Product At-a-Glance

The Electro-Voice RE320 is a dynamic microphone that is aimed at both vocal and instrument applications, delivering detail, dynamic content, and natural tone according to EV. The microphone features their Variable-D proximity control technology to avoid the loss of “proximity effect” when used at a distance, allowing for consistent sound. Electro-Voice also added a dual personality switch, which is unique to the RE320. The feature essentially packages two microphones in one, switching the response curve from one that is ideal for vocal applications, to a response curve designed for kick drums.

Compared to the RE20 and RE27, the RE320 comes in a semi-gloss black finish, setting it apart from the silver and beige tones of its predecessors.

We tested the RE320 using a FireWire audio interface connected to an Apple iMac. The mic was placed about three inches away and used without a pop filter. We don’t have a kick drum handy, so unfortunately we can’t offer our word on that aspect of the microphone’s performance, but vocal performance is impressive.

Vocals are crisp, bright, and oddly enough sound even better with the kick drum filter turned on. We enjoyed using the microphone with the filter turned on, though if you want a clean mix and are processing it afterwards, you’ll probably be better off leaving it switched off. Though if you don’t have any processing gear coming after the mic, the kick drum filter adds a nice finish to the sound.

The EV RE320 is a great microphone for any studio work, from podcasting to broadcasting, and at $299, it’s a cheaper alternative to the tried-and-true RE20.

Products At-a-Glance

Looking for a sweet bundle to listen to your music and watch a few movies here and there? Take a peek at this latest set of products from Audioengine. If you aren’t familiar with the company, the team behind it consists of 36 years of experience in the audio industry for companies like Apple and Harmon/Kardon. Their goal is to build high quality studio monitors at an affordable price for the pro audio market, and their latest set of products deliver on that goal. Find out what you need to know about the N22 amplifier and P4 bookshelf speakers after the break.

Let’s start with the N22 amplifier. Audioengine bills the product as “the perfect compact amplifier for desktop audio or rear channel speakers”. On the front is a LED power light (one that is fairly dim), a simple volume control that also turns the amplifier on/off, so you won’t need to fiddle around with any other knobs, and a headphone jack. On the back is an RCA input, 3.5mm mini-jack input, variable preamp line out, power input, a USB port with power, and the speaker connectors. All connections are gold plated. The USB port can be used for using Audioengine’s companion product, the W1 wireless audio adapter. The amp also has a power saving feature that kicks in when the music stops.

Inside the box you’ll find the power supply and power cord for the unit, a 6.5ft 1/8″ audio cable, 3.25ft RCA audio cable, 16AWG speaker wire, and cloth bags to protect the amp and cables while traveling. The N22 is fairly easy to set up, provided you know the basics of audio wiring (gold to red, silver to black, etc.).

For our testing, we paired the N22 with Audioengine’s own P4 passive bookshelf speakers. They have a four-inch 2-way front-ported design that is built into hand-built and custom-finished cabinets available in three colors: white, black and bamboo. We received the black model which matches the amp nicely. The speakers can be placed on wall mounts, stands, or simply on a shelf or desk and are magnetically shielded.

From the small four-inch speakers, we were impressed with the sound quality they were pumping out, specifically the bass reproduction and lack of distortion at high levels of volume. As we mentioned at the beginning of the review, the P4 and N22 is a sweet bundle for listening to your favorite tunes or watching a movie. The sound is rich and warm. Of course, you’re free to use any old passive speakers you have lying in your attic with the N22, but this is a great combo to set up on your home office desk.

The Audioengine N22 amplifier sells for $199 while the P4 passive bookshelf speakers will run you $249 for the black and white versions, and $325 for the bamboo edition. A little pricey for the average consumer, but for the pro audio geek looking for a small home setup, it’s worth a look.

There are many flat panel TV mounts available for purchase today. Peerless, a well-known audio/video mounting company, is aiming to change that with their latest line of PerfectMount solutions. Today we’re taking a look at one of the high-end articulating models, but they start at only $74.99.

There are many advantages to mounting your TV on your wall, from being able to adjust the viewing angle, reducing glare by tilting the unit, and for a clean, no-wire look. The PMAXLU articulating model we reviewed sells for $731. The model extends and tilts for adjusting the viewing angle for the best viewing anywhere in your living room.

You can also push your TV flat against the wall to save space when no one is watching. The mount also has an internal cable management system along the sides for routing cables and controlling the sometimes overwhelming clutter.

