Sanyo PLC-XU47 XGA 2000 ANSI Lumens Portable LCD
Video Projector
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.
Sanyo PLC-XU47 LCD Video Projector
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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).
PLC-XU47 Rear Panel View
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When you connect the PLC-XU47 in this method 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 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 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:
Full
Lamp Mode
Econo-lamp
Mode
Contrast
48
30
Brightness
25
25
Color
29
29
Tint
29
30
White Balance (Red)
43
30
White Balance (Green)
32
31
White Balance (Blue)
26
31
Sharpness
0
8
Gamma
6
7
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.
PLC-XU47 Remote
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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 $1,332.15, is a very
difficult option to pass up.
Pros
Very bright, even in
economy mode.
Easy to navigate menus.
Cost ($1,332.15).
Portability (6.5 lbs.) and
flexibility allows for use almost anywhere.
