HCC Review - Sanyo PLV Z-700 Cinema Projector
Sanyo PLV Z3000 vs. Panasonic AE 3000 U |Z 3000|AE vs. Z| Sanyo PLV Z700 - Editors' Choice* - December 2008
"..Performance just a few years ago would have cost $20,000.." * Entry level 1080P LCD projectors.
Sanyo PLV - Z700 1080P HD Projector  Entry level on a High Definition high!
Sanyo PLV Z700 1080P entry level home cinema projector
Sanyo's entry level 1080P projector the Z700 is similar to the Epson EMP-TW1000 with a price point aimed squarely at the entry level market. Entry level is what a few years ago would have been considered high end! Now the difference between entry level and high end is often academic depending on the quality of the source program and the ambient light in the room. It's the law of diminishing returns, you pay 50% more for just a few percent real improvement generally in the blacks which unless you're in a totally dark room you may not notice.
Skipped a Z? There is no Sanyo Z6 the model in Australia. We went straight to the Z700 which uses the same case as the Z2000/Z3000 it also has 2 x Zoom and great lens shift. The case colour is slightly changed but still fairly light. The Z3000 has the dark case.
As you can see from the image below 1200 ANSI lumens is too much for a dark room so you'll be using a lower lamp mode (which saves the lamp) in this case. Having said that I can't see any difference between 1600 and 1200 lumens. So if your room is that bright that you think you need an extra 400 or so lumens thing again you'd really need about 3 or 4 thousand to see a big difference in which case you should not be looking at cinema projectors.
Actual Z700 image..
People hardly ever seem to consider reflected light. Look at the ceiling and furniture, unless they are black this lowers the maximum contrast ratio you can view. That's another reason you'd use the lowest lamp mode possible.
Contrast Ratio (CR)
Don't panic about 50,000-70,000:1 or more it's just creative marketing.
They should call it "Con Ratio" the higher the more "con" you get :)
Many great projectors are closer to movie film CR. The eye can't see such high numbers in a movie in any case. I suppose we dwell on CR because we don't want you to think that 80,000:1 is eight times better than 10,000:1 that's what theyexpect you to think but it's very misleading.
CR has been going up and up while lumens & pixel count have not moved anywhere near as much in percentage terms so it's natural to think super high CR is a must have.
We note press releases seem to change the CR on some projectors depending on who wrote them, often manufacturers don't seem to know what the real figures are. The native and ANSI CR of 1080P LCD projectors is in the range of 4,000:1 to 8000:1* the other zeros are added by using goodies like a dynamic iris and testing in a mode you'd never use for cinema. *If you know differently please drop us a line with the proof and we'll update if necessary.
A very few manufacturers are more forthright with specifications like:
Contrast Ratio/ 8,000 :1 (Max) (ANSI Contrast 518:1) this is not the Sanyo just an example of the difference between real and Mickey Mouse CR.
OK you can see we hate them quoting full on/off CR.
Manufacturers measure CR in modes (Dynamic etc.) you just can't use for cinema in a dark room. This gives an unrealistic high number.
If we used this test projectors would be a lot closer in
their (everyone, not just Sanyo) contrast ratio results..
Contrast Ratio should be measured with Black & White
projecting at the same time and averaged over the
whole screen as per ANSI CR test. Full on/off is when
you project just white then just black, a much easier test.
How much is enough
Offering enough contrast ratio and full 1080P HD at an affordable price point is sure to create a lot of interest in this projector. Did you know Cinema (film) is only 1,000:1 CR?
Have a good look at a dark scene next time you go to the movies, not black at all. You will have a better show at home.
Actual Z700..
Lumens &. Contrast Ratio
With the Z700 there is a nice balance in a bright room it works fairly well in Creative Cinema mode, I turn off the iris. In a dark room you don't want high light output as it will kill your eyes. Brightness is the perception you get from the measured lumens. Sanyo offer a real world specification projector that's affordable. The PLV Z700 is bright enough for some light in the room and dark enough to appreciate a Star Wars movie night with the lights off.
If you do intend to watch your projector with ANY light in the room there is no need to chase contrast ratio full stop. I like some (say 10-20 Watts) light in the room it's much easier on the eyes.
