Panasonic LCD Projector PT-AE500U Operating Instructions

							ENGLISH
TQBJ 0133
LCD Projector 
Operating Instructions
Model No.
PT-AE500U
Before operating this product, please read the instructions carefully and save this
manual for future use.
PCPOWER
LIGHT
INPUTENTERMENUFREEZENORMALASPECTUSERMEMORYPICTUREMODELCD PROJECTORVIDEOCMPNTCOMPONENT
KEYSTONE
R
For assistance, please call : 1-888-View-PTV(843-9788)
or send e-mail to : [email protected]
or visit us at www.panasonic.com (U.S.A)
For assistance, please call : 787-750-4300
or visit us at www.panasonic.co.jp/global/ (Puerto Rico) 
						

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IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICEWARNING: 
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Dear Panasonic Customer:This instruction booklet provides all the necessary operating information that
you might require. We hope it will help you to get the most out of your new
product, and that you will be pleased with your Panasonic LCD projector.
The serial number of your product may be found on its back. You should
note it in the space provided below and retain this booklet in case service is
required.Model number:  PT-AE500USerial number:
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.Power Supply:This LCD Projector is designed to operate on 100 V – 240 V, 50 Hz/60
Hz AC, house current only.
CAUTION:The AC power cord which is supplied with the projector as an accessory can
only be used for power supplies  up to 125 V, 7 A. If you need to use higher
voltages or currents than this, you will need to obtain a separate 250 V
power cord. If you use the accessory cord in such situations, fire may result.
Declaration of Conformity
Model Number:  PT-AE500U
Trade Name:Panasonic
Responsible party:  Matsushita Electric Corporation of America.
Address:  One Panasonic Way Secaucus New Jersey 07094
Telephone number:  1-888-View-PTV(843-9788)
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules, Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
CAUTION:
This equipment is equipped with a three-
pin grounding-type power plug. Do not
remove the grounding pin on the power
plug. This plug will only fit a grounding-
type power outlet. This is a safety feature.
If you are unable to insert the plug into
the outlet, contact an electrician. Do not
defeat the purpose of the grounding plug.
WARNING:This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or 
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
–  Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
–  Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
–  Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the 
receiver is connected.
–  Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC CAUTION:To assure continued compliance, use only shielded interface cables when
connecting to computers or peripheral devices. 
Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment will void the
users authority to operate.
Do not remove
WARNING:
Not for use in a computer room as defined in the Standard for the Protection
of Electronic Computer/Data Processing Equipment, ANSI/NFPA 75. 
						

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Precautions with regard to safetyWARNINGIf a problem occurs (such as no image or no sound) or if you notice
smoke or a strange smell coming from the projector, turn off the power
and disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.
BDo not continue to use the projector in such cases, otherwise fire or
electric shocks could result.
BCheck that no more smoke is coming out, and then contact an Authorized
Service Center for repairs.
BDo not attempt to repair the projector yourself, as this can be dangerous.
Do not install this projector in a place which is not strong enough to
take the full weight of the projector.
BIf the installation location is not strong enough, it may fall down or tip over,
and severe injury or damage could result.
Installation work (such as ceiling suspension) should only be carried
out by a qualified technician.
BIf installation is not carried out correctly, there is the danger that injury or
electric shocks may occur.
If foreign objects or water get inside the projector, or if the projector is
dropped or the cabinet is broken, turn off the power and disconnect the
power cord from the wall outlet.
BContinued use of the projector in this condition may result in fire or electric
shocks.
BContact an Authorized Service Center for repairs.
Do not overload the wall outlet.
BIf the power supply is overloaded (for example, by using too many
adapters), overheating may occur and fire may result.
Do not remove the cover or modify it in any way.
BHigh voltages which can cause fire or electric shocks are present inside
the projector.
BFor any inspection, adjustment and repair work, please contact an
Authorized Service Center.
Clean the power cord plug regularly to prevent it from becoming
covered in dust.
BIf dust builds up on the power cord plug, the resulting humidity can
damage the insulation, which could result in fire. Pull the power cord out
from the wall outlet and wipe it with a dry cloth.
BIf not using the projector for an extended period of time, pull the mains
plug out from the wall outlet.
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ContentsPreparationIMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE ...2
Precautions with regard to 
safety .........................................5
Accessories .................................9
Before use ....................................9
Location and function of each
part ...........................................11Getting startedSetting-up ...................................16
Projection methods, Projector
position, Projection distances
Connections ...............................18
Connecting to video equipment,
Connecting to equipment
compatible with YP
BPR(C
BCR)
signals, 
Connecting to computer
Preparation for the remote
control unit ..............................21
Basic operationTurning on the power ................22
Turning off the power................24Useful functionsCorrecting keystone distortion
...26
Selecting the picture mode.......27
Setting the aspect ratio .............28
Turning on the button lights.....30
Pausing a picture.......................30
Retrieving the saved picture
settings ....................................31
Adjustments and settingsOn-screen menus ......................32
Menu screens, Menu operation
guide, Returning a setting to the
factory default
Adjusting the picture.................36
PICTURE MODE, CONTRAST,
BRIGHT, COLOR, TINT,
SHARPNESS, COLOR TEMP., 
AI, ADVANCE MENU, 
MEMORY SAVE, MEMORY LOAD,TV-SYSTEM, SIGNAL MODE,
Projecting sRGB-compatible picturesAdjusting the position...............40
Horizontal position, Vertical position,
DOT CLOCK, CLOCK PHASE,
ASPECT,AUTO SETUP
Turning off the picture
momentarily (SHUTTER) ........41Changing the display language
...41
Option settings ..........................42
OSD, Noise Reduction (NR), 
PC PRIORITY, BACK COLOR,
EDID, FRONT/REAR,
DESK/CEILING, FAN CONTROL,
LAMP POWER, LAMP RUNTIME
Care and maintenanceWhen the TEMP indicator and the
LAMP indicator are illuminated
...44
Cleaning and replacing 
the air filter ..............................46
Replacing the lamp unit ............47
Before calling for service..........50
Cleaning and maintenance .......51
OthersSpecifications ............................52
Appendix ....................................54
List of compatible signals,
Connector pin wiring, Projection
dimensions calculation methods
Dimensions ................................57Trademark acknowledgements
...58 
						

