Sanyo PLV-Z5 LCD Projector Review

gene · #1 01-28-2007, 10:48 PM

The Sanyo PLV-Z5 is a great projector . At the special price of around $1500 offered through our friends at ProjectorPeople, it’s also an uncommon value. Excellent color out of the box, vivid pictures with incredible detail, and minimized interpixel spacing make this 3LCD projector a leading choice in a sea of possibilities. Considering its about $1,000 less than last years Z4 model and is virtually identical with a few performance enhancements for a more accurate picture, this is about the hottest projector in its price class.

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HendersonD · #2 01-29-2007, 01:30 PM

Both of these projectors have gotten great reviews. I have a light controlled room where I will be installing a 110" diagonal SMX Screen that has a gain of 1.16. Seating distance is 11'.

What are the differences between these two that will help me make a decision? Any thoughts on which of these two I should purchase?

Dave

patnshan · #3 01-29-2007, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HendersonD

Both of these projectors have gotten great reviews. I have a light controlled room where I will be installing a 110" diagonal SMX Screen that has a gain of 1.16. Seating distance is 11'.

What are the differences between these two that will help me make a decision? Any thoughts on which of these two I should purchase?

Dave

There are HUGE threads on AVS forum discussing the merits of these two and others comparable.
I am trying to decide myself which to get.
Pat

Intradio · #4 01-29-2007, 11:26 PM

Well, after reading many posts, mostly speculation, about how bad the out-of-the-box calibration is, on the Z4 and the Z5 would probably be no better, it is refreshing to read a review that confirms my experience.

I don't know about the Z4, but I have been super satisfied with my Z5 right out of the box. The only adjustment I have made was to turn down the color a tad for the component input. That's probably because I use it for the HD satellite TV box. I use my upconverting oppo to feed DVD's via HDMI and the detail, color, sharpness, etc. is beautiful. My screen is a 100 inch Da Lite da-mat, unity gain. HT is in the basement with pretty good, but not perfect, light control. I wouldn't recommend going bigger than 100 inch unless it's a higher gain, or you can make your HT totally dark.

I have 104 hrs on it now which is long enough to notice any bugs and I'm happy to say there is none. The review is a mirror image of my experience, so far, with my Z5. Needles to say, I'm a happy camper.

Live long & Prosper,
Intradio

Clint DeBoer · #5 01-30-2007, 12:18 AM

And since we received our sample from ProjectorPeople off the shelf - it definitely wasn't tweaked, so my assessment should be accurate - at least for those who share my other criteria.

It's 2007, though - all projectors should be pretty flat by now when in Cinema mode... at least on a unity gain screen in a light-controlled environment.

Rob Babcock · #6 01-30-2007, 02:37 AM

I guess the $64,000 question is how does it stack up vs the Panasonic PT-AX100U, bang-for-the-buck-wise? Seems like the Panny gives perhaps a tad more filmlike picture and higher overall performance, but the Sanyo has the auto lense cover & panel cleaner, plus is $500 cheaper. Seems like that makes the race almost neck and neck.

The Dukester · #7 01-30-2007, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Babcock

I guess the $64,000 question is how does it stack up vs the Panasonic PT-AX100U, bang-for-the-buck-wise? Seems like the Panny gives perhaps a tad more filmlike picture and higher overall performance, but the Sanyo has the auto lense cover & panel cleaner, plus is $500 cheaper. Seems like that makes the race almost neck and neck.

Also to compare apples and oranges, how it stacks up with the Optoma HD72 DLP that is in the same price range.