Sanyo fan, not keen on dust
Super quiet fan produces only 19dB noise which means you can have the projector close by without any problems. You still get the Dust Door which is a great idea, the door closes when projector is off, dust be gone! Keeping dust out may save you a service.
A 1200 lumen projector generates a tremendous amount of heat and
requires a high quality fan to ensure proper operation. At this level of
brightness, the fan is ‘on’ most of the time and the noise can be extremely
loud and disruptive, especially in smaller home theaters where the
projector and the audience are in the same vicinity.
To promote greater enjoyment of the film and to reduce noise levels
during quiet passages of a film, the PLV-Z700 is equipped with the
industry’s quietest fan, a large aperture, low noise Sirocco cooling fan
that never rises above 19dB in the economy mode.
Actual Z700 image..As you can see from the above actual image (section) the Sanyo Z700's colours jump off the screen in Brilliant Cinema mode. If you were considering a PLV-Z3000 but could not justify the extra cost for the up market specifications, the Z700 is a real bargain. It's not that easy to tell them apart in all but the darkest of rooms viewing the very darkest scenes or unless you had them side by side. Specifications | | Model number | PLV-Z-700 | | System | RGB liquid crystal shutter protection system | | Optical system | Dichroic mirror separation / Prism synthesis system | | Size | 0.74 inch x 3, Aspect Ratio 16:9 (Organic LCD panel) | | Drive System | Polysilicon TFT Active Iris | | Pixel Count | 2,073,600 (1920 x 1080) x 3 ; Total pixels 6,220,800 | | Pixel Array | Stripe | | Projection Lens | Manual Zoom (1-2.0x) f=22.6-45.3mm, F2.0-F3.0 | | Light Source | 165 W UHP Lamp | Screen Size*1
(Projection Distance) | Minimum 40” - Maximum 300”
(approx.1.2 to 18.4m) | | Color Reproducibility | Full color (1.07 billion colors) | | Brightness*2 | 1,200 ANSI lumens*3 | | Uniformity*2 | 85%*4 | Contrast Ratio*2
(Full On/Full Off) | 10000:1*5 | | Noise Output*2 | Approx. 19 dB or less in EC Mode | | Scanning Frequency | Horizontal: 15-80KHz, Vertical: 50-100Hz, Dot Clock: 100 MHz or less | | PC Input | Analog RGB input x 1 ; Mini D-sub 15-pin x 1 | | Video Input | Digital input (x2); HDMI x 2( Ver 1.3b, Deep Color compatible)
Component input (x2); 3RCA (Y/Cb/Cr)x2
S-video input (x1); S-video x 1
Composite input (x1); RCA x 1 |
| Controller
input/output,
and other | Service port ; Mini DIN 8-pin x 1 (for service-use)
Power switch ON/OFF (see-saw switch) |
| | Operating Temperature | 5 ~ 35℃ | | Power Source | AC 100~120V、AC200~240V(±10％), 50/60 Hz | Power Consumption
(AC100V) | 246W (Standby: approx 0.5W) | | Dimensions | 400.0 (w) x 146.0 (h) x 346.0 (d) (including protruding parts) | | Weight | 7.5kg | | Main Accessories | Wireless remote control (AA battery x2)
Removable power cord
Operating manual
Warranty
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*1 When projecting in 16:9. | *2 Figures shown are as of the time of shipping, and listed in accordance with pattern for data projectors JIS X 6911:2003.
Measurement method/measurement conditions are based on appendix 2. | *3 When in ‘Dynamic’ video mode | *4 When lens shift is in center | *5 When in ‘Dynamic’ video mode | *6 When in lamp mode ‘Cinema Black’ | * Specifications as of July 31, 2008, subject to change. | Specifications are subject to change without notice. |
Z700-Z3000-TW2000-TW3000?
Just watching TV with a tad light in the room you'd never
bet on which projector you're watching. Street Price around $3K.
