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Sanyo PLC-XU47 Portable Video Projector Review

Manufacturer: www.sanyo.com

MSRP: $2,295

The Sanyo PLC-XU47 is an ultra-portable XGA projector that delivers excellent quality at a very affordable price. Weighing in at only 6.5 lbs, the PLC-XU47 provides 2000 lumens of brightness, which allows the projector to function very effectively with the lights turned on.

Connecting the projector up to our test equipment was very easy, although there was one hitch which may confuse the first-time buyer. This unit has composite video, audio and s-video in, as well as two VGA connectors. The primary VGA connector allows you to connect either a computer or a component video source up to the projector. The secondary VGA connector allows for either a second computer source, or functions as a monitor out connection.

We connected our DVD player up to the primary VGA connector using a 3RCA-VGA cable. This cable is not included in the accessories, and is a recommended purchase to give you completed flexibility in connecting any devices that you may have (such as a DVD player, high-definition digital cable or satellite).

When you connect the PLC-XU47 projector in this method, this is where you may encounter some difficulty. You will receive a green distorted image on your screen. To remedy this, simply go into the Input Source Selection menu, and choose “Computer 1.” Once you select “Computer 1”, you will be taken to the Source Select Menu, where you must choose “Component.” Once you do that, the picture that you expect to appear on the screen will materialize.

The Sanyo PLC-XU47 has no auto aspect ratio correction; therefore if you are watching an image that is native 16:9, you must select the proper aspect ratio in the menu. This video projector has a native 4:3 image, which means that if you are watching a movie that was filmed in widescreen without adjusting the aspect ratio, everything and everybody will look tall and thin.

The menus on the Sanyo PLC-XU47 projector are very simple and easy to use, which is a trademark of the entire Sanyo projector line. They are laid out by picture and are very straightforward. In addition, the user manual explains in greater detail, with illustrations, what each option does.

Out of the box, the projector looks horrible. You will not be impressed with the picture quality when you first turn this unit on. Using Digital Video Essentials, by Joe Kane Productions, we calibrated the PLC-XU47 projector in both full and econo-lamp modes. This simple calibration made the projector look far better. The reds became deeper and the flesh tones were far more accurate. The settings that we employed are as follows:

The Sanyo PLC-XU47 has four user-storable settings, which allow these settings to be retained for future use.

The PLC-XU47 also has a manual lens that will need to be fine-tuned by the end user.  The keystone correction is digital, however there is no lens shift.  One thing that we noticed was that this projector is quite loud.  Because this unit is so bright, the fan needs to be running constantly.  The PLC-XU47 is far quieter when you put the lamp into economy mode; however in a quiet room the noise would still be noticeable.

The remote is very user friendly.  It has an easy layout to it and is simple to understand.  The one negative that we found is that the remote is not backlit, making it difficult to use in the dark if you are unfamiliar with it (or have big hands).

This video projector can serve both the home theater enthusiast as well as the professional due to the quality and portability of the unit.  It will work great for the average guy who wants to have his buddies over for the football game, or for a presentation by a teacher to her students.  The PLC-XU47 comes standard with a three year parts and labor warranty, and extended warranties are available at a reasonable cost.

The ideal screen for the Sanyo PLC-XU47 would be no larger than a 60” x 80”.  We noticed that the image became pixilated once we exceeded this size.

Comparable projectors in terms of performance to this unit are the Infocus LP-640 and the NEC VT-670.  The Sanyo PLC-XU47, because it is priced at $1,449.99, is a very difficult option to pass up.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Very bright, even in economy mode
• Easy to navigate menus
• Cost ($2,295)
• Portability (6.5 lbs.) and flexibility allows for use almost anywhere

Cons

• Loud when the unit is running at full lamp power
• Terrible picture quality out of the box
• Remote not backlit

Specifications