The review below was on the Z3000 the Z4000 is basically the same projector with a slightly different coloured case so we agree:

"if it aint broke, don't fix it!"

• New Inorganic 1920 x 1080, up to 120Hz Full HD LCD panel
  Dynamic Predictive Frame Interpolation Technology, Delivers smooth projection of fast moving video through the use of Frame Interpolation technology which doubles the display of PAL video from 50f/s to 100f/s
• Jet black color reproduction with high contrast ratio of 65,000:1
• Brightness: 1200ANSI Lumen
• Extremely quiet 19dBA fan noise
• 720p, 1080p, compatible with blu-ray
• 2 x HDMI, 2 x Component inputs
• Horizontal and Vertical lens shift function and 2x wide angle zoom lens for highest flexibility

TECHNICAL DETAILS PLV-Z4000

PLV-Z4000
TECHNICAL DETAILS PLV-Z4000
Category Home Cinema
Panel 3 x 0.74” TFT p-Si (16:9) - inorganic
Lamp 165w UHP
Brightness ANSI lumens 1200
Lamp Service Life 3000h (Eco mode), 2000 (Normal mode)
Fan Noise 19dBA
Standard Lens F=2.0 - 3.0, f=22.3 - 45.3mm
Throw Distance Ratio 1.36 – 2.76:1
Throw Distance 1.2 – 18.4m
Contrast Ratio 65000:1
Resolution in pixels 1920 x 1080 (HDTV 1080p)
Image size min–max (diagonal) 40 – 300”
Uniformity 85%
Bandwidth/Frequency 100MHz, Horizontal 15 - 80kHz, Vertical 50 – 100Hz
Colour Systems PAL / NTSC / SECAM / NTSC4.43 / PAL-M / PAL-N
Connections Input 1: HDMI (HDCP)
Input 2: HDMI (HDCP)
Input 3: 3 x RCA (Component)
Input 4: 3 x RCA (Component)
Input 5: S-video
Input 6: 1 x RCA (Composite video)
Input 7: 1 x Dsub15
Control Port: mini Din 9-pin (RS232 compatible)
Keystone Correction No
Lens-Shift Manual, 100% Left/Right, 50% Up/Down
HDTV Signals 1080/24p(HDMI only), 1080/60p, 1080/50p, 1080/60i, 1035i, 720p
Computer Compatibility WXGA / SXGA+ / SXGA / XGA / SVGA / VGA / MAC
Zoom/Focus 2x / manual focusing
Power Consumption 250w (normal mode), 193w (eco Mode), 0.6w (standby mode)
Warranty 3 year
Dimensions (W x H x D) 400 x 146 x 346mm
Weight 7.5kg
Standard Accessories Quick Reference guide, Owners manual (CD ROM), power cable, Remote control, air
blower
Optional Accessories Scart-VGA cable (POA-CA-SCART)

More review data:

◆ Short Throw & Wide-Range Zoom Lens
The 2x Short Throw & Wide-Range Zoom Lens is capable of
throwing a 100” diagonal image from a distance of 9.8’ (3.0
m) to 20.0’ (6.1 m).

◆ Lens Shift
The Lens Shift function provides a greater installation
flexibility. You can use the projector at desired places
without images being distorted.

◆ Color Management
The Color management function allows you to adjust the
details of picture colors to suit your preference and viewing
environments.

◆ Auto Iris
The integration of the lamp aperture enhances the contrast
and depth of the projected image.

◆ Compatibility
The projector accepts signals from multiple sources:
computers, analog TV systems (PAL, SECAM, NTSC,
NTSC4.43, PAL-M, and PAL-N), component video, S-video,
RGB scart, and HDMI.

◆ Simple Computer System Setting
The Multi-scan system of the projector conforms to almost
all computer output signals quickly.

◆ 16 : 9 Wide Screen
The wide LCD panels with 1920 x 1080 resolution (16:9
aspect ratio) can project the image from component video
signals such as DVD players and HDTV devices in full
screen.

◆ Interlace-Progressive Conversion
High-quality picture technology is available that converts
an interlaced signal into a progressively-scanned one.

◆ Automatic Slide Shutter
The automatic slide shutter protects the lens from dust and
scratches. It opens and closes automatically as you press
the POWER ON/STAND-BY button.

◆ Wide Selection of Image Modes
You can select an ideal image mode for the viewing
environment or for your desired picture quality. The seven different kinds of images of your choice can
also be stored.

