Panasonic PT-AE1000U

Pros: Excellent Picture on 100" screen (but have problem now :-(
Lots of Information & control via the user menu
Unit was easily installed by professional team
Speedy response to problem query from panasonic technician

Cons: Early Failure of some circuitry (18 months after purchase)
Bulb rated for 1,800 hours before replacement needed (bulb is CAD$500+tax) - you only learn this when you read the manual.
The unit is large & heavy

Summary: I did a ton of reasearch before i bought this unit. I have been a Sony person for most of my life. This is the first Panasonic product that I have ever owned. I only bought it at the time it was rated best in class and was $1000 cheaper than the equivalent Sony.

My rating is good unit - BUT protect yourself .... BUY an extended warranty (3 or 4 years) for this unit. I have had an early failure now which has me cursing that i did not buy it. The unit has not malfunctioned after 18 months since I bought it. The manufacturer warrant only lasts 1 year.

In case you are interested in what my problem is: the screen has started to flash light and dark very noticably on the screen in a constant way. It is really noticebale when watching Blue Ray or watching HD TV. The tech at Panasonic says it is not the bulb but rather another component that needs servicing. I am sad as I have to de-install the unit now and drive it to the Panasonic authorized repair center on the other side of town. I have never had a Sony unit ever fail so soon. My last projection unti (non-HD 1080p) was a Sony that lasted just over 4 years. I decided not to buy a new bulb (which went after almost 2,800 hours - but cost about about CAD$425+tax) but get a nice shiny new projector with 1080p/i capability.