Sanyo PLV-Z3000 - Competitors

Posted on December 7, 2008 by Art Feierman

How does the Sanyo PLV-Z3000 compare to other 1080p home theater projectors on the market?

This section compares the Sanyo PLV-Z3000 home theater projector to the competition. Here you will find our impressions of the Sanyo projector as it stacks up to existing projectors we have reviewed, and a couple that are about to ship, and not yet reviewed.

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PLV-Z3000 vs. Epson Home Cinema 1080 UB

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The Epson Home 1080 UB projector won't be around much longer, with the replacement Home Cinema 6500 UB expected to ship in the next few weeks. Last year the 1080 UB definitely owned the title of best black level performance of any projector under $3000 street price. The Epson definitely maintains an advantage in this regard, compared to this Sanyo projector. While the specs would make you think the Sanyo would have better black levels, the Epson still has a significant advantage. Yes, the Sanyo is closer to the Epson, and other ultra high contrast projectors in terms of black levels, than the more entry level 3LCD projectors, or any of the affordable 1080p DLP projectors.

The Epson also has the advantage of being brighter, in both best, and brightest modes, than the Z3000. The Epson also calibrates easier. Although the Epson also pushes the green a bit, it is less evident, and doesn't exhibit the slight yellow/green shift that the Sanyo has.

The Sanyo PLV-Z3000 projector, on the other hand, is noticeably quieter in operation (possibly being even quieter in full power, than the Epson in low power). The Sanyo projector is also a touch sharper in terms of image.

Both models of projectors produce a bright, dynamic image in brightest mode for excellent HDTV and sports viewing with some ambient light present.

The PLV-Z3000 also has great shadow detail, whereas the Epson is a little weak in that regard.

Sanyo offers a three year parts and labor warranty, with fast repair, compared to the shorter two year parts and labor warranty from Epson, although the Epson includes an overnight replacement program for both years of its warranty.

Finally, the Sanyo offers the 120 fps abilities with creative frame interpolation, which the Epson lacks (but its replacement offers).

As a closeout, the Epson will cost you a little less, while they are still around.