Overall, the AE7000 has an edge over the HW30ES in picture quality in 2D primarily due to its contrast advantage, and in 3D due to both incremental contrast and better clarity/stability due to reduced crosstalk.
(It is a close run thing between the Sony and the Panasonic in image terms. For us the Panasonic just edges it with a slightly better dynamic range and the ability to calibrate the image for greater accuracy with colour performance than the Sony. But the big point for wide screen viewing is the memory lens function or the use of an anamorphic lens for 2.35:1 screens, things the Sony just can’t compete with and which gives the Panasonic the edge here.)
(The thing that struck me the most was the absolute lack of crosstalk and the brightness of the 3D images with the glasses on. The Sony HW30ES was a big step forward for Sony but it still has that massive drop off in brightness with the 3D glasses. There is still a drop in brightness with the Panasonic but only around the 40 to 50% mark, certainly not as bad as the Sony. Plus the 3D glasses are the same used with the Viera TVs which don’t have any yellow tint to the lenses like the Sony specs. The image brightness difference seems to come down to the fact that the PT-AT5000 uses 480Hz panels...)
(We were told that the optical block, including the panel and lamp housing, were now well sealed and as far as Panasonic is concerned, it is dust proof so there should be no issues concerning blobs with the PT-AT5000.)