Planar PD7150 Benchmark Tests

Perfect Score is 130
Planar PD7150 Benchmark Score: 75 (The Planar should be considered a suitable video processor for almost all uses. If you happen to have a high end player, simply feed progressive out of that device and the projector will handle the scaling of the input signal to its native resolution)

Comments on Benchmark Testing

The Planar PD7150 does not support true 480i input via DVI-D, so all deinterlacing and video processing tests were done by feeding the projector a 480i signal via its component inputs. When feeding 480i via DVI-D, the projector converted the image to 1440x480, presumably line-doubling it from what we saw. Deinterlacing was not performed and the resulting picture would fail all detail and deinterlacing tests we had on hand. This probably isn't significant for most users, but should be noted. We utilized a Denon DVD-3930CI for our 480i component source inputs since it provides pristine interlaced component output.

Overall, this projector performs above par where it counts. Jaggie reduction was excellent, among the best we've seen, in both testing and practical examples. The flag test, for example, passed with flying colors (no pun intended). The Film Detail test passed with full credits, but without any leeway, the timing was just in time to get full credit. This is, however, an unflagged test and definitely shows that the Pixelworks 2:3 film deinterlacing system is an intelligent one.

It seems that failing the noise reduction tests is becoming a new trend. While many new discs are doing better and better jobs of mastering content and reducing practical noise, there are still a lot of places where good quality noise reduction is appreciated - when it's not overdone. The PD7150 did nothing noticeable for noise reduction.

The PD7150 passed the AVIA Pro 2-3 Moving Zone Plate tests, but failed the Standard and 2-2 Zone Plate tests. I have not seen many systems pass the non 2-3 tests. The Deinterlacing settings had no affect on performance in this area (except of course for 2-3 where you need to have the 2-3 film mode engaged.)

We tested for rainbow effect (RBE) using the AVIA Pro Rainbow Dither test and found the PD7150 to be pretty good unless you darted your eyes around the screen. As with many other DLP systems, if you have a “white on black” shape or edge and you dart your eyes quickly across the viewing area, you’re going to see rainbows (if you are susceptible to this). In a lot of ways this is like the man who walks into the Doctor's office and says, "Doc, it hurts when I do this." Well, then, don't do that.