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Do not look into the lens while the projector is being used.
BStrong light is emitted from the projector’s lens. If you look directly into this
light, it can hurt and damage your eyes.
BBe especially careful not to let young children look into the lens. In
addition, turn off the power when you are away from the projector.
Do not place your hands or other objects close to the air outlet port.
BHeated air comes out of the air outlet port. Do not place your hands or
face, or objects which cannot withstand heat close to this port, otherwise
burns or damage could result.
Replacement of the lamp unit should only be carried out by a qualified
technician.
BThe lamp unit has high internal pressure. If improperly handled, explosion
might result.
BThe lamp unit can easily become damaged if struck against hard objects
or dropped, and injury or malfunctions may result.
When replacing the lamp, allow it to cool for at least one hour before
handling it.
BThe lamp cover gets very hot, and contact with it can cause burns.
Before replacing the lamp, be sure to unplug the power cord from the
wall outlet.
BElectric shocks or explosions can result if this is not done.CautionDo not cover the air inlet or the air outlet.
BDoing so may cause the projector to overheat, which can cause fire or
damage to the projector.
BDo not place the projector in narrow, badly ventilated places such as
closets or bookshelves.
Do not set up the projector in humid or dusty places or in places where
the projector may come into contact with smoke or steam.
B
Using the projector under such conditions may result in fire or electric shocks.
When disconnecting the power cord, hold the plug, not the cord.
BIf the power cord itself is pulled, the cord will become damaged, and fire,
short-circuits or serious electric shocks may result.
Always disconnect all cables before moving the projector.
BMoving the projector with cables still attached can damage the cables,
which could cause fire or electric shocks to occur.
Do not place any heavy objects on top of the projector.
BFailure to observe this may cause the projector to become unbalanced
and fall, which could result in damage or injury.
Do not short-circuit, heat or disassemble the batteries or place them
into water or fire.
BFailure to observe this may cause the batteries to overheat, leak, explode
or catch fire, and burns or other injury may result. Do not do anything that might damage the power cord or the power
cord plug.
BDo not damage the power cord, make any modifications to it, place it near
any hot objects, bend it excessively, twist it, pull it, place heavy objects on
top of it or wrap it into a bundle.
BIf the power cord is used while damaged, electric shocks, short-circuits or
fire may result.
BAsk an Authorized Service Center to carry out any repairs to the power
cord that might be necessary.
Do not handle the power cord plug with wet hands.
BFailure to observe this may result in electric shocks.
Insert the power cord plug securely into the wall outlet.
BIf the plug is not inserted correctly, electric shocks or overheating could
result.
BDo not use plugs which are damaged or wall outlets which are coming
loose from the wall.
Do not place the projector on top of surfaces which are unstable.
BIf the projector is placed on top of a surface which is sloped or unstable, it
may fall down or tip over, and injury or damage could result.
Do not place the projector into water or let it become wet.
BFailure to observe this may result in fire or electric shocks.
Do not place liquid containers on top of the projector.
BIf water spills onto the projector or gets inside it, fire or electric shocks
could result.
BIf any water gets inside the projector, contact an Authorized Service
Center.
Do not insert any foreign objects into the projector.
BDo not insert any metal objects or flammable objects into the projector or
drop them onto the projector, as doing so can result in fire or electric shocks.
Keep the batteries out of the reach of infants.
BIf the batteries are swallowed, death by suffocation may result. If you
believe that the batteries may have been swallowed, seek medical advice
immediately.
Do not allow the + and - terminals of the batteries to come into contact
with metallic objects such as necklaces or hairpins.
BFailure to observe this may cause the batteries to leak, overheat, explode
or catch fire.
BStore the batteries in a plastic bag and keep them away from metallic objects.
During a thunderstorm, do not touch the projector or the cable.
BElectric shocks can result.
Do not use the projector in a bath or shower.
BFire or electric shocks can result. 
						