Conclusion
The Sanyo PLV-Z700 is a true HD projector that's a lot better than needed for "entry level". Sanyo back it up with a 3 year warranty that includes the lamp. It's hard to find a bad word about the Sanyo Z1 to Z5 models many Z1's are still going strong today. Sanyo have vast experience in LCD projectors from the worlds smallest to the worlds brightest, the Z700 is a showcase of their experience in projectors at a bargain price.
Sanyo PLV Z700 - Editors' Choice* - December 2008
* Entry level 1080P projectors.
HCC
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Sanyo PLV-Z3000 & Z700? |
Sanyo PLV - Z 3000 1080P HD Projector review Sanyo PLV Z-3000 - Editors' Choice* - December 2008
* High end 1080P projectors
We've just seen one in person, as you can see from the specifications.. This is not keeping up with the Joneses, it's blasting them out of the street. The Sanyo PLV-Z3000 features ‘Dynamic Predictive Frame Interpolation Technology’ that utilizes speeds of 120Hz*1 in the industry’s first*2 5:5 pull-down*3 mode for incredibly smooth video projection even for scenes with intense motion, a super high contrast ratio of 65,000:1 allowing jet-black color reproduction, and a whisper-quiet cooling fan at 19-decibels*4 permitting viewers to hear even the most quiet and sensitive scenes.
Jet-black color reproduction with high contrast ratio of 65,000:1
- New optical engine with additional optical compensating plate minimizes polarized light leakage, increasing contrast ratio
- Equipped with new variable iris featuring a lamp-light volume controlling mechanism that can control lens iris adjustment every 1/60th of a second
- Lens designed to permit fast acting lens adjustment, adjusting to optimal levels automatically
- Deeper, more dynamic black color reproduction is made possible with new lens
- Iris noise has been reduced for more enjoyment of silent or quiet scenes
Super-quiet, 19-decibel fan
- Large aperture, whisper-quiet yet efficient Sirocco cooling fan *4
- Fan keeps projector cool and runs quietly, at only 19-decibels*4
- Movie-watchers lose themselves in the movie with the lack of ‘real-world’ noise
Z 3000 - Achieves incredible 120Hz display speed*1;
- Industry’s first*2 5:5 pull-down mode*3
- Most recent, 120Hz super-fast Full HD panel built-in
- Increased smoothness in videos due to doubled frame rate from 60 frames/second to 120 frames/second*1 using interpolation frame generation technology from built-in super-fast image processing LSI
- Reduction of afterimage effects through dynamic predictive frame interpolation technology- Accurately projects contents in originally in 24p with industry’s first*1 5:5 pull-down mode*3
PAL countries like Australia speed up the 24 fps film by 4% to obtain 25 fps, therefore we do not have telecine judder. Unless you're using NTSC programs the 5:5 pull-down mode will have no effect. -- HCC
- Compatible with various television digital broadcasting, allowing the feeling and enjoyment of the movie theater for everyday broadcast programming
Other Features - Sanyo Z3000 projector
- Cinema color filter mechanism for rich, abundant color reproduction (Video mode operation)
- 2 HDMI (ver 1.3b ( Deep Color and x.v.ColorTM Compatible) with 12 bit LCD so you can also see the result which has 1.8 x the colours of non Deep Colour compatible projectors.
- Industry’s most versatile*5 lens-shifting function, vertically equivalent to 3 screens, and horizontally equivalent to 2 screens, allowing more freedom in setting up the projector
- Built-in 2x zoom means that from close or far, large screen projection is possible
- Electronic sliding shutter protects lens from dust when not in use
- 7 video modes matching various genre of videos
- New 3D colour management system called TapozReal HD technology with 14-bit digital processing and Sanyo’s real-focus HD lens system. The TopazReal technology can handle changes in color phase and level and deliver roughly 216 billion different color combinations. TapozReal HD technology delivers more than 1,000 times the number of color combinations available in most other 720p projectors.
(Brilliant Cinema/Creative Cinema/Pure Cinema/Natural/Living/Dynamic/x.v.Color) - For more experienced users, ‘3D Color Management’ and ‘Advanced Image Mode’ are available
- Automatic Dust Door closes when projector is turned off to protect from dust.