Had it not been for our 80-pound plasma TV we tested out with this mount, installation probably would have been a lot easier than it already is. The main piece of the wall mount attaches with only four screws and mounts to wood studs, concrete or cinder block. Installation took less than an hour, including removal of the plasma TV stand and adjustment of the TV attachment hardware for our particular model TV.

We imagine that installation could take even less time with a smaller (and lighter) TV. The last touch of the cable management and plastic snap-on covers gave the mount a finished look, and not leaving the piece that attaches to the wall uncovered. It’s hard to go back to a stand-mounted TV once it’s up on a wall mount for adjusting to the best viewing angle in the room. Watching TV at dinner? Swing out the mount towards the dinner table. Entertaining guests? Leave the TV flat against the wall so everyone can see it.

Check out Peerless’ PerfectMount line today at the Peerless website and see which model works best for your situation.

Product At-a-Glance

Full Review

In the past, we have had the opportunity to test out a good deal of the V-Moda product line. We loved the responsive sound, unique styling, and overall value for the price range. Not until recently, however, has V-Moda produced a pair of over-the-ear headphones. The V-Moda Crossfade LP headphones represent the company’s first foray into headphones; but do they live up to the brand we have grown to love?

One of the factors that we have highly appreciated in V-Moda products is the heavy-duty construction. The Crossfade LP’s are no exception to this legacy of durability. Crafted from stainless steel and held together with miniature bolts, the Crossfades feel solid. When adjusting the extra-padded headband to fit even the largest of heads, the headphones produce a reassuring clicking noise, locking themselves in place for your next use. As a note, the headphones do not fold down for compact transport. This does somewhat add to the feeling of durability, however, as products we’ve tested in the past the fold for storage often feel a bit cheaper.

The Crossfades come with two sets of cloth-covered cables; one with a microphone and audio controls, one without. Both are entirely detachable from the headset, and long enough for any use, be it DJing in a club or rocking out in your basement. A 3.5mm to 1/4″ male to female adapter is also included in the box.

All of this well crafted audio goodness is housed in an included case that is unlike any other headphone cases we’ve seen to date. Where other manufacturers simply include a bag to place the headphones in when not in use, V-Moda includes a rigid case with storage inside for all included accessories. Black pleather trimmed with red lettering and stitching creates a unique way to house your investment.

So far, so good. However, the determining factor in purchasing headphones is, of course, the sound quality. As I mentioned earlier, we adore V-Moda in-ear headphones as they product rich and clear treble and bass notes. The Crossfades do the bass line in any song justice as the power of the drivers in the headphones clearly shines through. However, listen to a song with a great deal of mid-range notes, and you’ll begin to see the only drawback we found with the Crossfades. The lower end of the treble frequencies seems to get somewhat muffled, leaving us with a less than crisp representation of the music we were listening to.

With some equalizer adjustments, we were able to somewhat counteract this muffling, but compared to similarly priced offerings from AKG, we were not entirely sold on the treble audio quality.

All is not lost, however. The V-Moda Crossfade LP‘s are incredibly well-built and have above average audio. In addition, the padded earphones are easy to wear for extended periods of time, making them perfect for airplanes or even DJing. Not to mention the heavy-duty construction doubles as sufficient external noise suppression, keeping your music the only thing in your ears.

If you are sold on the unique styling and want a pair of headphones with high quality construction and good sound quality, the V-Moda Crossfade LP‘s might just be right for you. That is, assuming you are willing to sport the $249.99 price tag. For the price, we’ve heard better audio, but the styling and construction is simply unrivaled.

Do you remember those skee ball games as a kid at the local carnivals and fairs? Iconfactory has shrunk that game down to your iPhone or iPod touch with Ramp Champ, bringing the nostalgia back to your favorite gaming device. At only $1.99, is it worth buying?

The Icon Garden theme is reminiscent of the icon garden displayed at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino.

Instead of the normal skee ball game where you are challenged to roll a ball up a ramp and knock it into a series of circles with a different score, Ramp Champ has moving and dynamic targets for each “ramp”. Pre-loaded are four ramps: Clown Town, Breakwater Bay, Space Swarm, and Icon Garden. Clown Town has the traditional carnival theme, while Breakwater Bay is set underwater, Space Swarm is Space Invaders-esque, and Icon Garden pays homage to the former icon garden at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California.

Depending on how fast you flick the ramp, determines how far each ball you have goes and the direction determines where the ball is aimed at. Each target you hit adds up to a certain amount of tickets which can be used to redeem virtual prizes.