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When inserting the batteries, make sure the polarities (+ and -) are
correct.
BIf the batteries are inserted incorrectly, they may explode or leak, and fire,
injury or contamination of the battery compartment and surrounding area
may result.
Use only the specified batteries.
BIf incorrect batteries are used, they may explode or leak, and fire, injury or
contamination of the battery compartment and surrounding area may
result.
Do not mix old and new batteries.
BIf the batteries are inserted incorrectly, they may explode or leak, and fire,
injury or contamination of the battery compartment and surrounding area
may result.
Do not put your weight on this projector.
BYou could fall or the projector could break, and injury may result.
BBe especially careful not to let young children climb onto the projector.
Disconnect the power cord plug from the wall outlet as a safety
precaution before carrying out any cleaning.
BElectric shocks can result if this is not done.
Ask an Authorized Service Center to clean inside the projector at least
once a year.
BIf dust is left to build up inside the projector without being cleaned out, it
can result in fire or problems with operation.
BIt is a good idea to clean the inside of the projector before the season for
humid weather arrives. Ask your nearest Authorized Service Center to
clean the projector when required. Please discuss with the Authorized
Service Center regarding cleaning costs.
We are constantly making efforts to preserve and maintain a clean
environment. Please take non repairable units back to your dealer or a
recycling company.
AccessoriesCheck that all of the accessories shown below have been included with your
projector.Remote control unit
(N2QAEA000019 x1)Video cable 
[3.0 m (9´10˝),
K2KA2FA00003 x1]AAA batteries for
remote control unit (x2)
Power cord
(K2CG3FR00001 x 1)
PC
POWER
LIGHT
INPUT
ENTER
MENU
FREEZE
NORMALASPECT
USERMEMORY
PICTUREMODELCD PROJECTORVIDEOCMPNTCOMPONENT
KEYSTONE
Carrying bag 
(TPEP008 x1)
NOTICE:
BThis product has a High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamp that contains a
small amount of mercury. It also contains lead in some components.
Disposal of these materials may be regulated in your community due to
environmental considerations. For disposal or recycling information
please contact your local authorities, or the Electronics Industries
Alliance: 
Before useCautions when moving the projectorBe sure to attach the lens cover before moving the projector.
The projection lens is extremely susceptible to vibration and shocks. When
moving the projector, use the accessory carrying bag. When placing the
projector inside the carrying bag, position it so that the lens is facing upward.Cautions regarding setting-upAvoid setting up in places which are subject to vibration or shocks.
The internal parts can be damaged, which may cause malfunctions or
accidents.
Do not set up the projector near high-voltage power lines or near
motors.
The projector may be subject to electromagnetic interference.
If installing the projector to the ceiling, ask a qualified technician to
carry out all installation work.You will need to purchase the separate installation kit (Model No.ET-PKE300).
Furthermore, all installation work should only be carried out by a qualified
technician. 
						