◆ Power Management
The Power management function reduces power
consumption and maintains the lamp life.

◆ Logo
The Logo function allows you to customize the screen logo. You can capture an image for the screen logo and use it for the starting-up display or between presentations.

◆ Lamp Control
The brightness of the projection lamp can be selected.

◆ Multi-language Menu Display
Operation menu is available in 16 languages: English,
German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch,
Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Hungarian, Romanian, Russian,
Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

◆ Two HDMI Terminals
The projector has two HDMI (High Definition Multimedia
Interface) terminals. Simple connection with digital
equipment is offered through these terminals.

Best projector Warranty

If you purchase genuine Australian stock you'll get a 3 year warranty that includes lamp cover. Beware that gray market importers may say "comes with 3 year Australian warranty" which is a play on words. Translated it sometimes means "we may fix it if we're around but forget the lamp and it's not a Sanyo warranty"..

Executive summary:

The Z4000 is the same as the Z3000 (see Z3000 review here) apart from a slight case colour change and lower power consumption in standby mode. You could ask why not make more changes but the fact is there was nothing wrong with the Z3000, so it's a model running change to freshen it up.

Sanyo PLV - Z 3000 1080P HD Projector review

Sanyo PLV Z-3000 - Editors' Choice* - May 2010

* High end 1080P projectors *May 2010 Update.

Sanyo Z3000 vs. Z4000

• The Sanyo PLV-Z4000 case is also a darker black and same colour on the front.. (Including the dust door) That's about it, OK less power on standby..

Go to the "real" cinema if you want to be disappointed or get a Sanyo Z3000 or Z4000 if you'd like to see every subtle detail.

This is not keeping up with the neighbors, it's blasting them out of the street.

The Sanyo PLV-Z3000 features ‘Dynamic Predictive Frame Interpolation Technology’ that utilizes speeds of 120Hz*1 in the industry’s first*2 5:5 pull-down*3 mode for incredibly smooth video projection even for scenes with intense motion, a super high contrast ratio of 65,000:1 allowing jet-black color reproduction, and a whisper-quiet cooling fan at 19-decibels*4 permitting viewers to hear even the most quiet and sensitive scenes.

Don't worry too much about Contrast Ratio we doubt you'll have a cinema room equal to this projector because ANY light at all and it's mostly academic, what you will see regardless is the fantastic picture quality.

Jet-black color reproduction with high contrast ratio of 65,000:1

- New optical engine with additional optical compensating plate minimizes polarized light leakage, increasing contrast ratio

- Equipped with new variable iris featuring a lamp-light volume controlling mechanism that can control lens iris adjustment every 1/60th of a second

- Lens designed to permit fast acting lens adjustment, adjusting to optimal levels automatically

- Deeper, more dynamic black color reproduction is made possible with new lens

- Iris noise has been reduced for more enjoyment of silent or quiet scenes

Super-quiet, 19-decibel fan

- Large aperture, whisper-quiet yet efficient Sirocco cooling fan *4

- Fan keeps projector cool and runs quietly, at only 19-decibels*4

- Movie-watchers lose themselves in the movie with the lack of ‘real-world’ noise

Z 3000 - Achieves incredible 120Hz display speed*1;

- Industry’s first*2 5:5 pull-down mode*3

- Most recent, 120Hz super-fast Full HD panel built-in

- Increased smoothness in videos due to doubled frame rate from 60 frames/second to 120 frames/second*1 using interpolation frame generation technology from built-in super-fast image processing LSI

Watching fast moving scenes we we're most impressed by this feature, once you've seen it you'd want it on all the time.

- Reduction of afterimage effects through dynamic predictive frame interpolation technology- Accurately projects contents in originally in 24p with industry’s first*1 5:5 pull-down mode*3

PAL countries like Australia speed up the 24 fps film by 4% to obtain 25 fps, therefore we do not have telecine judder. Unless you're using NTSC programs the 5:5 pull-down mode will have no effect. -- HCC

- Compatible with various television digital broadcasting, allowing the feeling and enjoyment of the movie theater for everyday broadcast programming

Other Features - Sanyo Z3000 projector

- Cinema color filter mechanism for rich, abundant color reproduction (Video mode operation)

- 2 HDMI (ver 1.3b ( Deep Color and x.v.ColorTM Compatible) with 12 bit LCD so you can also see the result which has 1.8 x the colours of non Deep Colour compatible projectors.