Brightness
If you're worried about 1200, 1600 ANSI lumens (The Z2000 = 1200) you'll be surprised to know there is not much difference in real life between the two.
For an image to seem twice as bright you'll need four times the power so if 1200 is not enough chances are 1600 or even 1800 won't get you across the line, you're probably looking at a data projector with say 3000 lumens. You won't be worried about contrast ratio with that much light in the room.
Claims of brightness are made using dynamic mode which you'll avoid using in all but the brightest of rooms because you loose so much detail. This means projectors work at a more similar light output than you'd imagine. Once the sun goes down or you're in a light controlled room you'd be selecting the low lamp mode, this turns down the fan (not that it was noisy) and extends the lamp life while providing more than enough brightness.
Below images are the Sanyo PLV Z3000 projected on DNP Supernova screen, as you can see providing you keep sunlight off the screen (as you would a TV) the image is fine for general viewing.
The images here don't do justice to the projector, is impossible to show you how good this projector is using only 400 pixels. | Product Number | PLV-Z3000 | System | RGB liquid crystal shutter protection system | Optical System | Dichroic mirror separation / Prism synthesis system | LCD Panel | Type | New generation inorganic LCD panel C2FINETM | Size | 0.74 inch x 3, Aspect Ratio 16:9 | Drive System | Polysilicon TFT Active Iris | Pixel Count | 2,073,600 (1920 x 1080) x 3 ; Total pixels 6,220,800 | Pixel Array | Stripe | Projection Lens
| Manual Zoom (1-2.0x) f=22.6-45.3mm, F2.0-F3.0 | Light Source
| 165 W UHP Lamp
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|
Screen Size*1
(Projection Distance)
| Minimum 40” - Maximum 300”
(approx.1.2 to 18.4m)
| Color Reproducibility
| Full color (1.07 billion colors)
| Brightness*2
| 1,200 ANSI lumens*3
| Uniformity*2
| 85%*4
| Contrast Ratio*2
(Full On/Full Off)
| 65,000:1*5
| Noise Output*2
| Approx. 19 dBA＊6
| Scanning Frequency
| Horizontal: 15-80KHz, Vertical: 50-100Hz, Dot Clock: 100 MHz or less
| Terminals
| PC Input
| Analog RGB input x 1 ; Mini D-sub 15-pin x 1
| Video Input
| Digital input ( x 2 ) ; HDMI x 2 (Ver 1.3b, Deep Color&x.v.ColorTM compatible)
Component input (x 2) ; 3RCA (Y/Cb/Cr) x 2
S-video input (x 1); S-video x 1
Composite input (x 1); RCA x 1
| Controller input/output, and other
| Service port ; Mini DIN 8-pin x 1 (for service-use)
Power switch ON/OFF (see-saw switch)
| Operating Temperature | 5 ~ 35℃ | Power Source | AC 100~120V, AC200~240V(±10％), 50/60 Hz | Power Consumption（AC100V） | 257W (Standby: approx 0.5W) | Dimensions | 400.0 (w) x 146.0 (h) x 346.0 (d) (not including protruding parts) | Weight | 7.5kg | Main Accessories | Wireless remote control (AA battery x 2)
Removable power cord (3 m)
Operating manual
Warranty |
Are so good there is not a lot of room to upgrade specifications before you start splitting hairs over some technicality. It's interesting to see Sanyo looking at Pull Down and projection speed rather than just contrast ratio people can appreciate a smoother image.
This means new models are more about marketing and market segment position via price points in our opinion.
The result is good news for anyone in the market for home cinema using the 1080P format which has to be seen to be appreciated.
"..I wish I could upgrade my eyes to match the
performance of this premium projector.." Features & points to consider
When you look at performance and value it's going to be a hard act to follow, the Sanyo PLV-Z3000 is noticeably better than any entry level 1080P LCD projector in a dark room.
The main difference you can see rather than measure is the blacks, in fact it's around three times better than the Sanyo PLV-Z700 in this area. Not that the Z700 is a toy, 3 X sounds a lot but at 1m back we're only talking a few lumens at most. We measured the lumens output at 1m back when the projectors were required to produce a black screen (no light at all). We could not measure the light on the screen (3-5m back) as the amount was so small (Around .1 lux for the Z3000 doing the math), that's why we decided on 1m where we could get a some reading.