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If using this projector at high elevations (above 1 400 m), 
set the “FAN CONTROL”  to “HIGH”. (Refer to page 43.)
Failure to observe this may result in malfunctions.Notes on useIn order to get the best picture quality
Draw curtains or blinds over any windows and turn off any fluorescent lights
near the screen to prevent outside light or light from indoor lamps from
shining onto the screen.
Do not touch the surfaces of the lens with your bare hands.
If the surface of the lens becomes dirty from fingerprints or anything else, this
will be magnified and projected onto the screen. Moreover, when not using
the projector, retract the lens and then cover it with the accessory lens cover.
Screen
Do not apply any volatile substances which may cause discoloration to the
screen, and do not let it become dirty or damaged.
Lamp
The lamp may need to be replaced earlier due to variables such as individual
lamp characteristics, usage conditions and the installation environment,
especially when the projector is subjected to continuous use for more than
10 hours or the power is frequently turned on and off.
Liquid crystal panel
BDo not project the same image for long periods of time, as this may remain
as an afterimage on the liquid crystal panel.
BThe liquid crystal panel of the projector is built with very high precision
technology to provide fine picture details. Occasionally, a few non-active
pixels may appear on the screen as fixed points of blue, green or red.
Please note that this does not affect the performance of your LCD.
Projector 

Location and function of each part
$ % &
'
(
)
*-
+ , ' #
#Projector control panel (page 14)
$Zoom ring (page 23)
%Focus ring (page 23)
&Projection lens
'Air inlet ports
Do not cover these ports.
(Front adjustable legs(L/R) (page 23)
)Lens cover
*Leg adjuster buttons(L/R) (page 23)
These buttons are used to unlock the front adjustable legs. Press to adjust
the angle of tilt of the projector.
+Air filter (page 46)
,Remote control signal receptor (page 21)
-MAIN POWER switch (pages 22 and 24) 
						

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#Air outlet port
Do not cover this port.
$Connector panel (page 13)
%Power input socket (AC IN) (page 22)
The accessory power cord is connected here. Do not use any power cord
other than the accessory power cord.
&Lamp unit holder (page 47)
'Security lock
This can be used to connect a commercially-available theft-prevention
cable (manufactured by Kensington). This security lock is compatible with
the Microsaver Security System from Kensington.WARNINGDo not place your hands or other objects close to the air outlet port.BHeated air comes out of the air outlet port. Do not place your hands or
face, or objects which cannot withstand heat close to this port, otherwise
burns or damage could result.Projector 

# $
%
& '
Connector panel

 
 
TRIGGER output jack (pages 18, 19 and 20)
This jack outputs 12 V when the power is turned on. Connect this jack to
equipment such as an electric screen.
$S-VIDEO input connector (page 18)
This connector is used to input signals from an S-VIDEO-compatible
equipment such as a video deck.
%DVI-D IN connector (page 20)
This connector is used to input DVI-D signals.
&RGB input connector (page 20)
This connector is used to input RGB signals from a PC.
'YP
BPR(C
BCR) input jacks(page 19)
These jacks are used to input YP
BPRsignals from compatible equipment
such as a DVD player.
(VIDEO input jack (page 18)
This jack is used to input video signals from a video equipment such as a
video deck. 
						

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#
$
%
&'()
*
+
PC
POWER
LIGHT
INPUT
ENTER
MENU
FREEZE
NORMALASPECT
USERMEMORY
PICTUREMODE
LCD PROJECTORVIDEOCMPNT
COMPONENT
KEYSTONE
*
'
( &
0
1 )
/
,
-.+
Projector control panel
Remote control unit
#TEMP indicator (page 44)
This indicator illuminates if an abnormally high temperature is detected
inside the projector. If the temperature rises above a certain level, the
power supply will be turned off automatically and the indicator will flash.
$LAMP indicator (page 45)
This indicator illuminates when it is time to replace the lamp unit. It flashes
if a circuit abnormality is detected.
%Power indicator (pages 22, 24 and 25)
This indicator illuminates red when the main power is switched on (standby
mode), and it illuminates green when projection of an image begins.
&POWER button (pages 22 and 24)
'MENU button (page 32)
This button is used to display the 
“MAIN MENU
”. When a menu screen is
being displayed, it can be used to return to a previous screen or to clear the
screen.
(Arrow (
F F
, G G
, I I
and H H
) buttons (page 34)
These buttons are used to select and adjust items in the on-screen menus.
)ENTER button (page 34)
This button is used to accept and to activate items selected in the 
on-screen menus.
*INPUT select button(page 23)
These buttons are used to switch the input signals from the connected
equipment.
+KEYSTONE button (page 26)
This button is used to correct keystone distortion of the projected image
when the projector position is tilted upward or downward.
,NORMAL button (page 35)
This button is used to reset the projector adjustment values to the factory
default settings.
-ASPECT button (page 28)
This button is used for aspect adjustment (vertical and horizontal
proportions).
.LIGHT button (page 30)
This button is used to illuminate the buttons on the remote control unit.
/FREEZE button (page 30)
This button is used to momentarily freeze projection so that a still picture is
displayed.
0PICTURE MODE button (page 27)
This button is used to display the “PICTURE MODE” menu.
1USER MEMORY button (page 31)
This button is used to display the “MEMORY LOAD” menu. 
						

