OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Projectors Methodology v3.0
Projectors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Projectors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Projectors Methodology v3.0

Panasonic PT-AR100U review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,580Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:2800Throw ratio:1.33-2.69:1Lamp life:2000 hours

Panasonic PT-AR100U Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 2 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Panasonic PT-AR100U
6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components

35%

6.1

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

6.1

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 82% of projectors
5.3

Value for money

Value for money
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

2.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 96%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components

42%

7.1

Image Quality

22%

6.2

Projection & Lens

12%

5.0

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.5

Audio & Features

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.1

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 66%
6.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 81% of models

6.1

Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.6

Average grade

20%

6.1

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 81%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
    N/A~ £1,580
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of projector Panasonic PT-AR100U

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components:

42%

7.1

Image Quality

22%

6.2

Projection & Lens

12%

5.0

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.5

Audio & Features

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.1

Design & Power

6.1
Reviews score
6.1
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

2.2

Price

5.3
ANSI lumens
2,800
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 2,800 ANSI lumens, brighter than 61.3% of projectors and equal to 1.4% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
50,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 50000:1, higher than 69.3% of projectors and equal to 2.3% of projectors.
Dynamic contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
1920x1080
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 27% of projectors and equal to 59.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1920x1080
This projector supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 25.9% of projectors and equal to 42.3% of projectors.
Projection technology
3LCD
Show more
Throw ratio
1.33-2.69:1
Min throw distance
1.16 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.16 m, longer than 60.7% of projectors and equal to 0.6% of projectors.
Max projection size
300 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 300 inch, larger than 51.5% of projectors and equal to 38% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
2
Market range: <1.1 – >2.06
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 2, wider than 84.7% of projectors and equal to 6.3% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Input lag
37 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 37 ms, higher than 65.6% of projectors and equal to 2.3% of projectors.
In Game Mode.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not switch to low-latency mode automatically. 16.1% of projectors offer this.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support variable refresh rate. 1.8% of projectors offer this.
HDMI version
1.4
This projector supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54% of projectors and equal to 35.7% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
10.2 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 51.2% of projectors and equal to 46.5% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.9% of projectors and equal to 47.3% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Light source type
lamp
This projector uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 66.5% of projectors and equal to 33.5% of projectors.
Laser light source
no
This projector does not have a laser light source. 26.8% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
2000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 2000 hours, longer than 96.6% of projectors and equal to 2.9% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
5,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 5,000 hours, longer than 86.3% of projectors and equal to 6.5% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
350 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 350 W of power, more than 84% of projectors and equal to 2% of projectors.
Show more

Panasonic PT-AR100U vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 0.7 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (2 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    2 vs 1.3
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (50000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    50,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 27.3% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (2,800 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    2,800 vs 2,200
  • 1 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 50 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    300 inch vs 250 inch
  • 2 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (29 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    Eco mode figure.
    29 dB vs 31 dB
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 0.42 W lower standby power
    This projector uses less standby power than the average projector (0.1 W vs 0.5 W). The average projector uses 0.5 W of standby power.
    0.08 W vs 0.5 W
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (50000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    50,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 27.3% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (2,800 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    2,800 vs 2,200
  • 0.7 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (2 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    2 vs 1.3
  • 50 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    300 inch vs 250 inch
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 1 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (29 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    Eco mode figure.
    29 dB vs 31 dB
  • 0.42 W lower standby power
    This projector uses less standby power than the average projector (0.1 W vs 0.5 W). The average projector uses 0.5 W of standby power.
    0.08 W vs 0.5 W
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.4 vs 2
  • 17.6% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models

    6.1

    Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    6.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.1 vs 7.4
  • 17.6% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models

    6.1

    Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    6.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.1 vs 7.4
  • 31.8% worse value for money
    Panasonic PT-AR100U has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.27 vs 6.9).
    5.27 vs 6.95
  • 2.39x more expensive
    Panasonic PT-AR100U is more expensive than the average projector (£1,580 vs £660).
    £1,580 vs £660
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • 10 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2011 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    October 2011
    2011 vs 2021
  • No 3D glasses support
    This projector does not display 3D with glasses, while the average projector does. 54.4% of projectors offer 3D with glasses.
  • 0.15 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.2 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    1.16 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 4 % less horizontal lens shift
    This projector has fewer horizontal lens shift than the average projector (26 % vs 30 %). The average projector has 30 % horizontal lens shift.
    26 % vs 30 %
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.4 vs 2
  • More outdated HDCP support
    This projector supports an older HDCP version than the average projector (1.3 vs 2.2).
    1.3 vs 2.2
  • 10 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (37 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In Game Mode.
    37 ms vs 27 ms
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • No headphone jack
    This projector does not have a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the average projector does. 84.4% of projectors offer a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    This projector has fewer USB ports than the average projector (0 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    0 vs 1
  • No built-in speaker
    This projector does not have a built-in speaker, while the average projector does. 87% of projectors have one.
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • 18,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (2000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    2,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 15,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (5,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    5,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 2.89x heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (8.6 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    8.6 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 120 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (350 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    350 W vs 230 W
  • 173 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (470 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    470 mm vs 297 mm
  • 230 mm thicker body
    This projector is thicker than the average projector (380 mm vs 150 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 150 mm.
    380 mm vs 150 mm
  • 1 dB louder eco mode
    This projector has a higher audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (29 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    Eco mode figure.
    29 dB vs 28 dB

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Not graded
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
projectorcentral.com
✓ explicit
01/11/2011
Lab test · Living room projector
Verdict
The Panasonic PT-AR100U is a bright living-room projector whose Light Harmonizer handles room light, but it falls short of dedicated models in a fully dark room.
9.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
10/03/2012
Hands-on review · Family room projector
Verdict
The Panasonic PT-AR100U is a bright 1080p projector for lit family rooms, with flexible placement, though its lamp lasts about 2,000 hours at full power.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Panasonic PT-AR100U

  • High light output (2800 lumens) makes it ideal for rooms with ambient light
  • Excellent out-of-the-box color accuracy across multiple picture modes
  • Strong placement flexibility with a 2x zoom lens and lens shift capability
  • Low input lag (approx. 18ms) makes it a very capable projector for gaming
  • User-friendly design including easy lamp replacement and a well-laid-out remote
  • Excellent value-for-money proposition at its original price point

What customers don't like about Panasonic PT-AR100U

  • Audible fan noise that is louder than some competing models
  • Below-average lamp life compared to other home entertainment projectors
  • Lack of Creative Frame Interpolation (CFI) for smooth motion handling
  • Black levels are adequate but not as deep as more expensive high-contrast models
  • Significant brightness loss (over 50%) when using the lens at full telephoto zoom
  • Limited one-year standard warranty is shorter than some competitor offerings
  • No support for 3D content or anamorphic lenses

Verdict

The Panasonic PT-AR100U is a high-brightness 1080p 3LCD home theater projector designed for living rooms with ambient light, featuring a powerful 280-watt Red-Rich Lamp that outputs 2,800 lumens and a 50,000:1 contrast ratio. Its main characteristics include exceptional placement flexibility via a 2.0:1 manual zoom lens and wide lens shift (±65% vertical, ±26% horizontal), alongside advanced tools like a built-in Waveform Monitor and Light Harmonizer 3 for automatic light adjustment. Main pros include its 'brightest-in-class' performance for daytime viewing, impressive out-of-the-box color accuracy, and a low-lag game mode of just 18ms. However, it suffers from several cons, such as relatively weak black levels in dark rooms, a shorter-than-average lamp life of 2,000 to 3,000 hours, and audible fan noise that can be distracting during quiet scenes.

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