65,000:1 CR sounds very impressive but the first thing WE look for is how black is a black screen? In particular the black bars you get when the image is not scaled for the screen. (i.e. 4:3 or 2.35:1 projected on 16:9 which is what most projectors use). It's Black. Next how does it handle the shadow details like someone wearing a black shirt with light gray suite, does it show the fine contrast details? Suffice to say the Sanyo Z3000 is awesome, you see things you've missed in the past. That's cool. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder we like the flat titanium style finish for a cinema as it seems to us better than a mirror finish. Noise? Forget it! I make more just moving on the couch. The clock ticking down the hall is starting to get on my nerves. At time of writing the Sanyo PLV-Z3000 seems to offer the best combination of features and LCD specifications you can get for your money if you're looking at a premium projector. The Z3000 120Hz frame rate makes for smooth images. No others offer the dust fighting features, dust is the biggest killer of projectors and indeed most electronics. Lens shift and zoom is the industry leader. Great 3 year warranty, including the lamp. (Aussie stock only) Unlike Single Chip DLP projectors there is no spinning colour wheel and no DLP rainbows which in our opinion makes it easier on the eyes. Supports next generation x.v.Color (Deep Colour) offering 1.8 x much expanded colour gamut. Some others accept the signals via HDMI 1.3 but can't display them with a 10 bit LCD. - Made in Japan can't be a bad thing.
If you wonder why we point out the warranty you've not had to deal with angry clients wondering why the high repair cost or seen quotes like:-
"..A Ridiculous Repair Cost from Sony to Fix an Old Projector.." "..I picked up my projector two weeks ago and it is working fine - Total repair cost: $2500 AUD.." Link
Many more if you search the web. When you get a great projector with a 3 X 3 warranty from a manafacturer that has world first LCD points on the board like smallest, brightest LCD projectors it's no wonder we've been waiting to review the the PLV Z3000.
Conclusion
I've got a Z3000 at home. That should tell you something, people that have seen it wonder how you could improve it? (I ask them "What would you change?") I wish I could upgrade my eyes to match the performance of this premium projector, I can't see all the HD projected detail from where I sit.
Sanyo PLV Z3000 - Editors' Choice* - December 2008
* High end 1080P LCD projectors.
HCC
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Sanyo PLV-Z3000 & Z700? |
Sanyo PLV-Z 3000 vs. Panasonic AE 3000 U The Sanyo Z-3000 and Panasonic AE-3000 are logical contenders so it's worth considering some of the features and benefits offered. Panasonic AE 3000 Sanyo PLV Z 3000 Item | Z 3000 | AE 3000 | LCD Version | D7 | D7 |
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| Noise dB (Low mode) | 19 | 22 |
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| Claimed ANSI Lumens (Dynamic mode) Watts | 1200/165 | 1600/165 |
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| Contrast Ratio (Full On/Off :1) | 65,000 | 60,000 |
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| No. HDMI 1.3 with Deep Color, x.v.Color™ | 2 | 3 |
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| Lens Shift (= Screens V X H) | 3 x 2 | 1 x .4 |
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| Zoom Power X | 2 | 2 |
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| 120Hz Frame Interpolation | Y | Y |
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| Projector/Lamp Warranty months | 36/36 | 12*/12 |
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| Country of manufacture | Japan | Japan |
*12 months or 2000hr/Lamp 12 months or 500hrs which ever comes first.
Features
You can make a case for this or that feature on the Panasonic AE3000 vs. Sanyo PLV Z3000 depending on your requirements. They offer a very similar first rate image at normal seating position because they use the same D7 LCD panels, there are 3 one for each colour.
If you need 3 x HDMI inputs you'd be looking closer at the AE3000 as the Sanyo Z3000 has two. Many newer amplifiers switch HDMI so many people need just one.
The perfect projector would have all the features of both so when making your decision you could mentally trade the smooth screen technology (which tends to make the image softer) of the Panasonic AE3000 for say the automatic dust door of the Sanyo PLV Z3000 (which could save on dust related services), unless you intend to sit very close to the projection screen.
