|
|
Sponsored in part by:
When I announced on the Sanyo Projector forum that I'd be taking a look at the new Sanyo PLC-SW15, you could almost feel the indifference in the air. After all, this is just an 800 x 600 4:3 panel LCD projector. Fairly low resolution and unimpressive compared with some of the other hardware we've been reviewing lately, right?
Well, yes and no.
While the PLC-SW15 certainly can't compete in any head to head comparisons with projectors costing 4 to 8 times the price, the point I'd like to make is this: For a street price expected to be in the low $2,000's, this multimedia projector provides an excellent value for entry-level home theater enthusiasts eager to experience the joys of watching a gigantic projected image of surprisingly good quality in their home or apartment.
At just over 5 lbs, the PLC-SW15 is about one quarter the weight, half the size and less than half the cost that the Sony VPL-W400Q was five years ago. It's also more than twice as bright, with a light output of 850 ANSI lumens -- more than plenty to deliver an impressive picture that overall, is almost certain satisfy all but the most demanding, seasoned home theater enthusiasts.
The PLC-SW15 has a total of 1,440,000 pixels, and 500 lines of horizontal resolution. On our large 119" reference screen at a seating distance of about 14', pixel structure is evident, especially during intensely lit or bright white scenes. While the effect is certainly visible, I believe most entry level users will find it a minor distraction and very possibly a reasonable trade-off considering the overall quality and value that this little box represents. I would personally recommend this projector for people whose desire to own a home theater is mitigated by space concerns and budget limitations. On an 80 or even 100" screen, with a reasonable seating distance, this projector will knock your socks off.
Color uniformity isn't as perfect as what I observed recently on the PLC-SW15's cousin, the PLV-60, but it's still very, very good. While I could notice a small shift with no source material present, black and white films looked silvery smooth and consistent from one side of the screen to the other. I paid special attention to the posterization qualities that seem to 
be affecting a fair number of PLV-60HT units, and at times, I could detect a slight amount of this -- but only during gradients involving gray -- like fog or smoke. Gradients like a blue sky for instance, looked beautiful with no trace of posterizing.
Like any projector, the output can only be as good as the original source material, but I have to admit that the PLC-SW15 seems more "forgiving" than most projectors I've seen with less than optimum transfers. For example, DEEP IMPACT, which is not anamorphic, looked splendid with fine detail.
I ran a wide variety of source material through this unit for the week that I had it for 
evaluation and came to this simple conclusion: If I were to find myself in a situation where the choice was to own this projector or do without one completely, I would gladly use the PLC-SW15 and not feel as though I was "missing out" on anything. And I truly mean that.
Besides the small footprint, light weight and bright output, there's much to like about this little guy. The keystone correction that's included is one feature I'm really beginning to feel like I can't live without. And it makes setup SO much easier. Like the PLV-60, picture freeze and picture mute functions are available, as well as one button computer synchronization. The unit included component ins, but they are of the RCA phono connector variety, instead of the preferred BNC's. S-Video is also provided, along with a computer HDB15-pin computer input terminal and a control port. To save costs, focus and zoom are manually operated. The PLC-SW15 also has a reset button to reboot the internal microprocessor in case of malfunction. There's a series of indicator lights to warn you of overheating, to change the bulb, and when the unit is plugged in and ready for action.
The digital zoom feature on the PLC-SW15 is surprisingly far better than the same feature shared on the PLV-60. Zooming up to 16 times, the image remains smooth and clear. Like the PLV-60, the PLC-SW15 is a multiscan device, automatically accepting a wide range of computer inputs and six color systems. It also has adjustable feet on the front to raise or lower the angle of the projector up to 7.6 degrees as needed.
The included remote is a bit larger and more ergonomically laid out than others we've seen recently and was easy to use, but doesn't pack a real IR punch, so to speak. We found it necessary to point the remote directly at the projector (even at close distance) and stayed within about 30 degrees of the IR receiver for best results.
The lens on this projector is commensurately small along with the rest of the size. Minimum distance for placement from a 36" screen is 4.6'. Something to be aware of for rear projection placement. At 26', you'll need a 167" screen at minimum zoom or a 200" screen at maximum zoom, but this projector is going to be a poor choice for image sizes that large, in my view. Choosing my ideal size for a screen to mate with this projector of, let's say, 100", plan on having the projector about 13' - 15' away (min/max zoom). These measurements are diagonal.
User controls are divided between computer and video. The PLC-SW15 is capable of accepting incoming resolutions of 1280 x 1024 maximum. PC adjustments include five memory settings for total lines, total dots, horizontal lines, vertical, clamp, display and full screen on/off. Aditionally, in computer mode, there is fine sync, white balance for RGB, contrast adjustment, brightness gamma and both horizontal and vertical picture position. Picture screen adjustments include True (to make the incoming image into it's original size) digital zoom and keystone.
In video mode, controls include source, switchable between composite, component or S-Video (composite shares one of the connectors with component, so switching between these two might be a bit cumbersome), and an automatic sensing circuit will automatically select for you if desired. Color system (auto, PAL, SECAM, NTSC, NTSC4.43, PAL-M and PAL-N) and picture screen adjustment (regular/4:3, wide/16:9) are available. Color saturation, tint, RGB white balance, contrast, brightness, gamma and sharpness round out the available controls on the video side.
There are two user-serviceable filters on the bottom of the unit that carry an amusing warning in the owner's manual: "The air filter is a small part. Ensure that children don't eat or swallow it." In the photo at right, one of the tiny filters has been partially removed to reveal its size and location.
While I'm fundamentally opposed to having to purchase third party devices like the Cygnus lens depixelator (I feel that the hardware manufacturer has "failed" in these instances), I must say that the output of this projector would benefit significantly from such a device. All the other elements are there. Excellent contrast ratio, providing deep, satisfying black level; very good colors and a pleasing, bright output that is still enjoyable even with ambient light leaking into the room. If the visible pixel structure could be reduced or eliminated by either a smaller projected image or a lens attachment, then this projector could be a real giant killer.
If you're looking to set up a modestly sized home theater or budget is a concern (and these days, it is for most of us), be sure to give the PLC-SW15 reasonable consideration. Taking into account the features, performance and the price, I think this unit represents a fantastic value that merits a serious look.
For more questions and further objective discussion about the Sanyo PLC-SW15, enter our Sanyo LCD projector forum here at TheBIGPictureDVD.com.