Product Survey: Video Projectors : Sanyo PLV-Z2000
9. Sanyo PLV-Z2000
Measuring the contrast ratio
The PLV-Z2000 is the first projector for which we measured contrast and black levels in a regular and a truly convincing way. A change of sensor and software enabled us to add this information. We now use a Spyder 2 sensor and the 2.0.1 version of HCFR a measurement and calibration program.
To calculate contrast, you have to measure the brightness of black and white (expressed in candelas per square meter: cd/m²). The formula is then the following: contrast = white level/black level. For the PLV-Z2000, in cinema mode white was measured at 268 cd/m² and black at 0.30 cd/m². Contrast therefore worked out to be 893:1.
Compared LCD TVs (as for the moment we do not have a reference for video projectors), this is a respectable contrast ratio; however, it does not come close to the best results of the Kuro PDP-508XD at 3620:1 or the Samsung LE40F86BDX and its 1171:1. This is due to black levels which has the biggest influence on this ratio. For example, if the brightness of white strongly increases by 100 cd/m² (FYI, 100 cd/m² corresponds to the ideal brightness for a graphic artists LCD monitor) to attain 368 cd/m², the contrast increases to 1,227:1. On the other hand, if black falls to 0.2 cd/m², this ratio improves to 1,340:1.
The PLV-Z2000 is a Full-HD (1080p) high-end projector from Sanyo, which describes it as “the perfect projector for home cinema.” So, we are going to see if this model brings perfection to our living room in addition to a level of definition that is largely superior to its smaller sibling, the PLV-Z5.
In terms of design, it’s important to point out the size of this projector. At 40 x 34 x14 cm, the PLV-Z2000 is something that will not go unnoticed in your living room. Besides the imposing aspect, it came through our design evaluation with flying colors. Lens shift, powerful zoom, connections in abundance--nothing is lacking except maybe motorization of the zoom and lens-shift. It even offers, like the Z5, an automatic opening/closing system for the lens cover that activates with startup.
This brings us to the remote and noise levels. The former is back-lit and has all the shortcuts necessary for navigation. The second is very well controlled as we measured noise levels at 25 dB.
Finally, we are introducing a new component to our tests--an energy consumption measurement. Here it is: 1.1. watts in stand-by and 222 watts while powered on. For comparison, LCD TVs run between 150 and 300 watts. This projector is average, but you're getting a significantly larger image with equivalent consumption.
Image Quality
The PLV-Z2000’s rendering is very satisfactory with HD sources, which, we should point out, is usually the case with products at this price level. Beyond this first impression, a closer look shows notable differences in the sharpness of HD and the rescaling of SD sources.
1080p rescaling of SD sources (480p) is accompanied by stair effects in diagonal lines. While it a defect that only occasionally appears in DVD playing, it’s still hard to forgive on a high end product. In reading HD sources, Sanyo chose a soft rendering. Images are pleasant, even if in the end we have the impression that some detail or depth is lacking compared to rendering of the Mitsubishi HC4900 or Optoma HD800X, for example. I insist on the fact that it is an “impression’’ because details are indeed there, although darker areas and edges are much less contrasted.
My preferred settings
The first parameter to adjust is brightness. Lower it to -4 as this will increase the uniformity of darker zones and make grays deeper. Unfortunately, it doesn’t improve depth of black because it only decreases from 0.3 to 0.28 cd/m². The second adjustment is more a matter of taste and concerns color temperature. I preferred High 1 compared to the default setting which produced slightly reddish rendering.
| Sanyo PLV-Z2000 | |
|---|---|
| Pluses | Minuses |
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Calling the PLV-Z2000 perfect wouldnt be right. Its black levels arent deep enough, SD rescaling could be improved, and HD images lack depth.
- PLV-Z2000 LCD...
"...For example, when these mirrors rapidly reflect red and yellow, you will see green..."
This mirrors reflect white light. The color wheel is the device which lets the right color component pass in synch with the DMD.
For example: the DMD is reflecting the blue channel of the image but this is white light coming from the lamp, so the color wheel is letting only the blue part of the spectrum. The same with red and blue.
There are also DLP projectors that use three dmd's with three colored light sources( red green and blue) so no need for a color wheel. A frame being displayed with all color information on the screen at once. This means you can obtain 3 times the frame rate at a broader color depth with no rainbow effect.
Besides being technically wrong as pointed out by bboysil, don't you mean red and green will create yellow? Red and yellow (which isn't a primary color of additive light) makes orange!
http:\\diyprojectorkits.com
I am a member there, and am going to build my own 1080P projector this summer. 40 *THOUSAND* hours of life per bulb. Commercial projectors are for amateurs...
COMPARISON CHARTS PLEASE
Either use standard Or metric but don't mix them both. Inches and ounces in one place, meters in another. Seeing how this is tomsguide/us I would assume standard US measurements, but at least be consistant. Even better, translate the articles or make a simple conversion program.
Wow, this article is a mess. Seems like it was written by half a dozen people and connected in random order. No format consistancy between products. Some mention power consumpsion, some price, some show screen shots, size, weight, etc.
COMPARISON CHARTS PLEASE
I'm guessing that's why no charts, no product has the same info.
OK, I swear this is my last comment:
I couldn't figure out why they were using a condom for size comparison. Turns out it is a Euro coin! How about using something recognizable by the majority it of people reading this article.
Why is this site generating such poor quality articles these days (look at the equally useless webcam article)? What is this Digital Versus? Some copy and paste bot?
I read the Panasonic review then gave up. Doesn't anyone bother proof-reading:
"The fans this shape can relax"
"I ended up forcing the it manually"
"The image below" - it's not below
"When uscaling"
And how useless is the zoom option to see the two(!) Star Ratings?
LOL!@! At first I thought that coin was a condom!!
A very wordy review. This needs metrics to compare each model if this is going to prove of any use.
Nic topic coverage. Bit weird as I have just persuaded the wife that our front room would make a great home entertainment room.
First purchase required.... Projector. Think I'll pop down to my local Sony shop and see for myself just what they are like. The reviews here have done nothing more than give me a starting point. Nothing that allows me to proactively compare the products.
I have the same prob, Firmware update doesn't help me use AC charger while projecting..HELP PLS!!
now my aiptek pocket cinema is dead.i've upgraded the firmware, now it won't turn on...pls help...