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Sanyo PLV-Z4 Projector Review

by Clint DeBoer last modified December 07, 2007 10:37
Sanyo PLV-Z4 Projector Review

Sanyo PLV-Z4

Summary

  • Product Name: PLV-Z4 Projector
  • Manufacturer: Sanyo
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStarhalf-star
  • Value Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
  • Review Date: February 25, 2006
  • MSRP: $2995
Specifications

Brightness: 1000 ANSI lumens (max)
Contrast: Up to 7,000:1 (stated full on/off)
Resolution: 1280 x 720 native HD resolution
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen native 16:9 aspect ratio (4:3 compatible)
Supported Screen Size: 40-300 inches diagonal
LCD Panel: D5 (Epson); 3 x 0.7” TFT Active Matrix LCD
Iris: Variable twin iris system (powered lens and lamp iris)
Accepted Video Formats: 480i/575i/1080i and 480p/720p
Accepted Computer Formats:
From VGA up to 1152 x 900 + 720p/1080i
Video Inputs:
HDMI-HDCP, component (x2), composite, S-video, and PC/RGB (HD15)
Color System: NTSC, PAL, SECAM, NTSC 4.43, PAL-M, PAL-N
Fan Noise: 22 dBa

Projection Lens: 2.0x optical zoom; f = 21.3 – 42.6 mm/F2.0 – 3.0, manual focus & zoom
Lens Shift: Vertical and horizontal (100% vertical, 50% horizontal)
Keystone Correction: +/- 20 degrees
Lamp: 145 W UHP lamp
Mounting: ceiling, desk, front/rear (menu configurable)
Power Supply: 100-240 volts, 50-60Hz
Power Consumption: 210 watts (maximum
Operating Temperature: 41 – 95 degrees F (5 – 35 degrees C)
Projection Method: Front/rear/ceiling mount/table-top
Remote Control: Backlit, AA x 2 batteries
Standard Accessories
: Power cord and adapter, Wireless remote control unit, batteries for remote control, owner’s manual
Operating Noise: 30dB (minimum)
Dimensions: 15” x 5” x 12” in. (382 x 126.8 x 304.3 mm)
Weight: 10.2 lbs (5 kg)


Pros

  • Very detailed image
  • Usable picture/color controls for HDMI input
  • Extremely quiet
  • 3000 hour bulb life (max)
  • Excellent LCD panel adjustment and maintenance options
  • Reduced screen door effect

Cons

  • Requires calibration out of the box, specifically for white and black levels
  • No 12VDC trigger

Introduction

Sanyo is an interesting company. I mean, they make rice cookers, vacuum cleaners and massage chairs in addition to electronic AV products. I think that somewhere in the world there is a room with two guys in it from LG and Sanyo talking about how they will one day open up a market for Internet-enabled WiFi latrines. The Sanyo PLV-Z4 debuted last September and took the industry by storm. Its reputation for excellent color, contrast ratio and image quality quickly made it one of the year’s top sellers in the under-$3000 category. With Audioholics publishing reviews on most of the competition, we wanted to get the Sanyo “on the books” so prospective buyers could compare and contrast against the other models we’ve reviewed (plus it looked cool and I wanted to chastise other manufacturers for not having a nifty automatic sliding shutter...)
  1. PLV-Z4 Build Quality & Inputs
  2. PLV-Z4 Menu System & Throw Chart
  3. PLV-Z4 Remote & Calibration
  4. PLV-Z4 Viewing Evaluation & Conclusion