Sanyo Projectors

Multimedia and widescreen projection

Projectors represent a relatively small segment of Sanyo’s manufacturing, but the company offers several LCD projectors geared largely toward business use. Sanyo categorizes its projectors according to size, ranging from the smallest, ultra portable models to large venue machines, and the list includes several native widescreen projectors as well as the standard 4:3 data projection units.

At six pounds Sanyo’s smallest projectors are a little heavier than most projectors in the ultra portable category. They’re all quite bright - 2000, 2500 and 3000 lumens - but fairly low contrast - 450:1. All the ultra portable projectors have native XGA resolution (and they all come with a remote control).

The next step up in terms of size and weight takes you to the machines Sanyo classifies as its portable projectors. Again, the native resolution is XGA, but these projectors offer a jump in both brightness - 2700, 3500, 4000 and 5500 lumens - and contrast ratio - 700:1, 800:1 and 1000:1.

Sanyo describes its permanent installation models as fixed projectors. You have your choice of resolution in this category - XGA, SXGA (1280x1024), SXGA+ (1400x1050), and wide XGA (1366x768). It’s not surprising that these larger machines are brighter, listing a brightness output of anywhere from 4000 to 6500 ANSI lumens. The contrast ratio goes a little higher as well, up to 1300:1.

The largest Sanyo projectors (what they call “large fixed” models) use up to three additional lamps for added brightness. Their large venue projection systems put out up to 12000 ANSI lumens of light. An increase in size (up to 80-plus pounds) doesn’t make much difference in terms of contrast, but it means more resolution options - UXGA (1600x1200) and HD 16:9 (1920x1080) in addition to the usual XGA.

The resolution of Sanyo’s smaller widescreen projectors is WXGA, and their brightness ranges from 1000 to 4000 ANSI lumens. Contrast on these projectors is fairly standard until you get to the PLV-Z4, but its 7000:1 contrast ratio makes it an excellent choice for home theater. The high brightness factor makes Sanyo’s widescreen models a good choice for all around home entertainment, particularly if you like watching TV with the lights on.

In terms of added features, some of the large fixed and widescreen models are network-friendly. Sanyo offers the usual lens options (long and short throw lenses and zoom), but often at lower cost than other manufacturers. Sanyo projectors are known for high resolution and brightness. In fact, if you’re looking for SVGA, Sanyo’s not an option; they stopped making them and they never bothered with the lower resolution (480p) widescreen projectors.

Sanyo’s versatile projectors work well for commercial video projection in sports bars, large conference rooms, and houses of worship. The combination of high lumen output with widescreen means they also work well for split screen viewing in large venues.