Panasonic Pt-ae700 Blue Patches

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I have two Sanyo projectors, a Z2 and a Z4.

In both cases I use an additional exhaust fan to aid the built-in exhaust fan of the projector while the projector is running and 15 minutes after the projector is turned off.

The Z2 is about 3 years old with the original lamp and still very bright at 1500 hours of use, I use the Z4 for movies and the Z2 for DTV.

I commenced using an external computer fan from the very beginning with the Z2 as I felt the projector's case was too compact for efficient cooling by the internal fan.

The external fan worked a treat in keeping the case temperature down to moderately warm which is indicative of lower internal temperatures.

This I believe has given the lamp and optics an extended life, the optics in particular have not suffered any ill effects from aging through excessive heat.

Although an external fan adds to fan noise this can be alleviated by ducting or running the computer fan from a lower voltage plug pack.

Computer fans are cheap as indeed are plug packs, much cheaper than the frequent replacement costs of a lamp or even a projector.

From the looks of it I should reach 3,000 hours on this lamp.....it is still that bright.

Rule of thumb ....Small case, Big ventilation.

C.M

[ajm1503559545]

C.M., how do you activate and the fan and have it stop 15 mins after the pj? Got any photos of this setup? Sounds like something I could use.

[KernelPanic]

C.M., how do you activate and the fan and have it stop 15 mins after the pj? Got any photos of this setup? Sounds like something I could use.

I wouldnt bother running the fan 15 minutes after the pj. If anything, that would be worse.

Once the globe is off, there is no more heat being added to the system, so the temperature will not rise any more. By running the fan you are shortening the time it takes for the lamp to cool down. I would think that a more gradual cool down would be better and hence running the fan after the projector has switched off as being less than ideal.

I dont think theres much difference in it though. However, extra cooling while the projector is running does seem like a very good idea. Especially on the panasonics.

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I wouldnt bother running the fan 15 minutes after the pj. If anything, that would be worse.

Once the globe is off, there is no more heat being added to the system, so the temperature will not rise any more. By running the fan you are shortening the time it takes for the lamp to cool down. I would think that a more gradual cool down would be better and hence running the fan after the projector has switched off as being less than ideal.

I dont think theres much difference in it though. However, extra cooling while the projector is running does seem like a very good idea. Especially on the panasonics.

Well, I haven't popped any lamps yet.

"Once the globe is off, there is no more heat being added to the system, so the temperature will not rise any more. By running the fan you are shortening the time it takes for the lamp to cool down. I would think that a more gradual cool down would be better and hence running the fan after the projector has switched off as being less than ideal."

So why do the manufacturers continue to run the fan in the projector after the lamp is turned off ?

90 seconds in the case of the Sanyo Z2.

The truth is that the lamp is very vulnerable to fracture at high temperatures and any sustained high temperatures within its surrounds just lengthens that vulnerability to damage.

High temperatures pre-age components within the projector's case, not only the lamp but also the optics and the internal electronic parts.

All goes to make a projector unreliable and short lived. By using an efficient cooling system during and after the projector's operation gives greater protection from heat damage than otherwise.

Ever heard of designed obsolescence ? .It's called.....poor ventilation.

C.M

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C.M., how do you activate and the fan and have it stop 15 mins after the pj? Got any photos of this setup? Sounds like something I could use.

ajm,

I turn the external fan on with the projector at startup, and let it run for another 15 minutes after shutting down the projector.

I simply use the timer on the Chef oven (it has a beeper) when the 15 minutes is up ....but you can use an alarm clock if you want to (forgive my sense of humour).

Nothing too sophisticated will suffice, I manually switch it off.

C.M

[nis200979]

ajm,

I turn the external fan on with the projector at startup, and let it run for another 15 minutes after shutting down the projector.

I simply use the timer on the Chef oven (it has a beeper) when the 15 minutes is up ....but you can use an alarm clock if you want to (forgive my sense of humour).

