+, Awards 2011. Believe the hype on this one: the Panasonic 3D projector was worth the wait

Pros

  • +

    Class-leading 3D performance, comfortable to watch

  • +

    colourful, detailed 2D images

  • +

    easy to set-up, thorough specification

Cons

  • -

    Nothing of note

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Ah, Panasonic 3D projector… we’ve been expecting you. For a company that’s been so impressive with its projectors over the past few years, Panasonic has taken its merry time readying its first 3D models.

And, fairly predictably, it might have been a wise move: most we’ve seen have struggled to completely win us over when it comes to 3D.

So here it is, the PT-AT5000E. The first thing you might notice is a subtle but not insignificant update to the design compared to previous Panasonic LCD projectors.

Generous set of connections
Previous generations have chosen function over form in a big way, modelling themselves on air-conditioning units and the like. Well, now imagine said cooling machine… but with rounded edges. This is that, and it looks all the better for it.

All the familiar connections are here: a generous three HDMI inputs, a component input and a smattering of legacy, lower-quality video options.

The 3D IR transmitter is built in to the projector but there’s also a terminal for connecting a standalone remote transmitter if you need a little more flexibility in terms of position.

Either way the projector syncs with Panasonic’s active-shutter 3D glasses
(the same specs as the company’s 3D TVs).

Near faultless 3D performance
At the top of Panasonic’s list of priorities for this 3D projector was the elimination
of crosstalk – when the images going to each eye appear separated rather than forming a solid picture.

The company’s proprietary 480Hz panel drive system steps up to do this. You can convert 2D content to 3D, adjust the depth-of-field of the 3D picture and take advantage of a picture-processing engine that’s previously proved so adept with 2D. A comfortable – and better – 3D viewing experience is the aim.

Flexible and easy to set up
The PT-AT5000E is simple to set-up thanks to powered lens and focus controls and, once that’s done, we were struck by the 3D quality.

There’s impressive depth and stability, and crosstalk is minimised more effectively than by any rival at this price. The 3D glasses are fine and keep in sync with the picture without issue.

Crucially, the strong 3D performance has an excellent 2D image on which to build. Thor on Blu-ray shows natural, realistic colours, yet is still capable of delivering bright and punchy scenes, while fast motion is delivered without blurring or judder.

Free of noise and uncovering bags of detail, we can find little to complain about. This could well be the best projector we’ve ever seen at this price.


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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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