Exit the PLV-Z2000 and enter the PLV-Z3000, Sanyo’s new Full HD projector. This model will be a valuable addition to Sanyo’s top range of projectors and is a more expensive alternative to the PLV-Z700 also Full HD.

Handling, ergonomics

Like its predecessors the Sanyo PLV-Z3000 is a model of ergonomics. With very complete connectivity (2 HDMI, 2 YUV), motorised opening of the lens cover, powerful zoom, lens-shift… it has it all. Energy consumption is very reasonable at 1.1 watts on standby and 177 while turned on. To see the extent of the lens-shift, take a look at the PLV-Z700. Both are very quiet as long as the lamp is in eco mode. One point to note: the casing is now anthracite black/grey rather than off-white. No need to call out the emergency services! However there is no integrated speaker. A minor detail, as this is not really essential for a product like this, that will, in any case function with an amplifier or at the very least a set of 5.1 speakers directly linked to the video source.

Projected image

After getting a double adapter, we were able to carry out tests on different projectors at the same time from the same video source. The first duel was between this Sanyo Z3000 and the Mitsubishi HC5500. There are major differences between the machines. Sanyo gives a less flattering image, less luminous but more cinematic. The default seetings on the Mitsubishi give red cheeks to the on-screen characters and make the colours very bright. If you showed them side by side in a show, the Mitsubishi would certainly gain the favour of the general public. I do nevertheless have a weakness for the Sanyo. Sure, it has a less flattering image and the whites are not as bright, nevertheless it really gives good sound. Personally, I prefer its softer image.

Upscaling from a 576p (DVD) source is not as good on the Sanyo as on the Mitsubishi. On a fixed image it’s not a problem. But as soon as there is any movement, you can see the aliasing on diagonal lines. Its better to leave the upscaling to the player if it’s a good quality one. One point on image precision. It is a little down on the Mitsubishi and its DLP competition as you can see in this face-off comparison with the Optoma HD800XLV. At anything above 720p it isn’t very forgiving.

Do you get any beter than the PLV-Z3000 in terms of image quality? The answer is yes. But at what price? And is the difference really noticeable? In spite of the criticism and based on fact that we are being very demanding in view of the sale price of this product at over 2000 euros, it is worth underlining that this projector will suit perfectly well at least 95% of the population.

And 3D?

If you’ve been following the news on the site, you’ll know that 3D is the visual display buzz word for 2009. This will concern both games and films. We tested our first monitor able to give a 3D image, the Samsung SyncMaster 2233rz. To give this it combines several elements: a 3D source (film or game), a 120 Hz image and the (still indispensable) glasses. Unfortunately, (unless Sanyo can tell us otherwise), it seems as if this projector will be unable to project this type of content.