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Planar PD7150 DLP Projector Review

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by Clint DeBoer — last modified March 28, 2007 06:18
Planar PD7150 DLP Projector Review

Planar PD7150 DLP Projector

Summary

  • Product Name: PD7150 DLP Projector
  • Manufacturer: Planar
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStarhalf-star
  • Value Rating: StarStarStarhalf-star
  • Review Date: March 07, 2007
  • MSRP: $5,999
Specifications

Microdisplay: Texas Instruments DLP® DarkChip3™ 0.8 720p 12o LVDS DMD

Native Resolution: 1280 x 720 (921,600 pixels)

Video Inputs: DVI-D, component (2), RGB/PC (HD15), S-video, composite

Aspect Ratios: Native (Pixel-to-Pixel), 16:9, Letterbox, 4:3, Anamorphic compatible (standard definition sources)

Projection Lens: All glass, F/2.4~2.50, f=19.1~23.9 mm, 1:25x manual zoom, made in Japan

Throw Ratio: 1.3 - 1.7 (distance/width)

Lens Shift: +/-15% (horizontal), + 100%, -65% (vertical, ceiling mounted)

Cooling Performance: High efficiency adaptive voltage side-to-side cooling with low system acoustic noise level (29dBA) and low light pollution cabinet

Video Lumens: 1000 ANSI max

Contrast Ratio: 5000:1 (max full on/full off)

Projection Modes: Front, Rear, Ceiling (front/rear)

Keystone (digital): +/-5 (horizontal), +/-5 (vertical)

Lamp: User replaceable 200/250W HPM (selectable), 3000 hour (eco) lifetime*

Video Processing: Pixelworks™ PW463 8-bit chip

Calibration: Full RGB gain/offset control (White Balance), Gamma (1.0, 1.5, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.35, 2.5, 2.8), Contrast, Color Temp (Presets 5K~10K and X,Y control for R,G,B,Y), Brightness

Misc: 12VDC trigger, RS-232 (9-pin)

Dimensions: 17.5" (445mm) L x 16.5" (420mm) W x 7.1" (180mm) H

Weight: 17.6 lb (8 kg)

Pros

  • True native 720p DLP
  • Deep blacks, rich colors
  • Consumer adjustment of RGB gain, cut
  • Variable gamma settings
  • Backlit remote with discrete power codes

Cons

  • No HDMI input (does have DVI-D with HDCP)
  • No support for downscaling 1080p/60 source material via DVI-D (support of 1080p/24 and 1080p/60 supported via component)
  • No 480i support via DVI-D
  • Awkward remote configuration and labeling

Introduction

Planar is a company whose products everyone has likely encountered - they just may not realize it. Responsible for many of the displays found in gas station pumps, shopping centers, ATMs and image-sensitive hospital applications, Planar decided to enter the home theater market in 2006 and the results thus far are more than promising. They are targeting a wide range of home theater users, but are decidedly positioning themselves to compete in the higher end market.
  1. Planar PD7150 Technology Overview and Setup
  2. Planar PD7150 Connections, Remote and Menu System
  3. Planar PD7150 Daytime Viewing and Calibration
  4. Planar PD7150 Benchmark Tests
  5. Planar PD7150 Viewing Evaluation and Conclusion
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