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In this comparison of two of the three $2000 and under 1080p projectors, we consider the Best In Class Winner, the PT-AE2000U, and the somewhat less expensive, Best In Class Runner-Up, Sanyo's PLV-Z2000.
Overview
Image Quality
General Performance
Warranty
Summary, Pros, Cons
Above: Panasonic PT-AE2000U on the left, Sanyo Z2000, on the right
Other comparisons (more coming daily):
Panasonic PT-AE2000U vs. Sanyo PLV-Z2000
Mitsubishi HC4900 vs. Panasonic PT-AE2000U
Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB vs. JVC DLA-RS1x
Sony VPL-VW40 vs. Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB
Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB vs. Panasonic PT-AE2000U
BenQ W5000 vs. Sony VPL-VW40
JVC DLA-RS2 vs. Sony VPL-VW60
These two excellent, low cost 1080p resolution projectors, are very similar in many ways, and different in others.
Both of these projectors are of the 3LCD variety, and both offer exceptional placement flexibility, with 2:1 zoom lenses and plenty of vertical and horizontal lens shift. As a result, both should position well, either ceiling mounted or shelf mounted in just about everyone's room.
Let's look at the key differences:
Projector Sharpness: Here's the first significant difference. While the PT-AE2000U has very reasonable sharpness, it is among the softer looking of the 1080p projectors. This is due to Panasonic's SmoothScreen technology. Smoothscreen makes the pixel structure of the LCD panels, virtually invisible. Now, In my opinion, that is a good thing, but hardly critical for 1080p projectors. I say that, because most folks at normal seating distances, really can't see the pixel structure either way. That's markedly different than 720p projectors where some sit further back, just to avoid seeing the pixel structure and screen door effect, and others favor DLP projectors for the same reason (less visible pixel structure).
By comparison, the Sanyo appears sharper than the Panasonic. The difference isn't huge, but it definitely is a bit better. In this regard, I don't think anyone bringing the Panasonic into their home is going to say "it doesn't look sharp". The Sanyo PLV-Z2000 does have more visible pixels, but you aren't likely to see them unless you move closer than where you most likely sit.
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Not everyone wants to spend lots of time playing with, adjusting or calibrating their projectors. Most want a projector that performs near or at the top of it's game, without doing anything to it. Although both of these projectors can be improved upon with a professional calibration, there are still differences in how well they perform "out of the box".
In the case of these two affordable 1080p projectors, they both happen to produce very good "out of the box" performance. I can't actually say that one is notably better than the other. Both, of course, can use some improvement, but many would be extremely satisfied, as is.
Projector Brightness is an area where these two projectors go their separate ways. The Panasonic PT-AE2000U is significantly brighter in best movie modes, and even more so, in brightest mode, meaning you can go with a larger screen, or do better at fighting some ambient light.
On the plus side for the Sanyo, is it's Brilliant Cinema mode - although not as good as its best mode - Pure Cinema - it still looks very good, and some readers with PLV-Z2000's have reported that they can recognize some difference between the two modes, they favor Brilliant Cinema, as more than good enough, and far, far brighter. From a practical perspective, the Panasonic is much brighter than Sanyo's Pure Cinema, but definitely not as bright as Sanyo's Brilliant Cinema.
So, for those primarily interested in movies, that may balance things out a bit between the two. Still, the Sanyo's bright mode is far less bright than the Panasonic's something like 40% less, which is significant. For those wanting to watch sports with some lighting in the room, the Panasonic definitely has the advantage.
Sanyo's Brilliant Cinema mode aside, figure the Panasonic, overall, for movies, and TV / sports, can handle screens about 15" more diagonal, with the Sanyo at its best on typical screens (not those with very high gain), of about 100" diagonal, while the Pansonic is comfortable on 110" screens and can definitely go a bit larger.
Slightly different but these two projectors both produce an overall picture quality that I described in their respective reviews as - "a pleasure to watch". No rough edges, even though neither of these can match some of the more expensive projectors out there.
Enthusiasts, I believe, will slightly favor the Sanyo Z2000 over the Panasonic PT-AE2000U, in this regard, despite it being less bright. The average consumer, primarily by virtue of brightness, I think will favor the Panasonic, but, again, not by a great deal.
For most folks, either of these will "knock your socks off".
Both projectors are very well endowed, with a good selection of inputs, nearly identical placement flexibility with 2:1 zoom lenses, and lots of lens shift. The Panasonic comes with a learning remote that can control the projector and up to three different devices. This is a nice touch, but better "universal remotes" can be had, from third parties, so that won't be a deal breaker.
The Panasonic also has a built in wave form monitor and "split screen" color management, features that should be adored by enthusiasts, as they let you freeze a frame, and see, side by side, how your changes to various image settings affect the image. Basically, it gives you a look at "before" and "after".
Now here's a difference you can sink you teeth into. The Panasonic, even with the new increased promotion, is still the more expensive, typically by several hundred dollars. And, even this assumes you find good value in the $400 blockbuster rental card. The other part of the current promo, for the Panasonic is the extended warranty which Panasonic otherwise sells for $250. Now, $250 is a lot higher than a 3rd party extended warranty, but most of us realize that a manufacturer warranty is usually free of hassles, whereas 3rd party warranties... well, they should get the job done, but most of us who have ever bought them on other products, find that there can be more headaches. The manufacturer has a more vested interest in making sure the customer is happy, at the end of the day.
Of course, prices will change over time.
Considering the significant price difference, and slight performance differences, these two projectors have similar price/performance propositions. I would not say one is a better value than the other, but the Sanyo will appeal to those on a tight budget, thanks to the price difference. The longer warranty also favors the PLV-Z2000.
In most regards Sanyo has the advantage here, with a standard three year warranty. Panasonic's PT-AE2000U has only a one year warranty standard, but, as noted, Panasonic has been offering an additional year of extended warranty most of the time, bringing the Panasonic up to two years.
Review continues below this advertisement.
Art's 2 Cents:
Choosing between these two is a tough call. As I hinted at above, I believe the typical consumer will favor the Panasonic, and the enthusiast, seeking the most perfect image, might choose the Sanyo. That said, the enthusiast should just love the Panasonic's waveform generator and color management system, although there's nothing wrong with Sanyo's color management system either.
Therefore, I believe the brightness and pricing issues will be the largest single deciding factor for buyers. Enthusiasts wanting larger screens will choose the Panasonic, even if they otherwise may slightly favor the Sanyo. At the same time, those on a tight budget, and not demanding larger screens will likely favor the Sanyo.
All that said, despite these both being low cost 1080p projectors, there is a substantial price difference, favoring the Sanyo. That price difference, in its own right, will sway some of you to go with the Sanyo (as long as it's bright enough for you).
Bottom line - two great choices, both producing pictures that are a pleasure to watch. Both are typically netting out to around $2000 or less once you get back those rebate dollars, and promotional items. Ultimately, you have to make the call. Consider, though, whichever you choose, you should be extremely impressed, and your family and friends will most likely be "blown away."
Click on these links to read more in-depth comparisons.
Panasonic PT-AE2000U vs. Sanyo PLV-Z2000
Mitsubishi HC4900 vs. Panasonic PT-AE2000U
Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB vs. JVC DLA-RS1x
Sony VPL-VW40 vs. Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB
Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB vs. Panasonic PT-AE2000U
BenQ W5000 vs. Sony VPL-VW40
JVC DLA-RS2 vs. Sony VPL-VW60
Overview
Image Quality
General Performance
Warranty
Summary, Pros, Cons
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