Sanyo PLV-Z3000 - Physical Tour

Posted on December 7, 2008 by Art Feierman

Sanyo PLV-Z3000 Physical Appearance

The Z3000 is a smaller, box shaped projector. While it isn't pretty, it has rounded edges and a clean look to it. The 2:1 zoom lens hides behind a motorized door when the projector is powered down, or if you use the lens shutter to mute the video.

Looking from the front, the PLV-Z3000's manual zoom lens, has two trim rings, one for focus and the other form zoom. The front has an infra-red sensor for the remote control. Below are two screw thread adjustable front feet.

On the top of the Sanyo PLV-Z3000U, you will find a traditional control panel.

On the right of the projector, when viewing from the front, is a recessed area with two lens shift dials, one for vertical, the other horizontal. Also there is a lens shift lock, to make sure your settings stay firmly in place.

On the back of the PLV-Z3000, is the input panel.

The projector vents hot air out the vents in the front, and takes in air from the vents in the rear. There are two removeable filters on the back, as well.

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Control Panel

The nine button array is on the top of the PLV-Z3000, labeled to read, looking from the rear. The buttons are organized into three rows of three. The front most row has the power buton on the right, (press once for on, twice to shut down). In the center is the menu's Up arrow. and on the left is the Menu button. The middle row has from left to right - left arrow, OK (enter), and right arrow. The bottom row has Input (source select), down arrow, and the Info button that displays status. Above the top row, are three indicator lights for (from the left) Lamp Replace, Warning, and Power.

Input/Output

Tthe input panel is located on the back, and just slightly recessed. The PLV-Z3000 is has a very typical combination of inputs. It is sporting two HDMI inputs (both 1.3, with Deep Color support), plus an analog computer input (standard HD15), and the usual S-Video (DIN connector) and composite video (RCA jack). In addition there are two component video inputs (each with the usual color coded R,G,B RCA type connectors). There is also, the usual RS-232 service port, which can support controlling the PLV-Z3000 from a computer or room control system. Lastly, you'll find a power cord receptacle (Sanyo uses the "mickey mouse" three round connector), the master power switch, and a Kensington Lock slot.

Like about half of home theater projectors, the Sanyo PLV-Z3000 does not have a 12 volt screen trigger to operate a properly equipped motorized screen. It's always nice to have one, though few need it, and there are alternative ways to control a motorized screen, so it shouldn't be a significant concern.