Sanyo PLC-WM5500 WXGA LCD Multimedia Projector Review
A detailed review of the Sanyo PLC-WM5500 projector.
May 2011 - Mike Rollett
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Sanyo PLC-WM5500 LCD Projector Overview
The Sanyo PLC-WM5500 is a high brightness (5500 lumen rating), WXGA (1280 X 800) LCD projector that will most likely be permanently installed in a larger scale venue like an auditorium. The PLC-WM5500 typically comes with a standard 1.7X lens (which is designated WM5500L and was used in our testing), but there are 4 additional lens options. The optional lenses allow the PLC-WM5500 to project a 400” diagonal image from a distance of 22 to 160 feet from the screen (the standard lens requires about 60 feet). These lens options are discussed in the Special Features section of this review. The PLC-WM5500 has plenty of connection possibilities for a PC (or Mac) via the traditional VGA cable (or DVI to VGA for Mac users), S-video, component video (including 5 BNC and HD15), HDMI, multiple audio inputs and an audio output.
In an effort to keep maintenance to a minimum, Sanyo has a unique air filtration system for the PLC-WM5500. Much like a roll of camera film, the PLC-WM5500 filter cartridge automatically advances to the next filter when it gets dirty. Its projected life is equal to or greater than the lamp, thus eliminating the need for regular cleaning.
Sanyo’s implementation of networking capabilities allows for complete control of all projector functions, monitoring the projector’s status, scheduled maintenance and problem notification remotely.
Sanyo PLC-WM5500 Projector Highlights
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Flexibility of installation – Motorized vertical and horizontal lens shift, plus choice of four optional lenses
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Sharp image with very good color
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Automatic filter changing
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Picture-in-picture capability
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Closed captioning capability
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Network control and presentation (with optional module)
Specs for the Sanyo PLC-WM5500
Click here to view full specifications: Sanyo PLC-WM5500
MSRP: $5995
Street Price: $4300
Technology: 3LCD
Native Resolution: WXGA (1280x800)
Brightness: 5500 lumens
Contrast: 800:1
Zoom Lens ratio: 1.7:1
Lens shift: Horizontal and Vertical
Lamp life: 3000 hours (Eco mode)
Dimensions: 19.3"W x 6.5"H x 14.6“D (w/o lens)
Weight: 19.6 lbs (w/o lens), 21.3 lbs. (with lens)
Warranty: 3 years Parts and Labor on projector, 90 days on lamp
Special Features
Multiple Lens Options
The PLC-WM5500 comes with a standard zoom lens with a throw ratio that varies from 1.7 to 2.8. The lens is easily released with the push of a button and can be replaced with any one of four optional lenses. These include a Short Fixed lens with a throw ratio of 0.8, a Short zoom (1.3 to 1.7), a Long zoom (2.8 to 4.6), and an Ultra Long zoom (4.6 to 7.2). This enables the user to place the PLC-WM5500 in any size venue at any desired distance from the screen, while retaining the ability to project up to a 400” diagonal image.
Active Maintenance Filter System
The Sanyo PLC-WM5500 has a unique filter cartridge system that in normal use requires replacement no more often than the lamp. The cartridge has 10 filters on a roll that are advanced when replacement is necessary. The projector monitors the condition of the filter at all times and replaces a filter with a new one automatically when it detects clogging of the filter. Also, a timer can be set to notify the user when the filter reaches a preset number of hours of use (from 400 to 1000 hours) and the filter can be advanced by the user via the remote.
Picture-in-picture (PIP)
Sanyo has added picture-in-picture capability to the PLC-WM5500. This allows for projection of two images from different sources, very useful for video conferencing or with a lecture from a satellite location. PIP can be displayed in the traditional way as a smaller image within a larger one, as two equally sized images side-by-side, or any combination in between.