Most people will never use more than 2 inputs. You'd rather have them switched via your receiver so the surround sound audio is handled at the same time..

- Industry’s most versatile*5 lens-shifting function, vertically equivalent to 3 screens, and horizontally equivalent to 2 screens, allowing more freedom in setting up the projector

- Built-in 2x zoom means that from close or far, large screen projection is possible

- Electronic sliding shutter protects lens from dust when not in use

- 7 video modes matching various genre of videos

- New 3D colour management system called TapozReal HD technology with 14-bit digital processing and Sanyo’s real-focus HD lens system. The TopazReal technology can handle changes in color phase and level and deliver roughly 216 billion different color combinations. TapozReal HD technology delivers more than 1,000 times the number of color combinations available in most other 720p projectors.

(Brilliant Cinema/Creative Cinema/Pure Cinema/Natural/Living/Dynamic/x.v.Color)

- For more experienced users, ‘3D Color Management’ and ‘Advanced Image Mode’ are available

- Automatic Dust Door closes when projector is turned off to protect from dust.

Brightness

If you're worried about 1200, 1600 ANSI lumens (The Z2000 = 1200) you'll be surprised to know there is not much difference in real life between the two.

For an image to seem twice as bright you'll need four times the power so if 1200 is not enough chances are 1600 or even 1800 won't get you across the line, you're probably looking at a data projector with say 3000 lumens. You won't be worried about contrast ratio with that much light in the room.

Claims of brightness are made using dynamic mode which you'll avoid using in all but the brightest of rooms because you loose so much detail. This means projectors work at a more similar light output than you'd imagine. Once the sun goes down or you're in a light controlled room you'd be selecting the low lamp mode, this turns down the fan (not that it was noisy) and extends the lamp life while providing more than enough brightness.

Below images are the Sanyo PLV Z3000 projected on DNP Supernova screen, as you can see providing you keep sunlight off the screen (as you would a TV) the image is fine for general viewing.

The images here don't do justice to the projector, is impossible to show you how good this projector is using only 400 pixels.

120Hz

The frame interpolation function works as advertised. It's a great feature. Scenes that were jerky before are now smooth. Interpolation is not a new idea it's been around since Adam was a boy. You have two dots some distance apart, take a mathematically educated guess on what the middle dot would look like and put it in the image.

The smart thing is moving it from say scanners to projectors.

Focus

Our production model Sanyo PLV Z3000 does not have any noticable focus drift as noted on some other Brands and one reviewers pre-production Z3000.

The Z3000 in this review has now done 138 hours (at my place) the picture below does not do it justice, however I could not notice any focus drift. I think most people who self install would have a play with the alignment of the projector after a short time, if focus drift (when new) was an issue as mentioned with some Epson models, then would be a good time to adjust it.

• Even making such a big deal of this (With the Epson HD) shows how reviewers (we're guilty too) are looking for anything at all to blow up to a story now most projectors using the same LCD engine are for the average user too almost close to call. Until you start to consider warranties etc.

It would be understandable to us if there were a "burn in" period where things like focus settle down.

Projectors get very hot, most if not all have the faint smell of burning paint for the first few hours. We wouldn't be surprised if you had to adjust the focus after say 20 hours for optimum performance on ANY projector.

This is a new red herring that may have been overstated as a problem on other brands.

• As a side note some sellers that normally promote Sanyo seem to be taking unfounded pot shots at the new range while promoting others Brand/models with known faults or missing the latest features like Deep Color x.v.color / HDMI 1.3. It's interesting that this is happening while there is a stock shortage. They will come around once they can get their hands on stock.

3-LCD D7 1080P LCD projectors

Are now so good there is not a lot of room to upgrade specifications before you start splitting hairs over some technicality.

It's interesting to see Sanyo looking at Pull Down and projection speed rather than just contrast ratio people can appreciate a smoother image.

This means new models are more about marketing and market segment position via price points in our opinion.

The result is good news for anyone in the market for home cinema using the 1080P format which has to be seen to be appreciated.

"..I wish I could upgrade my eyes to match the
performance of this premium projector.."

Features & points to consider

When you look at performance and value it's going to be a hard act to follow, the Sanyo PLV-Z3000 is noticeably better than any entry level 1080P LCD projector in a dark room.