As I kid, I fondly remember these skee ball games, loading up my pockets with tickets and buying those cheesy toys which are probably collecting dust in the attic. By this point you must be thinking, “Why should I waste my time trying to rack up virtual tickets for stupid virtual prizes?”

That’s what I was thinking at first, however, Ramp Champ has been extremely addicting since the first flick. With each level being progressively harder than the first, it’s been harder and harder for me to set down my iPhone. The goals for each level also add an extra level of addiction (if that’s even possible).

If you manage to beat every single level, four add-on packs are sold by Iconfactory for $0.99 each and include two levels each (with six goals, new prizes, and new trophiwes).

Buy Ramp Champ from the iTunes App Store today for just $1.99. Trust me, it’s well worth it.

Pros

• Highly addictive.
• Add-on packs available.
• Low cost.

Cons

• None.

Getting the optimal performance out of a gaming headset is always a concern for gamers, whether they should use an analog or digital headset, and if they should use a behind-the-neck or over-the-head design. Logitech recently introduced the new G330 Gaming Headset, and we’re taking a look at it today.

The G330 Gaming Headset uses an adjustable behind-the-head design, which some gamers prefer. It also is the first adjustable design, which is great for people who have had uncomfortable models in the past. For those who may be in noisy environments, no problem, the G330 has a noise-canceling microphone. In our tests using Skype, the conference call reported clear and noise-free sound.

The headset also has a very handy inline controller for muting the microphone and controlling the volume, which you can also clip on to your shirt or pants with the built-in clip.

Unlike most headsets, Logitech offers a unique feature which allows you to use either a USB connection or 3.5mm analog connection using the included USB adapter. So if you’d rather go the analog route, you can. Great when you’re going to a LAN party and don’t know what kind of inputs are available, though what computer doesn’t have USB? Plus, while your connected via USB, Logitech claims you receive enhanced audio, through an optimized EQ. We could easily tell the difference while listening to a variety of music, but didn’t receive the same experience while playing a game such as Counter-Strike: Source or Battlefield 2142.

In our audio playback tests, while music sounded good, it also seemed to be somewhat flat and lacking bass. While other gaming headsets focus on defined bass in their marketing, the folks at Logitech focused on comfort, which can be a plus in long gaming sessions.

If you can handle not having the best audio and would rather have the ultimate in comfortability, the Logitech G330 Gaming Headset is available at Amazon.com for just under $50 with free shipping.

Pros

• Comfortable.
• Adjustable behind-the-neck design.
• Noise-canceling microphone.
• USB/analog adapter.

Cons

• Flat audio quality.

If you’re familiar with the original Squeezebox network music player, it allowed you to listen to the music on your computer in one location wirelessly over your hi-fi system. Logitech recently acquired the company and has been making significant advances. One of them is the new Squeezebox Boom. What features does it add and how good is it?

As the name might imply, the Squeezebox Boom pairs the award-winning network music player with a 30-watt digital amplifier and speakers, making it even more convenient than before. In between both speakers are the LCD display and navigation controls, which are very self explanatory and common throughout most boombox-style devices.

Below the LCD are six preset buttons, a large knob for volume & navigation, and the usual play/pause and previous/next track buttons.

The Boom uses 802.11g or Ethernet (located on the back of the device) to connect to your home network, in turn, allowing it to connect to your computer’s music library. Also found on the back are headphone out and line in jacks for enjoying other devices using the built-in speakers, or listening to the Squeezebox function using headphones.

Installing the Squeezebox Boom is a very simple process, and in our case went very smoothly. We setup the device using our Apple Time Capsule network, and then proceeded to pop in the setup disc into our Mac. If you just want to listen to internet radio or services such as Pandora, there is no additional software required.

However, if you’re interested in listening to your iTunes or Windows Media library, you’ll need to install the SqueezeCenter web server onto your PC, Mac, or Linux computer. We tested the SqueezeCenter-route during our testing period and it worked seamlessly. FYI, the Squeezebox won’t play DRM-protected music such as older iTunes purchases, but will play newer iTunes Plus songs.

Navigating throughout the Boom may seem complex at first glance, but the large knob control works well. In terms of audio performance, the Squeezebox Boom packed quite a bit of bass, which is surprising for such a small device, but besides that, it sounds really good. Playing internet radio and podcasts over WiFi worked flawlessly as well, and we enjoy waking up to SomaFM’s Groove Salad every morning thanks to it.

However, the glossy case is a dust-magnet, and the Boom isn’t totally portable–you have to be near an AC-outlet for it to work.