Nothing too sophisticated will suffice, I manually switch it off.

C.M

If playing with DC a simple electronics book will show you how to setup up a relay and capacitors to get your 15mins running time. Check out dse.com.au and look at the Dick Smith electronic books and kits.

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If playing with DC a simple electronics book will show you how to setup up a relay and capacitors to get your 15mins running time. Check out dse.com.au and look at the Dick Smith electronic books and kits.

To be honest, I couldn't be bothered. I've built so many amplifiers and other electronic paraphernalia in the past with the majority of them still looking for a reason for their existence. I grew up on this junk and in truth that is how it all ends up.

Just get yourself an egg timer then,not everything needs to be automated.

C.M

[yamapro]

I wouldnt bother running the fan 15 minutes after the pj. If anything, that would be worse.

Once the globe is off, there is no more heat being added to the system, so the temperature will not rise any more. By running the fan you are shortening the time it takes for the lamp to cool down. I would think that a more gradual cool down would be better and hence running the fan after the projector has switched off as being less than ideal.

I dont think theres much difference in it though. However, extra cooling while the projector is running does seem like a very good idea. Especially on the panasonics.

Well one significant advantage of a cooling fan running after power down is it means that you don't have to wait for 3 or 4 hours between PJ sessions. It's fairly well known that you don't wanna re-strike the lamp whilst still hot so if for any reason you wanted to flick the PJ back on after powering it down, without a cooling fan you would be looking at nasty long delays. 15 mins of fan forced cooling and another 15 sitting time however would often be plenty to cool the beast and flick her back on again

[ToeCutter]

I've got an AE700. 2.5 years old, 1600 hours on the globe, still going strong.

I bought my Sony 68cm TV for $1800- and it's still awesome after 12 years.

I bought my Pana proj for $2800- and consider it to be (relatively) disposable. It's starting to show vertical banding which it never did during the first 1000 hours. I'm starting to research my next proj, much to my wife's chagrin, however a transfer to a different location with my work might mean a different house which is not as amenable to projectors and therefore a plasma purchase.

My neighbour bought an AE700 the same time as me. He never cleaned the filter - not once. The bulb blew at 1400 hours, and at 2000 hours (with new globe) the discolouration started, probably the heat stuffing the LCD panel. He's got an LCD TV now. He's not really suited to projector ownership.

[psi]

Anyone else with a Panasonic PT-AE700 experiencing blue patches on their screen display

Intermitently, sigh, but touch wood it's still going most of the time.

Vert banding from 500 hours. About 750 hrs total or so atm. $3000 / 750 = 4$ per hour so far...

The next one won't be a Panasonic.

[quijibo]

Well one significant advantage of a cooling fan running after power down is it means that you don't have to wait for 3 or 4 hours between PJ sessions. It's fairly well known that you don't wanna re-strike the lamp whilst still hot so if for any reason you wanted to flick the PJ back on after powering it down, without a cooling fan you would be looking at nasty long delays. 15 mins of fan forced cooling and another 15 sitting time however would often be plenty to cool the beast and flick her back on again

Really I didn't know that. I've turned mine off and back on quickly quite a few times. I doubt you'd have to wait 3-4 hours but I'll just let it run now instead of turning it off if I am going to use it again.

[Tasty]

This proj certainly has some problems as the posts to this forum over the last few years would attest. I'd hate to have had the experiences some have had, sounds bloody awful. But not everyone has had grief, mine is still on it's original lamp at almost 3000 hours, no banding, no blue, no dust globs, still nice and bright. It was shipped as checked luggage across the Pacific when we moved to Canada 18 months ago (I'm assuming it got thrown around a little despite the FRAGILE stickers) and the image is still as good as the day I got it. Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket...

[sailing]

I too have become a victim of poor repairs service. My started doing the startup shutdown thing 6 weeks ago, (2 weeks before the warranty ran out!!) and they diagnosed it as a power supply module, OK they got that part in 2weeks but the projector got so hot it melted some other bits. How long you say? Well how does 6 weeks and counting sound??