The main difference you can see rather than measure is the blacks, in fact it's around three times better than the Sanyo PLV-Z700 in this area. Not that the Z700 is a toy, soon there will be a Sanyo Z800 and it will not need improving. FYI 3 X sounds a lot but at 1m back we're only talking a few lumens at most. We measured the lumens output at 1m back when the projectors were required to produce a black screen (no light at all). We could not measure the light on the screen (3-5m back) as the amount was so small (Around .1 lux for the Z3000 doing the math), that's why we decided on 1m where we could get a some reading.

• 65,000:1 CR sounds very impressive but the first thing WE look for is how black is a black screen? In particular the black bars you get when the image is not scaled for the screen. (i.e. 4:3 or 2.35:1 projected on 16:9 which is what most projectors use). It's Black.
• Next how does it handle the shadow details like someone wearing a black shirt with light gray suite, does it show the fine contrast details? Suffice to say the Sanyo Z3000 is awesome, you see things you've missed in the past. That's cool.
• While beauty is in the eye of the beholder we like the flat titanium style finish for a cinema as it seems to us better than a mirror finish.
• Noise? Forget it! I make more just moving on the couch. The clock ticking down the hall is starting to get on my nerves.
• At time of writing the Sanyo PLV-Z3000 seems to offer the best combination of features and LCD specifications you can get for your money if you're looking at a premium projector.
• The Z3000 120Hz frame rate makes for smooth images.
• No others offer the dust fighting features, dust is the biggest killer of projectors and indeed most electronics.
• Lens shift and zoom is the industry leader.
• Great 3 year warranty, including the lamp. (Aussie stock only)
• Unlike Single Chip DLP projectors there is no spinning colour wheel and no DLP rainbows which in our opinion makes it easier on the eyes.
• Supports next generation x.v.Color (Deep Colour) offering 1.8 x much expanded colour gamut. Some others accept the signals via HDMI 1.3 but can't display them with a 10 bit LCD.
• Made in Japan can't be a bad thing.

If you wonder why we point out the warranty you've not had to deal with angry clients wondering why the high repair cost or seen quotes like:-

"..I picked up my projector two weeks ago and it is working fine - Total repair cost: $2500 AUD.." Link
Many more if you search the web.

When you get a great projector with a 3 X 3 warranty from a manufacturer that has world first LCD points on the board like smallest, brightest LCD projectors it's no wonder we've been waiting to review the the PLV Z3000.

Conclusion

I've had a Z3000 at home and I'm currently living with the AE4000 which is also a great projector. Most people would be happy with either. I do miss the more natural image the Z3000 produced but I'm learning to adjust the AE4000 so it seems the same as my memory fades. Don't get me wrong it may just be a personal thing however one friend did complain about the Panas image when he too was a fan of the Sanyo Z3000.

Stop press I am going back to the Sanyo, the AE4000 is just not as quiet.

People that have seen either wonder how you could improve them? (I ask them "What would you change?") I wish I could upgrade my eyes to match the performance of this premium projector, I can't see all the HD projected detail from where I sit but I can see just how amazingly black the screen is, I really notice the 120Hz frame interpolation during action scenes, especially when the camera is panning.

Sanyo PLV Z3000 - Editors' Choice* - May 2010

* Mid priced - 1080P HD projectors. *May 2010 Update.

HCC © 2010

Sanyo PLV-Z 3000 vs. Panasonic AE 4000 U

The Sanyo Z-3000 and Panasonic AE-4000 are logical contenders so it's worth considering some of the features and benefits offered.

Panasonic AE 4000

Sanyo PLV Z 3000

* If Panasonic choose to enforce their warranty conditions, they include:

• Warranted for 12 months or the first 2000 hours of usage
  from the date of purchase whichever comes first
• Purchased in Australia and sold by Panasonic Australia or its
  Authorised Distributors or Dealers NOT IMPORTS!
• installed and cared for by the user in accordance with the
  manufacturer’s recommendations as detailed in the operating instructions
• Does not cover maladjustment of customer controls or if If regular maintenance (every 100 hours) is not carried out
• LAMP 12 months or the first 500 hr. whichever comes first

Features

You can make a case for this or that feature on the Panasonic AE4000 vs. Sanyo PLV Z3000 depending on your requirements. They offer a very similar first rate image at normal seating position because they use the same D7 LCD panels, there are 3 one for each colour.

If you need 3 x HDMI inputs you'd be looking closer at the AE4000 as the Sanyo Z3000 has two. Many newer amplifiers switch HDMI so many people need just one.