The Logitech Squeezebox Boom is available now and you can grab it from Amazon.com for just under $240 bucks. It’s probably the best internet-connected radio we’ve seen yet.

Pros

• Great sound.
• WiFi and Ethernet connectivity.
• Accesses music located on computer wirelessly.

Cons

• No battery operation.
• Glossy black finish is a dust-magnet.

Logitech’s Harmony 1100 is the second touch-screen remote the company has produced, and the first that we’ve been able to get our hands on. Becoming the iPhone of remotes, the remote substitutes the majority of the tactile response of other remotes with simplified touch-based controls.

Previously, we’ve looked at a good number of the Logitech universal remotes including the One, 880, and 890 Pro. With all of these, Logitech includes its stunning device database of over 200,000 devices and 5,000 brands. The 1100 is no different. Setup is as simple as popping in the battery, plugging in, and picking out your home theater setup.

Like the 890 Pro, the 1100 has RF compatibility which means it can control much more than your TV. Have RF-compatible lighting? Blinds? Fireplaces? The 1100 can setup varying environments by controlling all of these. Of course, game consoles, TVs, and other media peripherals are no exception to the extensive database that Logitech maintains.

Beyond setup, the first drawback we found in the remote is that one hand usage of your remote is no more. The sheer width of the remote makes access to the touch-screen impossible without using two hands. The remote does include a few tangible buttons including channel toggle, volume, directional control, power and a few others. These can be used one handed, but if you want to get to the menu of your cable box without fooling with the touch-screen, you might want to consider another remote.

However, beyond this small drawback, the 3.5″ touch-screen is absolutely beautiful. It might not be the most impressive screen ever, but it certainly is the most impressive on a remote. Touch controls are consistently responsive and the default layout of the controls is very easy to use. The large size of the on-screen buttons makes the remote very easy to use, and the interactive help makes the remote very easy to use. In addition, virtually every screen and control can be customized through the included software, making the remote incredibly flexible.

Ultimately, the Harmony 1100 does carry an expensive suggested price tag of $499.99, but if you have an extensive home theater to control, no other remotes come close to the customizability and control that the 1100 offers.

Pros

• Extremely Customizable
• Beautiful Screen
• Incredible Ease of Use

Cons

• Very Expensive
• No One-Hand Usage

Gran Turismo has been a staple in the gaming market as one of the best driving simulators available. The latest version, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue doesn’t disappoint. Read on to find out why.

To give you some background, the Gran Turismo franchise has had more than 48 million units shipped and has always improved its realism and physics technology in every release.

The new release has a ton of new features, including support for online racing with up to 16 drivers and more than 60 detailed cars from Ferrari, Audi, Nissan and others. The new in-cockpit view provides a great perspective for racers and displays customized dashboards for each vehicle in the game.

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Ever since seeing the first screenshots for this game, I was hooked and couldn’t wait for it to be released. The graphics are just stunning and I was speechless for the first minutes of gameplay. We hopped on to the online mode and while we were expecting more in terms of features, it was more than enough to have fun with others.

Keep in mind the Prologue title, this isn’t a full Gran Turismo game, but a precursor to the full Gran Turismo 5 game coming sometime in 2009. If this is a preview, imagine what the full game will feature and look like. The possibilities are endless.

We were kind of disappointed with the limited number of tracks to play on, but we can only hope that there will be a wider selection in the next installment.

Overall, both hardcore and amateur-level gamers should enjoy Gran Turismo 5 Prologue and can purchase it today at Amazon.com for $39.99 with free shipping.

Pros

• Superb and stunning graphics.
• Online racing support, a first in the series.
• Over 60 different vehicles to choose from.

Cons

• Only basic online functionality.
• Limited number of tracks.

Previously, we reviewed the Harmony 890 Pro and Harmony 880 universal remotes from Logitech. Both of these remotes proved great options for universal remotes. However, today we look at the Logitech Harmony One which blows its predecessors out of the water.

The Harmony One replaces up to 15 remotes and has a full-color touch screen that provides quick access to all of your devices with a single touch. All of the buttons on the front of the remote are backlit for easy navigation in the dark; no more fumbling for buttons late at night. The ergonomic design also fits comfortably in your hand and the rechargeable battery lets you forget about buying a 24 pack of AA batteries.

One of the things that Harmony remotes are known for is their simple guided online setup that walks you through the setup of every device. Activities such as “Watch TV” or “Watch a DVD” are instantly recognized for the devices and are setup accordingly. Logitech’s online database of devices supports any hardware you might have or desire with over 200,000 devices and 5,000 brands.

