The new PT-AE8000U home theater projector from Panasonic offers some very customizable features. Developed in collaboration with Hollywood filmmakers at Panasonic’s Hollywood Laboratory, PT-AE8000U owners can use the new 3D Viewing Monitor to visually see that the amount of parallax in the 3D images are within safe levels. Images can also be customized with 3D Picture Balance, which allows users to see the right and left eye images side-by-side to adjust color, contrast and brightness.

Panasonic also touts improved image quality for the PT-AE8000U. The 2,400 lumen projector boasts a contrast ratio of 500,000:1, which is credited to the combination of several proprietary Panasonic technologies. These updates include a new 220W Red Rich Lamp, Pure Contrast Plates, Pure Filter Pro, Dynamic Iris, Detail Clarity Processor 4 and Frame Creation 2 technology – all standard.

Additional features include a 2x zoom lens, lens shift and Intelligent Lens Memory settings. The PT-Ae8000U also includes three HDMI inputs and Panasonic’s VIERA Link. There is an optional IR transmitter (in addition to the built in one) to extend the transmitter range from 20 feet to 30 feet.  This projector will begin shipping in late September or early October.

Projector market research by analyst firm Pacific Media Associates has shown that the home theater projector market has continued to “hold it’s own” despite recent economic ups and downs. Research also shows that home theater projector enthusiasts are becoming more savvy, and should appreciate the advanced features offered in these models.