Sanyo debuts 720p, high-contrast projector
updated 10:10 am EST, Mon October 30, 2006
Sanyo PLV-Z5 Projector
Known primarily for its business-oriented line of projectors, Sanyo has just released what it says is an unparalleled home theater LCD projector, the PLV-Z5. The 720p-capable system achieves a uniquely high 10,000:1 contrast ratio; this is a feat unheard of for LCD projectors, Sanyo claims. The improved image quality is made possible in part by including separate irises for the lamp and the lens, allowing the Z5 to selectively darken scenes both by changing the color settings of the image itself as well as the lighting applied to the final picture. The Z5 can also project a 100-inch image from as close as 9.8 feet away, the company says.
The projector's home theater emphasis is equally reflected in its format support: dual sets of both component and HDMI inputs are included for high-definition sources, while RCA, S-video, and VGA are provided for connecting to earlier standards as well as Mac and Windows PCs. Sanyo is shipping the PLV-Z5 now for $1,695.