We tested the Harmony One with a variety of devices including our Panasonic AX-200U projector, Comcast cable box, Sony A/V receiver, and our OPPO DV-981HD DVD player. Once unboxed, simply install the software on your PC or Mac, connect the USB cable to the remote and voila. Setup was mostly straightforward, and with a few tweaks to the device settings, everything was working within 45 minutes.

The Harmony One is incredibly easy to use but is somewhat expensive. If you’re looking for a universal remote that is easy to setup, has great compatibility with various devices and has very intuitive features, the Logitech Harmony One is a great choice. It’s available from Amazon today for just under $220.

Pros

• Rechargeable battery.
• Easy setup via Mac or PC.
• Touch screen for easy control.
• Backlit buttons.

Cons

• May be expensive.

Final Verdict
5 out of 5 stars.

Need a quick and simple way to mount your new flat screen TV on your wall? Look no further than the Ergotron WM Low Profile Wall Mount. This wall mount installs in three easy steps and supports TVs up to 61 inches and 175 pounds. It’s extremely thin profile only comes out just over an inch from the wall.

We tested the WM Low Profile Wall Mount using the Vizio VW32L LCD TV we reviewed just a few weeks ago and it installed seamlessly. Pair a super easy installation and a five-year warranty, and you’ve got yourself a great way to mount your new flat screen TV. The Ergotron WM Low Profile Wall Mount is available at Amazon for just under $69 bucks.

Let’s say you only have a single HDMI port on your TV or projector, but you have multiple devices you want hooked up. Instead of unplugging and replugging in different cables you should use an HDMI switcher, and today we’re reviewing a great one from XtremeMac.

This particular switcher offers the ability to output four sources to one display (not all at once, though). Taking design cues from the AppleTV (it is designed for it after all), the switcher measures in at 7.7″ x 7.7″ square and features a brushed metal surface around the edges and a glossy white top, Apple-style. On the front you’ll find a black strip with numbers for each input that light up corresponding to which input you’re on. On the back is a power connector, the output HDMI port, and four input ports. The included remote has buttons for all four inputs, and a power button for turning the switcher off/on.

As a precaution, there are no HDMI cables included, so you’ll have to supply your own. Don’t buy from the retail stores though, they overprice like crazy. Go for the cables from XtremeMac for $19.95 (2ft) each or from Monoprice, which I’ve been using a lot lately. The XtremeMac XtemeHD HDMI Switcher supports resolutions up to 1080p.

I hooked up the following devices to the switcher: a MacBook using an HDMI – DVI cable, a Vudu set-top box, and an Oppo DV-981HD upconverting DVD player. All worked flawlessly with the switcher and switching between inputs took only a few seconds, displaying a “no input” screen for only a second. No loss of video quality could be noticed either.

The XtremeMac HDMI Switcher now takes a permanent spot in my home theater setup and I highly recommend it. It’s available for $99.95 at XtremeMac’s website.

Pros

• Fast switching.
• Supports up to 1080p resolutions.
• Priced reasonably.
• No video degradation whatsoever.

Cons

• None.

Final Verdict
5 out of 5 stars.

The OPPO DV-980H provides a sleek and stylish product perfect for any home theater. If you’re looking for a DVD player for your new LCD, but you aren’t ready to invest in a next generation player, this player is a strong contender in the market for upscaling DVD players.

While HD-DVD and Blu-Ray players are becoming what’s “in” as far as the home theater goes, the price range for players of the next generation of movies are too steep for many average home theater owners. This is where the DV-980H comes into play. At the low price of $169, your existing DVD collection will be “upconverted” to 720p or 1080i/p. Compared with a normal composite and even component DVD players, the OPPO is a clear favorite.

In the box, you receive the player (in a nice mesh protective bag), a slew of cables to connect to any TV, a remote control, and a nice manual to get started with. With the setup being quite self-explanatory, I jumped head first into putting the included batteries into the remote and connecting the DVD player to the wall and my TV.

The remote control included with the player is not the most ergo-dynamic remote you will ever hold, but it definitely gets the job done. A simple layout with large buttons makes the included remote control great for anyone with either large hands or bad eyesight.

One of the nicest things about the DV-980H is that included in the price of the DVD player is a high quality HDMI cable. In our tests, we found the cable to perform just as well as a cable we purchased for upwards of $25. With this cable already being included, we had no need to purchase our own which is always nice, and of course will be nice for you also.

