SANYO PLV-Z5 vs. Panasonic PT-AE-1000 - Infocus IN76 Review PLV-80

PLV-Z5 = 720p = HD
"HD Ready" refers to any display that is capable of accepting and displaying a high-definition signal at either 720p , 1080i or 1080p using a component video or digital input, and does not have a built-in HD-capable tuner.

"..It's the best you can get ..for a cinema room.. Unless you want to spend 15K .. Twice as black blacks.." "The lens is recessed into the casing, and when you switch off the projector a door slides in front of the lens this make it the only projector that has protection against dust a #1 killer for projectors.."
-- AIM

"..Not many projectors warrant a rating of five stars across the board. Even on high quality performers we can usually find some flaw or design limitation that causes us to knock down the rating in one or more categories. However, there is no justification for rating the PLV-Z5 any less than the full five stars". .. "extensive feature set, stellar image performance, and one of the best values in home theater projectors we've ever seen.. "

--ProjectorCentral (Prices in US$)

From: dixxo@hxxmail.com [mailto:didxxo@hoxxom]
Sent: Thursday, 22 May 2008 2:25 PM
To: Sales
Cc: Steven
Subject: Re: Purchase

Just a quick note of thanks to Davin and the team at Aim Digital.

We watched state of origin last night with our new Sanyo Z5 and new 92” fixed screen which we purchased last week. Awesome!!!! Thank you for all your help and taking the time in making our choice the right one.

We were concerned reading an article about pixels and brightness - you were so right - not an issue at all, we're very happy with our purchase and the service is impressive.

We were also a bit sceptical being up here in Qld and purchasing from AIM, but wow, your service is so professional. Delivery was so quick. No Problems. Well done guys

Thanks again

Deb and Jim [more feedback here]

 

[GET QUOTE]

Click to view latest Sanyo PDG-SU20 projector

• In a well lit room the most important thing is Brightness
• In a Home Cinema room the most important thing is Contrast & Black Level
• The blacks are twice as black as others in this class!

  (Review)
  

  If you have a dedicated room this is the pick of the crop.

  "..Not because of the specifications. Not because the previous model was universally praised, not even because the image is almost perfect. We won't even mention the Z5's anti-dust features.."

  Sanyo PLV-Z5 10,000:1 Contrast Ratio & 12 bit processing nothing else comes close for real Home Cinema.

See on-line price list for latest offers..

High Definition Made to Measure

HDTV is a future-oriented standard that delivers substantially better image quality than
previous standards. With its 1280 x 720 pixel resolution in 16:9 format, the PLV-Z5 is
perfectly equipped for the loss-free display of fascinating images in true HD quality as well.

Do you really need 1080 HD?

That depends on how far back you intend to sit! If you're right on top of a TV then why not, but from say 5-6m back from a projected image the difference would not be great between a 720p (Still HD) and 1080p HD Max..

See for yourself the following 2 images simulate 720 & 1080 sitting at your PC it's easy to see the difference but try 3m back :)

  
For illustration only, not to scale.

More reviews here

The second HDMI input makes the projector much more flexible to use. All digital data
formats can be transferred at maximum quality, and extremely quickly, from HDTV receivers
or DVD recorders without having to switch cables.

In addition, the unit includes an HDMI input with digital copy protection as well as additional
analogue and digital video inputs that process HD formats without any problems.

The PLV-Z5 brilliantly complies with all of the criteria required for boasting the “HD ready” logo.

Thanks to its numerous setting options, the PLV-Z5 can be adjusted quickly and easily to
match the widest possible range of room conditions.

With the horizontal and vertical Lens Shift function, users can manually adjust the projected
image up and down as well as left and right using the two adjustment wheels on the projector.

With absolutely no loss in quality and without having to move the projector.

The digital keystone correction (+/-20°) eliminates any distortions caused by angled projections.

In small rooms, where only a short distance to the screen is available, the 2x wide-angle zoom
lens delivers large-format projections for a true cinema experience.

Longhorn Universal Remote Control

Truly Illuminating

With a brightness of 1,100 ANSI* lumens (uniformity of 85%), SANYO’s new PLV-Z5 projector
will light up any living room. Its contrast ratio of 10.000:1 exceeds the already sensational
contrast of its predecessor. Even in broad daylight, transitions between dark and light are
rich and clear – just like you are used to from movie theatres.

• Note from AIM our ANSI lumens test = 1,448) so unlike other brands that
  overestimate specifications, Sanyo have been very conservative**

The contrast is furtheroptimised by the double iris function: One automatic lens diaphragm,
which independently adjusts itself to the current image content, is located directly in front of
the lamp; the other is located in front of the lens and can be adjusted manually by the user
using the remote control.

This exciting feature ensures that sunlight is warm and not just bright, and the
endless expanse of space is a deep rich black, not dull gray.

In addition, the 12-bit colour processing, which can reproduce 10.7 billion colours, generates
finely detailed images with a higher colour depth as well as extremely natural and realistic
colour transitions.

The 3D Colour Management function even lets you correct each colour individually.

Absolute Audio and Video Enjoyment in Your Own Home

At a barely audible 22 db in ECO Mode, the operating level of the new PLV-Z5 is outstanding
as well. Virtually no other home cinema projector offers a lower noise level, which puts the
PLV-Z5 far ahead of many competitors in this area too.

A combination of mechanical and electronic solutions ensures optimum cooling of the projector.

The extra-large fan can move more air - but with fewer revolutions.

Even fixed ceiling installations are no longer a problem when it comes to maintenance and
cleaning. The motorised lens cover automatically closes to protect the lens from dust and
scratches. In addition, the PLV-Z5 has small openings on the bottom that you can easily
eliminate dust through using a small air blower (included with the projector).

The newly developed, intuitive menus system and user-friendly, illuminated remote control
together with the 3-year warranty (2 plus 1 if you have any problems in the first 2 years, available
via AIM and stores that sell genuine Australian specification Sanyo projectors only) ensure even
beginning home cinema owners will enjoy breath-taking experiences for years to come.

D5 technology

Features of the newly developed panel in the D5 series
High resolution:

A 10-micron pixel pitch in a 0.9-inch, 1080p panel enabled by high pixel density fabrication technology.

• The same resolution as the earlier 1.3-inch, 1080p liquid crystal panels in the D4 series, but in an even smaller-size (0.9 inch)

High contrast

The higher contrast was achieved by using a new addressing scheme
• 20% higher contrast than our earlier 1.3-inch, 1080p panels.

This latest addition to the lineup will allow users to enjoy true-HDTV picture quality on projection systems employing the 3LCD design, which uses three HTPS panels.

HTPS* panels enable faithful reproduction of digital cinema content with high picture quality.

*high-temperature polysilicon thin-film transistor - AIM