Hey, BPBS,
Thanks for the tip on the Panasonic PT-AE8000U projector for $1499. I've been waiting for this projector to go on sale and just picked one up. I'd like to check out 3D on this puppy but Panasonic doesn't include any 3D glasses in the box with the projector. According to the Panasonic web site, I need the TY-EW3D3ME but these aren't made any more. I can't find them for less than $100/pair.
I thought the ones from the 2013 Panasonic plasma TVs would work (TY-ER3D4MU) but I tried that and they don't work with the projector. What gives? Any tips on where I can find those older Panasonic glasses or something else that would work?
Thanks,
-Feeling Flat in Frisco
Greetings, Mr. Flat,
This is one of those great mysteries in life. Why does Panasonic's current top of the line 3D-capable home theater projector still use IR glasses technology from 2010? Panasonic led the charge for 3D glasses compatibility in 2011 by collaborating with many other manufacturers (Sony, Samsung, XPand, etc.) on a standard for active shutter 3D glasses and 3D-capable displays. The Full HD 3D RF standard uses Bluetooth RF communication to synch the glasses with the display. Panasonic's own plasma TVs from 2012 and 2013 use this standard as do those newer Panasonic 3D glasses you mentioned. But for some unexplained reason, Panasonic stuck with 3D glasses that use IR (InfraRed) for their projector.
The good news is that, although the original Panasonic glasses are hard to find, there are a number of inexpensive 3D glasses that do work with the PT-AE8000U as well as its predecessor the PT-AE7000U. Since we also have a PT-AE8000U in house (and we do love bargains), I decided to investigate some of the lower cost glasses options for the PT-AE8000.
Here are a few 3D glasses that work with the Panasonic projector.
Sony PS3 3D Glasses - this one was surprising to me. Sony made a 3D Display back in 2011 specifically for the PS3 for 3D gamers. That TV used IR 3D Glasses and those glasses are actually somewhat "universal" and are compatible with the Panasonic 3D projectors. The best part is that these are currently widely available on Amazon (from third party sellers) for under $10/pair. We tested them and found that they synched quickly to the projector and created a rock solid 3D image. Just make sure to give them a charge via the included USB charging cable, put some 3D content on the projector and hold the top button in for a few seconds for it to synch.
The PlayStation 3 3D glasses offer a nicely wide field of view and good isolation from ambient room light. However, they are a bit stiff and slightly uncomfortable for extended viewing. They are large enough to fit over most prescription glasses.
XPanD Youniversal 3D Glasses (aka, Model X104) - these are universal 3D glasses that work with multiple different brands of IR-based 3D TVs and projectors. We've confirmed that these also synch quickly with the PT-AE8000U and produce a pleasing 3D image. Unfortunately, they're also pretty expensive ($99 list price), but some sellers on Amazon have the small-sized version (for kids or adults with smaller heads) for under $10. You can even buy an RF dongle that will convert them to RF glasses to work with the newer 3D TVs and projectors. Those dongles are getting a bit harder to find though.
The XpanD Youniversal 3D glasses are light and comfortable to wear but are bit too small to fit over prescription glasses easily. Also, they are more open than the other XpanD glasses so ambient room light may be distracting.
XPanD X103 3D glasses for Panasonic - these are XPand glasses made specifically for IR-based Panasonic 3D TVs and projectors. Be careful here because there are several different versions of the X103 glasses, some of which are proprietary to specific brands. You want the Panasonic-specific version (model number X103-P2-G1 for a single pair, X103-P2-G2 for the 2-pack). We found these selling on Amazon (sold as "used," but with a warranty and in the original packaging) for under $12/pair. We tested them and found them to work great with the PT-AE8000U.
Other variations of these X103 glasses only work with specific manufacturers (e.g. JVC or HP) so be careful what you buy. We also tried the universal X103 model, and, although it did sync with the TV, the 3D image had bad ghosting (crosstalk). For this reason, we'd only recommend the Panasonic-specific version of the XpanD X103 glasses for use with the Panasonic projector.
The XPand X103-P2-G1 3D glasses for Panasonic offer a nice field of view, good isolation from room light and are reasonably light and comfortable. They are large enough to fit over most prescription glasses.
There are a few other companies that advertise and sell IR-compatible 3D glasses on Amazon priced anywhere from $15 to $100. Many of these may also work with the Panasonic PT-AE8000 projector but the above are the only three we tested. Whichever model you choose, we'd recommend buying these from a dealer that has a liberal return policy (like Amazon) in case they don't work well with your specific projector or are uncomfortable for your particular face. Buy one pair, try out the feel and the image quality, then decide if you want more.
By the way, the 3D on this projector is really excellent, particularly on good content like "Avatar," "Gravity" or "Hugo" on Blu-ray 3D Disc. You're in for a treat.
Regards,
-Chris
