Sanyo PLV-Z2 - General Performance
Overview
Layout
Image Quality
General Performance
Setup
Warranty
Summary, Pros, Cons
Screendoor effect:
Seems each generation of LCD panels manages to reduce the size of the mask (the border of each pixel, that appears as the pixel’s dark frame when projected). As a result, today’s projectors of a given resolution, have less visible pixels than just a year or so ago.)
The combination of improved LCD, and the 1280x720 resolution elevate the Sanyo to a point where pixelization and screendoor effect are not an issue for most viewers. However, it’s all about how close to the screen you like to sit relevant to the screen’s size. Generally the safe number had been: If you are sitting 1.5 times screen width back from the screen, you won’t be able to see the pixels without binoculars.
The Sanyo is better than that. My vision corrects to slightly better than 20/20 with my glasses, (and I wear them when watching). I’m finding that about 1.2 times width or definitely 1.25 times width is safe. At 1.2x the only way I’m spotting pixels is on very white areas, and if I’m really looking for them.
Let’s translate that: if you have a 100” diagonal screen, your screen is 87” wide. 1.2 x 87 inches puts you sitting with your eyeballs just shy of 9 feet back. If you’re not a perfectionist, or if you soften the image very slightly by defocusing, you can probably fully enjoy the picture from under 8 feet away. All in all, think movie theater. The Sanyo should perform very nicely in the equivalent of sitting about half way back in the theater, or perhaps a tad further. If you like the first 1/3 of the theater, sorry, go get a DLP projector.
Audio
Thought I better mention this. The Sanyo Z2 has no speakers, or audio input. That is no surprise as only a couple of HT projectors do. However, if you are one of those who doesn’t have a permanent HT setup, and plan to toss the projector in the closet when not in use, then quickly bring it out to watch sports, or TV, it might have been nice. You might not have cared about sound quality, and been fine a couple of small speakers in a projector. Forget it, use your stereo, HT system, or a boom box, you won’t get any sound out of the Z2!
Overview
Layout
Image Quality
General Performance
Setup
Warranty
Summary, Pros, Cons