The DV-980H includes support for many format types, including DVD, DVD-audio, and SACD. In addition, photo CDs are displayed in full HD resolution, making for a very nice option for displaying slide shows for the family or just providing something to look at during a party.

One of the strong points of this player is in its audio quality however. The DV-980H provides Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound. This is perfect for those of you with advanced speaker systems that require the highest sound signal throughput.

Another nice feature of the DV-980H is its support for a USB drive to be attached. In our tests of this feature, we found the lack of codec supports somewhat frustrating, however. While the player claims to support DivX and Xvid media files, it refused to detect our high definition Xvid files, which was very disappointing (now how are we supposed to watch The Office?). Also, WMVs are unsupported if you are looking to play them off of a USB drive. However, our tests with standard XviD and DivX worked well. As a note, in addition to playing video off of a USB drive, the DV-980H will also create a slideshow of your pictures and play your music as well.

Overall, the construction of the DVD player and included equipment is very high and stylish. The setup of the device was very simple, and the overall functionality is great. While not perfect, the OPPO DV-980H provides one of the best options on the market for upscaling DVD players.

Pros

• High quality, stylish black design
• Feature rich, and high quality sound and video output
• Great upscaling of DVDs
• Ability to play media off of DVD drives
• Included HDMI cable

Cons

• File support limited for USB Drives

We give the OPPO DV-980H a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

We’ve been building up our collection of projector reviews here at ConnectReviews, kicking it off with the Panasonic AE-1000U we reviewed last month. Today, we’re taking a look at a lower-priced 720p model from Mitsubishi, the HC1500.

Here’s the lowdown on the specs of this killer budget DLP projector. The images are displayed in 720P resolution at 1600 lumens with a 2500:1 contrast ratio. It operates as low as 25dB to keep from distracting you while watching your favorite Hollywood flick. On the back there is an array of inputs including: HDMI, VGA, Component, composite, and S-Video. The compact projector can display an image up to 275 inches diagonal, or as small as 40 inches diagonal.

In our testing, we used our Comcast high-definition cable box, an Oppo DV-981HD upconverting DVD player, high-definition content stored on a MacBook notebook computer, and the new Vudu box which we’ll be reviewing this month. At first glance, there was a noticeable screen door effect when viewing the image extremely up close, but this should not bother you if you’re sitting far back enough. Besides this, the image had great sharpness, rich color, and a particularly bright image compared to the AE-1000U rated at only 1000 lumens.

There are some quirks to point out though. There is no lens shift except for the extendable feet in the back and front, and the zoom was somewhat limited in our testing setup. In addition, it was hard to get the projector to fit our 80″ wall-mounted screen especially where our testing projectors normally are located. Besides all these, the projector performed exceptionally well in our tests but there is another new projector in town that could knock this one out, the Panansonic AX-200U which we’ll be reviewing in November.

The Mitsubishi HC1500 is available today for a price of just under $870 on Amazon.

Pros

• Bright image.
• Crisp and rich colors.
• Relatively quiet at 25dB.
• Great for consumers on a budget.

Cons

• Noticeable screen door effect up close.
• Only 1 HDMI input.

Final Verdict
4.5 out of 5 stars

Home theaters are becoming more popular as they come closer to mimicking the experience that you get in a real movie theatre. There are now 1080p high definition projectors out in the market that produce excellent images, today, we’re taking a look at the Panasonic AE-1000U.

The Panasonic AE-1000U is a 1080p LCD projector that has “full HD Hollywood quality” according to Panasonic. The AE-1000U can project on to screens as large as 200″ or as small as 40″. You also have a slew of ports: two Component, one composite video, one S-video, and two HDMI ports.

We tested the AE-1000U using a variety of components: Comcast high-definition TV, an Oppo DV-981HD upconverting DVD player, and an Apple MacBook with high-definition content loaded on the hard drive. Colors were vibrant, bright; image quality and black levels were superb as would be expected for a high-end home theater oriented projector. Be aware though, that you need to stay away from a high level of lighting as it will wash out the image. Low to medium lighting is okay.

The projector was also relatively quiet when in use. Overall, the AE-1000U is a great choice for a dedicated home theater room with low mood lighting. It isn’t cheap but it isn’t too expensive compared to other 1080p offerings. The Panasonic AE-1000U is available for $6000.

Pro

• Excellent image quality.
• Good color reproduction.
• Quiet operation.
• Lots of inputs.

Cons

• Shouldn’t be used in rooms with lots of lighting.

Final Verdict
5 out of 5 stars.