Sanyo PLV Z5 - LCD projector - 1100 ANSI lumens - 1280 x 720 - w

by Sanyo

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12 x 15 x 5 inches ; 11 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 17.2 pounds
• ASIN: B000JL0MJY
• Item model number: SYSZ5LMP (PLV-Z5)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #188,796 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 25, 2007

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The latest (and greatest) Sanyo High Definition LCD Projector, March 7, 2007

By 

Chris Boylan "MrBoylan" (Astoria, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sanyo PLV Z5 - LCD projector - 1100 ANSI lumens - 1280 x 720 - w (Electronics)

Why spend a fortune on a measly 50-inch flat panel when you can get this high definition (720p) projector and get a 100-inch image or even larger for less money? Sanyo's latest 3-chip LCD projector, the PLV-Z5 builds on the success of its predecessors with wonderfully sharp high definition resolution, excellent color accuracy, and outstanding ergonomics.

This widescreen projector supports high definition signals in 1080p, 1080i and 720p formats, as well as SD signals in 480i and 480p resolution, scaling each of these inputs to fit its native panel resolution (1280x720). And speaking of inputs, the Z5 sports 2 HDMI (HDCP compliant), 2 component video, S-video, composite video and computer (VGA DB-15) inputs, for compatibility with virtually any HD or SD video source or computer.

The lens shift capabilities of the Sanyo are unmatched by any projector in its class (150% up/down, 50% left/right), which makes it very easy to place, along a rear wall, ceiling, or even on a coffee table. You could practically place this projector in the corner of a room and still get a geometrically accurate image in the middle of a wall or screen without having to resort to electronic keystoning.

A couple of small caveats: it is not the best we've seen at converting SD signals into 720P HD format (it's also not the worst), so you'll definitely benefit from having a high quality video processor or high-end upconverting DVD player to improve the quality of standard DVDs. Also, at only 1100 ANSI Lumens, it's not the brightest projector in its class, so it's a good idea to get blackout shades or other light controlling devices if you plan to watch this during daylight hours.

But for a light-controlled home theater environment, and particularly when used with HD devices or a high-quality video processor, the Z5 is one of the best values in high definition projectors available today.

Check out the full review on Big Picture Big Sound.

1.0 out of 5 stars Poor Quality - Poor Service, January 23, 2009

By 

Ian Whitney "Ian Whitney" (Paris, France) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sanyo PLV Z5 - LCD projector - 1100 ANSI lumens - 1280 x 720 - w (Electronics)

The performance of the projector is acceptable, though unremarkable, but the warranty service deserves comment.

My projector broke down after 1200 hours (roughly 1 year). Still clearly under warranty it was returned to the retailer for repair. It has now been 8 weeks and the projector is not back. They refuse to give me a new one or even a temporary replacement.

Calls and email to Sanyo Service Center are not returned, and it's not a matter of leaving a message asking for a call back. On 2 occasions a rep has promised to look into the problem and call me back. Never has.

Bottom line, Sanyo is completely unconcerned that my projector broke down and clearly uninterested in making it right. As far as they are concerned - it's not their problem. Basically, "tough luck buddy"

If you are going to spend money on a projector, I'd go elsewhere if quality and service are components of your purchase decision.

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice projector, November 16, 2007

By 

Velo Mario Luis "luis velo" (Argentina) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sanyo PLV Z5 - LCD projector - 1100 ANSI lumens - 1280 x 720 - w (Electronics)

I bought it to bring it to my home in Argentina, because of the good reviews and because I think it will be easier to find support here for this product than for a equally-priced Optoma.

Setup was easy, image quality is better than that of my 4 year old Sim2 ST200 (DLP), and the noise is really low.

Maybe there is more "pixelation" in the image, but you should really concentrate in the "noise" and not in the movie to perceive it (and also because I tend to have a bigger image than I should, according to official mantra).