Like crap I say!! I hope to get my projector back this week but I know not to get my hopes up!!

I am also concerned that as soon as I get it back that something else will fail as it got so hot. Bulb as over 2500 hours on it and still looks good on my rented unit wall.

Panasonic reall sucks the big one.

Sailing.

[R34]

Panasonic just sent me a letter to say out of the goodness of their heart they will supply me a new optical block for half price (probably what it owes them) so in effect it will cost them nothing.

So instead of a $1400 repair bill it will cost me $900.

Don't really know if it is worth the effort.

What they did say in their letter is that the optical block has a life of only 4,000 hours.

That highlights my concerns that they market a product with a life of only 4,000hours so they are quite happy for us to spend say $3k on a projector and then spend $600 for a globe and $1400 for an optical block within say 2 years (two thirds the purchase price )

Really happy they don't manufacture cars

Imagine buying a $40k Commodore and at the two years service being presented with a $25k service bill.

I don't know what to do

Should I throw good money after bad or just pursue legal issues with them.

Anyone want a PJ for $500?

[JoshH]

I don't know what to do

Do you own a boat?

Because you now have the perfect anchor....

Seriously though.. PJ's under 5k are virtually disposable items - they have to be at that price point. They are not manufacturered to last and built to a price. I mean imagine what it actually cost to produce - if RRP is 3K Panasonic have to build it and make a profit, sell it to a retailer who also makes a profit - doesnt leave much room for quality components.

Chalk it up to experience and buy a better projector.

[R34]

Do you own a boat?

Because you now have the perfect anchor....

Seriously though.. PJ's under 5k are virtually disposable items - they have to be at that price point. They are not manufacturered to last and built to a price. I mean imagine what it actually cost to produce - if RRP is 3K Panasonic have to build it and make a profit, sell it to a retailer who also makes a profit - doesnt leave much room for quality components.

Chalk it up to experience and buy a better projector.

You're missing my point

Price point is immaterial.

If a manufacturer cannot make a product to provide a reasonable service life then they should not market it.

I'm happy for you that you consider any item under $5k can be classed as disposable.

I have two daughters in University so I don't have money to waste on inferior products.

[JoshH]

You're missing my point

Price point is immaterial.

If a manufacturer cannot make a product to provide a reasonable service life then they should not market it.

I'm happy for you that you consider any item under $5k can be classed as disposable.

I have two daughters in University so I don't have money to waste on inferior products.

It wasnt meant as offensive and if I missed your point I apologise - what I meant was simply that its built to a price point and well.. it isnt designed, costed or built to last.

If a manufacturer cannot make a product to provide a reasonable service life then they should not market it.

Should Hyundai stop making cars because they are crap and dont last? [Apologies in advance to any Hyunadai owners]. Manufactureres are in business to make money - they wouldnt make much if they produced a 3k projector that lasted years and years!

I'm happy for you that you consider any item under $5k can be classed as disposable.

I would love to have that luxury.

[ajm1503559545]

Should Hyundai stop making cars because they are crap and dont last? [Apologies in advance to any Hyunadai owners]. Manufactureres are in business to make money - they wouldnt make much if they produced a 3k projector that lasted years and years!

Um... yes, they should. In fact the law requires that they do. When you spend several thousand on an appliance you have every right to expect it to last for years. If you think you've been sold a lemon - and R34 clearly thinks he has - then I suggest you stump up the $30-odd to take them to the small claims tribunal in your State.

Don't be sucked in by the voluntary warranty that the manufacturer provides. This is not the be all and end all of it. The Trade Practices Act says that "goods have to meet a basic level of quality and performance given the price and description of the goods". Not all that hard to argue a $3000 pj that needs about $2000 of repairs in just over two years is not of merchantable quality.