The perfect projector would have all the features of both so when making your decision you could mentally trade the smooth screen technology (which tends to make the image softer) of the Panasonic AE4000 for say the automatic dust door of the Sanyo PLV Z3000 (which could save on dust related services), unless you intend to sit very close to the projection screen.

In the past when projectors had fewer pixels per inch (lower resolution) the screen door effect was a problem so Panasonic came up with "Smooth Screen Technology" which did a good job of hiding the gap between the pixels.

With 1920 x 1080 HD there are so many pixels it's almost impossible to see the gap between them unless you have your nose on the screen.

New D7 LCD

It's hard to compare apples with apples unless you're talking about the projected image that ALL the latest LCD projectors with D7-3LCD/120Hz & Deep Colour can produce. Given some fiddling with settings you would never put your life on which one you're watching from 5m back.

Both projectors support 12 bit at the LCD which means not only can they accept Deep Colour signal HDMI inputs but they can also display them (unlike some others that have HDMI 1.3 but not 12 bit LCD panels).

Brightness

Brightness in Cinema Modes is similar on both projectors, around 400-500 lumens (depending on the actual mode), any more in a dark room will be too bright to watch comfortably.

The maximum brightness in dynamic mode on either projector would not be used in a dark room unless you want a headache. It would be like turning the contrast and brightness up full on your TV. The Dynamic mode is watchable in a brightly lit or high ambient light room on most (brighter) programs but not ideal. Forget direct sunlight.

As we've said elsewhere if 1200 lumens won't do the job chances are 1600 won't either because in real life there is not that much perceived difference. Both projectors use a SIMILAR Wattage lamp so where does the extra brightness of the Pana come from I hear you ask. One possibility (not necessarily the correct one) is to filter less of the harsh light wavelength.

In our opinion Panasonic have in the past put too many lumens into some models causing premature failures. This may be why the warranty is written the way it is.

Both models here have inorganic LCD panels which would help if you intend to run the projector flat out in dynamic/high lamp mode for long periods however if that's the case you're looking at the wrong projectors for the job.

For home cinema you'll be using low lamp mode most of the time.

Many projectors that didn't push the brightness envelope have given years of service without a problem regardless of organic or inorganic LCD panel structure. You just don't get complaints about the longevity of Sanyo Z1 to PLV-Z5.

Noise

The AE4000 is louder than the Z3000. This is not an issue unless the projector is very close to the seating position. On high mode you can hear the difference.

Lens Shift & Zoom

Same 2 X zoom on both, the AE4000 has motorized zoom which is handy if you want to enlarge a movie. The Sanyo Z3000 has far greater lens shift capabilities which means there are more installation possibilities.

Interpolation feature

120 Hz frame rate is supported on both, this is done via interpolation which has been used in imaging for years to "fill in the holes" the short version is it's done by looking at the current and next frames then taking a guess at what the middle missing frame should be (with some advanced processing) then adding it in between, to the eye this smoothes out the action.

Price & Value

In terms of value (Street price) if warranty is included the Sanyo Z3000 is easily the value for money winner.

Warranty

There are warranty conditions on the Panasonic AE 4000 that should Panasonic choose to enforce will have you wishing you'd read the fine or often light gray print on the brochures. Hope you don't blow a lamp after 501 hours as unlike the Sanyo it's not covered by warranty.

i.e. normal domestic usage, incorrect installation, accident, misuse, neglect, build-up of dirt or dust, abuse, maladjustment of customer controls, lamp within 12 months or the first 500 hours Soure panasonic.com.au

Sanyo Australia 3 year warranty on the Z3000 (and Z700) could save you big money if you blow a lamp after 500 hours or worse still a more expensive part like a main board any time after 2,000 hours.

We've documented elsewhere people spending $2,500 on repairs of a projector under 3 years old so better safe than sorry? There are lots of examples if you search for them.

Import problems

If you're thinking of importing or buying a gray market projector (normally sold on auction sites) you will not be covered by warranty in Australia. With the Aussie dollar down this may not be a smart decision in any case.

Conclusion

You won't be disappointed with either, they both use the latest LCD panels with all the extra features. Sanyo and Panasonic are quality brands that have had years experience with LCD projectors. If you're not worried about warranty it's a close call otherwise buy the Sanyo PLV Z3000 with a far better Australian warranty.

HCC © 2010