Sanyo PLV-Z4 3LCD Projector Reviewed

Clint DeBoer · #1 03-20-2006, 12:57 AM

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 record" 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...)

[Read the Review]

talannar · #2 03-20-2006, 11:17 AM

So now that you've reviewed the Panny 900 and the Sanyo, which projector would you keep in your system?

BMXTRIX · #3 03-20-2006, 11:27 AM

It's just amazing... So many people are asking which projector to buy 'which is best?' they ask. Then they list off the models - Z4, AE900, HD72, IN76... I just tell them to flip a coin. There doesn't seem to be one that can really be called the best anymore. They are all awesome. The $10,000+ Sharp Z9000 of a few years ago basically produces a worse image than the currently crop of $2Kish HD projectors from both the LCD and DLP camps.

I personally have seen the AE900 and love the ease of installation, but will be seeing my first Z4 in a week or so. Bottom line is that I thought the AE900 was a little soft and with where the viewers are seated in this theater the Z4 should be ideal. I'm very excited to see it.

Great review, and it seems to show a bit of difference in attitude towards that projector after you guys having seen it set up poorly at some trade shows, etc. may have led people to believe that the projector was a good deal less than top notch - while other sites are claiming it to be the best of that price range.

Want a $2K projector? Pick one of them, it is almost impossible to go wrong.

BTT917 · #4 03-20-2006, 03:28 PM

I'd like to ask that in the future you also include performance results after calibrating with just the AVIA or DVE discs, instead of just the "out-of-the-box" and DataColor calibration results. Most people don't have access to anything more than the test discs, and for me I want to know how good a projector can look without having to hire an ISF tech or buying calibration equipment.

Thanks

Clint DeBoer · #5 03-20-2006, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMXTRIX

Want a $2K projector? Pick one of them, it is almost impossible to go wrong.

I really have to agree. At this point the D5 panels seem to soundly trounce D4 panels - even those with better optics. You have to really screw it up bad to provide a bad unit, so features are starting to really play a big part. Black levels, as always, are the key with LCD; but Sony's Cineza VPL-HS51A showed that LCD is at least capable of challenging DLP in that arena as well... It's getting to be that there are a lot of really good choices on the market - and that's a GREAT thing.

As for the AVIA-only calibration... That's a good point. Basically just being able to set correct black and white levels typically makes a HUGE difference in a projector. At that point the only key is getting the right color temperature - typically the one which makes white look almost reddish in comparison to the typical default "blue" color temperature.

I may consider making my "before" be a rough calibration using the AVIA test disc. This is a great idea and gives a more usable baseline for those who aren't planning to do a professional ISF calibration.

cthomp · #6 03-21-2006, 04:57 AM

Then they list off the models - Z4, AE900, HD72, IN76...

Would it be safe to say the HS51A should also be included? I have seen it
as low as $2300

Clint DeBoer · #7 03-21-2006, 12:30 PM

Oh yeah, the Sony Cineza is an excellent projector. Great black levels, too.

cthomp · #8 03-22-2006, 03:09 AM

Unlike many of us, (especially in Fairbanks, Alaska), you have seen and reviewed most of the models listed above. Given the following set-up, which one would you most likely buy? Expense is not a factor within this price range.

Room 17W x 25L x 7 1/2H (Painted dark)
Seating distance 15-20ft
Ceiling Mount projector
Good Light control (room darkening blinds, dimmers)
106" Carada Brilliant White
Dish Network HD
Primary Use- HD sports, HD/dvd movies and general dish viewing
Will purchase HD-DVD or Blu-Ray player when available

PS. I noticed you haven't reviewed the HD72 yet but I am concerned about
using it with a lower ceiling due to the lens offset and lack of lens shift.

Clint DeBoer · #9 03-22-2006, 08:50 AM

Optoma HD72 review is being posted this week.

I don't give final recommendations on anything as then we might was well just list our favorites and not do any reviews... I wrote a combined 50-some pages of reviews, just read and see which you would like to dive into. We're already telling you that you can't really go too wrong.

Johnd · #10 03-22-2006, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint DeBoer

I don't give final recommendations on anything

Ah, Solomon has spoken. You could not have it any other way.