Sanyo PLC-XL51 Ultra-Short Throw Projector Review: An Overview

7/27/2008 -Art Feierman

Overview
Image Quality
General Performance
Warranty
Summary, Pros, Cons

Sanyo has just announced that their newest ultra-short throw projector, the Sanyo PLC-XL51 will be replacing the Sanyo PLC-XL50 projector that we reviewed not too long ago.

This article is not an actual review, but it is based on the Sanyo XL50 review. It covers the differences betwen them, as well as taking another look at the type of applications that these Sanyo projectors are especially good for.

Sanyo PLC-XL51 Projector Highlights:

• Shortest throw projector on the market, needs to be only three inches from the screen to fill an 80 inch diagonal 4:3 screen surface
• Ideal for a great many specialty applications, requiring ultra short throw, including digital signage, projecting to tabletop, floor, or ceiling, working with electronic white boards, and more
• Reasonable alternative to ceiling mounting projectors, saving money
• 2600 lumens makes the PLC-XL51 six hundred lumens brighter than the PLC-XL51
• Three year warranty with rapid turn-around

Sanyo PLC-XL51 Projector: Basic Specifications

Click here for full specs, and access to a pdf of the projector's brochure.

MSRP: $3995
Technology: 3LCD
Native Resolution: XGA 1024x768
Brightness: 2600 lumens
Contrast: 600:1
Zoom Lens ratio: None, small amount of digital zoom
Lens shift: No adjustable lens shift
Lamp life: Sanyo never publishes lamp life specs - we assume industry average of 2000 hours at full power, and 3000 in low power mode
Weight: 16.8 lbs. ( 7.5 Kg)
Warranty: 3 Years Parts and Labor with 72 hour or less factory turn-around

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Sanyo PLC-XL51 Projector - Physical Tour

Please see the information on the Sanyo PLC-XL50 review. All physical aspects of the Sanyo PLC-XL51 appear to be identical to the PLC-XL50

Sanyo PLC-XL51 Ultra Short Throw Projector - Image Quality

Other than being brighter, there seem to be no differences that would affect overall image quality. To get a good handle on all the aspects of the PLC-XL51's image quality, visit this section in the PLC-XL50 review

Sanyo PLC-XL51 General Performance

Once again, general performance for the PLC-XL51 should be virtually identical to the PLC-XL50 ultra-short throw projector. To read how the PLC-XL51 performs, the PLC-XL50 review should provide you with what you need to know. To our knowledge, the only difference should be the extra 30% increase in brightness.

Sanyo PLC-XL51 Summary, Pros and Cons

Of course, the PLC-XL50 review describes the strengths and weaknesses of that projector. With the PLC-XL51, the major difference is an increase of 30% in brightness.

The key benefit of the PLC-XL51 is its ultra-short throw abilities. Not only can the projector be set on a table or credenza right under the screen, but it can also be mounted above the screen, on the wall.

In addition, the ultra-short throw capability also makes the XL51 ideal for projecting down onto a floor, or on to a tabletop (either from immediately above or below the tabletop (below, assuming the table surface is similar to a rear projection screen). The list of specialty applications, including rear screen apps, command and control centers, and many types of digital signage. In addition, the positioning capabilities make it ideal for working with electronic whiteboards, or for presentations in general, when presenters want to avoid being blinded by the projector, and avoid blocking the projected image. And, there's nothing to prevent this Sanyo projector for being equally usable to conventional projectors, in board rooms, training rooms and classrooms. Note, the built in alarm system for anti-theft is a real plus in locations where theft can be a problem, such as classrooms.

Ultra-short throw projectors definitely have a wide range of applications, many of which are not suited for more typical projectors. The ultra-short throw ability makes the Sanyo PLC-XL51, in many ways, a direct competitor to business and educational applications dominated by large plasma and LCD displays. The big difference there, however, is that the Sanyo can produce image sizes up to 100 inch diagonal, for a cost below even the lowest cost 60" plasma displays.

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Like the PLC-XL50, the PLC-XL51 is an excellent projector, but even brighter. While not everyone needs an ultra-short throw projector, for those that do, the Sanyo PLC-XL51 is going to be very hard to beat.

While a number of other extremely short throw projectors have recently hit the market, including the Epson Powerlite 400W - our next business projector review - all require significantly more distance between projector and screen, even if they can sit much closer than the average projector.

Even for those considering a standard type projector, may find that this Sanyo projector offers many advantages, especially in terms of the cost of installation.

Overview
Image Quality
General Performance
Warranty
Summary, Pros, Cons