If it were me I'd definately give it a run - in fact I did.

[norpus]

Um... yes, they should. In fact the law requires that they do. When you spend several thousand on an appliance you have every right to expect it to last for years. If you think you've been sold a lemon - and R34 clearly thinks he has - then I suggest you stump up the $30-odd to take them to the small claims tribunal in your State.

Don't be sucked in by the voluntary warranty that the manufacturer provides. This is not the be all and end all of it. The Trade Practices Act says that "goods have to meet a basic level of quality and performance given the price and description of the goods". Not all that hard to argue a $3000 pj that needs about $2000 of repairs in just over two years is not of merchantable quality.

If it were me I'd definately give it a run - in fact I did.

I'd reckon it would be a waste to spend money repairing or even the $30. PJ quality has gone up and prices down so much in the last 2 years. Yes they are almost expendables like printers - sad but almost true

To get a similar quality pj now might only cost you $1000 new now - the much better upgraded one $2000. Why spend money/effort getting something fixed that you prob won't be happy with (after you see what else is around now)

I'd vote ditch it and save yourself the grief, but thats me

[The_Preacher1973]

I'd reckon it would be a waste to spend money repairing or even the $30. PJ quality has gone up and prices down so much in the last 2 years. Yes they are almost expendables like printers - sad but almost true

I know what you mean about printers. Last time I was home, my parents asked me to buy new ink cartridges for their Canon printer. I went to Disk Smiths and the Black and white cartridge was $45 and the colour $55. And there on run out they had the exact same model printer with both cartdiges included in the box for $49.

[ajm1503559545]

I'd reckon it would be a waste to spend money repairing or even the $30. PJ quality has gone up and prices down so much in the last 2 years. Yes they are almost expendables like printers - sad but almost true

To get a similar quality pj now might only cost you $1000 new now - the much better upgraded one $2000. Why spend money/effort getting something fixed that you prob won't be happy with (after you see what else is around now)

I'd vote ditch it and save yourself the grief, but thats me

??? You'd spend $1000 or $2000 for a new pj rather than spend $30 to get a refund and buy new one with that?

I guess people's time and effort has value as well but I was more than happy to use my time and effort to get a refund and buy a new pj. I'd love to be earning the money some of you guys must be on to be able to treat this equipment as "expendable or "disposable".

[KernelPanic]

I know what you mean about printers. Last time I was home, my parents asked me to buy new ink cartridges for their Canon printer. I went to Disk Smiths and the Black and white cartridge was $45 and the colour $55. And there on run out they had the exact same model printer with both cartdiges included in the box for $49.

The problem is that the cartridges supplied with the printer are only 1/3rd full.

[aztec]

The problem is that the cartridges supplied with the printer are only 1/3rd full.

I read a story recently (from America) where a person went into a shop to buy HP printer cartridges but came out with a brand new Lexmark printer because it ended up being cheaper. Disposable printers!

[Guest Beams]

??? You'd spend $1000 or $2000 for a new pj rather than spend $30 to get a refund and buy new one with that?

I have to agree, spend the $30 and stick it to them, what harm can it do, if you win then you'll get your money back, if you lose you've spent $30 and a bit of time. The more that companies keep getting away with selling rubish products the more they will keep doing it. Too many people have the throw away mentality, thats why we have so much junk on the market. From my perspective, panasonic would more than likely know about this and the other threads bagging their products, which they wouldn't be too impressed with, more fool them for not fixing the problem.

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It is essentially the lamp that deteriorates the lifespan of the projector.

Having a light source that did not generate so much ultraviolet light, which is actually the destroyer of the optic system, would give extended life to digital projectors. LCD projectors especially would benefit from this.

If the ultraviolet light could be converted to visible light prior to entering the optic system it would not only generate higher visible light levels but also preserve the optics for years of use.

A futuristic 'high power' Super LED acting as a point source of light might be a possibility but sadly it is not foreseeable at the moment.

C.M