Photo gallery: Panasonic PT-AX200The Panasonic PT-AX200E replaces the PT-AX100E projector we reviewed just over a year ago. The new model keeps the excellent picture quality and ease of use that impressed us on its predecessor, and drops the price AU$550. It also adds another HDMI port and a gaming mode but doesn't improve on the unit's bulk or HD capability.
Design
This is not a portable projector. At 395mm by 300mm by 112mm and weighing almost five kilograms, the PT-AX200E, like its predecessor, is one of the larger projectors around. It's big, boxy and its white chassis lacks the stylish sophistication Apple has achieved with its pale-hued electronics.
The lens controls are on the front of the unit, with other controls, including the power and menu buttons laid out across the top. Inputs are accessible from the back of the unit. We do like the removable cap which protects the lens -- a legacy of the PT-AX100E design.
Features
The PT-AX200E has the same basic specifications as the PT-AX100E, only including an additional HDMI port, bringing the total to two, and a "game mode" which claims to improve gradation in saturated areas to show detail in dark areas that would otherwise be unviewable.
Claiming itself as a High Definition projector, we were disappointed to discover the PT-AX200E only offers 720p resolution, not 1080p full high definition as expected. However, the picture quality is impressive and unless you're dead-set on going full-HD or futureproofing your home theatre, you probably won't notice too much difference.
As with the PT-AX100E, the PT-AX200E boasts high brightness, with a claimed rating of 2000 lumens, making it easy to view with the lights on, and even in sunlight to a lesser degree.
The 2x optical zoom, horizontal keystone function and mechanical lens shift make adjusting the image and focus a simple process -- we only wish the vertical lens shift was a little more flexible. If placed on a low surface such as a coffee table or entertainment unit of similar height, you'll find the projected image fairly low to the ground. In addition, due to a lack of vertical keystoning, unless directed squarely at the screen, the image will be somewhat skewed.
Given these reasons, as well as the unit's bulk, this particular model is probably best suited to a ceiling-mount or a permanent position in your home theatre set-up.
The PT-AX200 comes with a remote that has big buttons that can be illuminated to avoid straining your eyes trying to adjust the settings in a darkened room.
Performance
The PT-AX200E is straightforward and easy to use while offering good control over its settings. The image quality is the same high standard shared by previous models, impressing viewers and all but erasing the dreaded screen door effect common in 3LCD projectors. The effect is barely visible and then, only in very bright areas at a close distance.
The unit also gets quite hot in the space of an hour or two, but we didn't notice this affect the projector functions or image quality.
Although it offers both vertical and horizontal lens shift, as stated earlier, we wish it went a little further, so there could be more flexibility when adjusting the size of the image and position of the projector.
Despite its impressive image quality and ease of us, the PT-AX200E fails to make a notable improvement on the PT-AX100E. If you don't already own a similar model and aren't concerned about portability or futureproofing your projector with full 1080p high definition, the PT-AX200E is a pleasing projector at a decent price.
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