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Setting-upProjection methodsIn way of installing projector, any one of the following four projection methods
are used. Select whichever projection method matches the setting-up
method. (The projection method can be set from the “OPTION” menu. Refer
to page 43 for details.)
BFront-desk projectionBFront-ceiling projection
BRear-desk projection
(Using a translucent screen)BRear-ceiling projection
(Using a translucent screen)
Menu items Setting
FRONT
DESK FRONT/REAR
DESK/CEILING
Menu items Setting
FRONT
CEILING FRONT/REAR
DESK/CEILING
Menu items Setting
REAR
DESK FRONT/REAR
DESK/CEILING
Menu items Setting
REAR
CEILING FRONT/REAR
DESK/CEILING
NOTE:
BYou will need to purchase the separate ceiling bracket (ET-PKE300)
when using the ceiling installation method.
BIf you set up the projector vertically, it may cause
damage to the projector.
B
It is recommended that you set up the projector
in a place that is tilted at less than 
±30°
. Setting
up the projector in places that are tilted at more
than 
±30°
may cause malfunctions.
Projector position
H1
L
L
SHSW
65.4
(2-9/16)
L: Projection distance
SH: Image height
SW: Image width
H1: Distance from center
of lens to bottom edge
of projected image Top edge of screen
Screen
Bottom edge of screen
Screen
Projection distancesNOTE:
BThe dimensions in the table above are approximate.
BFor details about projected image distances, refer to page 56.1.01 m(40˝) 0.50 m(1´7˝) 0.89 m(2´11˝) 1.2 m(3´11˝) 1.4 m(4´7˝)
0.03 m(1-5/32˝)
1.27 m(50˝) 0.62 m(2´) 1.11 m(3´7˝) 1.6 m(5´2˝) 1.8 m(5´10˝)
0.04 m(1-9/16˝)
1.52 m(60˝) 0.75 m(2´5˝) 1.33 m(4´4˝) 1.9 m(6´2˝) 2.2 m(7´2˝)
0.04 m(1-9/16˝)
1.77 m(70˝) 0.87 m(2´10˝) 1.55 m(5´1˝) 2.2 m(7´2˝) 2.5 m(8´2˝)
0.05 m(1-15/16˝)
2.03 m(80˝) 1.00 m(3´3˝) 1.77 m(5´9˝) 2.5 m(8´2˝) 2.9 m(9´6˝)
0.06 m(2-11/32˝)
2.28 m(90˝) 1.12 m(3´8˝) 1.99 m(6´6˝) 2.8 m(9´2˝) 3.3 m(10´9˝)
0.06 m(2-11/32˝)
2.54 m(100˝) 1.24 m(4´) 2.21 m(7´3˝) 3.1 m(10´2˝) 3.7 m(12´1˝)
0.07 m(2-3/4˝)
3.81 m(150˝) 1.87 m(6´1˝) 3.32 m(10´10˝) 4.7 m(15´5˝) 5.6 m(18´4˝)
0.10 m(3-29/32˝)
5.08 m(200˝) 2.49 m(8´2˝) 4.43 m(14´6˝) 6.2 m(20´4˝) 7.4 m(24´3˝)
0.14 m(5-1/2˝)
Screen size (16:9)
Diagonal
lengthHeight 
(SH)Width 
(SW)Projection distance (L)
Height
position
(H1) Wide 
(LW)Telephoto 
(LT)
Getting started 
						

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Getting started
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ConnectionsNotes on connectionsBRead the instruction manual for each system component carefully before
connecting it.
BTurn off the power supply for all components before making any
connections.
BIf the cables necessary for connecting a component to the system are not
included with the component or available as an option, you may need to
fashion a cable to suit the component concerned.
BRefer to the list on page 54 for details on compatible signals which can be
input to the projector.
BAn audio system circuit is not provided with this projector. Connect the
audio output of the components to a separate audio system.Connecting to video equipment
Connecting to equipment compatible with YP
BPR
(C
BC
R) signals
DVD player
Video deck To S-Video outputDVD player
To YP
BPR
output
To Video output Equipment such as
an electric screenEquipment such as
an electric screen
Video cable
(accessory)