Sanyo PLV-Z2000

The PLV-Z2000 is a Full-HD (1080p) high end projector from Sanyo and is presented by the manufacturer as the perfect projector for home cinema.  So, we are going to see if indeed this model brings perfection to our living room in addition to a level of definition that is largely superior to its smaller sibling, the PLV-Z5.

In terms of ergonomics, it's important to point out the size of this projector.  At 40 x 34 x14 cm, the PLV-Z2000 is something that will not go unnoticed in your living room.  Besides the imposing aspect, it came through our ergonomic evaluation with flying colors.  Lens shift, powerful zoom, connections in abundance, nothing is lacking except maybe motorization of the zoom and lens-shift.  It even offers, like the Z5, an automatic opening/closing system for the lens cover that activates with startup. 

This brings us to the remote and noise levels.  The former is back-lit and has all the shortcuts necessary for navigation.  The second is very well controlled as we measured 25 dB. 

Finally, we introduce a new component to tests, an energy consumption measurement.  Here it is 1.1W in stand-by and 222 watts in functioning.  For comparison, LCD TVs are between 150 and 300 watts.  This projector is therefore well in the average although you do have a significantly larger image at equivalent consumption.

Flawless ergonomics, let's move on to image quality

The PLV-Z2000's rendering is very satisfactory with HD sources which, we should point out, is usually the case with products at this price level.  Beyond this first impression, a closer look shows notable differences in the sharpness of HD and the rescaling of SD sources.

1080p rescaling of SD sources (576p) is accompanied by stair effects in diagonal lines.  This is particularly visible on the collar of the statue in the Product Face-offs.  While it a defect that only occasionally appears in DVD playing, it's still hard to forgive on a high end product.  In reading HD sources, Sanyo chose a soft rendering close to that of the Epson EMP-TW2000.  Images are pleasant even if in the end we have the impression that some detail or depth is lacking compared to rendering of the Mitsubishi HC4900 or Optoma HD800X, for example.  I insist on the fact that it is an ''impression'' because details are indeed there although darker areas and edges are much less contrasted.  After all, it's a question of taste and you should judge for yourself in the Product Face-offs.

My preferred settings

The first parameter to adjust is brightness.  Lower it to -4 as this will increase the uniformity of darker zones and make grays deeper.  Unfortunately, it doesn't improve depth of black because it only decreases from 0.3 to 0.28 cd/m².  The second adjustment is more a matter of taste and concerns color temperature.  I preferred High 1 compared to the default setting which produced slightly reddish rendering.