In the past when projectors had fewer pixels per inch (lower resolution) the screen door effect was a problem so Panasonic came up with "Smooth Screen Technology" which did a good job of hiding the gap between the pixels.
With 1920 x 1080 HD there are so many pixels it's almost impossible to see the gap between them unless you have your nose on the screen.
New D7 LCD
It's hard to compare apples with apples unless you're talking about the projected image that ALL the latest LCD projectors with D7-3LCD/120Hz & Deep Colour can produce. Given some fiddling with settings you would never put your life on which one you're watching from 5m back.
Both projectors support 12 bit at the LCD which means not only can they accept Deep Colour signal HDMI inputs but they can also display them (unlike some others that have HDMI 1.3 but not 12 bit LCD panels).
Brightness
Brightness in Cinema Modes is similar on both projectors, around 400-500 lumens (depending on the actual mode), any more in a dark room will be too bright to watch comfortably.
The maximum brightness in dynamic mode on either projector would not be used in a dark room unless you want a headache. It would be like turning the contrast and brightness up full on your TV. The Dynamic mode is watchable in a brightly lit or high ambient light room on most (brighter) programs but not ideal. Forget direct sunlight.
As we've said elsewhere if 1200 lumens won't do the job chances are 1600 won't either because in real life there is not that much perceived difference. Both projectors use a 165 Watt lamp so where does the extra brightness of the Pana come from I hear you ask. One possibility (not necessarily the correct one) is to filter less of the harsh light wavelength.
In our opinion Panasonic have in the past put too many lumens into some models causing premature failures. This may be why the warranty is written the way it is.
Both models here have inorganic LCD panels which would help if you intend to run the projector flat out in dynamic/high lamp mode for long periods however if that's the case you're looking at the wrong projectors for the job.
For home cinema you'll be using low lamp mode most of the time.
Many projectors that didn't push the brightness envelope have given years of service without a problem regardless of organic or inorganic LCD panel structure. You just don't get complaints about the longevity of Sanyo Z1 to PLV-Z5.
Noise
The A3000 is 10% louder than the Z3000. This is not an issue unless the projector is very close to the seating position.
Lens Shift & Zoom
Same 2 X zoom on both, the AE3000 has motorized zoom which is handy if you want to enlarge a movie. The Sanyo Z3000 has far greater lens shift capabilities which means there are more installation possibilities.
Interpolation feature
120 Hz frame rate is supported on both, this is done via interpolation which has been used in imaging for years to "fill in the holes" the short version is it's done by looking at the current and next frames then taking a guess at what the middle missing frame should be (with some advanced processing) then adding it in between, to the eye this smoothes out the action.
Price & Value
In terms of value (Street price) if warranty is included the Sanyo Z3000 is easily the value for money winner.
Warranty
There are warranty conditions on the Panasonic AE 3000 that should Panasonic choose to enforce will have you wishing you'd read the fine or often light gray print on the brochures. Hope you don't blow a lamp after 501 hours as unlike the Sanyo it's not covered by warranty.
i.e. normal domestic usage, incorrect installation, accident, misuse, neglect, build-up of dirt or dust, abuse, maladjustment of customer controls, lamp within 12 months or the first 500 hours Soure panasonic.com.au
Sanyo Australia 3 year warranty on the Z3000 (and Z700) could save you big money if you blow a lamp after 500 hours or worse still a more expensive part like a main board any time after 2,000 hours.
We've documented elsewhere people spending $2,500 on repairs of a projector under 3 years old so better safe than sorry? There are lots of examples if you search for them.
Import problems
If you're thinking of importing or buying a gray market projector (normally sold on auction sites) you will not be covered by warranty in Australia. With the Aussie dollar down this may not be a smart decision in any case.
Conclusion
You won't be disappointed with either, they both use the latest LCD panels with all the extra features. Sanyo and Panasonic are quality brands that have had years experience with LCD projectors. If you're not worried about warranty it's a close call otherwise buy the Sanyo PLV Z3000.
HCC |
楼主: delve
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发表于 2009-1-1 03:10
